In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Yusupha Kah, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Trade described the forum as good as it seeks to sensitised various stakeholders on trade and the environment.He noted that the links between trade and the environment are multiple. “ The issue of trade and the environment is a critical issue to the developing countries including The Gambia,” he said, describing the workshop as “timely”.

Deputising the Coordinator of the National Authorising Officer System Support Unit(NAOSU). Mr. Momodou Njie. said environmental issues are crucial in the development agenda and require the collaboration of all and sundry. He added that environment is a basic pillar of sustainable development. He reaffirmed his office’s continued support to the cause.

In officially declaring the forum opened Mr. Momodou Kotu Cham, Secretary of State for Forestry and Environment, stressed the need for integration between trade and environmental policies both at local and regional levels.