His Excellency, the President, Mr. Adama Barrow expressed optimism in the potential French investors who visited him and called on them to seized the opportunity to expand their businessesinto The Gambia. He noted that cordial relationship between Senegal and The Gambia makes itavourable for French investors to take a sub-regional approach to invest in The Gambia. President Barrow recognized the support France gave through the European Union to end the political impasse in the country. He appreciated the commitmentthe French demonstrated since his visit to France last March. It was followed by several consultations which led to the visit by the French Business community to the country. He reiterated the importance of mechanized farming as one of the priority areas to ensure food security.

The visiting French Business Community will explore the possibilities to invest in Agriculture in particular cultivation of fruits and vegetables, processing and marketing, Shipping, Fisheries, the Cement industry amongst others.

In chairing the meeting, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable Hamat Bah called on the investors to consider the aviation industry and explore and to consider Air France coming to the Gambia. He thanked those who took the initiative to visit rural Gambia to familiarizethemselves with the country they intend to invest.

The Permanent Secretary for Investment, Office of the President, Mr. Yankuba Saidy briefed the potential French investors on the requirements for investment in the country.

The French Ambassador in Dakar, H.E. Excellency, Christophe Bigot and the French Permanent Representative in the Gambia… led the potential French Investors based in Dakar to the Presidency.

A Gambian Businessman, Charbel Elhage, expressed appreciation for the President Barrow’s call for private sector involvementto build the New Gambia. He said they must be seen to be doing so and make The Gambia a model for other countries.Public Private Partnership (PPP) is also being given consideration amongst the French Investors.

The team also included a French Trade adviserand the French Trade Commission in Senegal to encourage business in The Gambia. The visiting team willcontinue to consult with the other relevant partner institutions in government and in the private sectors for more technical issues on investment.