The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral trade, enhance food security, and deepen economic cooperation between the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment in Banjul, is expected to improve The Gambia’s access to quality rice and other agricultural commodities through a government-to-government framework while creating new commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Opening the ceremony, the Director of Trade at the Ministry of Trade described the occasion as a significant milestone in the growing partnership between The Gambia and Pakistan. He noted that the signing of the MoU reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation in agricultural commodity trade and ensuring a reliable supply of essential food products. He explained that the partnership is aimed at improving the supply of agricultural commodities, particularly rice, to support price stability, guarantee reliable market supplies, and strengthen the country’s food security. He added that, as the ministry responsible for trade, MoTIE continuously engages reputable international partners with proven experience in commodity supply to ensure the availability of essential products for the Gambian market.
Delivering the keynote remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade said the event represented far more than the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. “Today’s event represents far more than the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding. It reflects the strengthening of the longstanding friendship between the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and demonstrates our shared commitment to expanding bilateral trade, promoting food security, and deepening economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that food security remains one of the Government’s highest development priorities, with rice serving as the principal staple food for the majority of Gambians. As a country that relies significantly on imports to satisfy domestic demand, he said ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable supply of rice is of strategic national importance, particularly against the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions, climate-related challenges, and increasing price volatility. He described the Trading Corporation of Pakistan as a reputable international institution with extensive experience in exporting high-quality rice and other agricultural commodities to global markets.
“We therefore welcome this collaboration, which will provide Gambian businesses with greater access to quality rice and other agricultural products at preferential prices through a government-to-government framework,” he stated.
According to him, the arrangement will significantly improve the availability and affordability of essential food commodities, enhance market stability, and strengthen the country’s national food supply chain. The Permanent Secretary further highlighted that the agreement would create commercial opportunities for the private sector, promote business-to-business partnerships, and lay the foundation for expanded trade and investment relations between the two countries.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a stable environment for trade, investment, and private sector development through strategic international partnerships that enhance national competitiveness, improve citizens’ welfare, and support sustainable economic growth.
He added that the Memorandum of Understanding is fully aligned with The Gambia’s national development priorities, particularly efforts to diversify sources of essential commodity supplies, strengthen supply chain resilience, and build stronger commercial relationships with friendly nations. Referring to the longstanding ties between the two countries, the Permanent Secretary noted that The Gambia and Pakistan share a strong historical relationship as members of the Islamic Ummah and the Commonwealth of Nations. “We believe this partnership with Pakistan will not only support our food security objectives but will also open new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, trade facilitation and investment,” he said.
He urged both parties to regard the signing of the Memorandum as the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership founded on mutual trust, shared prosperity and common economic interests. “We look forward to translating the commitments contained in this MoU into tangible outcomes that will benefit businesses, consumers and the people of both our countries.”
The Permanent Secretary concluded by expressing appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan for their confidence in partnering with The Gambia and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. He also wished the visiting delegation a productive stay in The Gambia.
Speaking on behalf of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, the Head of Delegation expressed gratitude to the Government and people of The Gambia for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to further strengthen commercial relations between the two countries. He revealed that the Trading Corporation of Pakistan has, over the past year, entered into Memoranda of Understanding with several brotherly and friendly countries and was pleased to be visiting The Gambia for the second time.
“We hope this MoU will contribute towards the welfare of the people of The Gambia and create a mutually beneficial commercial relationship between the trading community in The Gambia and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan,” he said.
The Head of Delegation emphasized that Pakistan’s interest extends beyond exporting commodities to The Gambia. “We are not only here to sell. If there is anything we can contribute towards the welfare of the people of The Gambia by buying their products, we would also like to do that. We are supplying globally and would like to open opportunities for Gambian products in international markets.”
He explained that the Trading Corporation of Pakistan has already established trading partnerships with countries across the Middle East and the Far East and expressed readiness to source products from The Gambia, creating new opportunities for Gambian farmers, producers and exporters. He thanked the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Gambian private sector for the productive discussions held during the visit and expressed confidence that the partnership would produce tangible results and serve as a model for future cooperation.
Following the signing ceremony, officials from both sides held discussions on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, including mechanisms for strengthening trade cooperation and building institutional capacity. The Pakistani delegation was also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment to brief him on the outcome of the engagement.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to diversify its sources of essential food commodities, strengthen national food security, stabilize the supply of staple foods, and expand strategic international trade partnerships. It also reinforces the shared commitment of The Gambia and Pakistan to building a long-term relationship founded on mutual trust, shared prosperity, and sustainable economic development.
