The President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has spoken of his wish for a vibrant and organized business sector that would not be exploitative of the people. He was speaking on Friday during a meeting with a delegation from the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry GCCI who called on him at State House to brief him on some of the developments taking place within the Chamber and in the wider private sector.

The Gambian leader said government has made numerous efforts to patronize indigenous businesses in the country since 1994. But he lamented that the opportunity has always been used for the attainment of selfish gains. He expressed the need for Gambians to forge partnerships for the socio-economic development of the country. He advised the GCCI to hold a retreat involving all stakeholders in the business sector to discuss the way forward for a vibrant private sector.

The President however gave an ultimatum for all businesses to register with the Chamber of Commerce on or before 25th May 2010 failing which they would be banned from trading in basic commodities.

Speaking earlier the president of GCCI Bai Matarr Drammeh said the forum is an opportunity to thank the President for his foresight and vision in the socio-economic development of the country and to seek advice from him about how the private sector can be an effective engine of growth. He used the opportunity to thank President Jammeh for reducing the electricity tariff and the corporate tax describing it as a clear move intended to make The Gambia more competitive.

Mr Drammeh revealed plans to establish incubation centres within a resource centre to be built by the chamber to serve as a breeding ground for micro enterprises to start business. He said the business incubation centre will be named after President Jammeh in recognition of his role in private sector development. He expressed concerned over the price of basic commodities especially sugar but said that is beyond their control since most of the importers are not members of the chamber.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Abdou Kolley underscored the importance government attaches to GCCI as partners in development. Mr Kolley expressed satisfaction with the chamber's activities in the past year and encouraged them to keep up the good work.