(JollofNews) – The Gambian Government and China Friday signed a US$50 million (equivalent to D2,302,654,160.09) grant agreement designed for the construction of an International Conference Center in the tiny west African nation.
The two-year project will serve as a monumental symbol of the China-Gambia bilateral relations similar to that of the Independent stadium built in Bakau in the 1980s.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Adama Barrow, president of the Gambia thanked the Chinese government for the confidence it has in the New Gambia and expressed gratitude to the Chinese ambassador Zhang Jiming for his personal support demonstrated since he took leadership of the country.
Mr Barrow revealed that his government also gives priority to energy, farming and health care amongst others and assured China of his government’s support to the One China policy.
Zhang Jiming, Chinese ambassador to the Gambia said the construction of the $50 Million International Conference Centre project will last for two years.
“Upon completion it will be another monumental symbol of the China-Gambia bilateral relations similar to that of the Independent stadium built in Bakau in the 1980s.
“The International Conference Centre will also provide employment and boost tourism,” he added.
For his part, Ousainou Darbo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad applauded the support China continues to provide to The Gambia and cited the scholarship scheme students benefit from the People Republic of China.
Mr. Darbo recalled the visit of a high powered Chinese government delegation earlier this year and described the support as a testimony of China’s commitment to The Gambia.
Mind Blowing from China: Congratulations to President Barrow and Mr Ousainou Darboe and the Chinese; More to come.
How many Gambians need this. The mind boggles.
This conference centre will be a fabulous asset for the convening of regional and international debate; It will also create jobs some will be high paid premium positions.
The only draw back from such projects is who will build it ?
I hope the Barrow government will take this opportunity to select Gambian workers and builders so the majority benefit will be home based.
This also presents an opportunity for the creation of skill centres for the Youth and material procurement.
Traditionally>> Senegal with mature building contractors and skilled labour have benefitted from past high capital building projects.
Gambia must use this opportunity to promote and employ local workers/ Thus increasing local community money supply and taxation and decreasing poverty and destitution.
Fools, this project was architected by HE Sheikh Prof. Alh. DR Yahya A.J.J Jammeh Babili Mansa.
The Barrow government is yet to come up with their own project.
Dream on. That’s your God given right. Reality is: Barrow Government has just secured a $50 million project funding for a multimillion Dollar Conference Centre.
This is the kind of cooperation and resources that Jammeh’s selfish switch to Taiwan has denied The Gambia.
Jammeh shamelessly pocketed monies meant for projects as such. i agree with you Bax, let the dreamers keep dreaming, Jammeh had 22yrs opportunity to build such a centre, i’m sure it is one of his many castles built in the air.