The Cement Importers and Agents Association of The Gambia has expressed dismay over the trade minister Baboucarr O. Joof’s reaction to the current cement scarcity in the country.
Below is the full text of the press release issued by the association in response to minister Joof’s comments:
“We are deeply troubled and disappointed yet, by the Honorable Minister of Trade over his reaction to the current cement crisis, which overwhelmingly affected the entire country.
It’s unfortunate and greatly frustrating hearing the country’s Minister of Trade expressing no regret over an unjustifiable and illegal increment of tariff against cement importers, which led to the current crisis affecting the entire populace with devastating impact on the livelihoods of many.
The very Ministry that should protect small scale business entities and enhance private sector development has blatantly designed a policy that killed businesses and sent thousands of people out of job unabated without genuine basis.
It’s not only disturbing seeing the Trade Minister unjustifiably violating the ECOWAS treaty on free movement of goods and services but, his dangerous remarks featured on the Standard that clearly undermined The Gambia’s NDP drive on private sector partnership and growth.
Since this policy came into being against cement importers, not only did we realized that the Minister is siding with so-called cement factories which in reality are re-baggers but, his remarks always undermine his stance as a public officer whose primary role should always be geared towards serving the entire population at all cost without fear or favour.
We are shattered and emotionally disturbed by Minister Joof’s claim that Jah Oil imports from Egypt and Turkey after initially telling Gambians that his policy drive against cement importers was borne out of the need to protect local factories.
If Jah Oil actually produces cement, why the need for its importation From Egypt and Turkey? It’s obvious that the idea of protecting local factories is a storm in a tea cup and the Minister is making a mockery of himself to the public.
What’s the difference between importing cement from either Turkey or Egypt and importing from Soccocim and Dangote from Senegal as cement importers always do? Obviously, there is no difference and the basis for the preferential treatment accorded to Jah and Co. is seemingly not based on national interest. Rather, it seems to be an egocentric move meant to satisfy ego, kill competition and deepen poverty in the country.
We demand that the President take immediate action to restore the initial tariff as his Minister of Trade’s position is untenable and conflicted to deal with the situation due to his misguided remarks during his interview with The Standard.
We hold the view that the cement crisis will increase the vulnerability of our economy through possible inflation spirals and will further erode the purchasing power of already struggling consumers.
It’s laughable and truly dramatic that a trade deficit country can bring such a malicious trade barrier in the name of empowering few at the detriment of the majority of citizens.
While we believed it’s unacceptable and utterly wrong to increase tariffs against us, we equally found it disturbing, seeing the very Ministry that should enhance competition and fair-play within the market is bent on establishing an oligopoly system geared toward serving the interest of few.”
