By Binta Jaiteh
The Gambia’s government has ruled out restricting bottled water imports, citing regional trade commitments and the risk of neighbouring countries imposing similar restrictions on Gambian products.
Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Mod K. Ceesay made the statement on Wednesday while responding to a question from Alagie Mbow, National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum, during an oral question session at the National Assembly.
Mr Mbow had called on the government to restrict bottled water imports to protect local manufacturers amid economic challenges facing domestic producers.
Responding, Mr Ceesay said the government did not restrict bottled water imports, particularly products originating from countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“What happens to the water produced in Senegal and Guinea? Are we going to ban those ones too?” the minister asked.
He said the government was instead encouraging local manufacturers, including bottled water producers, to expand their production capacity and take advantage of regional market opportunities under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and other preferential arrangements.
“We have technical problems because we are also working as part of the region. You cannot restrict or ban regional goods; instead, you compete with them and introduce preferences for local goods,” he said.
Mr Mbow challenged the minister to explain how the government intended to support local manufacturers, arguing that competition from regional imports could create additional difficulties for domestic producers in the current economic climate.
Mr Ceesay said the government was exploring available mechanisms and instruments to help local manufacturers compete in regional and international markets.
He warned that introducing legal or regulatory measures to ban imports could undermine reciprocal market access for Gambian products.
“We cannot ban importation and expect others to open their markets,” he said.