A thriving economy founded on a successful private sector is linchpin
to The Gambia's governance orientation. It appreciates that a
government's only measure of credibility lies in its ability to
translate the numeric of economic statistics into food on the peoples'
tables, roofs on their heads and security in their minds, all these
while guaranteeing a critical level of development commensurate with
whatever is internationally apace.
GOOD GOVERNANCE, BIG BUSINESS
With a population of 1.3 million and ticking, The Gambia operates a
multiparty, parliamentary democracy committed to the rule of law and a
liberal, free market economy. Gaining independence from 200 years of
British colonial rule in 1965, it moved to become a republic 5 years
later and has since remained a beacon of political stability,
transparency and accountability.
Inheriting an economy with a natural resource base of about nil, the
foundations of which was built around taxes and tariffs, The Gambian
government quickly realised that the only way to achieve meaningful
development and augment the country's tiny resource base would be
through enhanced private sector development. It would also demand
substantial foreign capital injection and the accompanying
technological expertise as well as a well-developed human resource
base and access into the international market.
The Gambia has vigorously pursued a socio-economic policy committed to
free enterprise and private sector development. The nerve of which is
the inauguration of "The Gambia incorporated… Vision 2020" initiative,
a policy document representing the blueprint designed to guide the
country's progress into its envisioned future.
Encapsulated in it is the will and aspiration of the people and
government of The Gambia to transform the country into a "financial
centre, a tourist paradise, a trading, export-oriented agricultural
and manufacturing nation, thriving on free market policies and a
vibrant private sector. Sustained by a well-educated, trained, skill,
healthy, self reliant and enterprising population.
Accessibility
As a holiday destination the Gambia has always provided guarnteed
winter sunshine. It is well served by cheap chartered flights from the
UK, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway all seeking
winter sun and relief from Northern winter climes.
It is a four hour drive to Dakar International Airport, in
neighbouring Senegal which is the international air hub for this
region of West Africa. Direct flights from here exist to Paris, New
York, Torronto, Rio, Dubai, the Middle East, South East Asia and major
African destinations such Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.The Gambia
is now considered a world class tourist destination. Forty years ago
there were just two hotels in the Gambia. Now there are several
hundred offering a range from a few pounds to five hundred pounds a
night. Saudi Arabian money is funding the building of further five
star luxury hotel developments along the coast.
There is a thriving, expanding European ex-pat community which now
enjoys the low cost and high standard of living here. This ex-pat
community creates a market for good quality rental accommodation. This
in turn is driving the investment market to meet the rapidly
increasing demand.
Legal and Civil Infrastructure in The Gambia
Propety ownership is an integral part of the Gambian constitution.
Land and property law in the Gambia is based on the British legal
system and subject to the strict and unequivocal terms which goven it.
This ensures that your property investment is absolutely secure. All
matters are dealt with in English and many Gambian lawyers have
qualified and practiced in the UK itself. As with all administrative
systems minor inefficiences may exist within Gambian bureaucracy but
fees paid to accredited Gambian lawyers will often speed up the
conveyancing process and dispell any uncertainities regarding sharp
practice, bribery or taxation issues.
As mentioned above all utilities rates and taxes are locally and
centrally fixed and controlled by national companies and government
bodies
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