BANJUL, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Gambian government currently imposes no restrictions on bottled water imports, Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay told lawmakers Wednesday in response to a question about protecting local producers.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly, Ceesay was responding to Alhagie Mbow, member for Upper Saloum, who asked whether the government planned to restrict bottled water imports to support domestic manufacturers.
"Currently, the government does not place restrictions on the importation of bottled water," Ceesay said.
Citing The Gambia's membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), he said that local producers need to compete with suppliers from other member countries.
The ministry is encouraging domestic manufacturers, including water bottling companies, to expand production capacity and take advantage of regional market opportunities through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, he said.
Ceesay added that the government had introduced preferential treatment for locally produced goods to support domestic industry. ■
