Gambia gov to license importers
President Yahya Jammeh had formally launched an appeal to importers, distributors, major and minor retailers of essential food commodities to be fair and honest in their pricing.
Minister Abdou Jobe added that despite the strategic importance of the essential food commodities for the socio economic development of the country, most of the players have not been responsive to the appeal.
This new regulation is commencing towards the end of January 2015, he said, adding that the government is issuing a license and authorization or registration regime for anybody who is an importer, distributor, and a major or minor retailer of essential food commodities.
The essential food commodities the new measures would involve are rice, sugar, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, tomato paste, flour, milk and chicken.
The Ministry of Trade would be responsible for licensing, registering or authorizing the importers, distributors and major retailers, he stated, adding that the minor retailers would go to their area councils and municipalities for licensing or registration.
The country has no control over the prices, he said, stating that the licensing, registration or authorization is free, and the objective is to ensure honest and fair pricing for Gambians.
Source: allafrica.com
