Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow has reiterated his resolve and determination to make The Gambia a safe and attractive place for business investment.
The President reiterated this determination during the 6th edition of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Taxpayer Awards held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Senegambia, where 32 of the most law-abiding taxpayers in 2023 were rewarded.
“I want to assure the business community that your contribution to the nation goes far beyond the taxes you pay. You are the engine of our economy because you create jobs, you generate wealth and you stimulate innovation. I further assure you that my government will persevere in its efforts to make The Gambia a more attractive place for business,” said President Barrow.
Currently, he added, the government has introduced trade facilitation measures with a view to streamlining international trade, boosting productivity and enhancing the competitive edge of Gambian businesses in the sub-region and the wider region. Africa.
“Through the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and other agencies, my administration will resolutely translate into action and maintain its commitment to automate all business processes with a view to simplifying trade and reducing burden. compliance burden on you, he assured the private sector. To the esteemed winners of the awards presented this evening, I say: “Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your compliance with the rules is in no way limited to the fulfillment of your legal obligations. It testifies to your degree of patriotism and your commitment to nation building. Wear your awards with pride, as they represent a national honor. »
“On behalf of my government, I pledge to continue to work tirelessly to create an environment conducive to the prosperity of all businesses. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, improve access to finance and promote a level playing field for all. Together, we can make The Gambia a hub of investment and economic prosperity. »
Given the nature of the Gambian economy, taxes form the bedrock of the country’s financial strength, said the President, who added: “The very fabric of our government, our infrastructure and the essential services on which we all depend are linked to the taxes that you, the taxpayers, pay.
He added that it is taxpayers’ contributions that fuel the engine of government, enabling it to invest in vital national programs and build infrastructure to create a better future for all Gambians.
“It is therefore with immense pride that I recognize the continued dedication and commitment of our business community to providing the necessary tax revenues to finance the government’s numerous development programs,” he said, commending the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for coming up with the laudable Taxpayer Award initiative and making it an annual event.
He said he had learned that, since the taxpayer’s prize was established, voluntary compliance had radically improved and that it had sparked a “positive competitive spirit” within the business community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, you will be happy to know that since the start of my administration in 2017, we have achieved a remarkable 72% increase in tax revenue from D9.13 billion in 2017 to D15.79 billion. dalasis in 2023,” he revealed, asserting that “this is proof of our good fiscal management, our unwavering application for national revenue mobilization and the tireless efforts of the Board of Directors of the Tax Administration of the Gambia (GRA), management and all staff. »
During his speech, Finance Minister Seedy Keita also commended the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for its vigilant and diligent services in supporting the government in its national development policy through resource mobilization necessary for the management of state affairs.
He also praised taxpayers for meeting their tax obligations, which “fund essential government programs.” » Through improved compliance, he said, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has increased tax revenue “not through an increase in the tax rate” (except for the alcohol), but rather through “broadening the tax base”.
The Director General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Yankuba Darboe, spoke on the occasion: “This distinguished ceremony brings us together every year to celebrate and recognize taxpayers who consistently file their tax returns on time, consistently pay their taxes on time, present authentic and original customs documents and comply with the relevant provisions of tax laws.
This evening, we are particularly honored to be joined by our esteemed guest of honor, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow. »
He commended the President for the high importance he places on the services and programs of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA): “This underlines your commitment to promoting a culture of tax compliance and recognizing the vital role that taxpayers in our national development. We are deeply grateful for your continued leadership and support. »
To the business community and taxpayers, he said: “Your commitment to fulfilling your civic duty ensures that government has the necessary resources to invest in public services, infrastructure and development programs that benefit all Gambians. »
The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms. Lucy Fye-Jagne, has highlighted the significant progress made by the Board of Trustees of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) over the past of the past year. “Our commitment to excellence and innovation in tax administration has been unwavering, as demonstrated by several notable achievements. These achievements were echoed by the media which revealed that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has been recognized by international financial and economic institutions, who declared that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is the one of the main revenue collectors on the continent. Furthermore, the article confirms that IMF and World Bank Group officials attest to the exceptional performance of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) through its operational methods, including the implementation of the ASYCUDA World system.
Among the 32 companies and institutions rewarded for the year 2023, the largest taxpayers of the year are as follows: Largest taxpayer of the year 2023 – Africell; GSM Taxpayer of the Year 2023 – QCell; Import VAT taxpayer for the year 2023 – Fouta Enterprise Ltd; Importer of the Year 2023 – J and B Trading Company Ltd; Bank of the Year 2023 – Ecobank Gambia Ltd; Oil Marketing Taxpayer of the Year – Jah Oil Company Ltd; Staple Food Importer of the Year – Shyben A. Madi and Sons Ltd; Manufacturer of the Year 2023 – Nessim Trading Company Ltd; Taxpaying Public Enterprise of the Year 2023 – Gambia Ports Authority (GPA); Hotel of the year 2023 – Palma Rima Hotel.
POINT OF GAMBIA
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