His Excellency President Adama Barrow witnessed the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between The Gambia and Heilongjiang Province in the People's Republic of China on April 27, 2025. This event took place at the State House in Banjul and aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to the socio-economic development of both states.
The MOUs signed included an agreement on building water and sports facilities, signed by the Chief of Staff at the President's Office representing The Gambia. This agreement forms part of the government's broader effort to improve the sports sector and ensure access to clean water.
Another MOU, centered on free cataract surgery, will provide patients with eye operations at no cost. It was signed by the Minister for Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, and a representative from Heilongjiang.
The third MOU focuses on talent exchange and training to build skills and share knowledge. This was signed by the Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Civil Service on behalf of the Gambian Government.
Additionally, an MOU on providing non-genetically modified rice seeds aims to transform the agricultural sector into a high-yielding industry. In related contractual agreements, the Longjian Company signed contracts with Gambian institutions for bridge construction, road maintenance, rice seed production, and land rehabilitation.
The agreements included building the BB bridge at Kotu and road maintenance, signed by the National Road Authority and Longjian Company. An agriculture-focused MOU aimed at enhancing seed production was signed by the ROOTs Programme Director and Longjian. The fourth agreement on land rehabilitation to improve rice production was between GIEPA and Longjian Company.
The signing ceremony concluded with a private dinner hosted by President Barrow.
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