CCI to Launch New Business Card

The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with New Technologies Africa (NTA), a registered company engaged in Information Technology and other related matters is putting finishing touches to the launch of the first ever Business ID card in the country.

New Technology Africa is focused in software making, telecommunications, video surveillance and tracking systems.

The Business ID card, to be launched by January 2009, will among other things facilitate the collection of data in all aspects of business thus ensuring efficiency and convenience.

It also can also help government know how many businessmen they have in the country, who is doing what and where he or she is located at any given time.

Speaking at a press conference held at The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) office yesterday, Mr. Ousman Sey, managing director of NTA Company, said the card can be obtained either by individuals or companies.

According to Mr. Sey, with the business card, businessmen can have access to their imported goods at the port through an interface provided that the system is linked with the customs and exercise department.

He stated that the system has been working in Senegal and other neighbouring countries over the past few years and he expressed the hope that the system will be successful in The Gambia.

“The card contains bar codes with all the information concerning the company or the individual holding the card. It can link all state departments managing the business in the country,” he said, adding that it also helps businessmen to be known all over the world because a database that carries all the information of businesses connected to the Internet.

This, he added, is done through a server that will be provided by Unique Solutions, one of its partners. Mr. Sey however added that the card is not compulsory and its validity is one year after which it has to be renewed.