President Adama Barrow today inaugurated the $50 million Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.

The centre was named after the Gambia’s first president in recognition of his contributions to the country.

The fourteen thousand square-metre conference centre is expected to be the venue for the 2022 International OIC Conference in Banjul.

The centre’s construction was funded by the People’s Republic of China and employed over five hundreds workers during the two years it took to build it.

In his speech to mark the opening of the new international conference centre, President Barrow said:”I am pleased to observe, however, that the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre is one of its kind in the region.

“Many will marvel at its uniquely appealing design and the construction techniques that make it so elegant. These aside, its specifications comply with The Gambia National Public Building and Facilities Policy (2018-2027).

Mr Barrow expressed hope that “the Centre will give The Gambia the opportunity to attract and host meetings, incentive travels, conventions, conferences and exhibitions.”

He praised the People’s Republic of China for their support in providing the funds for the construction of the conference centre.

Barrow reassured the Chinese ambassador of his government’s commitment to a One-China policy.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba