Link between Tourism and Other Key Sectors Must be Firmly Established – Assamba

Minister of Industry and Tourism, Aloun Ndombet Assamba, has said the critical linkages between tourism and other key sectors must be firmly established, for the benefits of economic activity to be felt at every level of the society.
Making her presentation to the 2005/06 Sectoral Debate yesterday (May 24) in Gordon House, Minister Assamba stressed that a holistic, collaborative approach to development of the industrial and tourism sectors was needed to achieve “a period of quantum development for our country with the attendant benefits at the national, corporate and individual levels.”
On another matter, the Industry and Tourism Minister pointed to the increase in local entrepreneurship, fuelled by the existence of a stable macro environment, widespread infrastructural improvements, a facilitating environment and increased understanding of the new global environment.
She told members of the House, that she had seen tangible evidence of “renewed confidence and creativity” with new enterprises being established in such sectors as manufacturing, agro-processing, craft, entertainment, attractions among other areas, which have created considerable value-added potential.
The Minister informed that last year, more than $335 million was provided by the government in micro credit for the development of small businesses.
“Much effort has gone into the creation of a sound economic foundation, the fruits of which we are now beginning to reap,” she said, further noting that both the manufacturing and tourism sectors were rebounding because of the sound economic foundation.