Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 16 August 2025 – A high-level delegation from The Gambia has concluded a comprehensive study visit to Malaysia, held from 11 to 15 August 2025. The visit, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), was specifically designed to foster learning from Malaysia's extensive experience in trade infrastructure and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development.

The study visit, facilitated by the Reverse Linkage Division of the Cooperation & Capacity Development (CCD) Department, Dakar Regional Hub, and the Kuala Lumpur Center of Excellence (KLCoE), sought to equip the Gambian delegation with insights into successful development corridor and SEZ models from the perspective of governance structures, policies, institutional support systems, and regulatory frameworks.

The distinguished Gambian delegation comprising seven senior officials was led by Mr. Mod AK Secka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry Regional Integration & Employment. IsDB officials who accompanied the delegates were Mr. Eddie-Omar Davies, Country Operations Manager from the Regional Hub Dakar and Mr. Takyuddin Yahya, Project Mgt Specialist of Kuala Lumpur Center of Excellence (KLCoE)

Speaking at the welcoming session of the study visit, Mr. Samer Elesawi, Head of the Kuala Lumpur Center of Excellence (KLCoE), highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, stating: "This study visit represents more than just a training or familiarisation; it embodies a strategic partnership between IsDB, the Republic of The Gambia, and Malaysia. It is a testament to South-South cooperation and our collective belief in the power of shared knowledge to unlock potential and drive progress."

The five-day programme included high-level meetings with key Malaysian government bodies such as the Ministry of Economy / East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister’s Department, and Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The delegation also undertook extensive field visits to the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) sites in Kuantan and Rompin. The visit concluded with a session on project finance under Islamic Finance structures at INCEIF University.

The Gambian delegation expressed appreciation for the Study Visit as they gain valuable insights from Malaysia's development experience, which is poised to play a crucial role in shaping The Gambia's transformative development agenda, particularly within the Trans-Gambia Corridor Special Economic Zone.