(a) issue licences under this Act pursuant to the recommendation of the Authority based on a clear and transparent application and evaluation process; and (b) allocate the frequency spectrum in consultation with the Frequency Allocation Advisory Committee. (3) The Minister shall constitute a Frequency Allocation Advisory Committee, consisting of such members of the Ministry and the Authority and other members, as he or she may consider necessary, to advise him or her in the allocation of frequency spectrum. Additional functions of the Secretary of State 8. The Minister shall also- (a) prepare the general policy of the information and communications sectors in The Gambia in consultation with the Authority and other stakeholders in the sectors as provided for in this Act, including a national strategic plan for the sector in accordance with the policy which shall(i) encourage investment, on a competitive basis, in the information and communications sectors in The Gambia, (ii) create an atmosphere for the provision of services to users at just, reasonable and affordable prices, in accordance with the latest technological developments in the sectors; and (iii) aim at strengthening the competitive position of The Gambia internationally in the areas of information and communications technology; (b) follow up the implementation of The Gambia’s commitments in international treaties in the information and communications and information technology sectors; 28