5th GCCI trade fair opens today

The fifth edition of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) trade fair opens today at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

The trade fair, which forms part of the chamber’s drive to be the pacesetter in promoting Gambian businesses, will run from the 8th to the 18th December, and is on the theme: “Made in The Gambia.”

Aimed at creating external networks, enhance the productive base of small and medium-scale enterprises, create a more visible service sector and open doors for formal financing, the event will, among other things, provide the platform for businesses to showcase their products, and also stimulate public interest in Gambian products.

It also seeks to reposition the country as a centre of service excellence by developing a highly committed organisation oriented to serving the needs of its members, and to building effective partnerships that will positively impact development of the private sector towards sustainable development, thereby being relevant, responsive and representative of the business community.

The primary functions of the GCCI are provision of essential business services to the private sector, in general, and its members, in particular, and advising and influencing government in creating a favourable business environment.

GCCI has over the years played a key role in expanding international trade activities and promoting growth. It brings together a wide range of business interests into close and continuous contact with government departments.

Also among the objectives of the trade fair is to provide business exposure to the small and medium enterprises, to promote Gambian products, provide a platform for joint-ventures, and draw public attention to the role of the private sector, among others.

The organisation and scope of the fair include exhibiting products of the business community and the public sector, and holding individual business meetings to develop business linkages.

The target audiences are the visitors including business people, government officials, investors, consumers, and tourists in The Gambia.

It is further envisaged that the trade fair will attract the Gambian public, and visitors, especially from the West African sub-region, Europe and Asia.