(Issue Tuesday June 28,2016)
The
North EMPRETEC FAMILY FORUM held its 1st quarterly meeting with entrepreneurs
trained on the concept of EMPRETEC and discussed on the achievements and
challenges.
The
forum also provided a platform for partners to share the products and services
with members, with the ultimate aim of creating market opportunities.
Speaking
on the occasion, the president of North Regional EMPRETEC FAMILY FORUM
underscored the commitment of the regional executive committee in creating
market linkages for Small and Medium Enterprise SMEs in the region.
Momodou
BK Ceesay was speaking on Tuesday at a quarterly meeting of the regional
chapter in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
He
hailed The Gambia government for the foresight in partnering with UNDP in
providing capacity development on entrepreneurship to over 160 youths and women
in the region.
He
said the setting up of a National Executive Committee of EMPRETEC Gambia under
GIEPA would contribute to resource mobilization. He also reiterated the need for the regional
chapter to intensify resource mobilisation with a view to support small businesses
in the region.
He
used the moment to thank stakeholders in the region for their support to Small
and Medium Enterprise development in agribusiness sub-sector to enable
entrepreneurs to increase food production and productivity.
The
secretary to NBR EMPRETEC Family Forum Haruna Kuyateh thanked members for their
support to the chapter, noting that it demonstrated their resolve to the
advancement of entrepreneurship in the region to boost income and contribute to
poverty reduction.
He
disclosed that plans are underway to link the regional chapter to the National
Cooperative Credit Union and called on members to be steadfast in providing
support to the regional chapter executive committee to bring about sustainable
livelihood development.
Secretary
Kuyateh thanked EMPRETEC center at GIEPA and UNDP for their unflinching support
in strengthening the spirit of entrepreneurships in youth and women.
Alhassan
Bah, public relations officer, re-echoed similar sentiments while calling on
all and sundry to put all hands on deck to establish partnership with relevant
institutions and agricultural projects to support members.
Momodou
Darboe, acting Regional Livestock Director for NBR, hailed the regional chapter
for the initiative, noting that the meeting will provide a platform for members
to benefit from some of the opportunities at the livestock sub-sector such as
ram fattening, small ruminant, poultry productions and cattle rearing.
He
called on practicing farmers to always contact Livestock Officers for support
and advice.
Babucarr
Kanteh of Kerewan Area Council assured of the council’s support in working with
Small and Medium Enterprises, noting that such enterprises serve as engine of
growth and boost the council’s revenue.
He
said SMEs should be steadfast and uphold best practices in bringing about
change on the lives and livelihood of the populace.
