Organised by Egypt Expo Company from Egypt, in collaboration with the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Africell, the launching ceremony of the exhibition brought business leaders, entrepreneurs and diplomats from various companies, institutions and embassies in The Gambia and abroad.
In his launching address, Hon. Bala Garba Jahumpa-Ceesay applauded the initiative, saying it would promote trade, business and economic development between the two African countries.
“This is what Africa needs,” the foreign minister said, adding that products from the sister republic of Egypt would do well in The Gambia.
He referred to the international expo as involving products made in Egypt and their exhibition held in The Gambia, which goes to promote trade, exchange of goods and services and national economies.
It has immense advantages for both countries, Hon. Jahumpa-Ceesay noted, saying it will attract Egyptian investors to invest in The Gambia and promote the country’s tourism.
There will also be networking between the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Egyptian chamber of commerce as well as promotion of trade and investment between economic operators of both countries.
“This will also promote partnership between the two governments,” Minister Jahumpa-Ceesay said, applauding the progressive leadership of President Yahya Jammeh, who has ensured an enabling environment for business to thrive in the country.
In his remarks, the head of Egyptian Group, Dr Emal Atres, thanked the leadership of the country, saying “The Gambia and Egypt have enjoyed warm relations over the years”.
He said their products are of high quality and affordable prices. He congratulated Africell (the main sponsor of the Exhibition), the GCCI and the entire business community for bringing the exhibition to pass in The Gambia.
His counterpart from Egypt, Esam Halawa of Egypt Expo International and organizer of the events, spoke in the same vein, saying: “We would come again and again to The Gambia.”
While giving the opening remarks, GCCI’s Chief Executive Officer Alieu Secka congratulated the Egypt Expo Company or coming to The Gambia, saying the exhibition would encourage not only trade but also investment and other businesses that would contribute to The Gambia’s economic development. “The Egyptian products would help boost business in The Gambia,” CEO Secka added.
Papa Leigh of Africell, (The main sponsor) also applauded the initiative and thanked all those who supported them in realizing it.
The occasion was graced by topnotch business executives, government officials and diplomats in the country, such as GCCI’s President Muhammed Jagana,former GCCI Presidents Abdoulie Touray and Bai Matarr Drammeh and the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Alhaji Soulay Daramy.
Some of the Gambian businesses participating in the exhibition are Africell, GCCI, GIEPA, GTBoard, Gamcel and Kairaba Shopping Centre.
GCCI’s Public Relations Manager Beatrice Prom, a lead coordinator of the exhibition, calls on people and entrepreneurs in The Gambia to visit the exhibition site at the Pencha Mi Hall, Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi, from 3 to 14 September 2014.
