The
Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Employers’ Association
(GCCI) has announced that the 2017 Trade Fair Gambia International (TFGI) will
be held between 15 and 30 April 2017 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Key
objectives of Trade Fair Gambia International include presenting an opportune
platform for businesses and industry innovators to showcase and possibly
collaborate; to champion the creation of private sector jobs; promote the
exportation of ‘Made in The Gambia’ products; highlight investment
opportunities in The Gambia and to network local enterprises with business
opportunities at the international level thereby increasing inter-regional
trade.
Speaking
at the official launching of the 11th Edition of TFGI, held at the GCCI’s Kerr
Jula Secretariat in Bijilo, GCCI President Muhammed Jagana said The Gambia had
witnessed a challenging economic situation over the years, but such an
experience could now be water under the bridge, as all are hopeful of seeing
significant growth in the coming years.
The
theme for this Edition of TFGI is dubbed: “Connecting Businesses, Creating
Opportunities”, which signifies GCCI’s
determination and focus on pulling together businesses and entrepreneurs micro,
small and medium, as well as giant corporations far and wide to connect, relate
and even merge to create more opportunities for commerce, investment and job
creation in the new Gambia.
According
to Mr Jagana, GCCI, in collaboration with the new Government will work towards
building a new Gambia by continuing to develop and support the private sector
as a whole.
The
private sector being the engine of economic growth in any country, has been
striving hard to do its utmost best in The Gambia’s stifled business terrain
and investment climate.
But
under the new administration, an ethical and blissful wind of business
regulation is expected to bolster the performance of the private sector and
move the economy of the country for the better.
“As
this year is unprecedented, we believe we should focus on our expectations from
the new Government as we reposition GCCI as the ‘Voice of Gambian business’,”
Mr Jagana said.
“As
we usher in the new Gambia, GCCI will be commemorating its golden jubilee as
the ‘Voice of Gambian business’ and prides itself in ‘connecting businesses and
creating opportunities’ over the years,” Mr Jagana further said, adding that
this success has been attributed to partnerships GCCI has built and continue to
build primarily with Government and various businesses and organisations
locally and abroad over the past 50 years.
Against this backdrop, he said, GCCI expects
to play its role in a more dynamic and efficient way in changing economic
environment, through creating and seeking strategic partnerships for the
benefit of the business community.
According
to Mr Jagana, high on the Chamber’s agenda for 2017 is rebuilding the Gambian
economy and therefore encourage business owners and organisations to be open to
more opportunities to create or join in partnerships with GCCI as they continue
to work together to build a stronger economy through inclusive growth.
Competitive
and environmentally sustained industries and enterprises have a crucial role to
play in accelerating economic growth, creating employment and reducing poverty
in the Gambia, he stated.
GCCI
seeks to encourage job creators rather than job seekers, he highlighted, saying
the byproduct of such an initiative is product and service development for the
realization of “Made in The Gambia” products and services.
“It
is quite clear that consumption and investment are the main drivers of the
African economy,” the GCCI president noted. “Therefore, as Gambians we need to
create and consume more of our own products and services and also venture into
a larger trade platform.”
He
said: “In this age of globalization, gaining access to export markets for all
industries and enterprises is very important, particularly for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that constitute over 90% (Private Sector
Development Strategy) of the Gambian Business Community.”
He
said The Gambia’s biggest strength and potential lies in the services sector,
adding that like many parts of the world, including particularly small
countries, like Singapore, Dubai, etc this sector has been pivotal in
transforming their economic growth and development.
“We
must actively review and strategize how businesses to expand and transform our
economy, based on the best service delivery,” he said.
Bajara
Jabbie, GCCI Board Director and Chairman of Trade Fair Committee, in his
remarks, said Trade Fair Gambia International presents an opportunity for
businesses and industry innovators to showcase their products and services and
gain access to both domestic and international markets.
He
said that with majority of export coming from the agribusiness sector, the
whole value chain must be exposed and understood.
This
year, Mr Jabbie said, as the nation transitions to the new Gambia, they are
also inviting the public sector to participate in the business development
drive as well as enlighten the public about their roles.
In
closing remarks, GCCI Chief Executive Officer Alieu Secka urged all and sundry,
especially businesses to support and collaborate with GCCI in their effort to
promote businesses in The Gambia and boost the country’s economy.
He
commended all those businesses and private and public sector players who are
supportive of the chamber and its activities through thick and thin.
The
press briefing, moderated by GCCI’s Director of Corporate Services Beatrice
Mboge, drew together journalists from both the print and electronic media in
the country.
She
applauded media personnel and their role in society, especially in promoting
GCCI’s affairs. She also said their doors are open to the media for information
and clarification on business matters in the private sector and GCCI business
activities.
