GCCI set for 5th trade fair

In its drive to be the pacesetter in promoting Gambian businesses, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is putting the finishing touches to stage the fifth edition of the national trade fair.

This year’s fair on the theme: “Made in The Gambia” will, among other things, provide the platform for businesses to showcase their products and also stimulate public interest in Gambian products. The event, expected to run from 8th to 18th December 2011, is 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 trade fair 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.

According to information gathered by this paper, preparations are far advanced for staging this great business opportunity.

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

Speaking to journalists at a press conference held at the GCCI office on

According to Taal, the trade fair will be officially opened by President Yahya Jammeh on Saturday 10th December.

“We are expecting international investors from Taiwan, Ghana, and Kenya, and other international exhibitors who would come on their own, and hope that Gambians will come out in their large numbers,” he said, adding that the event will give Gambians the opportunity to promote their goods to the international community.

Taal commended their partners and sponsors for their intervention, and urged Gambians to come out in their large numbers.

Noting that the event is to make business and not to celebrate, Taal told journalists the Chameleon Band, Ousu Njie Seynor and Jaliba Kuyateh will be at the event to entertain the guests.

The conference ended with the signing of contractors between the GCCI and Afriwood for the construction of stores at the trade fair, Lalas Cleansing for the cleansing of the stadium, PAGES for electrical installation, Esam Security Company to provide internal security and the Gambia Police Force to provide security outside the stadium.