Key stakeholders from various institutions are attending a nine-day training on the 10th EDF procedures, at the Paradise Suites Hotel.
The training, organised by the European Union and the National Authorising Officer System Supports Unit (NAOSU), under the Ministry of Finance, seeks to expose key stakeholders in key areas that are relevant to the implementation of European Union-funded projects and programmes in The Gambia.
In his opening statement, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, the Director of Aid Coordination at the said ministry, Lamin Camara, expressed delight at the programme.
Mr. Camara further stated that the European Union is one of The Gambia’s principal development partners and The Gambia–EU Cooperation over the past four decades.
A number of initiatives have been undertaken under this cooperation that have enhanced the socio-economic development of The Gambia and its people, especially in addressing PAGE, the MDGs and Vision 2020 in areas, such as food security, transaction, education, economic growth and poverty reduction, he said.
He said the training is important in many respects as it provides the needed opportunity for stakeholders of the Gambia-EU Cooperation to engage more closely, with a view to comprehending and improving understanding of the requirements for implementing, reporting, monitoring and evaluating EU-funded projects that are being implemented by various organisations.
Mr. Camara further asserted that the understanding of the 10th EDF procedures will no doubt build the capacity of government institutions, as well as Non-State Actors to fulfill compliance of the implementation of the on-going and upcoming projects and programmes.
According to him, during the week, participants would be exposed to best management of services and works, basic rules applicable to grants, call for proposals, co-financing, among a host of other interesting and useful topics.
