Described by many as a surprise, the former President of the First Republic, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara over the weekend visited the 2009 GCCI Trade Fair currently underway at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
This year's trade fair attracted over two hundred national and foreign exhibitors who are exploring their businesses.
Upon arrival at the Independence Stadium, the 85-year-old former Gambian leader was received by the President and CEO of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, respectively, who took him on a conducted tour of the place.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the tour, Sir Dawda told reporters that he was very impressed with the progress made since the inception of the trade fair, which he said, has attracted and continues to attract both national and international participants.
The former Gambian leader however revealed that the most interesting thing about the whole event is that efforts are being intensified for improvement as there's changes every time the event is staged, noting that The Gambia will continue to advance for growth economically.
He encouraged the organisers (the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to redouble their efforts so as to bring more participants to the trade fair, noting that it enables exhibitors to explore their businesses.
For his part, Bai Matarr Drammeh, the President of GCCI revealed that the feedback received from the participants is indeed encouraging and positive.
The GCCI boss used the occasion to call on the business community to participate fully, come next trade fair, adding that the purpose of the trade fair is to raise awareness on how small and big businesses can explore their businesses, as well as give chance to the private sector to showcase their businesses.
Mr. Drammeh further urged Gambians to start manufacturing homemade products so as to compete at the international level.
