Led by Board President Mr. Modou Lamin Gassama, the GYCC delegation, including CEO Miss Jarry Sowe and senior member Mr. Mustapha Jarju, met representatives of the China Packaging Federation, CPF, and the China Young Entrepreneurs Association (CYEA).
The discussions focused on trade, skills transfer, packaging innovation, and market access for youth-led businesses in The Gambia.
GYCC described the engagement as a turning point in connecting Gambian youth to global value chains.
“Our role is to ensure that young people in every community have the tools to start and grow businesses that create jobs,” CEO Miss Jarry Sowe said, outlining GYCC’s mandate to provide training, market access, finance, and networks.
President Gassama said the Chamber is proposing joint training programs, technical support in packaging and agro-processing, mentorship exchanges, and business-to-business linkages with Chinese SMEs.
“Our focus is practical cooperation that puts more Gambian youth in business and more Gambian products on shelves at home and abroad,” he stated.
Founded in 1980, CPF represents over 1,700 members across packaging materials, equipment, design, and research, with links in more than 20 countries. CYEA, established in 1985, is one of China’s largest youth business networks with over 2,000 direct members and connections to nearly 200,000 young entrepreneurs nationwide.
Both parties agreed to cooperate in five areas: youth enterprise development, packaging and value addition, market access and investment, research and innovation, and mentorship.
GYCC said a technical working group will be set up to finalise an action plan, with the first exchanges and training expected before the end of 2026.
