The Daily Observer (Banjul)
16 November 2009
column
Business activities throughout human history keep the world moving on its feet. The private sector and governments of the world are active stakeholders and partners towards achieving sustainable development in any given country. Business activities continue to play an important position in our countries and communities. To a great extent it serves as a catalyst in the progress of economies - both locally and internationally.
However, the Gambian economy has registered resounding success over the years despite the striking global economic meltdown with its accompanying food insecurity, price hikes, and the unpresedented climate change among other effects on humanity. The Gambia under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh, since 1994 to date has instituted and continues to implement series of economic development policies, among which were the well cherished Vision 2020 blue print, the Silicon Valley, PRSP, establishment of the Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zone Agency (GIPFZA) amongst others.
The biannual trade fair of the Gambia currently taking place at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, organised by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) scheduled from 14th to 25th November, is a step that comes at the right time - at a time when The Gambia government under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh is making giant efforts in projecgting the commercial and economic outlook of the country; thus as manifested by the pace of development programmes initiated by the president within the short span of 15 years in power, compared to 400 years of colonial rule and 30 years of independence under the first Republic.
The 14th to 25th November trade fair is the fourth edition organised by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with the government of The Gambia. The event aims among other things towards promoting Gambian businesses at both local and international levels through exhibition of products and services to the general public offered by different companies and investors. GCCI is a private sector organisation representing trade and commerce, agriculture, industry, transport, telecommunication services, tourism, banking and finance.
In essence its principal functions are to provide important business services to the private sector in general and its members, as well as to advise and influence government in creating a favourable business environment. This year's trade fair is described by organisers as the biggest and most successful one ever organised with specific reference to the huge number of both local and international participants. It brought together participants from almost all countries within the sub region of West Africa; Europe and Taiwan to be specific.
However, with all the success attached to organisation of trade fair, especially its impact on the Gambian economy, the exhibitors have to put into consideration the cost of their products and services. Trade fair the world over has one of its primary functions as to exhibit products and services to the general public; thus the need to have an affordable and accessible means to the average man. While we thank the organisers for coming up with the idea of organising the trade fair and wish them a resounding success, we hope that they will take into account the need to incorporate the common person in the business by making prices affordable.
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