The 9th edition of Trade Fair Gambia International, which brought together exhibitors and products from all parts of the world, concluded on Sunday 10 January 2016 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Most exhibitors at the fair gave positive and constructive testimonies of the fair, saying it was one of the best organised fairs, in terms of stalls quality, number of visitors, sales and side attractions and other entertainments in the course the fair, which ran from 19 December 2015 to 10 January 2016.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Naffie Barry, emphasised partnership, saying that was why the trade ministry took a great part in the fair from start to finish.
“The Ministry of Trade is here to show that we are really in partnership,” she said, adding that basically all government policies are geared towards fostering this partnership.
According to her, they are very happy that GCCI has chosen partnership as their theme, and assured GCCI of the government’s continued support, especially to promote public private partnership (PPP).
“Trade fairs are meant to do some networking; although people perceive it as a place to sell – it is good if you sell – but the aim is not to sell, the aim is to expose people so that you have the required contacts,” she said, adding that looking at the farmers most would not have known what farmers are doing had they not participated in the fair.
She said trade fairs provide an opportunity for linkages, networks, contacts, more business opportunities and partnerships.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Alieu Secka, for his part, said this year’s fair was very good, adding that they would continue to improve on its organization.
The important thing, he noted, they had tried to bring together on one venue the producers and the consumers together.
He said the GCCI would continue to be responsive to the needs and demands of the business community, which include the producers and the sellers, to discover more opportunities and chances of growing and expanding their businesses.
He indicated that the more the people participate in international fairs and see best practices, the more they would want to bring such opportunities to The Gambia.
He called on all and sundry to always be a part of TFGI in grand or mini fashions across the country.
They as a chamber would continue to fight the challenges faced in the process of organizing the trade fair to always do more for the business community and the Gambian economy.
Mrs Beatrice Mboge, Director of Corporate Service, also spoke at the closing ceremony.
By Adam Jobe
