A week long training for local food processors organised by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industries in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is underway at the Baobab hotel in Bijilo.

The training is meant to equip food processors with knowledge to improve the quality of processing operations to reduce wastage and to increase their revenues.

The trainees, during the course of the training, would be brought up to date with the best practices in the area of food processing, packaging and quality control techniques.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Charlotte Ndaw, IFC’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development officer, said the training will not only build the skills of the trainees but increase their revenues and create more jobs through expansion. She said a number of SMEs have signed up for the training. This, according to her, is an indication of the seriousness and desire of the participating companies to grow.

“We at IFC will continue to do our utmost to assist SMEs and the private sector in The Gambia,” she said.

Mam Chernor Jallow, Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industries, in his keynote remarks, said the training was prompted by a request made by the local food processors themselves.

He told the food processors not to compromise quality as it is the cornerstone of any progressive business venture. He added that the quality of their products should by all means meet the taste of the consumer. Mam Chernor Jallow said a total of 70 food processors will benefit from the training. The ceremony was chaired by Beatrice A Prom, GCCI communication manager.