The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), on Tuesday June 5, launched the 2007 Trade Fair publicity campaign at a ceremony held at the Brufut Gardens Estate, in Brufut.

The occasion marks the beginning of a campaign to publicise the third trade fair to be organised by the GCCI. The theme for this year’s trade fair is “Tapping the Growth Potentials of the Small and Medium Enterprises”.

Ms Beatrice Allen, trade Fair Coordinator and Director of trade and investment at the GCCI, who chaired the occasion, briefed the audience about the rationale behind organising the trade fair, especially the forth coming trade fair, slated for 6th-15th December 2007.

She spoke about effective management of business and its impact on economic development of any country. The GCCI trade and Investment Director acknowledge the role of the press in the campaign.

Bai Matarr Drammeh, President of GCCI, welcomed the audience to the launching. He spoke on the importance of growth and potential of business enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises and the impact of organising trade fairs.
Mustapha Njie, General-Manager, Taf Constructions Ltd, in his capacity as major sponsor of the event, expressed delight to be associated with the Trade Fair. He hailed the efforts of GCCI for coming up with the idea of organising the event on bi-annual basis which, according to him, will greatly contribute towards sustainable economic development.

He described the Brufut Gardens as a 100-percent Gambian product and urged the audience to venture into Gardens and see what Gambians can offer.
Mr. Fady Hochiemy, representative of LG Electronics also a major sponsor of the event, assured the audience of his company’s appreciation for being associated with the event. He described his company as a long-time member of GCCI.

He also informed the audience about numerous services offered by his company to the general public.
Muhammad Jagana, Chairman of the Trade Fair, The Gambia, said the objective of the Trade Fair is to provide business exposure to the small and medium enterprises, to promote Gambian products, to develop links between Gambian and international businesses, to draw public attention to the role of the private sector, and to provide a platform for joint ventures, among others.

Mam Cherno Jallow, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GCCI delivered the vote of thanks. He thanked TAF Constructions Ltd, LG Electronics and other official partners, such as Gamtel, Gamcel, GIPFZA, Trust Bank, and AFRICELL, for their support.