The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Tuesday held a day validation workshop on dialogue strategies and structures of the Gambian private sector, at the Seaview Garden in Kololi.

Speaking on behalf of Mam Cherno Jallow, Chief Executive Officer of GCCI, Sarata Conateh, an economist said the study is the first phase of a new project, initiated by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to her, government and GCCI are cognisant of the fact that relevant policies of investment promotion and the growth of business are necessary for private sector development in The Gambia. She then added that GCCI recognises the crucial need for the Gambian private sector to have its voice heard in policy-making, and other aspects of life.

“However, the private sector lacks a strategy to effectively participate in policy-making and structures for a regular and formal interface,” she outlined.

This, according to her, has triggered the project into strengthening the organisational and institutional capacity of the private sector.

She finally disclosed that the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will partner with a private enterprise foundation of Ghana, through an exchange programme.