By: Nyima Sillah
Local and International entrepreneurs have been exhibiting their products at the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry ongoing Trade Fair at the trade fair ground in Brusubi.
The TFGI is the leading business exhibition event in The Gambia which creates a platform for enterprises to network and promote their goods and services to the public. It also gives opportunities for small business to partner and collaborate with both national and internationally businessmen and women.
Musa Juwara, Enterprise Support Officer at GIEPA indicates that GIEPA plays a very crucial role in terms of supporting and also advocating for the development of micro small and medium enterprises in the country. “So, whenever there is occasion like this GIEPA is normally at the forefront to support businesses to take part in trade fair both national and international,” he told The Voice.
He disclosed that GIEPA sponsored more than 30 stalls with different entrepreneurs that are involves in different types of skills, adding that so far, the trade fair is going smoothly and with hope at the end of the event entrepreneurs will be able to network.
“Trade fair is a great opportunity for the businesses especially small businesses because through trade fair most of the businesses will gain exposure in selling their products, it should be something that should continue not only yearly but at least every six months that would be important,” he said.
Mariam Sain is an entrepreneur disclosed that “the turnout for now is slow for now compared to the stadium but it is a new venue and some might not know the location, but we hope that after the official opening a lot of people will get aware and there will be some sales.”
“Stalls are expensive but we don’t only depend on sales because after the trade fair we do have people that contact and visit us. I sell different types of art work but some people will say the price is expensive without understanding that stalls are expensive, too,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fatoumata a Malian entrepreneur said the business is going smoothly but sales are very slow also the stalls are very expensive which makes it hard for them. “I paid D30,000 for a stall and my two-stall cost me D60,000 which I paid every year. If you are a Gambian the price is less which is hard because sometimes, we make profit but at times no profit. I want GCCI to consider reducing the price for those of us non-citizens too,” Fatoumata appealed to organizer.
“I sell different types of natural products and herbal stuffs and I have been participating in the trade fair for over 13 years but this year’s only few costumers are coming perhaps it’s a new location and many are yet to find out,” she added.
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