February 2016 e-bulletin

From CEO’s Desk

Voice of Business

Kerr Jula, Bertil Harding Highway, Bijilo West Coast Region

Tel: 4463452/4463152-Email: info@gcci.gm P.O. Box: 333, Banjul, The Gambia; www.gcci.gm

It will be recalled that we met in August 2014 to review the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy now in place. In January 2016, we want to build on that first discussion and many others in between, as well as provide the various Policies that enable this pragmatism.

Meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success and what enables governments, top companies and entrepreneurs to make continu-ous improvements. By sharing with others, one can direct limited resources and capabilities to projects considered most important.

Our common objectives must demonstrate that both sides ensure public services are delivered in the most economical, effective and efficient man-ner. We must further create opportunities for pri-vate sector growth and to contribute to the overall economic development through the stimulation of competitiveness and initiative. Notwithstanding we should ensure that the best interests of the public, the business sector and the public are served through an appropriate allocation of risks and returns between partners.

From now on, business operators will have a sol-id policy to cement our partnership of projects with the government. We have clearly heard the

President/ Government’s call for vision 2016 as well the numerous statements that the private sector is the engine of growth in so many procla-mations, Vision 2020, PAGE etc.

The private sector must seize the momentum to ensure that PPP tackles the No. 1 challenge for the whole Gambia. There must be concrete ac-tions by both sides on resolving the energy chal-lenge. Productivity will rise, employment will be created and The Gambia will be more competitive for FDI.

Governments all over the world have been push-ing for PPP because it carries a number of bene-fits. Economists generally agree that, as opposed to the public sector, the private sector have incen-tives to be operationally and economically effi-cient. On the other hand, private companies seek to earn profits, which are enhanced through en-trepreneurial use of resources. Government sav-ings made through greater efficiency offers more resources at the government's disposal to fund social services, lower taxes or increase public utility.

A solid PPP structure also allows for a number of projects to be completed at the same time. PPPs strengthen private sector ability and confidence and stimulate a healthy economic climate. We must resolve together to lay the foundation for a successful outcome, and The Gambia govern-ment together with businesses should use this PPP policy to strive for all parties involved to prosper and profit, and that the public wins.

CEO Alieu Secka

February 2016 e-bulletin Page 2

Consultative Breakfast Meeting Between Executive of the GCCI and Commercial Banks

The executives of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture & Employers’ Association held a consultative breakfast meeting with Senior Officials from the banking sector. The key objective of the consultation was to solicit their support in re-formulating vari-ables and criteria for selection of “GCCI Bank of the Year” award Category. The banking sector continues to be an increasing contrib-utor to national economy, livelihoods and communities with an association that has remained the most struc-

tured and organized private association in the country.

The meeting was an interactive one which provided feed back on criteria selection of previous years. GCCI will continue to work with banks through their association to ensure that a more inclusive approach for the GCCI Busi-ness Award is adopted. It was unanimously agreed by all banks present at meet-ing that the Bank of the Year Award should be main-tained at all times.

T h e meeting was also an op-portunity to re-m i n d m e m -bers of this sector about the roles/mandate of GCCI.

REUOS Meeting with Private Sector

The Chairman, Dr. M.Y. Mufarreh, and his assistant Mr. Tarek M. Tahan of the Real Estate Union in Islamic States (REUOS), based in Saudi Arabia, as part of their working visit in The Gambia came to GCCI Secretariat at Kerr Jula-on Wednesday 24th February 2016 to meet with key Pri-vate Sector players engaged in Real Estate, Fisheries and Agro Processing. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss areas/proposals available for investment in the aforementioned sectors. The meeting was facilitated by GIEPA and the Honorary Counsel General to Saudi Arabia was present. Members of the business community were requested to submit pro-posals to be considered for financing. It is hoped that this would be the beginning of fruitful a partnership.

February 2016 e-bulletin Page 3

Gambia CCM Consultative Meeting with the Private Sector

The Gambia Country Coordinating Mecha-nism (CCM) of The Global Fund in collab-oration with The Gam-bia Chamber of Com-merce, Industry, Agriculture and Employers’ Association held a consultative forum with the private sector at Kerr Jula, Bijilo on Wednesday 24th February 2016.

The Gambia CCM aims to efficiently coordinate and moni-tor the funding and implementation of programmes in the areas; HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in order to achieve high de-gree of success in Global Fund grant implementation. Given the important role that the private sector plays, the meeting was a platform for the CCM Gambia to share experiences and information on the various pro-grammes being implemented under the various grants

(HIV/AIDS grants, Malaria grants & TB grants) as well as to listen to the views, suggestions and possible are-as of improvement and contribution of that sector.

The meeting also includ-ed a presentation and discussions on the AIDS prevention and Control Act.

The Gambia CCM con-sist of representatives from relevant institutions and agencies from govern-ment, private sector, non government organisations, in country multilateral and development partners, academ-ic and educational institutions, people living with HIV and AIDS and TB, religious and faith based organisations and key affected populations.

The CCM is respon-sible for coordinat-ing the country proposals for submission to the Global fund to fight.

Country Date Event

India 14th—15th March 2016 11th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave

Casablanca, Morocco 7th—8th April 2016 Hub Africa 2016

Abidjan, Cate d’ Ivoire 21st—22nd March 2016 Africa CEO Forum 2016

Dakar, Senegal 24th March to 11th April 2016 Trade Fair on Agriculture & Animal Resources

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 22nd—26th May 2016 15th Trade Fair for OIC Member States

Lusaka, Zambia 23rd—27th May 2016 Focus on Energy and Climate Change

Banjul, The Gambia May 21st - 5th June 2016 10th edition of TFGI

Doha, Qatar Fourth Quarter of 2016 African Exhibition and Trade Fair

Upcoming Events

February 2016 e-bulletin Page 4

Company Business Activity

Etude Maitre Diana Sally Dabo Solicitor, Legal Advices

Jalmat Enterprise General Trading

Musa Enterprise General Merchandise, Spare Parts

Myko– Tech investment Second Hand Electronics

Solar Enterprise Buying and Selling Solar Materials

Touba Pneu Enterprise Auto Tires and Rims of Different Types

New Members for the Month of February

Stakeholders Consultative Forum of the Food Safety and Quality Authority

A meeting of the Stakeholders Consultative Forum was convened at the GCCI Secretariat, Kerr Jula on Thursday 25th February 2016. The purpose of Stakeholders Con-sultative Forum is to ensure that stakeholders’ views and concerns are taken into account; ensure close cooperation between the Authority and stakeholders in the areas of food safety and quality; and risk communication where the Authority Identifies or other-wise ob-tains in-formation of an emerging risk.

Topics discussed were the non-compliance with the Food Safety and Quality Act 2011/way for-ward and im-plementat ion of activity plan of the Forum.

The attention of members was drawn to some of the challenges faced in various sec-tors as far as compliance is concerned. It was agreed during that the forum should create awareness on the Food Safety Act and train members from the different sectors.

The members of the Stakeholders Consultative Fo-rum comprise rep-resentative from the following asso-ciations:

1. Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Employers Association – Chairman

2. Agribusiness Services and Producers' Association (ASPA) - Vice Chairman

3. Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents 4. Association of Food Processors 5. Association of Gambian Fishing Companies 6. Association of Small Scale Enterprise in Tourism 7. Bakers Association/Traditional (Brikama) 8. Beekeepers Association 9. Butchers Association (Brikama) 10. Cashew Alliance of The Gambia 11. Diary Association 12. Food Packaging Manufacturing and Distribution 13. Feed Manufacturers and Distributors 14. Gambia Hotel Association 15. Gambia Association for Local Authorities 16. Gambia Diabetics Association 17. Market Vendors Association, Kanifing Municipal

Council (KMC) 18. National Association for Artisanal Fisheries Operators 19. National of Women Farmers Association (NAWFA) 20. Poultry Farmers Association 21. School Nutrition Association