The Fourth Edition of the Trade Fair Gambia 2009 (TFG’ 2009) organized by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) started on Saturday, 14 November, 2009 at the Independent Stadium in Bakau.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia, Madam Isatou Njie-Saidy said she was reliably informed that over 200 companies are participating in this year’s trade fair, comprising both local and international companies. She said the interest manifested by exhibiting companies in the Gambia trade fair, despite the economic down turn the world is going through is a testimony to the confidence that these companies have in the economy for the opportunity it provide for the private sector to realize its potentials.
The Vice President said her government will continue to provide the enabling environment for private initiatives to flourish, but noted that the private sector especially the local private sector should make use of the opportunities that are created.
She expressed her gratitude that United Nation’s Day for Industrialization of Africa will be celebrated on the 20 November whilst the trade fair is in fair mood. She therefore urged all the participants to use that day as an opportunity to reflect on how we can achieve the rapid industrialization of the Gambia and to come up with concrete actions to take and reach that goal.
Madam Njie-Saidy said it is sad to note that Africa, despite its immense natural resources weigh a little in international trade. She said the main reason is that so many years after independence, we have not been able to set on an industrialization part.
She thanked the GCCI for a successful organisation of the trade Fair and urge them to work hard to increase international participation in the next editions to come.