The Daily Observer<\/a> (Banjul)<\/p>\nAmadou Jallow<\/p>\n
28 December 2011<\/p>\n
\nThe matching grant facility scheme of The Gambia Growth and Competitiveness Project (GCP) was Tuesday officially launched at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi. Presided over by the minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Abdou Kolley, the GCP is Gambia government’s strategy financed through a Specific Investment Loan by the International Development Assistance grant at a tune of US$12M.<\/p>\n
The project is designed to improve the investment climate and to strengthen the competitiveness of key sectors of the Gambia economy. The five-year project seeks to contribute towards sustaining the growth of the economy and enhance poverty reduction through private sector-led growth. The three main implementing partners of the project are the Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launching, Minister Kolley described the project as immensely important to the government of The Gambia because of its potential to harness the country’s economy through the involvement of the private sector. He expressed hope that the project will bring to possibility the delivery of better services in the country’s economy and sustain growth as articulated in the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE). He disclosed that a key component of the project is the horticulture scheme, which is expected to link Gambian farmers to the global market.<\/p>\n
While thanking all the stakeholders in the successful launching of the project, Minister Kolley assured of his Ministry’s unreserved commitment in the facilitation of the timely implementation of the project. The deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Saul Njie, said the project will help improve the business environment, especially through improved business start-up and operating procedures.<\/p>\n
Tamsir Manga, coordinator of the Gambia Growth and Competitiveness Project, recalled that the project was launched by President Jammeh in March this year and since then, has been running successfully. He noted that the project is designed to increase private sector participation in the enhancement of the Gambia economy and increase finance through micro and small-scale enterprises.<\/p>\n
Manga then used the platform to call on the private sector, particularly the micro and small enterprises to participate fully in the implementation of the project.<\/p>\n
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