By Samsideen Ceesay
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation on Tuesday, 21st June 2022 convened an inaugural steering committee meeting on the Gambia Country Programme (CP).
The steering committee aimed at providing an overall strategic direction and clear roadmap for project prioritisation, and to ensure effective implementation of the project. It also intends to monitor alignment of the CP with relevant national policies, strategies and industrial growth targets to CP activities, with a view to contributing to the implementation of the national industrial development agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Mr Lamin Dampha, said the UNIDO Country Programme (CP) 2022 - 2025 will cover the following components: value chains and agro-industry development, strengthening of national quality infrastructure, modernisation, and upgrading enterprises, supporting MSMEs, entrepreneurship development towards industry and the integration of youth and women in productivity.
He expressed belief that the country programme if fully implemented will put the country on the path of inclusive and sustainable development as it will be a great source of job creation.
Mr. Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO representative in The Gambia, said that the Country Programme’s objective is to enhance The Gambia’s productive and trade capacities towards an increased food security, income and employment generation,; thereby reduce poverty, and bring about economic transformation.
“UNIDO is pleased to report that, up to date, the Organisation has implemented over 90 projects in the country in collaboration with various partners including the private sector, and development partners in the areas of institutional capacity building, energy and environment, agricultural and agribusiness development, investment promotion and productive skills development,”
Mr. Christophe stated.
Narissa Seegulam, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator pointed out that the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) funded by the European Union will support several selected value chains at the national and regional levels in order to promote structural transformation and better access to regional and international markets relevant to social and environmental concerns.