GAMBIAN FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS TALK BUSINESS

UNCLAS BANJUL 000088

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON BEXP KWMN GA
SUBJECT: GAMBIAN FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS TALK BUSINESS



1. On February 6, Econoff and Econ Assistant hosted a working
luncheon for a select group of Gambian businesswomen to initiate
discussions on ways to expand their businesses and increase trade
between The Gambia and the United States. The lunch was attended by
nearly 20 women representing the Department of State for Trade,
Industry and Employment, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, and various private enterprises and financial
institutions.


2. The attendees viewed segments of the "Africa, Open for Business"
film which highlights successful and imaginative business endeavors
in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Econoff introduced the film as a
demonstration for women entrepreneurs in The Gambia of how their
colleagues in other African countries were dealing with common
obstacles, such as difficulties in securing mortgages and loans and
high transportation costs. Attendees remarked that they found the
film inspirational and felt that it resonated with their personal
experiences in conducting their businesses.


3. Emboffs also briefed the women on the status of The Gambia's
application for an AGOA Textile Visa which would enable the country
to export textiles and garments to the U.S. duty free and quota
free. They also urged Gambian entrepreneurs seeking to attend trade
shows in the U.S. to plan ahead to avoid last minute difficulties.


4. The women entrepreneurs had a very lively discussion which
covered several areas, such as the importance of specialized
training for tailors to meet the high standards demanded by the
international clothing market. They also urged Gambian
businesswomen to share their knowledge and experiences with each
other and emphasized the importance of marketing and promotion of
their various businesses.


5. The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for
Trade, Industry and Employment, Mrs. Naffie Barry, thanked the U.S.
Embassy for sponsoring the event and said as the principal Gambian
government department responsible for private sector development,
her department is interested in cooperating with any agency
providing assistance to the private sector, particularly women in
business.


6. Econoff was approached by a representative of the largest bank
in The Gambia with an offer to co-sponsor these kinds of events with
the Embassy in the future. Other women inquired about the DVD and
were told how to order copies for themselves. Following the lunch,
Embassy issued a press release which was published in two local
independent journals, "The Point" and "Foroyaa," on February 9.


7. The press articles drew the attention of the country's third
ranking official, National Assembly Speaker Fatoumatta Jahumpha
Ceesay, and of the UN Resident Representative, Fadzai Gwaradzimba,
both strong women's empowerment advocates. In a meeting with the
Ambassador, the Speaker made a point of expressing appreciation for
the Embassy's initiative in hosting this event. The UN Resident Rep
has inquired about the event in the context of similar events she is
considering for the future.


8. At the behest of several of the women, Post plans to work with
WATH to organize a training session for garment workers in The
Gambia to familiarize them with international standards for clothing
production.

STAFFORD