European Union (EU) and Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has signed a new project of €500,000 to promote investments in culture, creative arts and sports to enhance resilience against climate change in local communities.
The EU said on Monday that the project aims to provide support to micro, small and medium enterprises in one of the most affected sector, tourism industry. It is budgeted with circa €500,000, more than D28 million.
EU Ambassador, Attila Lajos stressed that: “Today, more than ever, the EU stands by The Gambia and its people as we only collectively could win the fight against this pandemic. I have no doubt that once the situation is stabilised, visitors will come back to the smiling coast of Africa because we love The Gambia, and Europeans love The Gambia. Therefore, we should not decrease our efforts in improving and diversifying the products and services the country has on offer.”
He revealed that project action pursues a threefold objective and the first is to support the production of innovative handicrafts and promote fair labour conditions.
He added that local artisans will work with EU artisans and be linked to the EU market and local tourist industry.
Ambassador Lajos said the second will be to promote traditional wrestling as cultural heritage with the creation of a network of wrestling training clubs and use wrestling as a tool to create solidarity amongst communities.
The third fold he explained that the project will be about developing a new regulatory environment to promote arts, culture and sports.
“This is a joint effort, a partnership of great value: it will create jobs and enhance social cohesion and provides for the discovery of new Gambian talents. This is why, in these trying times, the EU is particularly delighted to partner with GCCI that is the calling Voice of Gambian Business,” he said.