By Lamin Sanyang
The European Union and Gambia Government has Thursday, February 9, launched an11 million Euro (80 million dalasi) Emergency Trust Fund for Stability at Kairaba Beach Hotel.
Speaking at the launching, Dr. Isatou Touray, Minister of trade, regional integration and employment commended the EU high powered delegation, saying the project came at the right time.
“We have no doubt that the International Trade Centre ITC will deliver to our expectations,” Minister Touray said.
Dr. Touray said the new government has inherited a very weak economy from the former government but the project would be very supportive. She said one of the challenges inherited from Jammeh administration is the migration of the country’s youth through the ‘back way’.
“This project is crucial for creating more jobs and employments for the youth,” she pointed out.
The EU Commissioner Neven Mimica, said the project is targeting hundred thousand youths by creating jobs opportunities for them.
“It is the start of new era for this country,” EU Commissioner Neven Mimica said.
The EU Commissioner talked about the public and private dialogue for creation of jobs and working with the country’s young entrepreneurs. He talked about restoring hope for the diaspora especially the youth that fled the country through the back way, saying they should be engage to rebuild the country.
“Let’s work together. Let’s be together for this new Gambia,” he posited.
The ITC Executive Director, Arancha Gonzalez expressed the full support of the entire International Trade Centre and the UN to the Gambia in its new beginning.
“The Youth Empowerment Project we are launching today is about making trade work for The Gambia’s young women and men, too many of whom were compelled to take the dangerous ‘back way’ in search of a future abroad,” Madam Gonzalez explained.
She also explained that the peaceful transition opens up an important window of political opportunity to consolidate democratic institutions and processes to pursue economic reforms that increase growth and job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the project is targeting beneficiaries the youth between 15-35 years for vocational training and technical institutes including industry associations among other things.
The objective is to tackle the economic root causes of irregular migration through increased job opportunities and income prospects for youth. The project aims to improve skills, fosters entrepreneurship and creates employment along selected value chains.
