<p>The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), National Implementation Unit (NIU), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) on Tuesday concluded a two-day workshop on the revision and validation of the report on the cashew sub-sector in The Gambia. The event which was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel attracted both national and international stakeholders, including senior government officials and agronomists amongst others to validate a strategy document meant to provide specific support for the cashew production.</p> <p>In his welcoming remarks, programme officer, Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), Modou Touray, said the validation document focuses on finding new export opportunities, product diversification, improved value-addition, quality enhancement and strengthening sector support institutions of cashew sector.</p> <p>According to him, the revision and validation of a strategy document is crucial for the growth and development of the cashew sub-sectors. The revision exercise he said targets the current performance, constraints, future orientations and key priority activities of cashew sector. Touray stated that the validation of a strategy document is geared towards promoting good farm practices, as well as increase the exportation of cashew products, and by extension create more awareness on the impacts of the two sectors on agricultural exports.</p> <p>"The sector competitiveness and export diversification project, on the cashew sector is implemented by International Trade Center (ITC), who are also providing technical backup, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) and local stakeholders," Touray added.</p> <p>For his part, Charles Roberge, a representative of the International Trade Center (ITC), stated that the strategic validation of the document is aimed at reflecting on the needs and aspirations and the corresponding activities required to achieve the desired results. He added that the validation workshop is meant to highlight the contents of the document with a view to encouraging active participation and support of all stakeholders. Charles further said the strategic validation document seeks to improve the performance of the cashew sector, through a multi-dimensional approach in line with the business environment, marketing and export performance.</p> <p>According to the ITC representative, the validation document also aims to tap emerging opportunities, by providing a coherent framework endorsed by government for the next five years, all geared towards the development of cashew sector.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>