By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, July 14 (232News) – In line with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Sierra Leone- China Friendship, a memorable symposium on China-Sierra Leone Trade and Investment Cooperation was held to take the cooperation to a new high.
The symposium which was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation took place on Thursday 8th July 2021 through Zoom.
Sierra Leone Foreign Affairs Minister Professor David Francis spoke about the value of such cooperation and commended China for their steadfast love for Sierra Leone.
Ministry of Mines Policy Adviser, Daniel Gbondo said China contribution to the economic growth of Sierra Leone is visible. He cited Chinese investments in the mining sector as tremendous.
“This sector is contributing to the country’s GDP greatly. It is our policy legal regulatory reform for it to become a win-win situation for the people investment and the country.”
He disclosed that the mining sector policy set up by the government of Sierra Leone looking at four components.
The Manager for Kingho Investment Company, Gilbert said due to the support they are getting from Sierra Leone government and the Chinese Embassy guard line they were able to stand the test of time.
He disclosed that two thousand employees are in Kingho Investment Company and they ensure that the company becomes a profitable one.
He spoke about the series of questions they received for choosing Sierra Leone as their investment destination.
“Sierra Leone has significant untapped human natural resources and above all are strong friends to China”
He also disclosed plans for the construction of a billion Dollars plant in the next ten years which will put Sierra Leone as the new investment destination in West Africa.
In his Policy statement, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mohamed Sheriff, said the China prioritized youth, women in their policy which they modernized to that of Sierra Leone policy.
He said Chinese technical training in Sierra Leone are very successful model if they adopt it, it will go a long way for them.
He spoke about the 14 phase design mechanization to cut down on the importation of rice which is the flagship program of the government.
Ministry of Trade and Industry Infrastructural and Public sector reform Chief Director and Professional head, Emmanuel Konjoh said women in trade and business continue to work with China.
He spoke about the new national trade strategy which is in place with four key pillars that will focus on the green growth industrialization.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang said the symposium is held against two major backgrounds: the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic relations and the Covid-19 pandemic.
He went on to say since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, China and Sierra Leone have always been genuine friends that enjoy mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual support. Over the past 50 years, economic and trade cooperation has always been an important part of and a strong driving force for the development of our bilateral relations. Over the past one year or so, the Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged the world and severely affected all countries including China and Sierra Leone. Like all other countries, China and Sierra Leone face the arduous task of fighting the pandemic, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring people’s livelihood.
“Today, we hold this symposium to review the achievements of our trade and investment cooperation, explore new opportunities, discuss ways of overcoming challenges, and promote the alignment of this cooperation with Sierra Leone’s development diplomacy and the National Medium-term Development Plan. This is an event of great importance.”
He continued to say strengthening friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries has always been the cornerstone of China’s foreign policy. H.E. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Principals of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith in developing China’s relations with African countries, and advocated for upholding justice while pursuing shared interests in China-Africa Cooperation. Early this year, during his visit to Africa, H.E. Wang Yi, the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China made it clear that China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to accelerate economic recovery and upgrade China-Africa cooperation.
“Let us not be confused by those irresponsible remarks that undermine China-Africa cooperation and China-Sierra Leone cooperation, not be distracted by some isolated events and not to be disrupted by extremist thinking, prejudices, lies, irrational individual demands, or shortsightedness. Let’s address whatever problems that might erupt in the course of cooperation in a friendly, rational, peaceful and legal way, rather than simply deny or even overturn cooperation while encountering problems. The Chinese government always requires the Chinese companies overseas to operate in accordance with the laws of the host country, respect local customs and traditions, and fulfill their social responsibilities. I am glad to see that the vast majority of the Chinese companies in Sierra Leone are doing very well. We should never accept the accusations of “neo-colonialism”, “illegal operation”, “racial discrimination” and “resource plundering” lashed out against Chinese companies and China-Sierra Leone Cooperation.”
He further stated that the achievements of China-Sierra Leone economic and trade cooperation are the result of the hard work of the companies and people of our two countries, as well as the strong support of the successive governments of Sierra Leone (now the New Direction Government under the leadership of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio). The Chinese side is highly appreciative of this and sincerely wishes that this cooperation will continue to reach new heights. Statements were also made by Fugiang Company, Ministry of Works, Paul Bockarie and CRSG among others
