BY IBRAHIM JOENAL SESAY
232NEWS, FREETOWN —
The 3rd session of Face to Face with China took place at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown on Thursday 27h July 2023 with praises on China-Africa Relations by Sierra Leoneans who have visited China either as tourists or to study.
Ge Yao, Acting Political Director of the Chinese Embassy in Freetown disclosed that that the day session focuses on Sierra Leoneans sharing their experiences on their trips to China.
Moses Kamara, representative from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said it is quite challenging for first-time visitors to go to China.
He disclosed that Sierra Leone is far behind when it comes to fisheries, noting that they first need to have fisheries research center in Sierra Leone which is very key for the growth of that sector.
“We really need to improve the aquaculture as it has versed economic impact to a nation,” he said.
He appealed to the ambassador to open one for the Sierra Leone, pointing out that he enjoyed China’s hotspot, noting that they are developmentally oriented and have timeliness in everything they do.
He stated that as a Ministry, they appreciated the embassy’s efforts in ensuring that they got more training as there is need to improve on aquaculture and the need to help in surveillance of the waters which the Ministry is constrained to do.
Alhaji Mohamed Jaward from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the world could be a better place if they foster development through dialogue and collaboration.
He said that China was a country with no GDP to the second highest GDP in the world and they are moving from speed matter to quality matters.
He also spoke about the belt and road initiatives by the Chinese which he said is a strong pillar for human capital development.
Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, China-Africa Institute of University of Makeni speaking about the dynamic partnership with China and Africa said that the relationship has been solidified due to China’s stands in the world.
He said China engagement in Africa has changed the alternatives narrative to the traditional western influences.
He pointed out that China has supported human capital development by offering training which Sierra Leone can draw valuable lessons from.
He also cautioned that African nations should be aware of over dependent.
“Together Africa – China can build a partnership not only now but for the future,” he said.
George Elliot Sam, Star TV Reporter who attended the China Africa Youth Festival in Beijing, described the Chinese as people who are always open and willing to help.
In his summary and Keynote Speech Amb. Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone said they launched the face to face because they want to use the latest development between Sierra Leone and China.
“We want to cut-down disinformation and miss information about China. Free Exchange of Ideas” he said.
Also present at the Face – to –face with China was Chinese Friendship organizations such as the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA) among others.
