BY IBRAHIM JOENAL SESAY (232news.com)
Sierra Leone Minister of Trade and Industry, Edward Hinga Sandy has disclosed that China is Sierra Leone’s biggest trading partner.
The Minister made these remarks recently at China House during the second session of Face to Face with China.
He went on to say when it comes to trade, mining, and education among other sectors China is the biggest in the country.
He spoke about the move government has engaged with their Chinese counterpart to ensure that they cut down the high level of a currency exchange when business people want to buy goods from China. According to the Minister, it is a huge task on the side of business people to change from Leones to US Dollars and Renminbi (RMB) but with their current engagement, business people can buy directly using Leones to RMB instead of US Dollars.
Minister Sandi who was once in China for six years studying at the Chinese University of Geosciences Wuhan explained some of his good times in that country and described the seminar as one that demonstrate China’s respect and value for the two countries.
He pointed out that after the relationship between Sierra Leone and China has grown to this level, Sierra Leone needs to grow by seeing Chinese companies localising their factories in the country.
He emphasised that they will continue to work very closely with the embassy for both countries’ relationship to move from strength to strength.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing described the day as a good opportunity for them to renew their friendship and exchange views on issues of common interest.
“I believe that all of you are participants, contributors, and promoters of China-Sierra Leone relations and have a keen interest in what is going on in China.”
Ambassador Qing spoke about the three major events in China since the beginning of this year.
“China and Sierra Leone are good friends, good brothers, and good partners. After 52 years of development since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Sierra Leone relations have reached a historical high point and become a model of China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation. The friendship between nations lies in the closeness of people. The healthy development of China-Sierra Leone relations cannot be achieved without the support of the people of both countries. For a long time, the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, Sierra Leone China Foundation, Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association, and the media have made important contributions to maintaining the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cooperation between the two sides,” Ambassador Qing said.
Ambassador Joe, Former Chairman of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, said for over 50 years, the friendship between China and Sierra Leone has been steadfast and one that stands on a solid foundation.
“There are signs and symbols which show the friendship between the two countries when you walk through the city.”
Ibrahim Bangura Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA), spoke about the Association’s founder and what they have been doing to bridge the gap between Sierra Leone and China through SmallSmallChinese.
Mohamed Kamara, Chairman of the Sierra Leone China Foundation, spoke about the intervention of the Chinese in Sierra Leone ranging from education to agriculture.
He pointed out that China has contributed eminency to Sierra Leone.
Dr. Alpheus Koroma, President of the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA), thanked China for their presence in Sierra Leone. He said such a gathering is for them to find alternatives to spread the good message of China.
He spoke about the several support China has given to Sierra Leone more so in emergency cases.
Stressing that Agriculture is Sierra Leone’s urgent need for food sufficiency.
