SIERRA LEONE EMBASSY HOSTS TRADE AND CULTURAL FORUM IN CHINA'S INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND.

The Sierra Leone Embassy in the People’s Republic of China successfully convened a major Trade and Cultural Forum in the industrial powerhouse of Dongguan. The event marked a significant step in deepening bilateral economic ties and showcased Sierra Leone as a prime destination for strategic investment.

The forum attracted over 300 distinguished participants, including representatives from the Dongguan Municipal Government, prominent Chinese industrialists, business executives, and a high-level Sierra Leonean delegation. The delegation was led by Dr. Edred Taylor, Chairman of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives (OPII).

A representative of the Dongguan Municipal Government extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, his staff, and all attendees. Ambassador Karim then delivered a keynote address, framing the forum as a celebration of a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

"Standing in this dynamic city, a global workshop, and a beacon of China's remarkable economic transformation - fills me with profound pride and optimism,' stated Ambassador Karim. He expressed the gratitude of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for China's steadfast partnership. 'As we look to the future,' he continued, 'we envisage a partnership that evolves to new heights - one that is investment-driven and deeply rooted in mutual prosperity.'

Ambassador Karim emphasized that the delegation’s presence in Dongguan was a clear signal of Sierra Leone's openness for business. He highlighted the nation's strategic advantage as home to the largest natural deep-seaport in Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning it as a gateway to over 400 million consumers in the ECOWAS region.

On the critical mining sector, Dr. Karim outlined government plans for strategic expansion and the pursuit of genuine partnerships with global investors. He disclosed the establishment of a new State-owned Mineral Wealth Fund, designed to facilitate major new investments. As a landmark example, he cited a recent US $2 billion investment partnership with China's NRDC to develop iron ore mines, which includes an integrated rail, road, and port project connecting the mines to a proposed deep seaport.

Ambassador Karim invited Chinese investors to explore key growth sectors beyond mining...

· The New Blue Economy: Leveraging pristine Atlantic waters for sustainable fisheries and marine biotechnology.

· The Green Revolution: Vast potential in agribusiness, including organic cocoa, coffee, cassava, and palm oil for commercial cultivation and value-added processing.

· The Future in Tourism: Development of untouched beaches and rich ecological heritage for eco-tourism.

· A New Digital Frontier: Tapping into a young, energetic population to build a hub for ICT and digital services in West Africa.

The Ambassador affirmed that the government of President Julius Maada Bio has instituted robust reforms to improve the ease of doing business, guarantee investor protection, and ensure transparency.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Karim presented a compelling vision for collaboration. 'Sierra Leone offers the raw materials, political will, and strategic location as a gateway to West Africa, he said... You, the people of Dongguan and Guangdong Province, possess the technology, expertise, and visionary entrepreneurship that shaped modern China. We are ready, eager, and committed. Let this forum be the catalyst for a new wave of Chinese investment and a deeper friendship between our peoples', the Ambassador poited out.

The forum also featured presentations from Sierra Leonean officials, including Dr. Edred Taylor of OPII; Ms. Fatima Mahawa Sandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Investment Board; Mr. Abubakar Kamara, Director of Research and Planning at the Sierra Leone Port Authority; and Mr. Mohamed Kaimokai, Principal Fisheries Officer. Their statements detailed specific investment opportunities and extended a call for genuine foreign investors to engage with Sierra Leone's growing economy.

The event was climaxed by the singing of collaborative and partnership packs between the Embassy and the Dongguan business community, including government officials.

The Head of Chancery of the Sierra Leone Embassy in China, Mr. Ahmed Ashmed Wurie signed as a moral guarantor on behalf of the Embassy.

For Media Inquiries:

Information Department Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, People's Republic of China

Email:info@sleinfo@slembassychina.gov.sl

X:@leonechina83644