Sierra Leone’s Fisheries Minister, Mrs. Princess Dugba, and Senior Chinese Officials Chart a Revitalised Path for Maritime Cooperation in High-Level Beijing Talks.

 In a significant stride toward strengthening bilateral ties and promoting sustainable development, Sierra Leone and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the fisheries sector. This milestone emerged during the second session of the China-Sierra Leone Joint Fisheries Committee (JFC) meeting held this week in Beijing.

Co-chaired by China’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhili, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mrs. Princess Dugba, the high-level engagement culminated in the signing of official meeting minutes, marking another chapter in a partnership described by both nations as longstanding and mutually rewarding.

“Our two nations share a deep and enduring friendship,” said Vice Minister Zhang. Fisheries cooperation between China and Sierra Leone not only supports economic and social development but also plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with Sierra Leone in areas such as resource conservation, full industry-chain development, and technical assistance, underscoring a practical, mutually beneficial approach to sectoral growth.

Minister Dugba, in her remarks, lauded the achievements made so far under the bilateral fisheries framework. “The cooperation between our countries has been both effective and impactful,” she noted. “We anticipate continued support from China in advancing Sierra Leone’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.”

The session featured comprehensive discussions on key areas, including distant-water fishing, aquaculture development, and scientific research. Both sides committed to a resilient partnership framework aimed at scientific conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.

As part of the renewed agenda, the two nations agreed to conduct fisheries resource surveys using innovative and adaptable methodologies. Plans were also laid out for policy planning collaboration, technical exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing aquaculture capabilities in both countries.

Since 2018, Sierra Leone and China have considerably expanded their bilateral relationship through strategic agreements and high-level exchanges, notably including state visits by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to China. During his most recent visit in March 2024, President Bio met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leading to a joint declaration on a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This declaration emphasised mutual support on core national interests and outlined new avenues for collaboration across various development sectors.

Minister Dugba’s meeting with the Chinese Vice Minister builds on the foundational Memorandum of Understanding signed previously, which established the Joint Fisheries Committee (JFC) as the primary mechanism for overseeing and evaluating the ongoing partnership.

As both nations look ahead with renewed purpose, the outcomes of the latest JFC session highlight a shared vision: one that champions sustainable fisheries management, technological exchange, and long-term prosperity, rooted in trust, shared expertise, and a common goal of uplifting the livelihoods of their people.