By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India, Rashid Sesay, has officially inaugurated the India-Africa Trade Office in Kochi, southern India. The initiative aims to strengthen tourism, trade, and investment ties between India and Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, High Commissioner Sesay described the establishment of the Trade Office as a strategic initiative that will enhance investment opportunities between the two nations. He noted that the effort aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision of fostering economic diplomacy to attract foreign direct investment and accelerate economic growth in Sierra Leone.
“I am pleased with the efforts being made to promote Sierra Leone in India. The relationship between our two countries will grow even stronger when we work together. We stand ready to provide the support needed to advance Sierra Leone’s interests,” High Commissioner Sesay stated.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, highlighted the importance of the Trade Office in promoting trade and economic cooperation. He announced plans to organize an Indian trade delegation to Sierra Leone to explore investment opportunities and engage with business stakeholders in the country.
The Hon. Trade Commissioner of the India-Africa Trade Council, Mr. C. Krishna Shanker, also expressed commitment to strengthening trade relations between India and Sierra Leone, emphasizing the mutual benefits of enhanced economic cooperation.
During his visit to Kochi, High Commissioner Sesay also toured the Medical Trust Hospital, a renowned private medical facility with over 700 beds and NABH accreditation. The hospital is equipped with advanced technology and internationally acclaimed medical practitioners, providing high-quality healthcare services for more than four decades.
Following a guided tour of the hospital, High Commissioner Sesay met with its management team. He encouraged them to consider investing in Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector and to establish similar state-of-the-art facilities in the country to support the government’s vision of delivering quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans.
“I can see the top-class services you provide here, and we want to explore partnerships to address our healthcare challenges. We are also keen on training and research opportunities for our healthcare providers. I officially invite you to visit Sierra Leone to discuss potential collaborations,” High Commissioner Sesay stated.
Dr. P.V. Louis, Managing Director of Medical Trust Hospital, expressed appreciation for the visit and welcomed the invitation to Sierra Leone. He affirmed his team’s interest in exploring collaboration opportunities and indicated plans to visit Sierra Leone soon.
The inauguration of the India-Africa Trade Office and the engagement with Medical Trust Hospital mark significant steps in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Sierra Leone. These initiatives are expected to open new avenues for economic growth, trade, and healthcare development