In a landmark development signaling a new era of bilateral cooperation, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio embarked on a historic State Visit to China in February 2024. This visit, marked by an exclusive invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscored the pivotal shift in diplomatic ties between the two nations. A high-level delegation, comprising technocrats, business incubation experts, and politicians, accompanied President Bio, aiming to advance the strategic initiative of Sierra Leone-China Economic Diplomacy, a cornerstone of national development since 2018.
President Bio’s delegation, strategically divided into two factions, pursued multifaceted agendas across China’s key economic hubs. While President Bio led discussions in Beijing with President Xi Jinping and senior members of the Communist Party, his spokesperson, Hon. Alhaji Dr. Alpha Kanu, spearheaded a dynamic delegation to Shenzhen Province. This sub-delegation, focused on engaging with Chinese business and investment leaders, aimed to showcase Sierra Leone’s investment potential centered on the Big 5 Game Changer initiative and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).
During their engagements in Shenzhen, Hon. Kanu and his team held productive discussions with 26 prominent Chinese business leaders. These dialogues centered on potential investments across Sierra Leone’s critical sectors, including Technology, Innovation, Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Education. The discussions yielded promising outcomes, fostering optimism about the economic prospects of bilateral collaborations.
Subsequently, on May 5th, 2024, 26 potential Chinese investors arrived in Sierra Leone for a week-long scoping visit and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the Government of Sierra Leone. The visit aimed to facilitate meetings with Sierra Leone’s political and business leaders, bilateral engagements with ministries, agencies, and departments, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s socioeconomic development.
Among the notable Chinese companies participating in this delegation were:
China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd – Freetown – Lungi Sea Bridge and the Lungi Coastal Highway Project.
- Xuchang Intelligent Relay Co. Ltd – Development of Power System.
- Shandong Zibo Xiangang Industry and Trade Co. Ltd – Rare Earth and gold mining.
- Hang Wing (Shenzhen) UAV Technology Co. Ltd – Development Industrial Power System.
- Shenzhen Zhongbang Environmental Protection Technology Holdings Group Co. Ltd – development of circular economy industrial park.
- Kunwu International Investment Group Co. Ltd – Development of the database.
- Hainan Hongtai Investment Group Co. Ltd – Development of Large scale solar energy.
- Shenzhen Anrui Bo Technolgy Co. Ltd – Smart security power, smart fire protection technology.
- Qianhai Tianchang Transportation Industry (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd specializes in transportation.
- Special Flight Sports Culture Development (Hainan) Co. Ltd – mining and exploration.
- Outstanding International Co. Ltd – Distribution of Largescale solar power generation.
The pivotal meeting between Mrs. Chan, head of the Chinese Business Delegation, and the press, alongside Sierra Leonean government representatives, highlighted the commitment of Chinese investors to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s growth and development. This assurance from Mrs. Chan further solidified the success of the visit, instilling confidence in the audience regarding the prospects of future collaborations.
Moreover, H.E. Victoria Sulaiman, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, extended a warm welcome to the Chinese delegation, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s conducive environment for investment and economic development.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kanu reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between China and Sierra Leone, dating back to the 1970s, and assured the business delegation of government support for legitimate investments.
Chaired by Ambassador Sullay Daramy, a seasoned diplomat, the meeting served as a platform to strengthen ties and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between Sierra Leone and China. As both nations look ahead, the visit sets the stage for significant economic advancement and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
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The Office of the Presidential Spokesman
State House.
May 6th, 2024.
