The aim of the meeting was to further the government of Sierra Leone’s effort to promote investment opportunities through a targeted approach, as well as rebranding the country’s image, thus, making it attractive for investors.

Introducing Dr. Cesare Veneri, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture in Verona, Ambassador Baryoh said the visit is a follow-up to a  meeting held with some investors in December 2018 in Italy, in which, he promised to have the minister responsible for trade and investment come to Italy to meet potential investors.

Minister Bayuku Konteh spoke about the on-going business reforms taking place in Sierra Leone “to enable investors realize a win-win on their investment and the overall commitment of the government to see investors as key development partners and great contributors to the country’s national development agenda”.

Presenting the investment opportunities to the Chamber, the Acting Director of Investment Promotion at SLIEPA, Victor Bangura said Sierra Leone’s business opportunities are enormous and that the country is open to investors.

He said that joint venture partnerships are key components to realizing the government’s national development plan.

He said, “Sierra Leone is on the move, and it’s time Italian investors tap into the country’s business potential”. SLIEPA he said can provide investor handholding and investor aftercare services.

Minister Konteh, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio extended invitation to Italian investors through the Chambers to visit Sierra Leone so that their relationship can be taken to another level.

Mr. Veneri promised to put together a team of Italian businesses and work with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Germany and the Government of Sierra Leone through SLIEPA, to organize an inward investment mission to Sierra Leone anytime soon.