AYV News, March 5, 2026
Bilateral ties between China and Sierra Leone are poised for further strengthening following a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador, Zhao Yong, to the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor M. Bah.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s office at YouyiBuilding in Freetown, centered on expanding cooperation across key development sectors. Minister Bah expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, noting that sustained engagement over the years has yielded tangible development gains.
Discussions highlighted several priority areas aimed at deepening collaboration, including capacity building initiatives and study tours, new investment opportunities, refurbishment of the Miatta Civic Centre, and the provision of coastal buses to strengthen civic engagement across the country.
A major project discussed was the modernization of the Government Printing Department. The initiative is being supported by a Chinese private firm, Diming Yimo Printing Company, which is investing approximately five million United States dollars to transform the facility into a modern printing complex.
Minister Bah disclosed that the agreement has received Cabinet and Attorney General approval, with implementation already underway. He added that the refurbished Government Printing Department is expected to be officially commissioned in April as part of Independence Day celebrations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and gave assurances that Sierra Leone’s proposals would receive positive consideration. He noted that this year marks the 56th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, underscoring what he described as a resilient and evolving partnership.
Observers say the engagement reflects a shared determination to broaden cooperation beyond traditional government-to-government frameworks, promoting stronger people-to-people and business-to-business linkages aimed at supporting sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
