One of the barriers the President mentioned that should be broken is language barrier. He reflected that it was during his engagements with the Ivorian Government for the peace consolidation in 1996 that encouraged him to learn French. He stated that while he appreciated the then translator, he made a promise to himself that he would learn French.

President Bio also expressed his admiration for the efforts of the Ivorian Government to teach English language in schools. His Excellency stated that his new Government will also intensify the learning of French from Primary to Secondary Schools.

President Bio praised the members of the Business General Confederation of Cote d’Ivoire for their impressive performance in the private sector which has led to the growth of the Ivorian economy. He stated that one of the objectives for meeting the business leaders was to learn from them how to create a vibrant private sector.

His Excellency told the business leaders that as a new Government, his strategic priority is to diversify the Sierra Leone economy through agronomics, fish farming, tourism and marine resources. “I want to make this open invitation to all of you to come and invest in Sierra Leone to expand our private sector. There are great opportunities for us to strengthening economic cooperation,” President Bio stated.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the Vice President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Daniel Kablan Duncan who welcomed President Bio and explained about his Government’s structural reforms that have created the conducive environment for the private sector. Statements were also made by the President of CGECI, the Director General of the Office of the Promotion of Investment in Cote d’Ivoire and the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cote d’Ivoire.