His Excellency Mohamed Kai Samba, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkey successfully organized the first ever online business meeting between Ministers of Government of Sierra Leone and a galaxy of potential business leaders and investors from Turkey.
Welcoming the galaxy of Government Ministers and the rank and file of the Ankara Chambers of Industry (ASO), Ambassador Kai-Samba commended al Ministers for taking time from their busy schedule to attend the on-line trade and business meeting. He reiterated the fact that, the Government of President Maada Bio is committed to doing more for business and attracting investment in Sierra Leone. He recalled that, the formalization of the establishment of the national investment board which is being co- chaired by His Excellency the President and vice President of Sierra Leone is a demonstration of the New Direction’s commitment to investors and businesses coming to Sierra Leone. Ambassador Kai-Samba used the occasion to acknowledge the efforts of his team at the embassy, for making the meeting a reality.
The Secretary General of the Ankara Chambers of Commerce (ASO), Mr Yavuz Cabar, expressed delight at the conveying of the meeting. He expressed gratitude to the Ambassador Kai Samba for facilitating the meeting. He reiterated that, His organization has recognized the huge potentials in Sierra Leone for business and Investment, and that his membership is very keen to explore these OPORTUNITIES TO THE FULEST.
The key note address was delivered by The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Nabeela Tunis. Her statement focused on exposing Sierra Leone’s business and Investment opportunities. In Her address, Madam Nabeela stressed the importance the Government of President Maada Bio place on the strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Turkey. She stressed that, the opening of embassies in Freetown and Ankara is a clearly manifestation of the determination of both countries to deepen our bilateral ties.
In his remarks on the theme, promoting trade in key sectors, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, represented by His Deputy Minister, Abraham Jones, explained that, Sierra Leone under President Maada Bio has liberalized the business and investment environment, by implementing investor friendly regulations. He assured the attendees of the meeting of a welcoming and friendly business atmosphere should they decide to choose Sierra Leone as their destination for business and Investment. He informed the gathering that, Turkish companies are already experiencing very favorable business engagement in Sierra Leone, and particularly called on investors to consider investing in Sierra Leone flour, service sectors such as transportation, medical and health sectors.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof Alpha Wurie, informed the audience that, His Excellency President Bio’s New Direction Government has deliberately prioritized Education with the introduction of His innovated Free Quality Education initiative, which He said continues to make tremendous impact in the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that, there are huge investment opportunities in the tertiary Education sector, particularly in the area of establishing State OF THE ART TECHNICAL AND SKILLS TRAING INSTITUTIONS, collaborating in constructing staff and students living facilities. Prof. Wurie assures the gathering that, His Ministry was ready to engage and welcome businesses and individuals from Turkey for investment in the wider educational sector.
The Minister of Mines and Mineral resources, Timothy Musa Kabba, expounded on Sierra Leone huge investment opportunities in the mining sector, citing opportunities in gold, diamond, iron ore and bauxite. He encouraged potential investors to consider supporting Government’s efforts in engendering a sustainable investment and business environment supported by technology and innovation in mining practices. He applauded Turkish know-how in mining technologies and encouraged the implementation of the same in Sierra Leone. Mr Kabba, further disclosed that, current business reforms in the sector, guarantees transparency and a win-win climate for all stakeholders.
Speaking on the huge investment and business opportunities in the Tourism Sector, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt, told the meeting that, the Tourism sector presents huge untapped potentials, which she said is waiting to be discovered. She called on the participants to actively consider investment in the sector, informing the audience that, 2021 has been declared as the year of domestic tourism, and called on participants to consider Tourism investment in Sierra Leone for win-win outcomes. Minister Pratt, applauded the Turkish Tourism sector, which she said is well organized and globally admired. She invited participants to consider the opportunities in eco-tourism, group tourism, volunteer tourism, education and research in tourism, water sports and birds watching expeditions. She assures the participants that, there are ongoing structural reforms in the Tourism sector, that guarantees the best possible outcomes for all who considers the sector for investment and business.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim explained that, The Agriculture sector remain one of the key priority sectors of Government, and the highest employer, accounting for 40 per cent of GDP. He told the meeting about the sector’s National Agricultural Transformation Program 2023, which He stressed, clearly articulates key opportunities in this sector. Dr Karim called on all participants to consider investment in Sierra Leone’s lucrative agriculture sector, particularly in areas such as, livestock, crop diversifications, cacao, coffee and cashew. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s admiration of The Turkish expertise in various Agricultural dimensions, which we are key to tap into. He stressed his Ministry’s readiness and willingness to engage with potential business and Investors, considering investment in the Agriculture and forestry sectors.
The CEO of the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA), Sheku Lexmond Koroma, in his contribution, assured the audience that, His Agency is mandated to ensure a smooth landing in Sierra Leone, for all potential investors. He assured participants that, Sierra Leone is ready for business and to welcome investors and businesses from Turkey. He reminded al that, many Turkish investors and businesses are already enjoying a very conducive business environment in Sierra Leone. He guaranteed the same experience for all businesses considering Sierra Leone as a destination for business and investment.
Considering the limitations imposed by COVID-19 on traveling, on-line innovative trade meetings like these is a laudable initiative. Speaking to Turkish and Sierra Leonean participants after the meeting, one participant comments: ‘well, the ambassador’s efforts are commendable. These are times for innovative ideas in rebranding and engaging with our international business partners and friends’.
