Sierra Leone Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay Addresses Fourth Türkiye - Africa Business And Economic Forum, Discusses Government’s Big Five Priorities.

 

Istanbul, Türkiye, Thursday 12 October 2023 - Sierra Leone Minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable Ibrahim Alpha Sesay has addressed the Fourth Türkiye Business and Economic Forum, and has shared government’s Big Five priority programmes of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

Minister Sesay was in attendance with His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, Sierra Leone Ambassador to Türkiye, senior members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and other player in the business community.

He further told the Forum that the Parliament of Sierra Leone had ratified the trade agreement with Türkiye, adding that the agreement on the Exemption of Double Taxation would help eradicate trade barriers between the two countries; thereby ensuring that the business climate is conducive to the extent that risk on large scale investment is kept at the bare minimum and return on investments would also be rewarding.

He stressed on the potentials of the country’s blue economy; where he said that Sierra Leone has one of the world’s richest fishing grounds with a coastline of approximately 500KM, and 30,000 Kms continental shelf boasts with a commercially viable stock of fish.

“A quarter of our national budget will be directed to agriculture, so as to support the Feed Salone initiative.

“We are therefore looking for private sector investment in the agricultural value chain as well as inputs and equipment”, he stated.

In the tourism industry, Minister Sesay told the Forum that Sierra Leone has engaged in rebranding the sector and has been identified by key international media outlet like the Times; he called on investors to participate in the development of the sector.

“As a country, Sierra Leone is open for business particularly in the agricultural sector. There are flexible laws and policies including concessions that will attract Foreign Direct Investment. “We will like to invite Turkish investors to fully participate in this drive”, noted.

Turkish Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer BOLAT, told the gathering that the forum meant to delve into the challenges encountered in the realization of the economic potential of Türkiye and Africa, and to chart out ways to unlock new opportunities.

“Throughout the event, participants from Türkiye and African countries will find the opportunity to share their knowledge and to analyze roadblocks through dialogue, while identifying pathways for collaboration, innovation, and growth in sectors that hold immense promise for both Türkiye and Africa such as agro-industries, healthcare and tourism”, he stated.

 

 For More Inquiries:

Sierra Leone Embassy

Ankara, Türkiye

sierraleoneembassyturkey@gmail.com

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