Trade Minister highlights govt achievements in Germany
Prior to a meeting with investment associates in Germany to market Sierra Leone´s rich potentials, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Richard Conteh, has informed his compatriots in Berlin about his government’s outstanding achievements in recent times. (Photo: From right Ambassador Stevens, Trade Minister and Sierra Leone’s community chairman, Mr. Sesay
The Minister said the APC led government has swiftly enhanced the country’s socio economic development in almost all spheres of governance including agriculture, health, education, energy, infrastructure and good road networks.
He cited a recent World Bank report which he said, ranked the country among the ten top leading reformers across the globe, coupled with GDP growth which is expected to rise up to 60% by next year according to IMF assessment programme. These are clear indications that Sierra Leone is not only forging ahead, but also ready to open its doors for partnership to enhance trade.
“That is why we have decided to organize an investment partnership forum in Sierra Leone later this year,” he disclosed.
Over the years, investment forums to attract business associates have always been organised outside the country. This year’s forum in Sierra Leone will encourage interested investors to go and see the reality on the ground, the Trade Minister added.
He informed that the development programmes being undertaken by the government is to ensure that citizens enjoy basic necessities in a bid to enhance democratic governance and sustained economic growth. The Trade Minister did not mince his words when he said that government’s success has been enormous, which is why, he stressed, “Concerted efforts should be made by all Sierra Leoneans to build on those tremendous gains.”
It is in this milieu that Dr. Conteh informed his audience that the President and his abled lieutenants have seriously embarked on rebranding the country, to attract credible investors including well meaning Sierra Leoneans.
He believed that Sierra Leoneans themselves should be ambassadors for their country and encouraged them to desist from disseminating negative information about Sierra Leone.
“That is why I decided to first meet my compatriots before the German business tycoons,” he stated. The reason, he went on, is because his government put the interest of its citizens first adding that there is every need for Sierra Leoneans abroad to be informed about developments back home.
In his address, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany H. E. Jongopie S. Stevens, reiterated President Koroma’s vision, to move the country off the ground. He informed his audience that Sierra Leone has acclaimed international recognition as a result of its recent development strides. This was apparently stated by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon and also discussed in many international forums where former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and other important personalities were in attendance.
He said, the Minister’s visit is a sequel to the investment forum organised in London last week, noting that he will continue to project the country’s image in subsequent meetings with German investors.
He further encouraged Sierra Leoneans to work assiduously in promoting their country’s image.
Umaru S. Jah- Information Attaché, Germany
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