JB Dauda Pursues Development Goals in Italy
Despite several achievements in governance structures including peace and socio-economic transformation in the country, efforts are still in progress to further ensure the effective implementation of development policies, in collaboration with bilateral partners for sustainable growth. (Photo: Ambassador Stevens, J.B.Dauda and Sierra Leone’s Consul Paccifico)
This is attributable to President Koroma’s commitment through his Agenda for Change to overcome challenges that have stalled progress across some infrastructural development sectors. And it was against this backdrop that he (the President) has pledged to the people of Sierra Leone and the world at large, that such commitment would continue to stay on course, especially when his able lieutenants of governments are working arms length to enable him realize his objectives.
Bilateral engagement
While increased proximity of donor funds has become a recognized phenomenon in the recent past, the Sierra Leone government has decided to scrutinize areas of possible intervention for the immediate term-benefit. This was proven by the week-long visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. J B. Dauda to Italy, where he held fruitful discussions with Italy’s Under Secretary of State, Staffan de Mistura.
The purpose of the meeting was to revisit discussions held between Mr. Dauda and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Italy, at the 66th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. It aimed at among other things, redirecting a soft loan for the completion of phase 2 Bumbuna hydro electric projects, the construction of the Matotoka Sefadu road, and further capacitates the viability of the Sierra Leone armed forces, especially when the political turmoil in Mali and Guinea Bissau are posing serious threat within the sub region.
Along with these developments, Hon. Dauda gave a comprehensive breakdown of government achievement to the Italian Under Secretary of State, whose consummate impression was backed by positive signs of Italy’s immediate intervention to further assist Sierra Leone in its transformation and infrastructural development drive. He (the Under Secretary) has promised that necessary action will soon be taken by the Italian government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lend their support in the areas mentioned above.
Investments
The Minister’s visit was not limited to bilateral partners regarding donor assistance, but also included Sierra Leone’s Honorary Consuls in Rome, Naples and Milan respectively. The Mayor of Naples, Director of Confindustrial and business people in Italy were also among the meeting with the Minister. The discussions were geared towards marketing the investment potentials of Sierra Leone, in a bid to ensure sustainable economic growth in the country. While assuring his audience of a safe business environment, Mr. Dauda implored his Honorary Consuls to continue with their hard work and commitment in assisting government to provide the necessary information needed to lure investors into Sierra Leone.
He highlighted areas of potential investment in the country, which he said his government has explored but needed investors in order to get the full benefit necessary to revamp the economy. For example, only 20% of arable land in agriculture is under cultivation, while there is scope to increase traditional crops like rice, cassava, palm fruits, Agro-processing, fruit canning, fishing, tourism and water production in the country. The outcome of the meeting was climaxed by a request made by Director of Confindustrial for a detailed analysis of investment opportunities in Sierra Leone, to enable them to go and invest in the country.
The Minister later met Sierra Leoneans in Italy, and assured them of government’s continued efforts in making Sierra Leone a better place for all. He further encouraged them to go home and contribute to national development. Hon. Dauda was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, and Head of Chancery, Al-Hassan K. Kondeh.
By Umaru S. Jah, IA-Berlin, Germany
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