Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has hailed the inauguration of the 5th Chinese Chamber of Commerce as a “revitalised chapter” in Sierra Leone’s long-standing partnership with China, commending Chinese companies for their strong presence across manufacturing, mining, and construction.
Speaking at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, Dr. Jalloh said, “Over the last two to three decades, we have seen growing Chinese investment in Sierra Leone… Chinese companies are doing very well, and we are very happy with the progress you have made so far.”
He urged deeper local partnerships and adherence to labour and environmental standards, adding, “Local content is very important — companies must source materials locally and train Sierra Leonean workers.”
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Qing reaffirmed that bilateral trade reached 1.8 billion USD in 2024 and praised Chinese firms “for taking root in the local community, creating jobs, and contributing to social development,” while urging them to “operate responsibly and comply with local laws.”
The newly elected Chamber President, Mr. Du Xinguo, pledged to strengthen coordination among members and promote ethical investment, saying the Chamber would “build a dynamic and influential organization that contributes to Sierra Leone’s prosperity.”
Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay also highlighted China’s role as the country’s largest investor, calling on businesses to expand into agro-processing, renewable energy, and manufacturing. “Sierra Leone is open for business,” he said, emphasizing that the government’s reforms aim to move “from a resource-based to a productive-based economy.”
