The Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Mr. Shen Xiaokai met with the 30 participants at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) on 2rd August 2017. In his remarks he told the participants that in December 2016, His Excellency the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Momodu Kargbo visited China, where they had high level bilateral meetings with Chinese Government Officials. He said this seminar is as a result of those meetings. “When China makes a commitment, China will fulfil it” he reiterated. He said The Ministry of Finance is one of the most important ministries in this country; therefore this seminar was designed specifically to meet the needs of the ministry.
China and Sierra Leone are now at the highest level of Cooperation–The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation – The Embassy will send more than 600 Sierra Leoneans to China to attend workshops, seminars, and technical training programs in different areas of specialties this year. Eleven (11) bilateral seminars were designed specifically for Sierra Leone in an effort to capacitate the workforce of this country. These seminars will serve as a platform for exchange of ideas and the Chinese side will use the opportunity to share their development experiences to their Sierra Leonean counterparts. He strongly believes that with the right policies in place this country will develop its economy rapidly again. He encouraged the participants to enjoy the Chinese experience and hospitality and wished them fare ware. All the participants have been issued with their travel tickets.
Mr. Emmanuel Tamba Komba, Deputy Financial Secretary and team leader of the delegation from the Ministry of Finance expressed his profound thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Ministry to Mr. Shen Xiaokai, The Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy. He said China is a reliable partner; one who has stood by Sierra Leone in good and not so good times. ”Thank you for your support during the Ebola epidemic”. He assured the Counsellor that they will do their utmost to ensure the gain the best from the seminar.
Millicent Adama Sillah, one of the Participants gave the vote of thanks. She said this is the first time in the history of the ministry for a large group (30 staff) to travel overseas on seminar. Chinese contribution to the development of Sierra Leone is highly appreciated, she stated. She concluded by saying they were grateful for the opportunity and that they are looking forward to gaining the Chinese experience.
