According to Trade Minister Mr. Konteh, over the past years the local content concept has been around but not properly implemented. He said the new direction of the SLPP Government is to promote and enforce the display and sale of made in Sierra Leone products henceforth.
“We must take charge and build our economy and our country as Sierra Leoneans,” Mr. Konteh said, adding that they will provide special incentives for owners of supermarkets, stores and shops that diligently observe this order across the country.
The ministry according to Mr. Konteh will bring the key players together not only supermarket and store owners but suppliers and consumers together in a conference with the Standards Bureau for them to address any concerns affecting this process to arrive at a resolution.
“One thing we have to assure is the health of the people in Sierra Leone,” Konteh said and maintained that people should not only enjoy the country’s physical features but its natural products as well.
Mr. Konteh added that the local content concept is not only about made in Sierra Leone products but also about sovereignty and patriotism. He disclosed that they are currently encouraging local and foreign investors to value Sierra Leonean employees not only as laborers but at managerial level.
“Supermarket, shop and store owners have accepted our proposal and as long as I am a minister, I will enforce anything that is good for our country,” he said.
