His Excellency Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, the Sierra Leone Ambassador to China has taken the ‘Feed-Salone’ Project to China’s most productive agricultural Province, Henan. The objective of the visit is to follow up on the cooperation agreements signed between China and Sierra Leone during President Bio’s State visit to the former.
In Henan Province, Ambassador Karim visited the cities of Zhengzhou, Xuchang, and Luoyang. The Ambassador was received by a member of the ruling Party Standing Committee at Henan Provincial, Zhang Min who doubles as Vice Governor of the Province. In her address, she reflected on the deep tradition of friendship and practical cooperation between Sierra Leone and China. She noted that both Sierra Leone and Henan Province have actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative thereby achieving positive economic results, in trade, culture, and education. Zhang Min expressed optimism that the visit would further enhance cooperation in agriculture and its machinery system, mining, infrastructure, and in other relevant fields.
Responding, Ambassador Karim acknowledged the strengthened friendship between the two Countries and praised the fruitful cooperation with Henan. He noted that Henan enterprises have played significant roles in many infrastructural projects in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the development momentum in Henan Province and its compatibility with the agricultural needs of Sierra Leone. He expressed hope to continue strengthening economic exchanges and trade especially by leveraging platforms like the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and others.
Ambassador Karim used the opportunity to engage several key enterprises and institutions like:
1. China Railway Seventh Group:
The Ambassador visited the headquarters of the above Company and held discussions with its executives about agricultural collaboration with Sierra Leone.
2. China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd (CHICO): Here, the Ambassador engaged the leadership of CHICO as a way to continue strengthening the relationship between Sierra Leone and CHICO, a Company intending to expand its operations in other sectors in Sierra Leone such as in Mining and Agriculture.
3. Henan Agricultural Investment Group Co. Ltd:
This Chinese State-owned enterprise with a capital of 20 billion Chinese currency expressed interest in signing a cooperation agreement with the Sierra Leone government. Through the efforts of Ambassador Karim, this would be the company’s first overseas investment since its establishment in 1992.
4. Remy Hair Factory in Xuchang:
Known as a leading brand in hair production, Remy Hair Factory expressed interest in establishing a partnership in Sierra Leone.
5. Xuchang Vocational Technical College: Ambassador Karim toured the college which focuses on developing middle-level manpower in various technological fields. The college has over 20,000 students and 1,000 teachers and, with efforts by the Ambassador, the college has requested exchange programs with the University of Sierra Leone.
6. YTO in Luoyang: Ambassador Karim also met with this company which is a leading tractors manufacturing firm. Discussions on collaboration with Sierra Leone are already at an advanced stage.
In each city, Ambassador Karim met with the Vice Mayors, discussing cooperation agreements earlier signed by leaders of the two Countries, Sierra Leone and China. The discussions focused on education, agriculture, technology, tourism and transportation. The vice mayors expressed strong commitment to taking the collaboration to the next level.
The visit of Ambassador Karim to Henan Province has reinforced the bond between Sierra Leone and China. It also paved the way for future collaborations on various sectors.
