By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, addressed a gathering at the “Face to Face with China” press reception held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown. The event provided a platform for engaging with media representatives and friendship organizations, emphasizing the continued growth and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wang underlined the significance of two major events impacting China’s development and its international relations, particularly with Africa. The first was the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in Beijing in July. He highlighted the session’s focus on reform and opening-up, which remain crucial to China’s economic progress and global standing. The Ambassador shared insights on the session’s roadmap, which introduced over 300 initiatives across key areas including democracy, rule of law, culture, and economic development. These reforms aim to boost institutional support, develop high-tech industries, and advance integration between traditional and digital economies.
Ambassador Wang also discussed China’s commitment to promoting high-standard international economic engagement by fostering a transparent and predictable business environment. He noted the reduction of market access restrictions, increased support for innovation, and greater openness across sectors such as telecommunications, education, and healthcare.
The Ambassador traced the roots of China’s reform and opening-up policy back to 1978, marking it as a transformative decision that lifted over 700 million people out of poverty and positioned China as a global economic powerhouse. With China’s continued push for reform in today’s challenging environment, he emphasized President Xi Jinping’s call for unwavering commitment to this strategy, highlighting its relevance for both China and the international community.
The second event discussed was the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled for early September in Beijing. Established in 2000, FOCAC has grown into a vital platform for China-Africa dialogue and cooperation. Ambassador Wang highlighted that China has been Africa’s largest trading partner since 2009, with trade between the two regions reaching $282 billion in 2023. He also emphasized the positive impact of China-Africa cooperation in areas like infrastructure, investment, and job creation, as well as mutual support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Turning to Sierra Leone, the Ambassador noted that President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China earlier this year has deepened bilateral cooperation in agriculture, human capital development, and infrastructure. Projects such as the China-Aided Fish Harbour and the ongoing renovation of the National Stadium were cited as examples of strengthened ties. The Ambassador also revealed upcoming plans in technology and digital infrastructure, including discussions on the “Smart Sierra” initiative aimed at increasing internet coverage in rural areas.
Ambassador Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to turning the shared vision of the two countries’ leaders into tangible benefits for both nations. He expressed optimism that the upcoming FOCAC Summit will further enhance China-Africa cooperation and reinforce a shared future of mutual development and prosperity.
