The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay on Tuesday January 9, 2024, presented a Moroccan business delegation to President Julius Maada Bio, signaling the nation’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment. The delegation, led by Moroccan Ambassador Isam Taib, embarked on a four-day prospecting mission in Sierra Leone after responding promptly to President Bio’s invitation during his state visit to Morocco.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, during the presentation at State House, highlighted the President’s dedication to positioning Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for international investors, stressing the potential benefits of South-South cooperation, of which he underscores the opportunities for Sierra Leone to leverage the partnership with Morocco.
He highlighted the South-South cooperation potential, emphasizing the substantial benefits Sierra Leone could gain from closer ties with Morocco.
The Moroccan delegation, comprising representatives from various sectors including Energy, Commerce, and Agriculture, is particularly interested in President Bio’s priority areas, especially agriculture. Zahra Maafiri from ZAFRIXCS, speaking on behalf of the delegation, thanked President Bio for the invitation and expressed eagerness to explore business opportunities in the country.
The Moroccan Ambassador Isam Taib conveyed warm greetings from His Majesty King Mohammed VI to President Bio and highlighted the growing strength of bilateral relations under President Bio’s leadership. He cited the comprehensive roadmap for cooperation, the opening of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat, and Morocco’s plans to open an Embassy in Freetown as indicators of the deepening ties between the two nations.
On his part, the President His Excellency Julius Maada Bio warmly received Moroccan business delegation, affirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to becoming a credible destination for foreign direct investment.
President Bio, recalling his meetings with the private sector in Marrakech, Morocco, expressed gratitude for the delegation’s prompt response to his invitation. The President assured the Moroccan investors of the Sierra Leonean government’s readiness to collaborate with them, emphasizing the nation’s preparedness for business ventures.
He acknowledged the strong relationship between Sierra Leone and Morocco, expressing gratitude to King Mohammed VI. He encouraged the Moroccan delegation to explore the diverse investment opportunities in Sierra Leone, particularly in the agriculture sector, which is a flagship program in his second term.
The President reassured the delegation of the government’s commitment to working closely with investors and implementing policies for mutual benefit. He emphasized the shared goal of attaining food security and welcomed the delegation as a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Sierra Leone and Morocco. The visit is poised to mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, fostering economic growth and development for both nations.
