Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India, Rashid Sesay, officially inaugurated the India-Africa Trade Office on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Kochi, southern India. This landmark initiative is set to enhance tourism, trade, and investment opportunities between Sierra Leone and India, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the inauguration ceremony, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay hailed the establishment of the Trade Office as a transformative step in strengthening economic ties. He described the initiative as a strategic alignment with the vision of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who has championed economic diplomacy to position Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and foster sustainable economic growth.
“I am impressed by the efforts to promote Sierra Leone in India,” said High Commissioner Rashid Sesay. “The relationship between our two countries will flourish further as we continue to work together. We stand ready to provide the necessary support to advance Sierra Leone’s interests and deepen our partnership.”
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Trade Office’s focus on fostering trade and economic cooperation. He announced plans to organize an Indian trade delegation to Sierra Leone to explore investment opportunities and engage with key business stakeholders in the West African nation.
Hon. Trade Commissioner for the India-Africa Trade Council, C. Krishna Shanker, also emphasized the Council’s commitment to strengthening trade relations between the two countries, assuring continued collaboration to achieve mutual economic benefits.
Earlier in the day, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay visited the Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi, a state-of-the-art private medical facility renowned for its 700-bed NABH-accredited multi-specialty acute and critical care services. The hospital boasts advanced medical technology and internationally recognized healthcare professionals, with a legacy of providing top-tier healthcare for over four decades.
During his visit, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay toured the hospital’s facilities and held discussions with its management. He extended an invitation to the hospital’s leadership to invest in Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector and establish similar facilities in the country, in line with the Government’s agenda to provide quality healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans.
“I am impressed by the excellent services provided here. We look forward to exploring partnerships to address our healthcare challenges in Sierra Leone. We are also keen on opportunities for training and research for our healthcare providers back home. I officially invite you to Sierra Leone to collaborate with us,” High Commissioner Rashid Sesay stated.
Dr. P.V. Louis, Managing Director of Medical Trust Hospital, expressed gratitude for the visit and the invitation to Sierra Leone. He assured the High Commissioner of the hospital’s willingness to explore opportunities for collaboration. “We are pleased with your invitation and look forward to visiting Sierra Leone soon to assess areas of mutual interest,” Dr. Louis remarked.
The inauguration of the India-Africa Trade Office and the High Commissioner’s outreach to the Medical Trust Hospital underscore Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic engagements with India, fostering growth and development across multiple sectors.
