February 1, 2016 By Victoria Saffa
Members of the Chinese Society in Sierra Leone have launched the Sierra Leone Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SLCCC) in Freetown.
The auspicious event was held at the Bintumani Hotel conference hall, and was attended by over 200 Chinese entrepreneurs who were doing business in Sierra Leone. Also in attendance was Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Zhao Yanbo, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Shen Xiaokai and Sierra Leoneans who are doing business with the Chinese.
President of the chamber, Li Luming, declared that the SLCCC was registered on 28 September, 2015 because of the spontaneous requests of Chinese entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone, adding that they would be devoted to providing information and consultancy to Chinese business people, strengthening communication with Sierra Leonean government and business stakeholders, guiding members to trade in line with the laws of Sierra Leone, and ensuring a mutually conducive market.
In his keynote address, Mr. Xiaokai said the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation’s (FOCAC) Johannesburg Summit was a great success which brought a historic opportunity for strengthening cooperation between China and Africa.
He noted that 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China, and that the establishment of SLCCC coincided with this historic event, thus the SLCCC is highly expected to play a significant role in promoting bilateral entrepreneurship and friendship.
SLCCC members are drawn from sectors such as manufacturing, trading, fishing, catering, and mining. The majority of its members are small and medium-sized Chinese companies and individuals. It is an open and friendship oriented platform for both Chinese investors and other communities.