President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio visited China from February 27 to March 2.
Three students from Sierra Leone, who studied at Peking University's Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development(ISSCAD), shared their views on President Bio's China visit.
Ostilda Hughe: His visit to China comes at a perfect time
Back home I was working at Global Youth Network, an implementing partner for some UN agencies and the Ministry of Youth Affairs. I served as the Director of Operations.
Since 1971, China and the Republic of Sierra Leone have had diplomatic ties. Cooperation in a number of fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and education, has been a defining feature of these partnerships. Roads, bridges, stadiums, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects in Sierra Leone have benefited greatly from Chinese assistance. The government and people of Sierra Leone have embraced this support, which has helped the country's infrastructure improve. In recent times, there has been a consistent increase in trade between China and Sierra Leone. China is a significant importer of goods from Sierra Leone, including agricultural products, diamonds, and iron ore. China supplies machinery and manufactured items to Sierra Leone in exchange. China has mostly invested in the mining, agriculture, telecommunications, and energy industries of Sierra Leone.
China has helped Sierra Leone in sectors like healthcare, education, and capacity building in addition to economic ties. In addition to providing scholarships for Sierra Leonean students to study in China, Chinese medical teams have been sent to Sierra Leone to aid in the fight against diseases like Ebola.
Overall, mutual benefit and cooperation have defined Sierra Leone and China's bilateral relations. But, like with every bilateral relationship, there can be difficulties and points of dispute that need to be resolved;hopefully, they will be covered during this visit.
Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
David Augustine Ked Abu: He believes young people are powerful
I am David Augustine Ked Abu, a Doctoral student from Sierra Leone studying Theoretical Economics(National Development)at Peking University's Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development(ISSCAD). At the same time, I am also a Civil Servant, serving with the Planning, Policy and Research Department of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Government of Sierra Leone.
I have had multiple encounters with the President as well as multiple sightings of him. One instance of these sessions was at the Republic of Sierra Leones Medium-Term National Development Plan(MTNDP 2019–2023)Presidential Launch Ceremony at the State House.
I have a lot of hopes for his visit, but above all, I want to cement our partnership for development and focus on Sierra LeoneBio's current development agenda. This will be essential to carrying out the current MTNDP 2024–2030 and its priorities, which include youth empowerment, technology and infrastructure, Feed-Salone(agriculture), human capital development(health, education, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable cities), and transformation of the Public Service Architecture. It will be a positive move in the right direction for the development of Mama Salone.
In my opinion, Sierra Leone and China have a strong bilateral relationship, characterized by mutual collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and development assistance. China has contributed significantly to Sierra Leone's infrastructure projects, enhancing economic growth and international connectivity. Despite challenges, we must continue to deepen ties and explore new opportunities.
The west of Sierra Leone.
Aminata Kera Conteh: Strengthening Bilateral Relations
As the Finance Manager at the Political Parties Regulation Commission(PPRC)in Sierra Leone, I have had the privilege of observing and participating in various aspects of governance and political engagement within our nation. In my capacity, I have had the opportunity to interact with key figures in our government, including President Julius Maada Bio.
President Julius Maada Bio's visit to China holds significant importance for both countries. China is a key partner for Sierra Leone in terms of infrastructure development, trade, and investment. The visit presents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Given China's role as a major player in the global economy, closer ties with China could potentially benefit Sierra Leone in terms of economic growth and development.
From my personal point of view, the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China is multifaceted and holds great potential for mutual benefit. China has been a major source of investment and development assistance for Sierra Leone, particularly in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure. These investments have contributed to improving the country's infrastructure and enhancing its connectivity within the region.
In conclusion, President Julius Maada Bio's visit to China represents a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.
