By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The official inauguration of the 5th Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone was held on Thursday 23rd October, 2025 at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, marking a new chapter in the deepening economic and trade partnership between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China. The Chamber, which brings together 17 Chinese companies, is expected to serve as a key platform for promoting investment, industrial collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
The event attracted top Government officials and diplomatic representatives, including Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E Wang Qing and Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, alongside representatives from business associations and enterprises from both countries.
In his inaugural address, Du Xinguo, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy, the Sierra Leonean Government and all partners supporting the Chamber’s establishment.
He said the new Chamber would build on past achievements under the Embassy’s guidance and focus on six strategic priorities: enhancing service delivery to members, ensuring rule-based operations, strengthening engagement with Sierra Leonean authorities, fostering unity among members, promoting corporate social responsibility and expanding international cooperation.
Du Xinguo emphasized that the Chamber’s mission is to deepen China–Sierra Leone economic ties, foster responsible investment and strengthen social goodwill through employment creation and community engagement. He called on all members to work together toward building an influential Chamber that supports the success of Chinese enterprises and the prosperity of Sierra Leone’s economy.
Trade and Industry Minister, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, described the establishment of the new Chamber as a reaffirmation of the strong and evolving partnership between the two nations. He noted that China remains Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner for both imports and exports and the biggest source of foreign direct investment.
The Minister highlighted the visible footprint of Chinese enterprises across Sierra Leone, in construction, agriculture, energy, mining and retail and commended them for contributing to skills transfer, technology and employment. He said the Chamber plays a vital role in connecting businesses with the Government and fostering responsible and inclusive investment.
He reaffirmed that Sierra Leone is “open for business” and positioning itself as a hub for industrial growth in West Africa, citing the country’s strategic location, natural resource endowment and improved investment climate. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay urged Chinese investors to channel resources into agro-processing, renewable energy, food packaging and green industrialization to support the Government’s Feed Salone initiative and boost local productivity.
The Minister emphasized that the Government seeks partnerships that empower communities and promote local content development, adding that Sierra Leone aims to transition from a resource-based to a production-based economy through joint ventures, technology transfer and SME participation.
In his remarks, China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing congratulated the newly inaugurated Chamber and China Railway Seventh Group for assuming its presidency. He revealed that two-way trade between China and Sierra Leone reached USD 1.8 billion in 2024, marking a 7.1% increase year-on-year, while Chinese corporate investment has surpassed USD 2 billion.
The Ambassador said the economic momentum reflects the strong China–Sierra Leone Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, crediting it to Sierra Leone’s improved business environment and the contributions of Chinese firms that continue to invest in job creation and social development.
He called for compliance with local laws, respect for cultural differences, protection of workers’ rights and environmental responsibility, while urging the Chamber to strengthen coordination and information sharing to safeguard the collective reputation of Chinese businesses in Sierra Leone.
The Ambassador expressed optimism that the new Chamber would deepen trade, enhance investment opportunities and further strengthen the traditional friendship between the peoples of Sierra Leone and China.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the launch of the 5th Chinese Chamber of Commerce as a significant milestone in the revitalization of Sierra Leone–China relations, emphasizing that Chinese companies have played a central role in the country’s industrial and infrastructural growth over the past two decades.
He noted that the inauguration comes at a time when development aid to Africa is declining, making private sector investment critical for Sierra Leone’s economic resilience. He highlighted the Government’s efforts to stabilize the macroeconomic environment, citing a stable exchange rate, declining inflation and lower interest rates, which he said had improved the ecosystem for business operations.
The Vice President reaffirmed the importance of chambers of commerce in promoting trade, protecting members’ interests and attracting new investment. He disclosed that the Government plans to convene a national conference of all chambers of commerce in January to explore broader networking and cooperation opportunities.
He also emphasized compliance with labor and tax laws, local sourcing of goods and services and greater Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended Chinese firms for their CSR contributions, including school construction projects, scholarship schemes and community development initiatives across the country.
He singled out CRSG and other firms for their notable educational and community support projects in Port Loko, Makeni and Freetown. “Providing opportunities for local children and investing in community infrastructure is one of the best contributions companies can make to Sierra Leone’s development,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with China and ensuring that both nations continue to enjoy mutual prosperity, investment growth and sustainable partnership.
The inauguration of the 5th Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone marks a significant moment in the enduring relationship between the two nations. With renewed commitments from both Governments and the private sector, the Chamber is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing trade, investment and development cooperation while deepening the bond of friendship between the peoples of Sierra Leone and China.
