In his strive to reducing poverty and enhancing both economic and social development in Sierra Leone, President Bio has successfully signed bilateral agreements with the Kenyan Government on range of issues that would potentially help the country in addressing its social problems and boosting up a better international relations with its host country, Kenya.
In signing that agreement under his watch with the Kenyan Government, President Bio was keen on trade development and therefore, succeeded to negotiate on stripping away trade barriers, reducing or eliminating tariffs, and promoting investment that will ultimately lead to economic growth in Sierra Leone.
Bilateral agreement was also signed in the area of defence. This agreement envisaged a deeper cooperation regarding security and defence issues including the exchange and training of military personnel, greater cooperation with regard to the development of joint defence productions as well as increased technology transfer.
The issues of youth development and gender affairs reflected also in the bilateral agreement. On the youth development, efforts were focused beyond macro and sectoral considerations to concretely identify production and investment opportunities for youth-led businesses.
Similarly, the Presidents of the two countries noted within the agreement that there is opportunity for the emergence of youth-focused cooperatives, political and diplomatic consultations, wildlife conservation and tourism development and pooled purchasing systems to aggregate demand and lower costs of trade through economies of scale. That said, trade service providers e.g. transportation, logistics and travel, should consider offering reduced rates for young cross-border traders.
Comprehensively, President Bio’s State-Visit to Kenya had yielded the most desired fruits of the willingness of large business communities to invest in Sierra Leone in the soonest future; also, that state-visit triggered the opportunity of opening the foreign markets and reduce trade barriers between Sierra Leone and Kenya. What that means in real time is that: Sierra Leone’s domestic trade would grow faster, innovate and improve productivity, and provide higher income and more opportunities to the people within the shortest possible time.
A. B. Dakowa
Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya
information.attache@ke.slhc.gov.sl
