Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has engaged Qatari agencies, private companies and investors as part of efforts to attract more foreign direct investments to his country.
Bio has been attempting to impress upon them that his resource-rich nation has enjoyed uninterrupted peace since the end of the devastating civil war and is investor-friendly.
He said the West African nation was offering great investment opportunities in the different sectors of its economy, thanks to his government facilitating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Tax incentives and trade reforms have supported private sector growth, he said adding that Sierra Leone is strategically located to markets in both Europe and Latin America because of the short distance by air transport.
“I am here to assure you that we have an open-door policy to ensure that foreign businesses thrive and repatriate profits to their home countries,” the Sierra Leonean leader said.
According to him, part of his state visit to Qatar was to create and improve trade and investment relations between Sierra Leone and the Gulf country.
First Vice Chairman of the Qatar’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohamed bin Ahmed Twar Al Kuwari, said relations will lead to Qataris exploring public-private partnerships in Sierra Leone.
WN/as/APA