The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in partnership with the Ministries of Finance and Economic Development, Agriculture Forestry and Food Security, Fisheries and Marine Resources and Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Monday 4th December launched the Made in Sierra Leone Seminar at the Miatta Conference Hall Freetown, as a means of promoting products made in Sierra Leone and geared towards promoting the country’s culture and lifestyle of its people.
Launching the Made- in – Sierra Leone Brand, The Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Momodu Allieu Pat-Sowe representing His Excellency President Koroma expressed his delight and thanked the above named Ministries for their joint efforts in making this concept a reality. He expressed government’s commitment in providing the enabling environment through the enactment of business and investment friendly policies and regulations for the private sector to operate and provide the required skills, jobs and revenue generated through taxes to enable government provide the socio-economic amenities for its citizens. Hon. Pat Sow also reiterated government’s determination for the country to achieve a middle income status by 2035 hence the need to promote industrialization and operate an export led economy.
Mr Oluniyi Robbin- Coker, Chairman Board of Directors of the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) who chaired the programme described the ceremony as a landmark and historic event for the development of the private sector in the country. He emphasized the need for the country to move away from being a net import country of almost all essential products and services and rather support and promote Made in Sierra Leone as a philosophy and enhance Local Content which is now an established Agency. He also encouraged local entrepreneurs to focus on quality issues to enable their products to compete locally, in the sub-region and globally.
Other speakers at the event included the Minister of State Finance Hon. Momoh Vandy, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Ibrahim Mansaray, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hon. Sidie Yayah Tunis and Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon Charles Rogers. 