Chinese Ambassador pledges support for Sierra Leone’s local industrialization

Ambassador Wu Peng, addressing his audience

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Wu Peng has assured Sierra Leoneans of his government commitment to support the strengthening of the West African country’s industrialization process. Addressing a graduation ceremony at the E4 Impact Foundation in Lunsar, northern Sierra Leone the Chinese Ambassador pointed out that said developing industry sector is key to the progress of any nation across the globe. Ambassador Wu who promised to donate sewing machines, Television set and other equipment together with cash support, revealed that his Embassy has already requested for a team of experts from his country to come to Sierra Leone to train specifically those in the industry sector, and assured that the team will soon arrive and will be based in Lunsar to train mostly young people.

“Industry development is very important for any nation. We will continue to support the sector in Sierra Leone,” he said, noting that people should treat their education with all seriousness.

E4 Impact Foundation was pioneered by the current Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Isata Kabia. The Foundation presented certificates to 38 Trainees that have successfully completed a comprehensive training, and they now have the opportunity to become self-employed and tap the local market to sell their products. They now have the skills to use organic materials to manufacture soap, oil, shoes, bags, cosmetics like shampoos; cleaners like antiseptic etc.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Isata Kabia pointed out that leadership by example is key to the success of any institution or environment. Leaders, she said should feel part of any form of good development. The Grandaunts, she said are now good leaders that should effect positive changes in their lives and communities. The Minister admonished Trade Unionists to come onboard to create a good market for the products that will be manufactured, which are of quality standards.

“This is a comprehensive capacity building package and jobs have been created already for the 38 first intakes since the institution started operation in July last year,” she said.

Dignitaries commending China’s development support to Sierra Leone

The All People’s Congress Party Running Mate, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah in his keynote address described the project as very impressive, noting that it is resonating with Skills and Enterprise Development package as contained in the Party’s Grassroots manifesto. “APC is marching forward to development. We will continue in building new ideas that enhance progress in the country,” he assured.

He thanked the People’s Republic of China for its support over the years to the country’s development,” Hon. Bah said he reiterated the fact that the Chinese have people’s development as their greatest interest.

He called on all to support the project at all times so that more people will benefit from it.

Pledges were made by other eminent personalities for the development of the Foundation. Other speakers include the Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure, Hon. Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay. The event was chaired by the Secretary-General of the APC, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansanneh.