By Mabinty M. Kamara
Sierra Leone’s government has held talks on Friday with the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone. The talks focused on seeking for more investment and how to improve the business climate in the country.
The discussion also bordered on economic growth, job creation and revenue generation.
The meeting, which was held at State House in Freetown, brought together senior members of the government, including President Julius Maada Bio, and the EU Delegation led by its head to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Tom Vens. It also included a group of European investors, led by Aminata Kane Ndiaye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orange Sierra Leone.
In a joint press release issued by the government of Sierra Leone and the EU, they acknowledged the contributions of European companies in Sierra Leone to the country’s economic development through taxation.
“The main European companies in Sierra Leone contribute about USD 64,500,000 to the Government's revenue, 4, 500 direct jobs, 67,000 indirect jobs and USD 530,650,000 investments in the last years, with projected further investments of USD 212,625,000 in the next 5 years,” the statement reads in part.
Officials of the Government of Sierra Leone stated that the EU was a stable and reliable economic partner of Sierra Leone, noting that 40 EU investors were operating in the country, with a proven track record of compliance with government policies and regulations and with high social and environmental standards.
The EU Delegation applauded the measures taken by the Bio Administration so far to increase revenue generation and accountability, amidst several challenges that they had been grappling with since assuming governance of the country.
Both the government and the EU committed to continued structured engagement that addresses concerns and opportunities on the side of government and investors’ alike going forward, according to the statement.
The meeting also included discussions around the improvement of the political environment in the country.
The officials presented to the EU delegation efforts made by the government in implementing the recommendations of the Electoral Observation Missions for the 2018 General Elections, the Constitutional Review Process, the repeal of Criminal Libel Law and the abolition of the death penalty.
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