Special Envoy For Trade & Investment Engages With Saudi Chargé d’Affaires

By Ambassador James Baimba
Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, Mr. Alpha K. M. Lavalie, recently met with Saudi Chargé d’Affaires Ali Ibrahim Alheji at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Freetown. The meeting highlighted the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, focusing on shared goals to enhance bilateral relations and drive economic growth. Mr. Lavalie expressed Sierra Leone’s gratitude for Saudi support in areas like education, infrastructure, and the Annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Discussions were in a bid to prompting sustainable growth on strategic sectors such as agriculture, mining, fisheries, and trade. Ali Ibrahim Alheji underscored Saudi Arabia’s interest in helping Sierra Leone access international markets, particularly for its fisheries and cash crops, to promote sustainable growth.
He also invited Sierra Leone to the 28th World Investment Conference in Riyadh this November, creating a platform for global investors to explore opportunities in Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, Mr. Lavalie reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to a favorable investment environment, emphasizing the country’s potential as a regional hub in West Africa. They both agreed on the importance of expanding trade relations, seeing this as a path toward mutual prosperity and a stronger global presence for Sierra Leone.