S. Leone FM urges China to help set up economic zone

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S. Leone FM urges China to help set up economic zone

(Xinhua) 10:27, September 28, 2013

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Sierra Leone's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ebun Jusu called on China to establish an economic zone in the West African country.

The minister made the remarks at the National Day reception held by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

This (economic zone) can be a significant base for industrial manufacturing, said the minister. "We want to tap deeper into the Chinese policy for Africa and become the economic hub for Chinese private and public sector investments in the sub-region."

The minister emphasized that China is the world's second largest economy and continues to maintain an impressive growth rate, holding confidence that excellent relations between the two countries and peoples spanning four decades will continue to grow.

In response, Chinese Ambassador Kuang Weilin said cooperation between the two countries is deepening and bilateral trade volume from January to July hit 884 million U. S. dollars, up from 752 million dollars a year ago.

According to the ambassador, a series of projects undertaken by Chinese companies in Sierra Leone are smoothly progressing.

China has awarded scholarships to 33 Sierra Leonean students this year and provided short-term training courses in various fields.

The ambassador urged both sides to work more closely to achieve development goals and dreams.

（Editor：YanMeng、Liang Jun）