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President
Kabbah Opens Sierra Leone Investment Forum
After
years of civil strife Sierra Leone is at peace.
Security and stability are restored, democracy
and accountability firmly established, and the
rule of law prevails on the basis of a solid constitution.
The country is open for business. The Commonwealth
Business Council in partnership with the Government
of Sierra Leone has organised the first global
investor conference in post-conflict Sierra Leone.
According
to its organisers there has never been a better
time for international investors and entrepreneurs
to take a look at a country on the verge of recovery-led
growth. In August 2005 a Security Council resolution
mandated the newly established UN Integrated Office
in Sierra Leone to "create an enabling environment
for private investment." In the months that
followed, international donors pledged US$800
million for the purposes of national reconstruction.
The
next step is for the private sector to take these
enabling measures forward through investment on
the ground.
The
fundamental resources are in place. Famed for
its diamonds, Sierra Leone is also endowed with
gold, bauxite, chrome, rutile, iron ore and more.
The fertile land is already producing coffee,
cocoa, rice and palm oil. Investment, cultivation,
processing and export offer huge opportunities.
Major players are already investigating the options
for expansion in fisheries and aquaculture in
abundant waters. With pristine beaches. Matire
sanctuaries, rain forest and unspoiled island
havens, the country has a tourism potential unsurpassed
by its more developed rivals in the region and
elsewhere.
With
the official opening by His Excellency President
Kabbah, on Tuesday 28 March at the Bintumani Hotel
the Sierra Leone Investment Forum will bring senior
international business executives together with
Ministers, domestic and regional corporate players,
multilateral organizations and international financial
institutions.
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