Chamber Of Commerce Presents New Executive
By Marian Samu

The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture have presented their newly elected executive members to His Excellency, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.

The newly elected President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mr. Amadu B. Ndoeka, who was earlier introduced by a former President of the Chamber, Mr. Kishore Shankerdas, introduced the new members of the Executive Council. He thanked President Kabbah on behalf of the Chamber for granting them a piece of land at Water Street for the construction of a Chamber of Commerce Building. Mr. Ndoeka said the completion of that building would provide resources and other facilities like training that would help bring together and bridge the gap between the formal and the non-formal sectors of the private sector of Sierra Leone.

He commended the workings of some of the Commissions set up by government for private sector development. These included the Law Reform Commission, the Stock Exchange Committee and the Private Sector Forum on Access to Finance.

Mr. Ndoeka also said that they are encouraged by the progress made so far in getting the Bumbuna Hydro-electric project started again but, however, suggested the need for a similar fast-track approach to be made on the roads, water and communications sectors.

Among other requirements highlighted by the President of the Chamber of Commerce are the demarcation of a new industrial development zone, (as the Wellington industrial estate has been occupied by private residences), and a potential agricultural land like Torma Bum and other bolilands for mechanized farming. These, he said, will assure would-be investors access to land for industrial development and will accelerate export-oriented production of agricultural produce.

Mr. Ndoeka also spoke about plans to set up a Bitumen Plant in Sierra Leone, the key element for road construction, so as to ensure that it is constantly available in the country and at an affordable price. He informed President Kabbah that they have already commenced serious discussions with a potential investor on this issue. He also talked about their intention to access a project expert to train private sector members in developing and putting together bankable projects that will enable them access capital and other investment funds.

President Kabbah congratulated Mr. Amadu Ndoeka and his new Executive Council members. He underscored the importance of the Chamber of Commerce, adding that although the Chamber has been doing well, there is need for greater collaboration between government and the Chamber to see how they can work together to promote the development of trade, industry and agriculture in the country. The President singled out Mr. John Benjamin, a member of the chamber, as a true patriot who is doing well in Kailahun District where he is now serving as Chairman of the District Council and encouraging people in that area not to migrate to other places but to stay on and contribute to the area's development through collaborative teamwork. He said that Mr. Benjamin's example of complementing government's efforts through the mobilization of local human and other resources towards the development of the area was laudable, and should be emulated by chairmen of other local councils.

President Kabbah suggested that the Chamber do a little bit more on advocacy and set-up a follow-up mechanism. The President also suggested that a committee be set up which will include both members of the Chamber and top government officials that will constantly discuss the concerns of the Chamber and the people, and find ways of addressing those concerns. He stressed that a forum like this is very important as it will provide an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to participate in discussions on items to be taxed, tax exemptions, modification of the investment code, etc., and the Chamber as members will ensure that agreements reached are adhered to.

On the issue of corruption, President Kabbah said that corruption, as he has always noted, is a national security issue. He pointed out that procurement is one major area of corruption in the country, noting that the Chamber of Commerce has a very significant role to play here, especially as they are a member of the new Procurement Committee that has been set up. In the area of Food Security, the President said the private sector must take the lead.

He therefore appealed to the Chamber to look for opportunities especially in the area of direct foreign investment. He informed them about a high-powered delegation that will be visiting Sierra Leone with the German President from 6th December 2004, the majority of whom, he said, are business people looking for areas to invest. President Kabbah advised Chamber members to make use of this opportunity as the country is just coming out of war and needs direct foreign investment to accelerate economic growth.

Earlier, in his address to members of the Chamber President Kabbah asked that a minute of silence be observed in memory of the late Mr. Emile Carr, a former President of the Chamber. He described the late Mr. Emile Carr as one who was filled with a pioneering spirit and a man with whom he had a very long-standing friendship, and said that his passing was a loss not only to members of his family but to all those who had the opportunity of meeting and working with the late man. President Kabbah prayed for the repose of his soul.

-End-