By Hassan I. Conteh

The Republic of India has confirmed in a government seminar that it “will bring in their scientists and investors” in Sierra Leone to invest in the fishing sector.

Both the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Princess Dougba, and her deputy Haja Isata Abdulai, welcomed a team of India representatives at a seminar, dubbed as retreat, organized in Bo city, south of Sierra Leone.

Welcoming guests to the Programme, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, thanked all attendees for honouring their invitation, adding that they looked forward to having a very fruitful deliberations with them.

The Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Baisnab Charan Pradha, while conveying his thanks and appreciations to the ministry for the invitation extended to him, acknowledged the importance of the  fisheries sector to the socio- economic development of the country, Sierra Leone. The India suggested ways in promoting the fishing sector of Sierra Leone.

Mr Pradha said their useful suggestions to the ministry of fisheries will foster a new partnership with MFMR with the Indian government, while hoping to further strengthening the existing cordial, and bilateral relations between India and Sierra Leone.

The Envoy disclosed plans to lead a high- powered delegation from India to Sierra Leone, comprising, head of the World Fish Project, scientists, investors and entrepreneurs with a view to exploring possible areas of intervention in the fisheries industry,  especially in the aquaculture sub-sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Brima Kebbie who chaired the programme, re-echoed the importance of the programme as he describes it as “a worthwhile investment summit that seeks to deepen understanding among partners about the ministry’s activities.”

He suggested for a comprehensive strategy or blueprint that will provide a roadmap for charting the way forward between MFMR and its partners.