By- Aruna Rashed Toma Bangura

The Ministry of Trade and Industry together with the AFREXIMBANK is hosting their second bilateral and intercontinental Road Show in Sierra Leone in a bid to boost trade and industry and strengthened the private sector. The Road Show which will be held for just two days involve Le150 million that is the threshold limit for Sierra Leone.

Giving his official remarks, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy told participants and pressmen that the Government has brought in policy that has seen the establishment of an industrial zone in Koya, Port Loko district, adding that sourcing finance for development, trade, investment et al is a difficult challenge looking at the rate local Banks are offering loans for big projects. He said the local Banks are faced with challenges to offer loans for big financing agreement.

Dr. H. Sandy stated that AFREXIMBANK do not only give loans, but will make sure that businesses are revived and ready to make profit by creating impact. He added that AFREXIMBANK has signed an agreement with the Government to be organizing Road Shows. He furthered that this year’s Road Show is adding to what they did last year as it was very successful. He said the President for AFREXIMBANK has held fruitful and bilateral trade discussion with the Government during his last visit to enhance trade and industrial boost. He said they want big private sector players to be part of the two days Road Show

In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oakwood Green Africa, Gabriel Edgal stated that AFREXIMBANK is a 40 billion bank with 30 years of experience that is capable of financing any big project in Africa. He said the solution to Africa’s problem lies with Africans as his company work cl with AFREXIMBANK. He said last year’s Road Show has a lot of beneficial and those are being worked on trade, agriculture and power. He said his company helped with structuring financial transaction while the bank has the capacity to make sure it happens.

The Regional Chief Operating Officer of AFREXIMBANK, Anglophone, West Africa, Eric Monchu Intong said the bank was setup to promote, facilitate and finance inter and intra Africa trade. He said to promote what they are doing and they need to work with partners. He said they have seen a lot of improvement and are organizing another Road Show, adding that ARISE IIP is a strategic partner with AFREXIMBANK.  He said the bank is unfolding its six strategic plan titled ‘Impact 2026’. He said a new era has been given to the people of Sierra Leone.