By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Traders in the South and Eastern Regions have expressed concerns over border trade in the district, saying that Immigration Officers deprive them by allowing foreigners to export goods to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at a programme organized to educate traders on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Agreement on Special Economic Zone (SEZ Policy), a Trader from Kailahun District Sia Bobor explained that traders around the country’s borders are being deprived by the immigration officers and the security forces.
She explained that the Guineans do not allow their goods to come to Sierra Leone but officers allow goods such as palm oil, and other local commodities to be transported to Guinea.
Another participant Fatimata Sia Tengbeh raised concern over the price of fuel, noting that it has led to an economic crisis for businesses. She added that foreigners are given more opportunities to export local commodities, whilst citizens are deprived of doing the same.
She called on the new Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay and the senior immigration officers to ensure they look into the issues.
Deputy Director of Foreign Trade and Regional Integration at the Ministry of Trade and Industries Mark Tamba Nyuma explained that the government is trying to create trade opportunities and platforms by being part of the economic zone which will enable the country to enhance packaging and standard products.
He said ‘’special economic zone would create more investment market for African Countries’’
Nyuma stated that the special economic zone will attract more investors to the country and open more industries which will permit African countries to have one big market to do business within African countries, revealing that Sierra Leone is moving to attain that opportunity.
He said the primary objective of the special economic zone in Sierra Leone is to fully integrate the scheme into the national development programme and provide a road map for the development and management of the zone in Sierra Leone. Nyuma emphasized that the special economic zone will create large-scale agricultural production, industrial development and fast sustainable investments in Africa.
The Deputy Director disclosed that the government has done a lot to ensure the transportation of commodities from one country to another without having to go through too much bureaucracy, thereby enhancing business expansion among member countries.
Speaking on the guiding principles Nyuma said the economic zone will promote and safeguard domestic and international competition to foster high-level participation and private partnership. He added that it will increase economic diversification and add value to packages of the country’s products.
The programme which was held in Kenema was geared towards educating traders on the special economic zone opportunities and the AFCFTA agreement.
The programme attracted traders and motor drivers from the Pujehun, Bo, Kailahun, Kono and Kenema districts.
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