In a move set to strengthen bilateral ties and boost sustainable development, China and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation in the fisheries sector, development that took place this week in Beijing during the second session of the China-Sierra Leone Joint Fisheries Committee (JFC) meeting.
The high-level meeting was co-chaired by China’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhili; and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mrs. Princess Dugba. The two sides signed the official meeting minutes, marking another step forward in a partnership that both countries describe as longstanding and mutually beneficial.
“Our two nations share a deep and enduring friendship,” Vice Minister Zhang said during the session. “Fisheries cooperation between China and Sierra Leone not only contributes to economic and social development but also plays a vital role in enhancing food security and improving the lives of our people,” he added.
Zhang emphasized China’s commitment to working with Sierra Leone on key areas such as resource conservation, full industry-chain development, and technical support, noting that China is ready to intensify a practical approach grounded in mutual benefit to drive progress in the sector.
Minister Princess Dugba, for her part, praised the achievements already made under the bilateral fisheries framework. “The cooperation between our countries has been both effective and impactful,” she stated. “We look forward to China’s continued support in advancing Sierra Leone’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.”
The talks included wide-ranging discussions on issues such as distant-water fishing, aquaculture development, and scientific research. Both parties agreed to jointly pursue a resilient framework for stable partnership, promote scientific conservation, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
The two sides also outlined plans to conduct fisheries resource surveys using up-to-date innovative and adaptable methods. The agreement includes commitments to collaborate on policy planning, technical exchanges, and capacity-building programs — all aimed at strengthening aquaculture in both nations.
Since 2018, Sierra Leone and China have significantly deepened their bilateral relations through various agreements and high-level visits, notably including HE President Julius Maada Bio’s state visits to China.
During his visit in March, 2024, President Bio met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, resulting in a joint statement on comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations, emphasising mutual support on core interests, enhancement of trade and investment cooperation, and collaboration in various sectors of development.
Mrs. Dugba’s meeting with the Chinese Vice Minister builds on the foundation laid in earlier engagements when China and Sierra Leone signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Fisheries Cooperation, an agreement that established the Joint Fisheries Committee (JFC) as a mechanism to oversee and evaluate ongoing collaboration in the sector.
As both countries move forward with renewed purpose, the latest joint session signals a shared vision for sustainable fisheries management and long-term development — one rooted in trust, shared expertise, and a commitment to improving the well-being of the people.
