The Oakwood Green Africa and the Africa Export and Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank) has concluded a two day Trade Road Show at the Freetown City Council Building, Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown.
According to the organizers, they are staging the second “Trade Road Show” on the 9 & 10 May this year at the Freetown City Council Hall.
Oakwood Green Africa and AFREXIM Bank made such revelation at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, 6th Floor Youyi Building, Freetown.
According to both trade institutions, they are popularizing the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement that seeks to promote and facilitates trade among Africa countries.
It was also disclosed by the organizers that the AFREXIM Bank is gears toward private sector financing of projects while Oakwood Green Africa will help tailor the projects, agreements and policies in ensuring that the said private sector (s) meet the bench mark of AFREXIM Bank.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy told the media that the ministry had witnessed what he described as a steady increase of manufacturing industries to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The minister continued that sourcing finance for development and services or otherwise is challenging especially, for multimillion dollars projects and therefore encouraged private sectors in the country to take advantage of the road show.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Oakwood Green Africa, Gabriel Edgal , said the maiden “Trade Road Show” last year was successful as many private sectors player had and continues to engage the Africa Export and Import Bank.
He noted Africa Export and Import Bank worth 40 billion dollars as they stand ready to ensure that Africa problem resides with Africans.
He continued that Sierra Leone must take advantage and make sure trade happen, not only to talk about it.
Adeniyi Olukoya, Africa Export and Import Bank noted that the bank has existed for 30 years promoting, facilitating and financing trade among Africa countries and the rest of the world.
He told the press that ARISE IIP is a strategic partner to the said bank.
He told the media that they are currently working on 350 million dollars projects in the country, which he said was as a result of the first trade road shows hosted in Freetown.
He intimated the media that Sierra Leone is now proud of 150 million dollars as “spent country limit process transaction that he noted can be utilized via returns earning and general capital investments.
