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In recent Iran-Africa International Economic Cooperation Conference held on Kish Island, a high-level delegation from Iran visited Sierra Leone to explore potential investment opportunities.
The delegation, led by Dr. Valiollah Aghayarzadeh, Assistant and Advisor on Agricultural Affairs to the Iranian President, met with His Excellency Ambassador Salamu Koroma to discuss strengthening economic ties.
During the meeting, Dr. Aghayarzadeh expressed Iran’s strong interest in collaborating with Sierra Leone’s private sector to enhance trade and investment. He pressed on the importance of creating sustainable business opportunities through partnerships between investors from both nations.
Among the delegation was Mr. Seyyed Mortez Sadat, Managing Director of Raouf Group, a prominent Iranian manufacturer of medical and technological equipment. Mr. Sadat asserted the innovative oxygen production systems developed by his company, which were crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed a desire to partner with Sierra Leonean medical equipment traders, a collaboration facilitated by Ambassador Koroma.
Ambassador Koroma welcomed the delegation and noted the long-standing friendly relations between Sierra Leone and Iran. He pointed out the challenges related to transportation and visa facilitation that need to be addressed to boost bilateral trade. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a local medical equipment manufacturing facility in Sierra Leone to alleviate logistical issues and benefit the wider West African region.
Dr. Aghayarzadeh also proposed the creation of academic partnerships between prominent Iranian universities, such as Tehran University and the University of Science and Industry, and Sierra Leonean institutions. The initiative aims to promote knowledge transfer and youth development in both countries.
The delegation included Miss Elmira Habibi, Advisor to the National Engineering, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Organization for Women’s Affairs, who participated in the discussions.
Both sides expressed optimism about formalizing trade contracts and establishing university sisterhoods in the near future, aiming to enhance cooperation for mutual economic growth and development.
