At an event titled "Face to Face with China" held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Ambassador Wang Qing addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the relationship between China and Sierra Leone. The Ambassador discussed key developments in China, focusing on the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, underscoring their potential to enhance bilateral ties.

“Today provides an opportunity to renew our friendship and discuss issues of mutual interest,” said Ambassador Wang. He expressed appreciation for the ongoing interest in China's progress and shared insights into the country's reforms and collaborative efforts.

Ambassador Wang elaborated on the outcomes of the recent third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee held in Beijing. This session, deemed pivotal for China's governance and development, outlined a comprehensive plan for reforms across 14 key areas, including democracy, rule of law, culture, society, ecology, and people’s livelihoods.

The ambassador highlighted two critical messages from the session:

Firstly, a commitment to reform. "We are dedicated to advancing reforms," Wang stated, noting that over 300 major initiatives are set to be implemented across various sectors. These reforms aim to improve institutions and mechanisms, fostering high-quality development.

Secondly, Wang emphasized China's commitment to aligning with international economic and trade standards. "China is focused on creating a transparent, stable, and predictable environment for both domestic and foreign investors," he said. The session introduced measures to reduce market access restrictions, expand institutional openness, and foster a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment.

Wang also underscored the historical significance of China’s reform and opening-up policy, which has transformed the country into the world’s second-largest economy and lifted over 700 million people out of poverty. He stressed that these reforms are crucial not only for China's future but also for global economic stability.

The ambassador then shifted his focus to the upcoming FOCAC summit, scheduled for early September in Beijing, which will gather leaders from China and 53 African countries to discuss future development and cooperation.

"FOCAC has been a cornerstone of China-Africa relations since 2000," Wang remarked. He highlighted the progress in political, economic, and cultural cooperation between China and Africa. China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade reaching USD 282 billion in 2023. Wang mentioned that China is committed to enhancing its trade relationship with Africa by increasing imports of non-resource products and offering zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable items exported by African countries to China.

He also highlighted growing cooperation in investment and financing, particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and the digital economy, noting that China’s support has helped African countries upgrade their industries and improve their capacity to earn foreign exchange.

Ambassador Wang reflected on Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China earlier this year. He noted that the two heads of state reached a broad consensus on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with tangible progress being made in agriculture, human capital development, youth employment, and infrastructure.

Wang mentioned specific initiatives like the China-Aided Fish Harbour Project and the renovation of the National Stadium, calling them symbols of friendship and vital contributors to Sierra Leone’s economic development.

Concluding his presentation, Ambassador Wang invited Sierra Leonean media and organizations to actively participate in the upcoming FOCAC summit, expressing hope for continued collaboration and enhanced friendship between the two nations.

The event, attended by government officials and members of the media, served as a platform to discuss the future of China-Sierra Leone relations and explore further opportunities for cooperation.