Chinese Delegation Explores Collaboration with Freetown Mayor

November 28, 2024

Freetown’s Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, welcomed a high-ranking Chinese delegation from Hunan Province on November 26, 2024. The visit, led by Lai Mingyong, Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and accompanied by China's Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, focused on deepening ties between Freetown and Hunan Province.

Discussions centered on collaborative opportunities in urban transformation, medical partnerships, cultural and educational exchanges, and sports development. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed gratitude for Hunan’s ongoing support, particularly in the medical field, and advocated for increased scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

The mayor also outlined key projects under Freetown’s development agenda, including the ambitious Freetown Cable Car Project. Lai Mingyong reaffirmed Hunan’s commitment to supporting Freetown’s economic and social development, emphasizing mutual trust and cooperation. He extended an invitation to Mayor Aki-Sawyerr to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Hunan in June 2025.