President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), Samad Hassanzadeh, underscored the importance of enhancing trade relations between Iran and Sierra Leone by improving access to economic data and understanding mutual opportunities.
“The private sectors of both countries need updated commercial information and a better understanding of each other’s economic capacities,” said Hassanzadeh during a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Sierra Leone’s newly appointed ambassador to Iran.
He pointed out that Iranian traders require more insights into Sierra Leone’s economic programs and trade advantages, while Iranian counterparts are eager to share their expertise and plans with Sierra Leone. Hassanzadeh added that embassies in both countries could play a significant role in bridging this gap.
Hassanzadeh also welcomed the establishment of a joint chamber of commerce between the two nations, highlighting the potential for collaboration in mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. He noted Sierra Leone’s rich deposits of minerals such as zinc, cobalt, manganese, and gold, adding that Iran’s private sector has extensive expertise and technical capabilities in mining operations and is keen to participate in Sierra Leone’s development programs.
He further emphasized Iran’s need for imports such as iron ore, raw timber, and cocoa, while outlining the strengths of Iranian companies in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran, Salamu Koroma, echoed the importance of strengthening ties between the private sectors of the two countries, emphasizing the untapped potential for collaboration.
Sierra Leone remains relatively unknown in Iran, and there is limited awareness among Iranian traders about its economic potential, Koroma stated.
He highlighted the opportunities for cross-border investments in agriculture, infrastructure development, and energy projects, as well as the potential for boosting tourism through the establishment of direct flights between the two countries.
Both sides expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral trade and private-sector cooperation to unlock mutual economic benefits.