By George M.O. Williams
The first female of Damietta Governorate in Egypt, Dr. Manal Awad, has on Monday October 10, 2022, held talks with Sierra Leone’s Ambassador aiming at improving bilateral trade.
The discussion was held at the Governor’s office in Damietta, Egypt.
In her official statement, she said it was a good opportunity for both Sierra Leone and Egypt to develop ways of improving cooperation, increase bilateral relations and exchange of experiences which strengthen the ties between both nations.
Demietta is known for its fishing industry, attractive touristic sites, beautiful hotels, ships and is widely acclaimed as the largest city specialized in furniture industry in the Middle East.
Dr. Awad mentioned that the city of Damietta was awarded for being the best city of learning by UNESCO in 2020, because the city has created itself to be a women-friendly city in Ezbat Al Burj, which she said gave birth to several sustainable development goals and women’s empowerment opportunities.
In his remark, Ambassador Sidque Silla, expressed delight over the ideas which had been generated from his discussion with Governor Awad. Thus he said it is necessary for both nations to establish cooperation and improve methods of extending mutual communication that will promote commercial relations.
He went on to state that there is need to enhance partnership within the framework of Sierra Leone’s development blueprint which is geared towards developing cooperation with friendly countries especially in the flourishing timber sector in Sierra Leone. He alluded that Sierra Leone has raw materials that could fuel the manufacturing of furniture, which he added if well managed will create new market in the supply of quality products in Damietta.