By Ibrahim Sesay

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has convened a high-level symposium at China House on Old Railway Line in Freetown, bringing together senior Government officials, academics, civil society actors and development stakeholders to deliberate on the outcomes of China’s annual “Two Sessions” and the newly adopted 15th Five-Year Plan.

The event, held on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, was led by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Zhao Yong, who delivered a comprehensive keynote address on China’s economic trajectory, modernization agenda and global diplomatic posture.

In his address, Ambassador Zhao Yong described the “Two Sessions”; comprising the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, as a critical institutional platform that offers the international community a clear perspective on China’s governance priorities and development direction. He noted that in an increasingly volatile global environment, China’s policy decisions continue to attract heightened global interest.

He emphasized that the symposium was convened to deepen understanding among Sierra Leonean stakeholders regarding China’s policy concepts and long-term development objectives. “The Two Sessions have always served as a window for the world to observe China’s development trajectory,” Ambassador Zhao Yong stated.

Highlighting China’s economic performance, Ambassador Zhao Yong underscored the country’s role as a key driver of global growth. He revealed that over the past five years, China’s economy has recorded an average annual growth rate of 5.4 percent, contributing approximately 30 percent to global economic expansion; exceeding the combined contribution of the G7 economies. He further noted that China’s Gross Domestic Product surpassed 20 trillion United States dollars in 2025.

The Ambassador pointed to robust progress in scientific and technological innovation, citing advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine and quantum technology. He disclosed that China currently holds a significant share of global artificial intelligence patents, while its industrial internet applications now span all major industrial sectors. He further emphasized China’s commitment to a people-centered development model, referencing improvements in employment generation, healthcare outcomes and environmental sustainability.

On the 15th Five-Year Plan, Ambassador Zhao Yong explained that the newly adopted blueprint marks a decisive phase in advancing Chinese modernization. He stated that the plan prioritizes boosting domestic consumption, upgrading traditional industries and fostering the growth of emerging and future sectors to sustain long-term economic resilience.

He added that China will continue to pursue high-standard opening up, expand trade and investment cooperation and deepen global economic integration. According to him, China aims to strengthen its dual role as both a global manufacturing hub and an expanding consumer market. He disclosed that a Gross Domestic Product growth target of between 4.5 percent and 5 percent has been set for 2026.

Addressing global affairs, Ambassador Zhao Yong reaffirmed China’s commitment to multilateralism, peace and international justice. He noted that China remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting dialogue, easing tensions and fostering global stability. “Our steps for peace will not halt and our voice for justice will not fall silent,” he emphasized.

He further highlighted the strengthening of China-Africa relations, noting that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, as well as the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.” He disclosed that nearly 600 exchange activities are scheduled for the year and announced that, effective 1st May 2026, China will implement zero-tariff access for 100 percent of African imports.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Zhao Yong described China and Sierra Leone as longstanding partners whose relationship has continued to deepen over the years. He noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing political mutual trust, strengthening international coordination and expanding people-to-people exchanges for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Speaking at the symposium, Mohamed Kamara of the Sierra Leone-China Foundation described China-Africa relations as a durable partnership grounded in mutual benefit across economic, political and social spheres. He noted that China’s development model reflects strategic consistency and long-term planning, which have contributed to sustained growth and global influence.

President of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Association, Onikeh King, underscored the importance of people-to-people engagement in strengthening bilateral relations. She emphasized that educational exchanges, cultural cooperation and professional collaboration continue to play a vital role in building trust and sustaining long-term partnerships between the two countries.

Academics, including Dr. Patrick B. Kapuwa, former Permanent Representative to the African Union, and Alpha M. Jalloh of the China-Africa Institute at the University of Makeni, also shared insights drawn from their experiences with China-Sierra Leone cooperation, particularly in the area of scholarship programmes. They noted that such initiatives have significantly contributed to knowledge exchange and human capital development.

The symposium concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing participants with the opportunity to further interrogate China’s policy directions and their implications for Sierra Leone and the broader Africa-China partnership, while reaffirming the enduring ties between the two nations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chinese-embassy-hosts-high-level-symposium-on-two-sessions-and-15th-five-year-plan/