The Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) has opened its trade and information centre at its Tower Hill office in Freetown. The centre provides wide range of information for trade and investment in Sierra Leone. Officials say it is part of efforts to make the business climate “very conducive” and encouraging for business people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, trade and industry minister, Dr Richard Konteh said the country’s new export strategy and the trade information centre would help address some of the trade related problems in the country.

He said the economy and foreign reserves have in the recent past been subjected “very serious strains” which have slumped business in the country.

The minister said if the country’s export capacity could attract a lot of resources, there would be limited pressure on foreign currency.

He said the increased demand for foreign exchange has depreciated the value of the national currency- the Leone.