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Trade Policy Revie w Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  SIERRA LEONE 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 14 AND 16 FEBRUARY 2 017 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 27 March 2017 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
SIERRA LEONE 
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 14 ET 16 F ÉVRIER 2017  
Les délégations so nt invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 27 mars 2017  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
SIERRA LEONA 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 14 Y 16 DE FEBRERO D E 2017  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 27 de marzo de 2017  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
____________ ___ 
 WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SIERRA LEONE 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F SIERRA LEONE  ............................  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ..........................  9 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF SIERRA LEONE AND ADDITIONAL  
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  27 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  38 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Sierra Leone are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/303/Add.1 and will be available  
online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone was held on 14 and 16 February 2017. The 
Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed th e delegation of Sierra Leone 
headed by Mr Ibrahim Mansaray, Deputy Minister, Trade and Industry; the delegation from 
Freetown; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Sabine Böhlke -Möller (Namibia).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Rev iews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Sierra Leone was contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/303/Rev.1 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/303/Rev.1.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writin g before the deadline: 
China; European Union; Canada; Brazil; United States; and Japan. The following delegation 
submitted written questions after the deadline: Thailand.  
1.4.  The Chairperson sought Members' agreement to two requests. First, the United Nations  
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as it had done before, requested to attend some 
upcoming TPRB meetings, as an observer on an ad hoc basis. So far, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and 
Paraguay had confirmed the Secretariat that they had no objection to  UNIDO's request. The 
Chairperson proposed that the TPRB granted UNIDO observer status for the TPR meetings of 
Sierra  Leone, Jamaica, and Paraguay on an ad hoc basis. It was so agreed. The Secretariat invited 
the UNIDO representative to enter the room.  
1.5.  The second request was from the WTO's Advanced Trade Policy Course in English, whose 
participants wished to attend the review meeting as part of their training. The TPRB had also 
entertained similar requests before. The presence of the Course participants in the room was 
agreed by Members.  
1.6.  At the last TPR meeting in 2005, Members had commended Sierra Leone for its economic 
stabilization, and structural reforms undertaken since the end of the civil unrest. Members had 
encouraged Sierra Leone to move ahead with  structural reforms, and to increase infrastructure 
and health -related expenditures with a view to alleviating poverty.  
1.7.  During the review period, Sierra Leone underwent extensive reconstruction, which was 
financed mainly by external aid and expansion of i ts mining sector, in particular the trade in iron 
ore. At the same time, several domestic reforms had helped to improve the business environment. 
These included: a zero -tolerance policy against corruption, simplification of business registration 
procedures , and consolidation of the taxation system. Sierra Leone's tariff reform had already 
been acknowledged by Members at the last TPR. For instance, by binding all its tariff lines, 
predictability had been enhanced. During this review period, automation of pro cedures and 
adoption of new legislation had further enhanced the transparency of Sierra Leone's customs 
system.  
1.8.  However, Sierra Leone continued to face real constraints in fulfilling its development 
objectives. Outbreak of the Ebola -Virus Disease and the c losing of national borders to contain its 
spread had seriously jeopardized Sierra Leone's recovery process. Most economic activities, 
including construction, trade, tourism, transport and manufacturing, had all been affected. The 
situation was further exac erbated by the collapse of iron ore prices and the associated fall in 
production, leading to a contraction of real GDP by about 20% in 2015. However, it was 
encouraging to note that the economy had started recovering towards the end of 2015, supported 
by new investments.  
1.9.  For many LDCs, trade was an important tool for development. This was also the case for 
Sierra Leone. Members had noted at the last TPR that the country's integration into the 
multilateral trading system had been relatively slow, and as a r esult it had not fully benefitted 
from its WTO Membership. Members were pleased to note that since then, Sierra Leone had 
established a Permanent Mission to the WTO, had adopted an export strategy, and had joined the 
Integrated Framework. Under the Enhance d Integrated Framework, Sierra Leone had obtained 
support for projects in the areas of trade information and tourism. The Chairperson saw these 
developments as a positive response to Members' comments at the last TPR. However, as some WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  Members highlighted i n their advance questions, compliance with WTO notifications obligations 
remained a challenge for Sierra Leone.  
1.10.   Other topics highlighted in the advance questions included: investment incentives, technical 
barriers to trade, protection of intellectual prope rty rights, and the services sector. This TPR would 
provide a good opportunity for Sierra Leone to provide the information sought, and explain how 
concerns would be effectively addressed.  
1.11.   As for all TPRs, Members were encouraged to discuss at this meeting  issues of interest to 
them and of importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson looked forward to a 
fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F SIERRA LEONE (MR I BRAHIM 
MANSARAY)  
2.1.  Distinguished representatives of Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO), 
the Trade Policy Review Body, I bring you greetings from the Government and people of 
Sierra  Leone.  
2.2.  As the Head of delegation to Sierra Leone's second WTO Trade Policy Review and on behalf of 
the President and the Minister of Trade and Industry, I have the honour to deliver on this day, 
14 February 2017, the introductory speech of the opening session of the Trade Policy Review of 
my country.  
2.3.  I would particularly like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. R oberto Azevedo, 
Director  General of the World Trade Organization, to the WTO Secretariat and to the Chairperson 
and members of the Trade Policy Review Body for their continued efforts and assistance in the 
preparation and the actual holding of this meeting .  
2.4.  I would like to thank the Ambassador of Namibia, H.E. Madame Sabina Bohlke Moller for 
agreeing to take on the role as discussant on this occasion.  
2.5.  Finally, our appreciation goes to all the Members of the WTO for their obvious interest shown 
to Sierra L eone through their participation in this review and their relevant comments and 
questions submitted with respect to the two reports.  
2.6.  The Government of Sierra Leone has made significant efforts to promote economic 
development but has faced significant setb acks due to socio -political crises of the 1990's, the 
outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease and the plummeting of global prices for iron ore, our primary 
commodity, in 2014.  
2.7.  Shortly after these unprecedented events, the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone 
has embarked on major reforms, the implementation of which will certainly contribute to shape the 
domestic economy towards growth. This will foster the economic and social development of 
Sierra  Leone and will support the process of economic integrati on in West Africa (ECOWAS).  
2.8.  Prior to the Ebola Virus Disease and the iron ore shock, the Government of Sierra Leone had 
made considerable progress and restored macroeconomic stability. Real GDP growth stood at 5% 
in 2006 and relatively surpassed the avera ge growth in Sub -Saharan African by 3%.  
2.9.  Sierra Leone was one of the fastest -growing economies in the world in 2012, driven by the 
onset of iron ore mining production. Double digit GDP growth was achieved in 2012 at 15.2% and 
20.1% in 2013, respectively. T he macroeconomic framework also remained fairly stable with single 
digit inflation rates reaching 7.3% in 2014 and 7.8% in 2015.  
2.10.   With respect to trade data, imports figures stood at US$113 million and exports at 
US$60  million, thus resulting in a trade de ficit of nearly US$60 million.  
2.11.   While positive results have been recorded by Sierra Leone in the harmonization of national 
trade policies and in the implementation of regional agreements, much remains to be done, to 
enable the country recover from the seri ous setbacks of the Ebola outbreak crisis.  
2.12.   With the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the implementation of 
the ECOWAS Common External Tariffs (CET) in the coming weeks, our trade policies would be in 
line with our regional partners to foster our integration in order to play a more significant role in 
the international trading system.  
2.13.   Since its last review in 2005, and despite several factors, Sierra Leone has nonetheless 
embarked on important and profound reforms and has proceeded t o open up more sectors of its 
economy.  
2.14.   Furthermore, Sierra Leone has relative comparative advantage in agriculture and fisheries 
(oceans, weather, land) but the country has still to fully reap the benefits of this sector which will WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  offer, inter alia , incr eased employment opportunities and contribute significantly to our foreign 
reserves. The country also has important mineral resources which are attractive for industry, 
manufacturing, transportation, tourism and energy.  
2.15.   The development of agriculture whic h accounts for nearly 50% of the GDP, remains an 
important priority sector in the Government's development strategy.  
2.16.   Sierra Leone is a net exporter of a number of agriculture commodities including cocoa, 
coffee, ginger, palm kernels, palm oil and piassava . It is therefore necessary, within the 
framework of Aid for Trade, that Sierra Leone, as a Least Developed Country (LDC), should receive 
special support to the development of value chains for agricultural products and other sectors of 
the economy. In this  context, the Enhanced Integrated Framework programme is and will always 
be needed as a catalyst to implement this vision.  
2.17.   In order to sustain these activities, investments are needed in infrastructure to facilitate the 
movement of goods across and beyond our borders.  
2.18.   Sierra Leone would like to thank those States that have provided advanced questions for 
this review. We have endeavoured to provide responses to these questions but we welcome any 
further clarifications or new questions that Member States mig ht wish to pose.  
2.19.   In this regard, my delegation comprises technical managers and directors of various 
institutions in Sierra Leone, who will provide answers, as appropriate, to any questions that might 
be raised.  
2.20.   Finally, on behalf of the Government of Sie rra Leone, I would like to express my sincere 
gratitude to the various bilateral and multilateral partners for their technical and financial 
assistance. I would also like to express the wish that the negotiations within the WTO would 
continue to address de velopment issues, with a view to fully integrating, in particular, the LDCs 
into the multilateral trading system, thus contributing, in no small way, to their implementation of 
the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I wish to  warmly welcome the delegation of Sierra Leone lead by Honourable Mr. Ibrahim 
Mansaray, Deputy Minister of Trade to their second WTO Trade Policy Review.  
3.2.  I am honoured to participate in Sierra Leone's second Trade Policy Review as a discussant 
and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the WTO Secretariat and the Government of 
the Republic of Sierra Leone's comprehensive reports. These reports have given us all an 
opportunity to examine the trade, economic, and investment and sectoral policies of S ierra Leone 
and how they have developed since the last review in 2005.  
Economic environment  
3.3.  Since the civil war in Sierra Leone ended in 2002, the Government of Sierra Leone has been 
working intensively to rebuild the country by undertaking structural ref orms to create a firm 
foundation for future economic growth. As a result, Sierra Leone's economy was among the 
fastest -growing economy in sub -Saharan Africa, where it recorded a real GDP growth of 15% in 
2012 and then 20% in 2013.  
3.4.  However, in 2014, Sierra  Leone's economic growth was abruptly disrupted when the country 
experienced the largest Ebola outbreak in history. The outbreak placed enormous strains on the 
Government resources and capacities, depriving the country of funds needed for infrastructure 
development and resulting in a slowdown in foreign direct investment. This was exacerbated by 
the decline in world commodity prices, mainly "iron ore" significantly reduced the country's 
declined foreign exchange reserves and further resulted in the closure of two iron ore mines.  
3.5.  During the period under review, Sierra Leone's macroeconomic performance had improved, 
real GDP almost doubled from 5.4 trillion to 10.1 trillion Leone, by an annual growth of 8% in 
2013. This performance was on account of the resump tion of iron ore mining and infrastructure 
investment.  
3.6.  From the last review in 2005 to 2013, Sierra Leone's exports increased from 
US$159.0  million to US$1.9 billion, largely supported by mineral exports, especially diamonds and 
iron ore. Sierra Leone's e conomic ties with the European Union have been materialised by an 
increased share of its exports to the EU from 24% in 2013 to 48% in 2014. China is the main 
market for the country's iron ore.  
3.7.  I have noted that Sierra Leone's fiscal deficit was financed l argely by foreign concessional 
loans and domestic securities market. However, this did not reduce the escalating overall deficit 
which expanded from 1.9% of GDP in 2005 to 5.2% of GDP in 2012. So, we wish to encourage the 
Government of Sierra Leone to inte nsify domestic revenue collection to offset fiscal deficit and 
reduce borrowing.  
Trade policy measures  
3.8.  It should be pointed out that Sierra Leone is home to 7 million inhabitants and provides 
additional market access to 45 million people through its membe rship to MANO River Union and 
further to more than 300 million people in the Economic Community of West African States 
(ECOWAS). The latter provides Sierra Leone opportunities in areas such as trade and services, 
investments, industrial development, enviro nment and tourism, to mention a few.  
3.9.  In addition, Sierra Leone is also eligible for preferential agreements granted by the European 
Union through the Everything But Arms Initiative, and by the United States under the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act. It also benefits from other unilateral trade preferences granted by 
many other developed countries.  
3.10.   Sierra Leone has been a contracting party to the GATT since May 1961, then a Member of 
the WTO since July 1995. Sierra Leone grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners and 
benefits from the special and differential treatment provided for by the WTO Agreements. These 
undertakings are necessary to ensuring Sierra Leone's integration into the multilateral system.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  3.11.   As it was pointed out in the Govern ment report, Sierra Leone continues to experience 
challenges such as supply -side constraints, weak productive capacity, which prevents the country 
from achieving greater integration into the multilateral trading system. I wish to encourage the 
Government t o make use of WTO technical assistance programmes for successfully implementing 
of its WTO obligations, with the view of making trade play a key role in its development strategy.  
Sectoral policy  
3.12.   Sierra Leone has taken massive steps to upgrade its customs and border compliance to the 
Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) in order to streamline processing of imports, 
reduce fees and clearance time. As noted in the report, Sierra Leone still needs to find a solution 
to the current unreliable internet co nnectivity and electricity supply to operate the system.  
3.13.   It was interesting to note that Sierra Leone had pursued the export diversification strategy 
necessary to foster economic growth. We wish to encourage the Republic of Sierra Leone to make 
use of its huge endowment of natural resources and mineral wealth, through value addition in 
order to create more jobs for its citizens.  
3.14.   Agriculture remains central to Sierra Leone to achieve food security, rural development, and 
improve the livelihood of its citize ns. The agricultural sector employs about 75% of the labour 
force, making it the backbone of the economy. In recent years, the production of major crops such 
as rice, cassava, and cocoa has increased substantially, owing to the implementation of policies 
geared toward increasing productivity and extending cultivated areas. This step is largely 
applauded because it will ensure food security in Sierra Leone.  
3.15.   Furthermore, it was noted in the country report that although Sierra Leone locally produces 
rice for domestic use and export, it continues to import rice. I, therefore, would like to inquire 
about the way the Government intends to address this imbalance.   
3.16.   Finally, I wish to, once again, commend the Republic of Sierra Leone for, under difficult 
circumstan ces, having undertaken economic reforms that had helped to accelerate economic 
growth and reduce poverty. In this line, we encourage Sierra Leone to continue on the path of 
reform in order to tackle the obstacles to competitiveness and diversification, wit h the view to 
further developing its economy.  
3.17.   I wish Sierra Leone a successful review. I thank you Madam Chairperson.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.1.  Since its last trade policy review in 2005, the EU notes that Sierra Leone implemented 
reconstructio n reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and ensuring broad -based economic 
growth. Several transport, agriculture, and energy projects were completed and the mining sector 
expanded. However, after the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in 2014 combined with the 
decline in world prices of iron ore, the upward trend in economic growth since 2010 halted in 2013 
and declined in 2014.  
4.2.  The EU is pleased to note that new investment in agriculture, resumption of iron ore mining 
in 2016, and ongoing energy refor ms are expected to support economic recovery in Sierra Leone 
in the medium term.  
4.3.  The EU is one of the main trading and investment cooperation partners of Sierra Leone. 
Being a Least Developed Country (LDC), Sierra Leone benefits from EU support via the "E verything 
But Arms" scheme, which offers duty -free and quota -free access to the EU market.  
4.4.  The EU does not have too many concerns to raise. We have submitted some questions and 
we are particularly interested in receiving information on the latest state of play for the 
implementation of ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET).  
4.5.  The EU calls on Sierra Leone to ratify the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and to notify 
its category A commitments. Furthermore, we encourage Sierra Leone's Government to continue 
its trade liberalization and economic reform efforts.  
4.6.  The EU remains committed to support Sierra Leone's efforts to face socio -economic 
challenges and is confident that this exercise will help Sierra Leone in carrying out its economic 
reforms in compliance w ith its international commitments in this forum.  
BRAZIL  
4.7.  The reforms adopted by Sierra Leone in the last ten years have enhanced the reconstruction 
efforts that followed the end of the civil war. The country has experienced concrete advances in 
economic and  social terms, which have allowed the reduction of poverty and substantial progress 
in human development, despite the 2014 -2016 outbreak of the Ebola virus disease that brought 
enormous social and economic challenges to the country. We also note the consol idation of 
democracy following the 2012 elections, considered fair and transparent by international 
observers.  
4.8.  We welcome the trade -related reforms undertaken by Sierra Leone in recent years, as well as 
the efforts in streamlining business procedures thro ugh the revision and amendment of domestic 
legislation. The Agenda for Prosperity sets an ambitious target for 2035 and includes measures 
aimed at promoting the private sector, addressing infrastructure gaps and improving governance 
and transparency in the  public sector. We further commend the Government of Sierra Leone for its 
participation in trade arrangements, such as the Economic Community of West African States 
(ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union (MRU). Those measures will certainly contribute to 
overco ming the economic challenges faced by the Sierra Leonean economy through the creation of 
a positive environment for business confidence, investments and consumer expenditure.  
4.9.  Turning now to the bilateral domain, the economic relations between Brazil and S ierra Leone 
have much room to grow. The trade flow in 2016 was extremely modest, consisting mostly of 
Brazilian exports of agricultural goods, such as cereals, meat and sugar and imports primarily 
composed of mineral ores.  
4.10.   We are confident that Sierra Leo ne's participation in the WTO will remain a positive 
contribution for trade and development. We have submitted a question regarding the Protocol 
amending the TRIPS Agreement, which has recently entered into force and may assist the country 
in overcoming it s health challenges. We thank the delegation for the answer provided.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  UNITED  STATES  
4.11.   The United States extends a warm welcome to Deputy Minister Mansaray and the 
honourable representatives of Sierra Leone. Your country has faced more than its share of 
challenges, from a civil war that ended in 2002, to the Ebola outbreak in 2014, to the collapse of 
iron ore prices and associated loss of production in 2014 and 2015. And yet Sierra Leone's 
economy and its people have proven resilient, with economic growth resu ming since the last 
quarter of 2015, supported by new investments in mining, agriculture, and fisheries. I would also 
like to note that Sierra Leone is characterized by strong religious tolerance and has exhibited 
political stability, holding in 2012 its t hird democratic election since the civil war. It also enjoys 
plentiful natural resources, large areas of fertile land, and abundant fisheries.  
4.12.   Of course, Sierra Leone still faces many challenges typical of countries at its level of 
development, including p oor infrastructure, high energy and transportation costs, scarcity of 
financing, and weak institutional capacity. We are encouraged to see that the Government of 
Sierra Leone has recognized the importance of attracting foreign investment and diversifying t he 
economy. The Government is engaged in significant infrastructure projects and recognizes that 
drawing new foreign investment requires a more supportive business environment. It has enacted 
regulatory reforms to simplify the process of starting a busines s and to protect the rights of 
minority investors. In 2016, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. Government agency, 
began implementing a four -year, US$44 million threshold program to support policy reforms, build 
institutional capacity, and improve  governance in the water and electricity sectors.  
4.13.   The TPR report submitted by the Government of Sierra Leone indicated that it is developing 
a plan to make greater use of the opportunities presented by the U.S. African Growth and 
Opportunity Act, which we would very much welcome. With U.S. -Sierra Leone two -way goods 
trade valued at approximately US$120 million per year in recent years, we believe that there is 
significant room for growth.  
4.14.   Sierra Leone's membership in ECOWAS and its adoption this year of tha t group's common 
external tariff should help position the country to take advantage of the larger regional market. 
The U.S. Government is working with ECOWAS to promote the free flow of goods within the 
region. Sierra Leone's report states that it has been  undertaking customs -related reforms and that 
the cabinet approved the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) last September. The TFA is 
expected to enter into force soon and to bring billions of dollars in growth to traders, with much of 
that growth and o pportunity accruing to least developed country Members. By notifying the WTO 
and following through on that approval as soon as possible, Sierra Leone would be taking an 
important step in signalling your commitment to facilitating the efficient flow of trad e across your 
borders.  
4.15.   While we commend Sierra Leone for having bound its entire WTO tariff schedule, we note 
that these tariff bindings range as high as 80%, even though its applied rates are much lower. 
Bindings at prohibitive levels can have a chilling effect on investment as they create uncertainty on 
the cost of doing business. We would encourage the government to lower the bound rates so that 
they are closer to the rates that Sierra Leone applies under the ECOWAS common external tariff. 
We were also s truck by the high level of other duties and charges the government imposes. As 
part of its economic planning going forward we hope that the government will look to broaden and 
diversify its tax base. We also request that Sierra Leone keep us informed of an y plans to use a 
levy or other trade measures to implement the new African Union peacekeeping fund.  
4.16.   Part of an attractive business climate is strong protection of intellectual property. While the 
United States commends Sierra Leone's intellectual property rights legislation, the primary goal 
must now be enforcement of those rights, including through customs screening. Public awareness 
campaigns about copyright and trademark infringement can also play an important role. We hope 
to see Sierra Leone ratify the  Berne Convention, the World Intellectual Property Organization 
("WIPO")'s Copyright Treaty, and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.  
4.17.   We are looking to Sierra Leone to more fully undertake a number of its WTO obligations, 
such as with respect to t he requirements under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade 
to set up a national enquiry point and publish and make notifications of technical regulations.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.18.   With regard to government procurement, the WTO Secretariat report notes that Sierra 
Leone is neither an observer to, nor a member of, the WTO's Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA). We encourage Sierra Leone to consider becoming an observer to the 
agreement given the efforts it has made to ensure its government procurement regime is 
transparent and open to international competition. Being an observer would provide opportunities 
to engage with GPA Members on government procurement issues more broadly without taking on 
any obligations.  
4.19.   In sum, we commend the Government of Sierra Leone for i ts commitment to trade and 
investment reform which, along with its commitment to democratic values and peace and stability, 
bodes very well for the future of Sierra Leone and its people.  
4.20.   Again, thank you for all the efforts that have gone into preparing fo r this review, and best 
wishes to your delegation.  
JAPAN  
4.21.   Needless to say, Sierra Leone is an important economic partner in the region.  
4.22.   Japan will make continuous efforts to maintain and further develop the strong ties between 
us. 
4.23.   According to the Secretar iat report, the Sierra Leone economy had shown robust economic 
growth since the last Trade Policy Review up to 2014. It accomplished remarkable growth rate of 
20.7% in 2013. Although the economy collapsed from 2014 to 2015 due to the Ebola epidemic and 
a decrease in prices of resources, Japan is aware of its gradual recovery of its economy from the 
recession.  
4.24.   Japan positively evaluates the country's efforts in which the country aims to graduate from 
the Least Developing Country status. Sierra Leone has made  great efforts to overcome the Ebola 
epidemic, promoting sound economic activities of the private sector, and diversifying the economy. 
In order to support its efforts, Japan would like to implement possible policies as part of TICAD 
VI's follow –up. Japan is ready to cooperate with the Government of Sierra Leone.  
4.25.   Sierra Leone, as one of the original Members of the WTO, has had an interest in maintaining 
the multilateral trading system for better integration into international trade, which Japan 
commends. Ho wever, due to non -payment of its contribution to the WTO, the country cannot 
benefit from some technical assistance, at this moment. Japan expects the country to actively 
participate and contribute in the WTO activities.  
4.26.   Sierra Leone has joined several reg ional trade agreements including the ECOWAS. Japan 
hopes that these RTAs and FTAs will both complement and contribute to the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.27.   Now, let me make some brief comments on specific issues.  
4.28.   In recent years, since its last Trade Policy  Review, the Government has undertaken 
measures to improve its investment framework and attract FDI. Those reforms, together with 
abundant natural resources, had successfully attracted foreign direct investment until the Ebola 
epidemic. We know that the Go vernment of Sierra Leone granted its Reconnaissance Permit of 
petroleum to several foreign operators in 2013, which is noteworthy. Japan understands the 
impact of the epidemic of Ebola was huge, but the country's efforts toward attracting FDI will 
surely i mprove its economy. Other than measures related to FDI, Japan believes that training 
workers and supplying stable electricity are two of the most important policies to recover its 
economy.  
4.29.   As a result of the Uruguay Round, Sierra Leone bound all tariff lin es, which is highly 
appreciated. However, Japan is concerned with its unpredictable tariff change. The country 
frequently revised its effective tariff rate, which results in an unpredictable situation for importers 
and exporters. One more thing is about th e CET. Sierra Leone, as one of the Members of the 
ECOWAS, implemented the CET as of January 2017. Japan expects Sierra Leone to improve tariffs WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  and to be more transparent and predictable when implementing the CET, bearing in mind that this 
implementation m ust be fully consistent with the existing WTO Agreements and the Country's 
commitments. Japan would also like to draw its attention to the point that Sierra Leone must 
implement the CET within the bound rate, regarding exceptional items.  
4.30.   In conclusion, I w ould like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation between 
Sierra Leone and Japan.  
CHINA  
4.31.   China is pleased to witness the progress made by Sierra Leone in its economic and social 
development. The Sierra Leone Government and people have made remark able efforts to shuck off 
the adverse impact of the Ebola Disease and other natural disasters. Their achievements in 
economic structural reform, improving business environment and reducing poverty are impressing.  
4.32.   Meanwhile, further development of Sierra L eone is still facing certain bottlenecks. Weak 
infrastructure, high production costs, unreliable supply of energy at high prices, and limited access 
to financing still constitute barriers for the development of Sierra Leone. Improved domestic 
governance, e nhanced international cooperation, increased technical assistance, and a more 
development -oriented global trading system, would be essential to help addressing these 
obstacles.  
4.33.   In December last year, President XI Jinping of China met President Koroma in B eijing, and 
both countries agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. China has 
long been an important economic partner of Sierra Leone. As the largest export destination and 
source of FDI of Sierra Leone, China is committed to promoting our bilateral cooperation to a new 
height in the coming future, especially in the area of infrastructure, mining, industrialization, 
agriculture and other fields.  
4.34.   Meanwhile, we expect Sierra Leone to take further actions to facilitate trade a nd foreign 
investment.  
4.35.   The Doha Ministerial Declaration, as well as the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration clearly stated 
that we shall "continue to make positive efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and 
especially the least -developed among t hem, secure a share in the growth of world trade 
commensurate with the needs of their economic development". The TPR of Sierra Leone shed a 
light on the specific difficulties of developing members, especially the LDCs during the slow and 
uneven recovery, w hich deserve our special attention.  
4.36.   MC11 is only less than 10 months ahead. As a Sierra Leone proverb goes: "One finger can't 
pick up a stone". We must make joint efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system. China 
is ready to work even more clos ely with Sierra Leone and other Members to improve the 
inclusiveness and equality of the multilateral trading system, so as to fulfilling the mandate of the 
previous ministerial decisions, and keeping the centrality of development in all WTO works.  
INDIA  
4.37.   As per the Secretariat's report since the last review Sierra Leone has implemented 
reconstruction reforms through its Poverty Reduction Strategy and expanded its mining sector. We 
commend the Government of Sierra Leone for the initiatives undertaken as par t of the strategy to 
investment for building infrastructure, developing the private sector and extending access to social 
services. Further in 2013, the Government of Sierra Leone launched the Agenda for prosperity with 
a view to contribute to inclusive gr owth, improve governance and transparency. As a result of 
these reforms, since the last review, the GDP of Sierra Leone expanded rapidly till 2013 with an 
annual growth rate of around 8%. However, we also note that the challenging global environment, 
the o utbreak of the Ebola epidemic and collapse in global iron ore prices led to contraction of the 
economy in 2014 and 2015. The major challenges for Sierra Leone include addressing poverty, 
building infrastructure, skill development, diversifying the economy and addressing 
unemployment. We also note that the Government of Sierra Leone is making continuous efforts to 
address these challenges and to diversify the economy which is dependent on agriculture and 
mining.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.38.   India and Sierra Leone share warm, friendly a nd close bilateral relations. The total bilateral 
trade between the two countries stood at US$115.85 million in 2015. India is providing assistance 
to Sierra Leone in many areas including agriculture, telecommunications, civic infrastructure and 
new and re newable energy under the development partnership cooperation. India has also been 
offering humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone for combating the Ebola Virus Disease. With a 
view to assisting Sierra Leone in its socio -economic development, India extende d concessional 
loans through Lines of Credit (LoC) worth US$100 million for various projects in the country. These 
include: (i) Development of Commercial Agriculture; (ii) Rehabilitation of Telecom Sector in Sierra 
Leone; (iii) Rehabilitation of Six Potabl e Water Projects; and (iv) A Solar Street Lighting Project. 
Another two LOCs of US$30 million and US$15 million were approved for Irrigation Development 
and Expansion of Rehabilitation of existing Potable Water Facilities respectively in Sierra Leone. 
Government of Sierra Leone has also signed a fresh Line of Credit Agreement of US$78 million 
with the EXIM Bank of India in August 2016 for establishment of transmission sub -stations in 
Sierra Leone.  
4.39.   For capacity building in human resources India has been regu larly offering slots to 
professionals from Sierra Leone under the India Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) 
programme. There is considerable potential to strengthen bilateral trade and investment between 
both countries in sectors like drugs & pharmaceuti cals, textiles, machine tools and mining industry.  
4.40.   Sierra Leone is blessed with abundant natural resources including favourable climate, fertile 
soil and mineral resources such as diamonds, bauxite and iron ore. Given these resources, the 
country has treme ndous potential for economic growth and development. To conclude, we look 
forward to working with the authorities of Sierra Leone in further expanding our trade and 
investment ties for mutual benefit. We wish the delegation of Sierra Leone a productive and  
successful TPR.  
SINGAPORE  
4.41.   Since its last review in 2005, Sierra Leone's economy grew significantly until the Ebola 
epidemic struck in 2014. We are glad that Sierra Leone has overcome the Ebola outbreak and its 
economy is also gradually recovering. Sierra Leone's economic diversification into agriculture, 
construction and services sectors helps to reduce its dependence on the mining sector and opens 
up new growth opportunities. Continued Government efforts, backed by sound macroeconomic 
fundamentals and pol icies, will be crucial in Sierra Leone's journey towards fulfilling its Agenda for 
Prosperity and attaining middle -income status by 2035.  
4.42.   Trade will play a key role. We welcome the various initiatives towards removing trade 
distorting practices, developin g a transparent trade regime, establishing and developing necessary 
infrastructure, human capital and skills. Trade facilitative measures, in particular, the recently 
established Automated System for Customs Data, which replaced the manual customs clearanc e 
system, will contribute to Sierra Leone's integration into the global trading system. We welcome 
the Cabinet's approval of the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) last September. 
We strongly encourage Sierra Leone to quickly submit its  acceptance of the TFA to the WTO.  
4.43.   We encourage further efforts to liberalize markets and enhance transparency and 
predictability of Sierra Leone's trade regime. We urge Sierra Leone to reconsider frequent revisions 
of its applied tariff regime, as it affe cts predictability of applied rates. In the area of export 
restrictions and licensing, we strongly encourage the Government to regularly review the necessity 
of such restrictions with a view to ensuring free, unhindered movement of exports.  
4.44.   Given that clo se to half of the Government annual budget is spent on public procurement, 
Sierra Leone may wish to consider being an Observer to the Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA), with a view towards acceding to it. We also encourage Sierra Leone to fulfil its W TO 
notification obligations, especially those concerning SPS and TBT measures. The WTO's technical 
assistance and capacity building programmes could help Sierra Leone better integrate into the 
multilateral trading system. We commend the important role play ed by Ambassador Yvette 
Stevens as Chair of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Board.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.45.   The Singapore delegation looks forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with the 
Sierra Leone Mission in Geneva, led by Ambassador Stevens, towards our commo n goal of 
upholding the multilateral trading system. We wish Sierra Leone every success in its second TPR.  
CANADA  
4.46.   Since its last Review in 2005, Sierra Leone has experienced some key economic successes 
while, at the same, facing a number of significant ch allenges. Not only was the country's economic 
expansion jeopardized by the global downturn in mineral prices, but Sierra Leone has also had to 
fight against the spread of the Ebola virus. Canada applauds Sierra Leone's resourcefulness and 
resilience in the  face of this adversity. Sierra Leone has overcome this tragedy and is now looking 
at a brighter future for its citizens.  
4.47.   Since 2005, Sierra Leone's business environment has improved, due to the implementation 
of commendable structural reforms, as well as  progress in governance and development. As an 
example, Sierra Leone became compliant with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 
(EITI) in 2014 and established a public online repository disseminating information about revenues 
generated from m ining companies. Other notable improvements include a reinforced policy against 
corruption, simplified business registration procedures, and the launch of a fast -track commercial 
court to help enforce contracts.  
4.48.   We welcome these positive changes. Canada a nd Sierra Leone are both nations with 
important natural resources who share the belief that our growth must be progressive and 
inclusive. The mining sector has been Sierra Leone's main source of export revenues and a 
fundamental pillar of your Agenda for P rosperity. Ensuring that the Government builds on its 
efforts to increase transparency and accountability will help ensure that mineral resources can 
support economic growth and social development.  
4.49.   Notwithstanding these important steps forward, the busines s environment in Sierra remains 
challenging and many companies who departed the country following the Ebola outbreak have yet 
to return. Allow me to highlight three areas that would strengthen Sierra Leone's economic 
potential.  
4.50.   First, improving power gener ation and distribution capacity is one of the most important 
issues faced by foreign businesses in Sierra Leone. Failure to make progress in this area also 
compromises the results achieved in other areas, including the Automated System for Customs 
Data, wh ich remains affected by inconsistent power supply.  
4.51.   Second, the fight against corruption must continue. Corruption is a key element in economic 
under -performance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation. The Government's stated 
zero-tolerance policy and the establishment of the Anti -Corruption Commission (ACC) are welcome 
first steps, but more needs to be done. Tackling corruption will create an environment that attracts 
more Foreign Direct Investment in support of economic development.  
4.52.   Finally, we also n ote that Sierra Leone has yet to ratify the WTO Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation (TFA), which will modernize and simplify customs and border procedures and lower 
trade costs. Ratifying would send a positive message to businesses and the international 
commun ity about Sierra Leone's support for open markets and international trade.  
4.53.   Canada supports the Agenda for Prosperity's stated focus on sustainable and inclusive 
growth. Now more than ever, Governments have to pursue domestic policies aimed at alleviating 
poverty, shoring up the middle class and providing good jobs for young people integrating the 
workforce. In order to obtain domestic support for an open society, Governments must work hard 
to address the population's fears and concerns about trade, includin g with respect to fair income 
distribution and real opportunities for small and medium -sized businesses to engage in the global 
economy. Sierra Leone's establishment of a Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency in 
2016 is a step in the right direct ion and an example of this kind of sound domestic policy.  
4.54.   With the general elections coming up in late 2017, Canada would like to encourage the 
Government of Sierra Leone to remain focused on creating a favourable business environment that 
will enable the creation of wealth in an inclusive fashion.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.55.   I wish the Sierra Leonean delegation success in its efforts to lay the foundation for an open 
and diversified economy and we thank you for the opportunity to participate in this trade policy 
review.  
BÉNIN  AU NOM  DES  PMA 
4.56.   L'économie de la Sierra Leone a été confrontée à des difficultés sociales et humanitaires, 
dont elle se relève courageusement. Depuis le premier examen de ses politiques commerciales, le 
Gouvernement de la Sierra Leone a enregistré des progrès à t ravers les réformes législatives, 
réglementaires et institutionnelles qu'il a engagées et qui visent à faire du pays, d'ici à 2035, "un 
pays à revenu intermédiaire, vert et inclusif", à éradiquer la pauvreté, et à stabiliser le taux du 
chômage à moins de 5 %. 
4.57.   Le Gouvernement de la Sierra Leone a également engagé des actions pour la mise en 
conformité de ses politiques avec les règles de l'OMC. Ces actions ont consisté, entre autres, à la 
consolidation de toutes ses lignes tarifaires à des taux plafonds compr is entre 30% et 80%.  
4.58.   Les différentes réformes et actions entreprises se sont traduites par le doublement du PIB, 
passant de 5400 milliards de leones en 2005 à 10.100 milliards de leones en 2013, ce qui 
représente un taux de croissance annuel de 8%. L'écono mie de la Sierra Leone a enregistré une 
croissance à deux chiffres en 2012 et 2013, grâce notamment à la diversification de ses 
exportations.  
4.59.   La délégation du Bénin félicite la Sierra Leone pour les initiatives entreprises, en vue de la 
transformation stru cturelle et la diversification de son économie, l'amélioration de la productivité 
et la promotion de la croissance portée par l'innovation.  
4.60.   Le Gouvernement de la Sierra Leone a également renforcé ses relations commerciales avec 
ses partenaires majeurs, aux  niveaux bilatéral, régional et multilatéral. Les divers Accords 
préférentiels signés témoignent de l'efficacité de la stratégie d'intégration de ce pays dans le 
système commercial multilatéral. Cet attachement au système commercial multilatéral se traduit  
par les efforts visant à soutenir le libre -échange et le développement économique et social inclusif, 
ainsi que le dépôt à l'OMC, en septembre 2016, des instruments d'acceptation de l'Accord de l'OMC 
sur la Facilitation des échanges.  
4.61.   La délégation du Béni n, au nom du groupe des PMA, voudrait inviter les Partenaires au 
développement agissant au titre de la Coopération nord -sud et sud -sud, à poursuivre leur appui à 
la Sierra Leone pour le développement socioéconomique de ce pays, et à la réalisation des 
Objectifs de développement durable à l'horizon (ODD) 2030.  
4.62.   Elle recommande que l'Assistance technique liée au commerce accordée à la Sierra Leone, 
notamment celle au titre du Programme du cadre intégré renforcé (CIR), et de l'Aide pour le 
commerce (APC), soit accrue en vue de ses efforts de promotion du développement 
socioéconomique, à travers le renforcement des capacités productives et d'exportation, la 
promotion de la croissance et la lutte contre la pauvreté.  
4.63.   Elle voudrait saisir la présente occasion pour r emercier et féliciter Madame l'Ambassadeur 
Yvette Stevens pour l'importante contribution qu'elle apporte aux travaux de négociations 
commerciales multilatérales et à la promotion des priorités des PMA, ainsi que pour le rôle actif 
qu'elle a joué durant son  mandat à la Présidence du Conseil du cadre intégré renforcé.  
ROYAUME  DU MAROC  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  AFRICAIN  
4.64.   C'est pour le Groupe africain un immense plaisir de participer, aujourd'hui, à cet examen 
des politiques commerciales de la Sierra Leone qui, j'en suis  convaincu, sera l'occasion de 
permettre aux pays Membres de notre Organisation de prendre connaissance des réformes 
économiques et commerciales réalisées par ce pays ami et frère.  
4.65.   La Sierra Leone fait partie des pays les moins avancés (PMA), avec une pop ulation 
relativement jeune. L'agriculture est le pilier central de son économie.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.66.   Depuis le dernier examen de sa politique commerciale en 2005, la Sierra Leone a poursuivi 
ses efforts de reconstruction. Ceci lui a permis de réussir ces dernières années une stabilité pour 
l'économie et d'instaurer une croissance multisectorielle.  
4.67.   La Sierra Leone a conduit d'importantes initiatives et réformes au cours de la période 
2005-2016, en vue de renforcer la transparence et l'efficacité de sa politique commerciale, 
améliorer le climat des affaires et accroitre les performances internes en matière d'investissement 
et de compétitivité du secteur privé.  
4.68.   Dans ce cadre s'inscrivent les différentes incitations aux investisseurs tant étrangers que 
nationaux afin de les encour ager à mener des activités et à investir dans le pays, notamment dans 
les secteurs de l'agriculture, du tourisme, de la pêche, du pétrole et du gaz, de l'infrastructure 
énergétique, des communications et des transports.  
4.69.   La Sierra Leone est consciente des n ombreuses possibilités qui existent au niveau 
international pour améliorer sa position commerciale. Elle a participé, par conséquent, à diverses 
initiatives, parmi lesquelles des programmes régionaux tels que le Nouveau partenariat pour le 
développement de  l'Afrique, la CEDEAO et l'Union du fleuve Mano, ainsi qu'à des arrangements 
commerciaux préférentiels non réciproques de plus en plus larges mis en place ou négociés par ses 
partenaires commerciaux développés.  
4.70.   Les intérêts de la Sierra Leone, comme ceux d u Groupe africain, sont prépondérants dans le 
cadre du PDD. De plus, ce pays est naturellement favorable au renforcement des programmes 
d'assistance technique en faveur des Pays en développement et des PMA dans plusieurs domaines 
de l'OMC, ce qui est large ment partagé par les pays membres du Groupe africain.  
4.71.   La Sierra Leone continue d'engager des réformes visant à soutenir le libre -échange et le 
développement économique. Les importantes ressources naturelles dont elle est dotée, 
notamment ses richesses mini ères, commencent à être mises au service de son développement 
infrastructurel. Sa volonté de développer son secteur privé, en particulier les PME, les progrès 
qu'elle a réalisés en matière de facilité de faire des affaires et d'environnement économique et sa 
stabilité politique montrent clairement que la Sierra Leone est désormais prête à s'ouvrir au monde 
sur le plan commercial.  
4.72.   Pour finir, j'aimerais dire que la nécessité d'aider la Sierra Leone à devenir plus compétitive 
ne saurait être suffisamment sou lignée. Pareillement, le soutien des partenaires de développement 
de ce pays et ses investisseurs est nécessaire pour la mise en œuvre des politiques et des 
stratégies commerciales.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.73.   Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of  the European Union.  
4.74.   Montenegro notes the challenges that Sierra Leone has faced in recent years with the 
economy being seriously affected by both the outbreak of Ebola epidemic and collapse in global 
iron ore prices in 2014 and 2015, as well as the challe nges associated with post -conflict 
development.  
4.75.   Nevertheless, Montenegro wishes to congratulate the Government of Sierra Leone on both 
its economic performance until the Ebola crisis commenced and on successfully conducting two 
successive parliamentary and  presidential elections in 2007 and 2012. In this regard, as the 
Government of Sierra Leone's report notes, macroeconomic performance had improved 
tremendously until 2014, with real GDP almost doubling from Le 5.3 trillion in 2005 to Le 
10.1 trillion in 20 13, with an annual growth rate of 8.0%. Securing such a long period of peace is 
also a very important achievement.  
4.76.   Of particular interest to Montenegro is the growth Sierra Leone has experienced in the 
tourism sector since 2005. As the Secretariat notes, the tourism sector's contribution to GDP in 
Sierra Leone since 2006 has been around 7%. In monetary terms, the tourism sector generated 
US$42 million in 2012, which is an impressive figure. Montenegro notes that Sierra Leone has 
excellent assets for touris m in terms of beaches, beautiful scenery and a rich culture. As a State WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  that is heavily reliant on tourism, Montenegro wishes Sierra Leone the best in developing this area 
of its economy.  
4.77.   Montenegro notes the challenges in the fisheries sector highlighted  in the Government's 
report. The sector is mainly challenged by the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), 
which is estimated to cause an annual revenue loss of US$30 million. In the context of current 
discussions on fisheries in the WTO, this example underlines even more the importance of 
technical support for the countries and local communities struggling to fight IUU in order to meet 
international standards.  
4.78.   In addition, Montenegro notes that Sierra Leone has not yet fully ratified the WTO T rade 
Facilitation Agreement. However, the authorities acknowledged that the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement would offer benefits in terms of reduced time and trading costs, but that considerable 
investment in infrastructure would be needed. We look forward to  welcoming Sierra Leone to the 
TFA as we believe that the TFA would help the Government's important objectives to diversify 
economy and to reach mid -level income by 2035.  
4.79.   Finally, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and constructive engag ement 
with Sierra Leone and my distinguished colleague Ambassador Yvette Stevens who has already 
made significant contribution and secured a prominent place for her country in the international 
community of Geneva.  
4.80.   On a personal note, I lived and voluntee red in Sierra Leone in 2007. I have a great affection 
and respect for the country – particularly in view of hardships and challenges that it has 
experienced but, also, the resilience and many talents of its people. My delegation wishes 
Sierra  Leone prosper ous future and every success in its second Trade policy review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.81.   As we can see from the reports, it is evident that the Government of Sierra Leone has made 
substantial trade policy efforts a nd reforms since its first trade policy review in 2005, resulting in 
boosting economic activities and positive economic growth. We also commend Sierra Leone to 
carry out a series of legislative reforms to enhance better business and investment environment 
for foreign investors. We encourage the country to keep on necessary reforms of it institutional 
and legal framework on the basis of transparency, predictability and sustainable development, to 
fulfil the objective of inclusive growth set out in the 2013 " Agenda for Prosperity".  
4.82.   Sierra Leone's economy has seriously suffered from the outbreak of Ebola epidemic in 2015. 
In response to the international efforts against Ebola, my Government has played a supportive role 
by contributing US$1 million budget and 10 0,000 sets of personal protective equipment. Moreover, 
in 2015, we established a joint training course to train medical personnel in the Asia -Pacific region 
how to combat the Ebola virus.  
4.83.   On the bilateral front, the trade flow and economic cooperation betw een Sierra Leone and 
my Government may not be so significant, yet we are willing to search for opportunities to expand 
our trade volume in fields of agricultural, mining and industrial products. In addition, my 
Government looks forward to possible cooperat ion under the framework of the WTO Aid -for-Trade 
scheme, as well as other fields in the WTO.  
GHANA  ON BEHALF  OF ECOWAS  
4.84.   Ghana attaches great importance to its relations with Sierra Leone which is based on 
historical and cultural ties dating back to pre -independence and which continues to grow from 
strength to strength.  
4.85.   My delegation recognizes that Sierra Leone, being a least developed country (LDC), and 
coming out of fragile post -conflict and post -Ebola virus disease (EVD) situation, has achieved 
significan t gains in recent years; in stabilizing the economy and ensuring broad -based growth with 
economic growth reaching 20.7% in 2013, arising from the mining sector, particularly, from iron 
ore extraction.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.86.   We further note with appreciation that since the first Trade Policy Review, Sierra Leone has 
carried out a series of legislative reforms with a view to enhancing the business environment to 
make it conducive to attract Foreign Direct Investment, including: the enactment of the Business 
Registration Act, 2007, the Investment and Export Promotion Agency Act 2007, the Companies 
Act, 2009 and the companies (Amendment) Law, 2014 as well as the Anti -Corruption Act, 2008 to 
fight graft, among others.  
4.87.   Sierra Leone's huge endowment of natural resources including its min eral wealth is 
beginning to provide support to its infrastructural development. Like many countries in the 
sub-region, agriculture remains the backbone of Sierra Leone's economy, employing about 75% of 
the labour force and contributing over 50% to GDP, wit h rice and cassava as the two major crops. 
Also, Sierra Leone is rich in minerals such as gold, diamond, bauxite, rutile, and iron ore. The 
contribution of the tourism sector including its beaches, tropical environment and scenery, the 
diversity of its wil dlife, and its cultural heritage is equally worthy of note.  
4.88.   As a member of the ECOWAS, we have witnessed Sierra Leone's participation in regional 
integration initiatives that enable manufacturing industries to take advantage of the larger regional 
ECOWAS market, and expect that the Common External Tariff (CET) which was to be implemented 
by 1 January 2017 is on course.  
4.89.   Let me also commend Sierra Leone for its comprehensive national debt law, setting out the 
framework for public sector borrowing at all leve ls of Government for effective public debt 
management practices as debt Sustainability has been the bane of many developing countries.  
4.90.   As agriculture, the largest sector of the economy, is gradually ceding its dominance in 
favour of the industrial sector,  Sierra Leone should expand its manufacturing base which remains 
narrow with a concentration on a few commodities. We trust that with the support of development 
partners it can remove the major infrastructural and market constraints that limit the sector's  
growth. Also worrying is the fact that the services sector is declining due to the commencement of 
iron ore mining.  
4.91.   Sierra Leone replaced its pre -shipment inspection system with a destination inspection 
system after the former terminated in 2009. We are happy to recall that during this migration, at 
the invitation of the then Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Konte, Ghana was to brief the 
Cabinet sub -Committee on Trade and Industry on its destination programme. I note with humility 
that I was a member o f the two Members delegation that briefed the Cabinet sub -Committee, as 
part of the migration process.  
4.92.   As the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, zeros towards implementation, Ghana calls on 
Sierra Leone to intensify its efforts to ratify the Agreement as w ell as notify its list of category A, B 
and C commitments.  
4.93.   In closing, we would like to thank H.E. Mrs. Sabine Böhlke Möller, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative for Namibia, for providing useful insights and eloquent analysis as 
Discussant which has added great substance to this review and to you, Your Excellency Irene 
Young, for the able manner you have conducted this meeting.  
LESOTHO  
4.94.   We align ourselves with the statement made by Benin on behalf of the LDCs and the 
statement delivered by Morocco on b ehalf of the African Group.  
4.95.   We note with great satisfaction the progress which Sierra Leone has achieved since the last 
review especially in the light that the country had to contend with the outbreak of the Ebola Virus 
Disease in 2013. In this regard, we commend the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the 
resilience in the midst of this crisis.  
4.96.   The legislative reforms which Sierra Leone has embarked upon since the last review bear 
testimony to its commitment to become a middle level income by 2035 an d a donor nation where 
extreme poverty would have been eradicated in accordance with its Agenda for Prosperity. 
Amongst others we note: the Business Registration Act, 2007, the Anti -Corruption Act, 2008 WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  aimed at fighting graft, the Bankruptcy Act, 2009, an d the Debt Management Act, 2011 which 
provides for the management of the public debt of Sierra Leone.  
4.97.   More importantly, we take note of the efforts undertaken by Sierra Leone in facilitating the 
private sector -led growth including the fast -track commercia l court, the Credit Reference Bureau, 
the Corporate Affairs Commission and the revised legislation of company activities. Furthermore 
we recognize the initiatives Sierra took in the areas of standards, the importance of which cannot 
be overemphasized. Sier ra Leone has also streamlined procedures for registration of companies 
through the establishment of the One -Stop Shop, which is a significant milestone in facilitating the 
ease of doing business in the country.  
4.98.   We, nonetheless, observe that Sierra Leone li ke other LDCs continues to face the perennial 
challenges in relation to supply -side constraints. Despite a variety of market access avenues 
offered both at the multilateral level and elsewhere, it has not been possible for the country to 
fully utilize thes e opportunities. As such, my delegation supports the call by Sierra Leone to be 
assisted in its noble quest to overcome the hurdles which constrain it from fully benefiting from the 
spoils of the multilateral trading system.  
SRI LANKA  
4.99.   Going through the rep orts by the Government of Sierra Leone as well as the WTO 
Secretariat, my delegation is pleased to note the rapid recovery being achieved by the economy of 
Sierra Leone, after the prolonged civil conflict and the Ebola Virus Disease which adversely 
reflect ed in the economic performance of the country. We are pleased to note the current 
developments in the new investments in agriculture, the resumption of iron ore mining, and 
reforms in the energy sector. We believe that sound and constructive economic polic ies with the 
target of diversifying the country's exports will contribute towards the positive developments in the 
economy.  
4.100.   The import duty preferences granted under the EBA (Everything but Arms) Scheme, the 
flexibilities granted under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other unilateral 
trade preferences granted by many other developed countries will also help to develop the 
economic performance of the country. We congratulate the Government of Sierra Leone with 
appreciation, for their initi ative on "Agenda for Prosperity" which was launched in 2013, setting the 
pathway to middle -income status by 2035. My delegation also notes with great interest the 
Government of Sierra Leones's zero tolerant policy on corruption. We all know corruption in m any 
countries is a great challenge on development.  
4.101.   My delegation welcomes Sierra Leone's continued commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and we believe Sierra Leone will ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement in near future 
furthering their commit ments to the multilateral trading system.  
4.102.   The able leadership and the dynamic role played by the Ambassador, Madam Yvette 
Stevens and her team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of WTO is highly 
commendable.  
ZAMBIA  
4.103.   Zambia, like Sierra  Leone, is an LDC and in many aspects, can relate to some of the 
challenges faced by Sierra Leone that constrain LDC's ability to effectively integrate into the 
multilateral trading system. As LDCs, we face several challenges such as weak infrastructure, 
human capital development, high production costs, limited access to financing, and unreliable 
supply of energy as well as the high costs associated with accessing it.  
4.104.   As it has been highlighted in the two commendable and comprehensive reports prepared 
by the Government of Sierra Leone and that prepared by the WTO Secretariat, as well as from the 
responses provided today, it is very pleasing to note that Sierra Leone has remained on track in 
implementing structural reforms as well as made significant progres s in the areas of governance 
and human development which have contributed in stabilizing the economy and ensuring 
broad -based growth.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.105.   Even with the negative effects of the recent Ebola virus epidemic that affected the region, 
Sierra Leone has continued on her path of restructuring particularly in areas of customs and tax 
administration, as well as the legal framework for business. Her continued active participation in 
the Economic Community of West Africa has helped to address infrastructural deficiencies a nd 
other bottlenecks faced in the region.  
4.106.   These reforms have helped the country to make significant strides in its economic and 
trade performance as noted by projected positive average growth rates during the review period. 
My delegation therefore wishes t o commend the Government of Sierra Leone for the efforts 
undertaken during this review period.  
4.107.   We do recognize that Sierra Leone would not have been able to make these significant 
strides without the financial support of the various cooperating partners. M y delegation therefore 
wishes to extend gratitude to cooperating partners that have played a significant role in 
complementing the efforts undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone.  
MALI 
4.108.   Ma délégation voudrait remercier et féliciter les autorités de Sie rra Leone pour la clarté et 
la précision du rapport qui vient de nous être présenté sur l'état de la politique commerciale de ce 
pays frère et ami du Mali.  
4.109.   Ma délégation note avec satisfaction que depuis son dernier examen en 2005, la Sierra 
Leone n'a ces sé de poursuivre ses efforts.  
4.110.   Ma délégation voudrait tout particulièrement saluer les importants efforts de réformes 
économiques et commerciales engagées par le Gouvernement de Sierra Leone et qui ont donné 
des résultats remarquables en dépit d'un environn ement particulièrement difficile.  
4.111.   Je voudrais, á cet égard, saluer la grande résilience de ce pays face à une des plus grandes 
pandémies de l'histoire récente, celle de la maladie à virus Ébola en 2014, et dont elle a su venir á 
bout.  
4.112.   Ma délégation a noté  avec beaucoup d'intérêt les actions majeures entreprises par le 
Gouvernement de Sierra Leone pour davantage de transparence et d'efficacité de sa politique 
commerciale, ainsi que l'amélioration du climat des affaires, pour une plus grande attractivité aux  
investissements, pour une pleine exploitation de son potentiel de croissance et de développement 
économique.  
4.113.   Le Mali se félicite de l'excellence des relations qu'il entretient avec la Sierra Leone, et cela 
tant au plan politique, qu'économique et commerc ial. Nos deux pays travaillent à la consolidation 
de l'espace économique commun, la Communauté des États de l'Afrique de l'ouest (CEDEAO) pour 
une plus grande intégration.  
4.114.   Le Mali encourage le Gouvernement de la Sierra Leone à poursuivre sur la voie des 
réformes, à promouvoir les échanges intra -communautaires, et la coopération sud -sud. 
4.115.   Je ne saurais conclure sans rendre hommage á l'action de S.E. Madame l'Ambassadeur 
Yvette Stevens á la tête de la délégation de la République de Sierra Leone á Genève et son  
engagement remarquable ainsi que sa contribution exceptionnelle aux débats en cours á l'OMC et 
dans les autres enceintes multilatérales á Genève, pour la défense des intérêts de son pays et de 
l'Afrique.  
4.116.   Je voudrais enfin m'associer à la déclaration faite  par le Maroc au nom du Groupe africain, 
et par le Bénin au nom du groupe des PMA.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  UGANDA  
4.117.   We ally ourselves with the statements made by Morocco for the African Group and Benin 
on behalf of the LDCs.  
4.118.   It is important and pleasing to note the efforts made by  the Government of Sierra Leone to 
improve on the country's economic development. This is despite the occurrence of many 
socio-economic challenges. We do acknowledge the fact that the incidence of Ebola created a big 
socio-political and economic challenge.  We now breathe the air of relief to know that Ebola was 
eventually brought under control, partly because of the resilience of the people of Sierra Leone, 
and also due to the support of the international community in the fight against Ebola.  
4.119.   The Government  of Sierra Leone is now well positioned to tackle economic challenges it is 
facing especially in the areas of trade. As an LDC, Sierra Leone, like many other least developed 
countries, needs to take advantage of the existence of such Organizations like the  WTO and 
affiliated institutions like EIF and ITC to undertake measures that will enable it attain further 
economic progress. The country should focus on development oriented projects and diversification 
of the services sector like tourism and others, for the meaningful economic growth. Furthermore, 
Sierra Leone may need to harness the assistance of international donor agencies, and financial 
institutions like the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group to achieve this. We 
recommend that the Gover nment comes up with well strategized and articulated domestic policy 
reforms which will create conducive environment to improve on the agricultural and mineral export 
products by value addition processes of agro -manufacturing and mineral dressing, and best  
practice services provision.  
NIGERIA  
4.120.   Nigeria is happy to note from the Secretariat report that Sierra Leone has been able to 
achieve a reasonable and successful level of progress despite the impact of both post -conflict and 
post Ebola virus disease situat ion. The report also pointed out that since the last review, the 
business environment of Sierra Leone has improved as a result of structural reforms and progress 
in governance and human development supported by a substantial inflow of external aid. We also  
note from the same report that Sierra Leone has expanded its mining sector through the 
production and export of iron ore, boosting the country's real GDP growth to 20.7 percent in 2013. 
Despite the challenges faced by Sierra Leone, recovery has started to wards the end of 2015, with 
the new investment in Agriculture, resumption of mining and the reforms in the energy sector are 
expected to support the recovery.  
4.121.   My delegation is impressed by the Sierra Leone's determination to promote economic 
reforms throug h its Poverty Reduction Strategy policy instruments that aimed at laying down the 
foundation for broad -based economic growth, particularly through the expansion of mining sector. 
We urge Sierra Leone to continue to pursue the effort that will lay a solid f oundation for its broad -
based economic growth that will ultimately uplift the living standard of Sierra Leoneans.  
4.122.   As pointed out in the Secretariat report, Sierra Leone like Nigeria has cultural heritage and 
nature reserves as its main tourist attraction. The sector has not escaped the effects of 
long-decade political instability, and some of the tourist attractions remain undeveloped, the 
outbreak of Ebola virus disease severely impacted the sector. We welcome the strategy the 
Government of Sierra Leone is  making to promote the concept of "root tourism" in restoring some 
historic sites that include the Bunce Islands facilities and the effort to promote sustainable tourism 
as a means of economic growth and socio -cultural integration.   
4.123.   To assist Sierra Leone  overcome its challenges, we call on its trading partners and all WTO 
Members to continue to support Sierra Leone in ensuring that the recorded progress they so far 
realised is sustained and improved upon.  
4.124.   In conclusion, Nigeria wishes to express support t o Sierra Leone in all her developmental 
and aspirations to ensure that the country overcomes its developmental challenges.   WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  KENYA  
4.125.   Kenya and Sierra Leone enjoy cordial political and economic ties. Kenya was among the 
African countries that supported Sierr a Leone effort to address Ebola outbreak.  
4.126.   We note from the report that since the last review, Sierra Leone experienced impressive 
economic growth registering growth rate of 20.7% in 2013. This growth was driven mainly by the 
resumption of iron ore mining and scaling up of infrastructure investments. However, this positive 
trend was reversed due to the outbreak of Ebola and the collapse in global commodity prices 
leading to the contraction of the economy by 20.6% in 2015.  
4.127.   Agriculture sector is the backbone of the economy and employs about 75% of the labour 
force, while mining sector continued to dominate the economic growth path and remained the 
major sector in terms of export earnings, accounting for approximately 90%. The high dependence 
on a single commod ity for export earnings has placed Sierra Leone in a vulnerable position with 
regards to external imbalances. We therefore commend the Government's efforts of pursuing 
export exports diversification strategy intended to modify the composition of their expo rts way 
from diamond and which will untimely help Sierra Leone to hedge against adverse terms of trade 
shocks by stabilizing export revenues.  
4.128.   On trade and investment, we commend the authorities on the reforms undertaken during 
the review period aimed at i mproving the business climate and attracting investment. These 
reforms and initiatives that are worth mentioning here include customs legislation enacted in 2010, 
the public procurement legislation enacted in 2016 and the Automated System for Customs Data 
(ASYCUDA), zero -tolerance policy against corruption; adoption of new laws in the mining and 
minerals sector; and the simplification of business registration procedures.   
4.129.   Since the last trade policy review, Sierra Leone has continued with the efforts to pr omote 
the market economy, to expand investment and trade, stimulate growth, and facilitate its 
integration into the world economy. Sierra Leone has been a member of WTO since 23 July 1995 
and has actively been involved in regular and special work of WTO si nce establishing a Mission to 
the WTO in 2005. Sierra Leone is also an active member of the ACP Group, the African Group and 
Least developed countries group. At the regional level, Sierra Leone is a member of the Economic 
Community of West African States ( ECOWAS), the Community of Sahel -Saharan States (CEN -SAD) 
and the Mano River union. Sierra Leone also continues to benefit from preferences granted by the 
EU, United States and other many other developed countries, however we note with concern that 
an optim al level of trade has not been reached in these initiatives. In this regard, Sierra Leone 
should be assisted in building supply side capacity and competitiveness in order to maximize the 
benefits of its various trade arrangements.  
4.130.   On the implementation of WTO commitments, we noted that Sierra Leone continues to 
face difficulties in fulfilling its notification obligations. In this regard, we encourage Sierra Leone to 
take advantage of the WTO technical assistance support to help and facilitate the implementa tion 
of the WTO Agreements including the fulfilment of its transparency obligations.  
4.131.   We also noted that Sierra Leone has not ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, nor 
has it notified its list of category A commitments. We therefore urge Sierra Leo ne to ratify the TFA 
and submit its Category A measures. We have no thought that implementation of trade facilitation 
Agreement (TFA) will be enable the country to reduce trade cost, enhance predictability and 
certainty and untimely expand their participat ion in global trade.  
4.132.   On the bilateral front, trade between Kenya and Sierra Leone is based on the Most 
Favoured Nation principle and trade has seen a steady increase since last trade policy review. In 
2015, total trade between both countries was valued at US$1.6 million with Kenya exporting goods 
worth US$1.1 million to Sierra Leone. There is still a lot of scope to increase the volume of trade 
between the two countries.  
4.133.   In conclusion, my delegation wishes to encourage Sierra Leone to continue its effort to  
improve domestic policies, institutions and business environment with an open trade and 
investment policy regime. We wish the delegation of Sierra Leone a successful trade policy review.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  PAKISTAN  
4.134.   It is understandable that Sierra Leone is currently going t hrough a vulnerable post -conflict 
and post -Ebola virus disease (EVD) phase. It's no wonder that because of coping with this 
challenge, growth could not be sustained in the desired manner.  
4.135.   Pakistan appreciates the fact that since its last Trade Policy Revi ew (TPR) in 2005, Sierra 
Leone has relentlessly pursued its reconstruction efforts. The business environment improved as a 
result of structural reforms and progress in governance and human development. Sierra Leone has 
expanded its mining sector. As a resu lt of its policies some recovery was seen in 2015, which 
should continue if diversification in the production base is sustained.  
4.136.   It is commendable that during the review period, Sierra Leone's exports diversified away 
from diamonds, and also consist of ir on-ore, rutile, bauxite, and agricultural products (cocoa and 
coffee).  
4.137.   Pakistan would encourage Sierra Leone to ratify the TFA. Especially since it has been 
taking the right steps, for example Sierra Leone has replaced its manual customs clearance system 
with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), leading to a substantial decline in 
average processing and clearance times.  
4.138.   Pakistan feels that even though there have been reforms in the financial and telecom 
sector, but further improvements and lib eralization in the services sector can add to the vibrancy 
of the economy.  
4.139.   Pakistan and Sierra Leone enjoy good bilateral relations, even though bilateral trade is not 
significant. Pakistan hopes that the economic relations between the two countries are e nhanced in 
the coming years.  
4.140.   We would also like to acknowledge and place on record the positive efforts of the 
Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the WTO, Excellency Ms Yvette Stevens, who is a very effective and 
a great voice for the rights of LDCs and small e conomies in the WTO.  
TCHAD  
4.141.   Le Tchad s'associe d'abord à la déclaration faite par le Bénin au nom des PMA et par le 
Royaume du Maroc au nom du Groupe africain.  
4.142.   Le Tchad apprécie hautement l'engagement de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce à 
soutenir les ef forts de la République de Sierra Leone, à promouvoir les domaines économique et 
commercial en vue d'un développement durable.  
4.143.   Ma délégation remercie et félicite l'Ambassadeur Yvette Stevens pour son rôle combien 
important dans la consolidation du système c ommercial multilatéral.  
4.144.   Nous saluons les multiples initiatives lancées par le Gouvernement pour faire de la 
République de Sierra Leone une économie émergente, en particulier la mise en place d'une 
politique des réformes économiques, des réformes commercial es et d'une stratégie de planification 
du développement.  
4.145.   Ma délégation salue les efforts importants fournis par la Sierra Leone, notamment dans la 
mise à jour de ses notifications à l'OMC, l'actualisation régulière de sa liste d'engagements, 
l'adhésion à p lusieurs accords régionaux et au niveau multilatéral, la consolidation de ses lignes 
tarifaires à des taux plafonds non négligeables, et l'adoption de la loi anti -corruption. Tout cela 
contribue au renforcement du système commercial multilatéral.  
4.146.   Il convi ent de souligner que depuis la fin du conflit, la stabilité politique évidente, 
l'insuffisance des infrastructures, le faible accès au financement, la Sierre Leone a déployé 
d'énormes efforts pour renforcer les cadres juridique et institutionnel nécessaire s à l'élaboration de 
politiques cohérentes et judicieuses et pour diversifier les produits et les marchés d'exportation, ce 
qui a permis un redressement substantiel de son économie.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.147.   La Sierra Leone regorge d'énormes potentialités en termes de ressources na turelles et une 
population jeune qui constitue un potentiel extraordinaire pour attirer et bénéficier des 
investissements étrangers directs.  
4.148.   Ma délégation encourage la Sierra Leone à poursuivre ses efforts et sollicite l'appui de la 
communauté des partenai res techniques et financiers pour l'accompagner dans la mise en œuvre 
de ses politiques économiques, commerciales et de son développement durable.  
RÉPUBLIQUE  DE GUINÉE  
4.149.   la République de Guinée est heureuse de participer de nouveau à ce deuxième examen de 
la politique commerciale de la Sierra Léone.  
4.150.   Toute chose qui, pour le Gouvernement guinéen dénote de l'engagement des autorités 
Sierra léonaise à promouvoir un système commercial multilatéral ouvert et transparent.  
4.151.   Je voudrais également féliciter Son Excelle nce Madame Sabine Muller pour sa présentation 
exhaustive sur la politique commerciale de la Sierra Leone, mais surtout pour la clarté et la 
franchise du rapport qu'elle vient de nous livrer.  
4.152.   La République de Guinée a pris note des deux rapports préparés re spectivement par le 
Secrétariat de l'OMC et par le Gouvernement de la Sierra Léone.  
4.153.   Comme vous le savez, la Sierra Léone et la Guinée ont des relations séculaires, renforcées 
par les bonnes relations politiques et de voisinage qui ont toujours existé entr e nos deux pays.  
4.154.   La Guinée et la Sierra Léone partagent des frontières officielles communes, mais surtout 
de nombreuses frontières artificielles où vivent en parfaite harmonie de nombreuses familles 
guinéennes et Sierra léonaises.  
4.155.   La République sœur de la  Sierra Léone et la République de Guinée sont toutes deux, 
membres de l'Union du Fleuve Manu et de la Communauté économique des États de l'ouest 
(CEDEAO).  
4.156.   Dans le cadre de l'Union du fleuve Mano et de la CEDEAO, la Sierra Leone et la République 
de Guinée s 'investissent à renforcer et à promouvoir le maintien de la paix, la sécurité et la 
stabilité de leur pays respectifs et dans la sous -région ouest africaine.  
4.157.   La République de Guinée est un partenaire économique et commercial privilégié de la 
Sierra Léone.  Grâce à l'engagement de nos deux Gouvernements et la bonne coopération 
socio-économique qui ont toujours existé entre nos deux peuples, la fluidité des échanges 
commerciaux ne souffre d'aucune entrave.  
4.158.   Depuis la fin de la guerre civile en Sierra Leone, l e Gouvernement léonais a fournis 
d'énormes efforts pour améliorer la gouvernance, assainir l'environnement des investissements et 
moderniser sa politique commerciale.  
4.159.   Grâce à la mise en œuvre de ses engagements internationaux et la coopération 
internationa le, la Sierra Leone a mis en place son Agenda pour la prospérité, qui vise à réduire la 
pauvreté à travers des réformes de reconstruction de ses infrastructures sociales et économiques 
de base.  
4.160.   Mais malgré les efforts fournis par la Sierra Leone pour son d éveloppement 
socio-économique, comme l'indique les deux rapports, les efforts déployés par ce pays ont été 
sapés en 2014 par l'épidémie à virus Ébola.  
4.161.   A l'instar de la Guinée et du Libéria, l'économie de la Sierra Leone a été frappée de plein 
fouet par l'i mpact de l'épidémie à virus Ébola. Au -delà de ses conséquences humaines et 
sanitaires, cette crise a aussi eu d'importantes répercussions économiques et sociales. Toutefois, 
la Sierra Leone a été déclarée exempte de l'épidémie d'Ébola par l'OMS le 17 mars 2016.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.162.   En tant que PMA, pays ayant subi plusieurs chocs, intérieurs et extérieurs, tels que les 
conséquences de la guerre civile et l'épidémie à virus Ébola, nous estimons qu'il y a nécessité de 
renforcer la coopération internationale et d'accroitre l'assis tance technique avec la Sierra Leone 
dans la mise en œuvre de ces engagements internationaux, notamment au sein de l'OMC.  
4.163.   La Sierra Léone dispose d'un fort potentiel agricole. L'agriculture reste le principal moyen 
de subsistance des habitants. Ce secteur représente 56% du PIB et 2/3 des emplois du pays. La 
production agricole est concentrée sur quelques produits de base: riz, cacao et le café. La pêche 
est d'un apport limité malgré des ressources halieutiques abondantes.  
4.164.   La Sierra Leone connaît une expansi on très rapide du marché de la téléphonie mobile. La 
Sierra Leone dispose d'un important potentiel touristique et minier, tels que le diamant, l'or, la 
bauxite, le  fer,  dont l'exploitation soutient la hausse du PIB.  
4.165.   La Sierra Leone a fourni beaucoup d'e fforts à s'acquitter de ses obligations en matière de 
transparence minière, avec la publication de son rapport ITIE (initiative pour la transparence des 
industries extractives).  
4.166.   Pour que la Sierra Léone réussisse son élan de croissance, elle a besoin de l a coopération 
internationale accrue, notamment avec l'OMC et nous devons l'encourager.  
4.167.   Pour terminer, ma délégation appuie les déclarations faites par le Bénin au nom des PMA 
et par le Maroc au nom du Groupe africain.  
4.168.   Je ne saurais terminer mon interventio n sans rendre un vibrant hommage à Madame 
l'Ambassadeur Stevens et son équipe pour leur dynamisme car ils ne ménagent aucun effort pour 
donner une place de choix et la visibilité à la Sierra Leone sur la place internationale de Genève.  
LIBERIA  
4.169.   On behalf of  the Liberian delegation, headed by its Head of Mission, Paul Wolokollie TATE, I 
would like to welcome the Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Trade and delegation to Geneva for 
this all important Trade Policy Review (TRC) of your country.  
4.170.   Liberia would like  to express its sincere gratitude to Sierra Leone for its impressive growth 
despite the numerous challenges it has faced. Liberia would also associate itself with the statement 
delivered by the Ambassador of Morocco on behalf of the African Group and Benin 's Ambassador 
for the LDC group. The Liberian delegation would also like to take off its CAP to Ambassador 
Stevens of the Sierra Leone's Mission, Geneva and her delegated staff for the tireless efforts to put 
that country among others.  
4.171.   To conclude, let me thank the Excellency of Namibia and other Members for organizing the 
section as well as to wish Sierra Leone the best of success in its Trade Policy Review.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.172.   My delegation aligns itself with the statements presented by Morocco and Benin, on behal f 
of the African and the LDC's Groups.  
4.173.   We commend Sierra Leone's Government for the good macroeconomic performance, as 
well as for the significant gains that enabled stability and broad growth in the economy of the 
country since the previous Trade Policy R eview in 2005.  
4.174.   Notwithstanding the Ebola pandemic disease, that severely affected the country in 2014 
and 2015, and the global iron slowdowns in prices, Sierra Leone stood firmly and with the internal 
efforts, support from various donor agencies, organizat ions single countries and that from the 
African Development Bank, the country succeeded in stepping up progress as well as developing 
Small and Medium Enterprises Policy and Action Plan to support the establishment of a positive 
business environment, aimin g to achieve growth and prosperity.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  4.175.   During the period under review, Sierra Leone developed and revised different policy 
instruments and, in 2016, the country established a SME's Agency and the Local Content Agency 
with a view to promoting the business envi ronment and to enforcing the local content policy 
respectively.  
4.176.   Despite the current economic trends, still as a result of the global economic and financial 
slowdown, we commend Sierra Leone for undertaking the already referred and other reforms, 
which resu lts are encouraging.  
4.177.   We are aware of the various challenges facing Sierra Leone in many areas of concern to 
development, starting from human capacity, infrastructure, supply side, financial capacities 
including in the domain of agriculture, tourism, fisher ies, oil and gas, energy infrastructure, 
transport and communications, and so forth, which tend to compromise the country's development 
potential.  
4.178.   Through the trade policy review, that is an extremely important exercise, Sierra Leone 
demonstrates the coun try's commitment to maintaining itself as a strategic multilateral and 
bilateral partner by increasing transparency.  
4.179.   We are confident that the country will succeed in the implementation of reforms and 
national development policies, and we encourage polices  that foster the country's involvement 
various initiatives and actions, that are able to actively contribute to the regional, multilateral 
including bilateral  and global trading system.  
4.180.   Meanwhile, further progress requires capacity building in domains con cerned to trade, 
natural resources value addition and diversification of production and exports, and others. 
Therefore, Sierra Leone should be assisted, in view to maximising the existing comparative 
advantages in different areas.  
4.181.   We call upon developed c ountries and others in conditions to do so, to direct multiform 
technical assistance and capacity building to this country to achieve progress.   WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF SIERRA LEONE AND ADDITIONAL  COMMENTS  
5.1.  Thank you Madam Chairperson. I also wan t to thank the Member States. All of us will recall 
that in 2013, as a country and as a nation, we had one of the fastest growing economies and by 
2014, we had been hit by two great shocks: the Ebola Virus Disease and the fall in the prices of 
iron ore. As  a country and as a nation, we had to sit down and see what we could do to meet those 
challenges and we developed the post -Ebola Recovery Strategy. The Government was able to 
prioritize key sectors in order to move with the speed to see how we could recove r the economy. 
These sectors included energy, trade, agriculture, and fisheries. I am also pleased that in our last 
meeting the Chairperson made mention of the 2005 TPR report and, that you as Member States 
were very much grateful that we are achieving str uctural reforms in terms of: zero tolerance in 
corruption; doing business (registering a business will take just one day and can be done online); 
revenue generation (the tax generating institution of our country, the National Revenue Authority, 
has moved f rom a manual to an automated way of doing things - to the ASYCUDA ++). As I 
speak, we are trying to introduce the single window and see how we can move to ASYCUDA World.  
5.2.  However, the discussant also made mention and we also noted in our speech our concern  
that we should try to improve on export diversification and food security, packaging and value 
addition. Most importantly, she raised the question of what we, as a country, should do in terms of 
the importation of rice and we are also mindful that we are spending about US$165 million 
annually on the importation of rice. In the 70s and 80s, we used to export rice to the world, but 
after the civil war and the recent shock in our economy, there was some imbalance.  
5.3.  However, under the recovery programme, one of  our priority projects is to be able to feed 
ourselves. We have what we call institutional feeding and we, as a Ministry (the Ministry of Sierra 
Leone), are trying to see how we can feed ourselves, the institutions like the police, the military 
and the cor rectional centres. We have been doing that, we started with 10% this year which we 
successfully delivered and supplied, and by December we will be moving towards 30% or 40% of 
the quota. By next year, we will be trying to achieve between 50% and 100% in te rms of 
supplying rice to the police, the military and the correctional centres. So I also wanted to thank 
the discussant for that question. However, our able Ambassador will give the responses to the 
questions being raised by the Member States.  
H.E.  MRS.  YVETTE  STEVENS  
5.4.  Thank you very much. I will not repeat the thank you that has been made by my Honourable 
Minister. I will go ahead with the questions for which we have provided responses. They have been 
grouped under the following headings: economic environm ent, trade and investment regime, trade 
policies and practices by measure, and sectoral policies.  
Economic environment  
5.5.  Under the economic environment, the question was asked about debt sustainability.  
5.6.  The Government will continue to conduct annual debt su stainability analysis to determine the 
Government's ability to meet future debt service obligation without recourse to external 
imbalances. The Government will also continue to implement prudent borrowing practices by 
prioritizing grants and highly concess ional loans.  
5.7.  The Government will continue to borrow within the guided principle of debt sustainability. In 
that regard, the Government borrowing will be targeted towards the productive sectors of the 
economy.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  Trade and investment regime  
5.8.  On trade and inv estment regime, questions were asked about the timeline for the completion 
of the AGOA initiative. There was a question before that on the fast track commercial court.  
Fast Track Commercial Court  
5.9.  Presently funding has been secured for the upgrade of fast t rack commercial court, court 
automation, appointment of more judges, review of the court processes and procedures. Trials can 
now last from filing to judgement a maximum of 44 days.  
5.10.   The court mostly uses Alternate Dispute Resolution to solve matters. All m atters go to ADR 
first and if it fails, it goes to full trial.  
5.11.   The Fast Track Commercial Court is open to both foreign and local investors for all 
commercial -related matters.  
National Coordinating Committee on Trade (NCCT)  
5.12.   In relation with a question which  was asked on the National Coordinating Committee on 
Trade, to enhance coordination and effective dialogue on trade issues, Sierra Leone has revived 
the National Coordinating Committee on Trade (NCCT), which was defunct since 2009, drawing 
from various sta keholders. ECOWAS has supported a capacity building training for NCCT members 
in May 2014.  
5.13.   Under the AGOA question, the AGOA utilization plan will be completed by 31 May 2017.  
5.14.   A question was asked under the investment regime about the impact of the incenti ves that 
have been provided. Some of the impacts include removing the administrative barriers in the ease 
of doing business reforms so more businesses, as a result, have been registered and more foreign 
direct investments have been attracted. It now takes 24 hours to register a business.  
5.15.   Sierra Leone has carried out a series of legislative reforms since the first Trade Policy 
Review to enhance a conducive business environment that will attract Foreign Direct Investment. 
These include: the Business Registrat ion Act, 2007, the Investment and Export Promotion Agency 
Act 2007, which established the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA), 
and the Anti -Corruption Act, 2008 to fight graft. The Bankruptcy Act, 2009, was also passed. The 
Compani es Act, 2009 and the companies (Amendment) 2014 Law provides, for the registration of 
companies. The Goods and Services Tax Act, 2009, also provides for the imposition of a broad 
based tax on the consumption of goods and services in Sierra Leone and to pro vide for other 
related matters. Parliament also passed the Payment Systems Act, 2009. The Finance Act, 2010, 
that provides for the imposition and alteration of taxation for the year 2010 and the Debt 
Management Act, 2011 which provides for the management o f the public debt of Sierra Leone and 
the Finance Act, 2013, to provide the imposition and alteration of taxes in Sierra Leone was 
passed.  
5.16.   Sierra Leone also strengthened the legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks that 
underpin private -sector -led gr owth with the establishment of the fast -track commercial court, the 
Credit Reference Bureau, the Corporate Affairs Commission and the revised legislation of company 
activities. In addition, the financial sector was diversified and grown, bringing access to  finance. 
Thus Sierra Leone increased its "Doing Business" score markedly from 2005 -2016.  
5.17.   There was a question raised about the Produce Monitoring Board of Sierra Leone. It is a 
regulatory institution whose main focus and consideration is the quality contr ol function, involving 
assurance of produce standardization, export of high -quality produce and enforcement of 
regulations in the produce sector under the enabling Parliamentary Act of 2013.  
5.18.   The Petroleum Regulatory Agency was formed by an act of Parliamen t in 2014 to regulate, 
monitor and oversee Petroleum and Petroleum Products in the downstream industry in Sierra 
Leone, for growth, efficiency and stake holder satisfaction.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  5.19.   Local Content Policy was put together through a consultative process to increase 
participation in the private sector and create employment. We are yet to realize the full benefits of 
this policy as its implementation is in the initial stages. However, like any other policy, it could be 
subject to review in the near future.  
Trade policie s and practices by measures  
The Trade Facilitation Agreement  
5.20.   To assist Sierra Leone in determining the categories of the TFA, the World Bank Group, with 
representatives of the World Customs Organization, undertook the following activities:  
 assessed Sierra  Leone's current alignment to the TFA 36 technical measures to identify any 
significant gaps (Gap Analysis);  
 identified the actions that the government and/or its border authorities should take to close 
those gaps, as well as the technical or other suppor t that may be required to do so (Reform 
Action Plan); and  
 identify Sierra Leone stakeholder's initial recommendations with respect to the measures 
that Sierra Leone may wish to notify under Categories A, B and C, respectively (Category 
Proposal)  
5.21.   This analy sis was undertaken by means of an in -country review of border operations at the 
seaport in Freetown; individual interviews of key officials and stakeholders; a two -day validation 
workshop with public and private sector representatives; and desk research of  the relevant laws 
and regulations of Sierra Leone, as well as a review of prior studies and reports.  
5.22.   Finally, a Cabinet Paper has been approved and the final document has been sent to 
Parliament for ratification. We will be following up with Parliament fo r this ratification and we hope 
that we will notify the Trade Facilitation Agreement in the near future.  
Common External Tariff (CET)  
5.23.   The ECOWAS CET did not commence as scheduled on the 1st January 2017, due to delays 
in coming up with the final list of pr oducts for the Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) and the 
Supplementary Protection Tax (SPT). The List of Products for the IAT is now ready and awaiting 
administrative and legal formalities at national level. Besides, the ECOWAS Commission would 
have to validate and approve this list of products before commencement. April 2017 is now being 
targeted as the commencement date.  
5.24.   Regarding impact assessment study, we used data from the Asycuda System at the 
Customs and Statistics Sierra Leone and did some analysis using  a World Bank Model. But since 
the model is new to us and we were not quite sure of what we got, we contacted World Bank for 
assistance in that direction. They referred us to an expert based in the sub -region and who has 
assisted Member States to conduct s uch studies. So the impact assessment study is currently 
on-going. With the IAT products list now in place, we expect predictable and realistic outcomes at 
the end of the process. It is hoped that the study report will be ready in early March 2017.  
5.25.   For the  IAT, a list of products of 157 tariff lines has been suggested for submission to the 
ECOWAS Commission for approval. The Ministries of Finance and Trade are currently reviewing the 
list before submission to ECOWAS in the next 3 days.  
5.26.   The list of products  for the SPT has still not been put together. According to the provisions 
of ECOWAS Regulation for Supplementary Protection Measures, a Member State wishing to apply 
SPT is expected to have collected the necessary data, do the calculations and assess injur y done or 
would be done to domestic industries. This has not been done, though products have been 
identified for the study. We are undertaking to do all this and have the commencement of the CET 
by April 2017.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  Internal taxes and others charges  
GST ON IMPOR TS  
5.27.   GST on imports is levied at a rate of 15% on goods specified in the First Schedule of the 
External Tariff of Sierra Leone and all taxable goods and services not listed in Schedule 2 of the 
GST Act 2009 as amended. The amount paid can, however, be deduc ted from GST on sales or 
services when claims are made to the Domestic Tax Department on tax returns.  
GST ON GOODS AND SERVICES  
5.28.   At the domestic level, GST is charged on all goods and services not listed in the Second 
Schedule of the GST Act 2009 as amend ed. GST paid on imports can be claimed as input tax. GST 
returns and payments should be submitted and paid on a monthly basis.  
5.29.   Contingency measures. We note that we have not notified WTO of the absence of 
anti-dumping legislation. We intend to do so togeth er with our other outstanding notifications by 
the end of the year. I must add that this Trade Policy Review has actually made us aware of the 
number of notifications which we have not yet made and we promised that we would be looking at 
all these notifica tions and will coming back to the WTO with notifications in the not too distant 
future.  
5.30.   Technical regulation and standards. The TBT agreement will be implemented once the TFA 
agreement will be ratified by the Parliament. The measure (Enquiry Points) has be en listed under 
category C which requires technical assistance.  
5.31.   Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures. The drafting of the phytosanitary and pest control 
bills is still in progress due to constraints in our drafting capacity within the country. In terms of 
drafting legislation, we do have limited capacity and is another area where we might need 
technical assistance.  
5.32.   Export Taxes. Royalty is charged on the export volume of extractive commodities. The 
Finance Acts of 2013 and 2014 provide for the rates of royal ty that is charged. These royalties are 
paid as non -tax revenue. It is 3% for alluvial diamonds and 6.5% for industrial diamonds. The 
15% goods and services tax (GST), is applied across the board on taxable services.  
5.33.   Export prohibitions, restrictions and l icensing. The purpose of the ban on raw logs was to 
add value, as well as, to discourage deforestation and illegal logging. In order to notify partners of 
the ban and of actions taken to combat illegal logging and related trade, a letter was sent from the 
Office of the Chief of Staff to all partners. Press releases were also issued by the Ministry of Trade 
and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Court action has been taken against 
defaulters.  
5.34.   Special Economic Zones. The Government of Sier ra Leone intends to establish more SEZs at 
least one in each Region in the Western Area (Freetown); Northern Region (Makeni); Southern 
Religion (Bo) and Eastern Region (Kenema). The Government will provide more preferential policy 
measures in the new SEZs through the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) grant that will:  
 Review the 2012 SEZs policy to make it more private sector participatory and investor 
friendly.  
 Develop the SEZs legislation.  
 Develop the SEZs Authority.  
5.35.   Access conditions will be embedded in th e reviewed SEZs policy. There will be flexibility for 
an inclusive participation – i.e. wholly foreign –owned, foreign joint stock, etc. in investments. It is 
yet too early in the process of the establishment of the SEZs to enable us to draw lessons.  
5.36.   Indust ries located outside the SEZ will be put at a comparative disadvantage as:  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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   They would have more taxes to pay i.e. import and export taxes, etc.  
 Unreliable energy/electricity supply and thus high production cost.  
Incentives  
5.37.   Investment incentives in Sierra L eone are provided for in various Finance Acts and compiled 
in a Tax Incentive Handbook, which is currently being reviewed by the Government of Sierra 
Leone, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Updated statistics on 
investment incentiv es will be provided in due course.  
5.38.   Tax incentive data are not disaggregated by recipient multilateral institutions or foreign 
investors. Investment incentives are categorized by the sector rather than by the nature or origin 
of the investment. Therefore, i t is compatible with the TRIMS (Trade -related investment 
measures).  
Government Procurement  
5.39.   A potential or actual bidder that claims to have suffered or that is likely to suffer, loss or 
injury due to a breach of a duty imposed on the procuring entity by th e Act, the Regulations or the 
bidding document, may seek a review at any stage of the procurement proceedings.  
5.40.   Any application for review submitted by a bidder, in accordance with Section 63 of the Act, 
shall contain:  
 Details of the procurement proceedings  to which the application relates, including the 
procurement reference number;  
 Details of the provision of the Act, Regulations or other instrument which has been 
breached;  
 An explanations of how the provision has been breached, including, where known, the  date 
and the names of responsible officers; and  
 Any available documentary or other evidence supporting the application.  
 The application for review shall be submitted in writing to the head of the procuring entity, 
unless a contract has already been awarde d. 
5.41.   Sierra Leone has a well -defined procurement regime and now we are considering an 
observer status at the GPA.  
Competition policy and price controls  
5.42.   The Draft Competition Bill is being reviewed by the Law Officers' Department and sanctions 
in the case of abuse of dominant position are stipulated in the provisions of the Bill.  
5.43.   The competition policy already approved by the Parliament deals with:  
 Monopoly  
 Anti-competitive practices of businesses  
 Collision  
 Mergers and Acquisition  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  Intellectual Property Rights  
5.44.   The protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement has been actually signed and will be deposited 
as soon as we have the original documents which are required by the WTO.  
5.45.   The Ministry of Trade and Industry is in the process of setting -up the Sierra Leone 
Intellec tual Property Agency. This Agency will spearhead all activities relating to intellectual 
property rights.  
5.46.   A hard copy of the Trademark legislation will be submitted in the coming weeks.  
5.47.   Regarding the situations that are treated as "Urgent Matters", the agg rieved person has to:  
 provide detailed information regarding shipment (ie. Mode of transportation/exportation, 
packaging etc.) of the pirated copy right goods well in advance before goods are introduced 
into the country.  
 submit an application regarding a c opyright infringement to the Commissioner General 
before the pirated copy right goods are introduced into the customs territory of Sierra 
Leone.  
5.48.   No pirated copyright goods have been detained and destroyed by Customs. However, in 
2014 a local businessman fi led a complaint with the Customs Department, National Revenue 
Authority (NRA) but failed to submit the copyright registration certificate that would warrant any 
further investigation and subsequent seizure and detention.  
5.49.   No customs officer has ex officio a uthority to initiate any challenges.  
SECTORAL POLICIES  
Agriculture  
5.50.   Function of Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company:  
 To link smallholder farmers to market.  
 To carry out business as the primary exporter of quality agriculture produce.  
 To ensure good quali ty exports from Sierra Leone.  
 To pay fair and reasonable prices to farmers and offer produce at attractive prices in the 
export market.  
Governance  
5.51.   The Company is a Public Limited Company and registered in accordance with the laws of 
Sierra Leone.  
5.52.   The Compa ny is governed by the following:  
 Ministry of Trade and Industry – Supervisory Ministry.  
 Board of Directors – Seven members drawn from Local Communities, private sector and 
Government Ministries.  
 Management.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  Ownership  
5.53.   At the moment, the ownership structure of the company is 51% Government and 49% 
public. This structure reflects the various interests along the value chain. Subscribers to the 
company will be drawn from existing exporters, private sectors, farmers, other private 
stakeholders and the Government.  This is to give company a broader representation and 
ownership, and to reflect the Government's Public Private Partnership initiative.  
Election of Board Members  
5.54.   The current Board is appointed by the Office of the President through recommendation from 
the Ministry of Trade and Industry. However, as soon as the company is fully capitalized, 
representation to the Board will be determined by the respective shareholders.  
Board Composition  
 Paramount Chiefs from main produce producing chiefdoms.  
 Private Sector/Fa rmers.  
 Related Line Ministry with approval from State House.  
How does "Guaranteeing prices" function in practice?  
5.55.   SLPMC guarantee fair price to farmers for all Agricultural Produce handled by the company: 
coca, coffee, palm oil, cashews, and sorghum.  
 Pay to farmers above 60% FOB.  
 Issuing of receipts to farmers.  
 Displaying of prices at the Buying Centers.  
 Sensitizing of Farmers and Agents through produce monitors and media announcement.  
Does SLPMC Buys Products from Farmers?  
 From Farmers and Buying Agents.  
Which body is fixing the guaranteed prices?  
 Produce Monitoring Board (PMB)  
Which Criteria are used in fixing prices?  
 The quality and quantity.  
 International Marketing Price.  
 Exchange Rate.  
 Prevailing prices in the neighboring countries.  
Who Finance the cost ? 
 The Government of Sierra Leone.  
 Proceeds from the SLPMC Trading Activities.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  5.56.   The process of ratification of the International Cocoa agreement with the treaty office in 
New York is ongoing. The Ministry of Foreign Affair has been officially informed to fac ilitate the 
process.  
5.57.   The Produce Monitoring Board is assigned with the responsibility to coordinate the process 
of signing of the International Cocoa Agreement which came into existence in November 2014, and 
subsequent to its becoming operational in Januar y 2014.  
5.58.   Nevertheless, the Acting Executive Secretary has taken responsibility in facilitating the 
process with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we are assured that the agreement will be ratified 
in the next few months.  
Fisheries  
5.59.   With support from our d evelopment partners such as the World Bank we have increased 
monitoring and surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone to stall illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing. The Isle of Man is also supporting the Government in this effort.  
Services (genera l) 
5.60.   There is no plan to liberalize the services market at the moment. Nevertheless, within the 
ECOWAS, trade in services has been facilitated for citizens of the sub -region.  
Financial services  
5.61.   Banks are required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of at least 15% of their 
risk-weighted assets, and a cash ratio equivalent to at least 12% of their total deposits.  
Telecommunications  
5.62.   We will revert in relation to the questions on telecommunications, as we are still awaiting 
the responses from the concer ned authorities.  
Postal services  
5.63.   We will revert in relation to the questions on postal services, as we are still awaiting the 
responses from the concerned authorities.  
Transport  
5.64.   The WTO GATS provides that any Member country may modify or withdraw at any ti me 
from any commitment it has made. It should also be noted that many EU member States 
(including UK) and many leading developed or developing countries like the United States, Japan, 
India, Brazil, Canada and South Africa, have not and undertaken any spec ific commitment on cross 
border shipping activities and are therefore free according to the WTO GATS to maintain or 
introduce cargo reservation policies such as the SLNC Act of 2012 amended in 2014.  
5.65.   The Cotonou Agreement does not affect the right of Sierra  Leone to set its political choices 
and development priorities (article 34(1)). In addition it should be noted that its ultimate objective 
is to enable the ACP states to play a full part in international trade (article 34(2)). Finally the 
Cotonou Agreement  maintains special treatment for the ACP Least Developed Countries (LDC), 
such as Sierra Leone (Article 35(3)).  
5.66.   The SLNC Act 2012/2014 was passed and the SLNC was established to enable a local 
company to successfully participate in the international shippi ng market which is the ultimate 
objective of the Cotonou Agreement. Sierra Leone is a LDC with very little experience and 
know -how in the international shipping market. Without a cargo reservation policy such as the 
SLNC Act 2012/2014, no local company wou ld have been able to develop into a successful 
international shipping company.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  5.67.   The undertaking of the ACP states in the Cotonou Agreement to promote liberalization of 
maritime transport to this end apply effectively to the principle of unrestricted access to the 
international maritime transport market on a nondiscriminatory and commercial basis, is 
conditional on the EU supporting through national and regional development strategies , the efforts 
of the ACP states to develop and promote cost effective and e fficient maritime transport service 
with a view to increasing participation of ACP operators in international shipping services. We are 
not aware of any such supports received by Sierra Leone from the EU until today.  
5.68.   Provisions of the FPSO and FSO are not part of the international maritime transport market 
being, shipping service, not dealing or not only dealing with transport, rendered to oil and gas 
industry within the territorial water, the exclusive economic zone , or the continental shelf of 
Sierra Leo ne. 
5.69.   Therefore, neither the WTO GATS nor the Cotonou Agreement apply to such reservation as 
provided for in the SLNC ACT of 2012/2014.  
Tourism  
5.70.   The Government is promoting the development, protection and preservation of our cultural 
assets, and eco -tourism p otential under its economic diversification strategy.  
Professional services  
5.71.   The market for auditing services in the country is dominated by the large international 
accounting firms. Most financial sector companies, as well as large corporations, are audit ed by 
audit firms affiliated with international networks. The Bank of Sierra Leone is empowered to 
regulate financial reporting by non -bank financial institutions under the Other Financial Services 
Act of 2001 and regulates banks under the Banking Act of 2 000. 
5.72.   With this I will end my presentation of the summary of responses. I am conscious that we 
may not have answered all the questions and we will be prepared to take additional questions and 
if we cannot answer them we will get back to you within the month . 
DISCUSSANT  
5.73.   It was indeed an honour for me to participate in Sierra Leone's second Trade Policy Review 
as a discussant. I wish to thank all delegations for their comprehensive and constructive dialogue, 
stimulated by open discussions at high level.  
5.74.   This T rade Policy Review has allowed all of us to have a better understanding and full 
appreciation of Sierra Leone's trade policies. It provided information about progress made in 
recent years and aspirations for the future.  
5.75.   Many delegations expressed and I wis h to underline this, their admiration for Ambassador 
Stevens, who with her extraordinary experience and knowledge is Geneva's uncontested doyenne. 
Many delegations conveyed their respect to the Government and people of Sierra Leone who have 
faced many chal lenges but have always bounced back, and have demonstrated the resilience and 
strength to exert control over several different kinds of hardship.  
5.76.   With these few words, I wish Honourable Mr. Mansaray and his delegation, a safe journey 
back home. I thank you . 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.77.   On behalf of the EU, let me first express our appreciation to Sierra Leone for the replies 
they have provided so far and for the exhaustive presentation given on Tuesday and today.  
5.78.   While we don't have any follow up questions, we would like  to highlight that we have not 
yet received replies to the EU questions number 2, 3 and 4 as well as replies to EU questions 8 and 
9. These questions cover the issues of commercial court to fast track commercial disputes, the 
National Coordinating Committe e on Trade (NCCT), the Independent Procurement Review Panel WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  (IPRP) and Intellectual Property Rights. We have taken good note of the Ambassador statement 
this morning that address some of those issues. However, we would very much appreciate 
receiving them i n writing.  
5.79.   In conclusion, the EU is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better 
understanding the trade policy of Sierra Leone and we hope that Sierra Leone will duly take into 
account some of the concerns highlighted by Members.  
5.80.   We wo uld like to thank Sierra Leone for a constructive participation in this exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.81.   On behalf of the U.S. delegation, I would like to thank Deputy Minister Mansaray, 
Ambassador Stevens, and the entire delegation of Sierra Leone. We know how muc h work goes 
into these trade policy reviews, and we very much appreciate the constructive efforts. We also 
greatly value Ambassador Moller's insights and perspectives as discussant - and, as always, the 
expert assistance from the Secretariat.  
5.82.   We appreciate  the summary of Day 1's discussions and the responses provided by Sierra 
Leone to the questions that we and other Members posed. We submitted a few follow -up questions 
this morning and we look forward to Sierra Leone's responses to those queries.  
5.83.   The Unite d States notes the issues of importance that were raised during this TPR, in 
particular the continued efforts toward rebounding from the Ebola crisis through increased 
economic growth, regional integration, market -opening trade and investment reforms, expo rt 
diversification, strengthening of the legal framework and enforcement of intellectual property, and 
trade facilitation. And we look forward to Sierra Leone's ratification of the TFA and hope that the 
parliamentary process moves quickly.  
5.84.   Finally, congrat ulations to you and your team on a successful TPR. We look forward to 
continued cooperation with our valued partner and Sierra Leone's continued active engagement in 
the work of the WTO, and we wish safe travels to those returning to capital.  
MR IBRAHIM  MANSARAY  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.85.   On Tuesday 14 February 2017, we officially began our country's second Trade Policy Review 
in this very building of the World Trade Organization.  
5.86.   On this occasion, I would like to reiterate my country's commitment in a fair and 
transparent multilateral trading system.  
5.87.   I would like to thank, through the WTO Secretariat, the Trade Policy Review Body for its 
dynamic and constructive spirit during the preparation and presentation of the Government and 
the Secretariat reports.  
5.88.   I would also like to express my profound gratitude to other WTO Members for their interest 
shown in my country's trade policy review. This was reflected in the number and quality of the 
questions and issues raised.  
5.89.   The Trade Policy Review Mechanism, established by  the WTO, is undoubtedly a tool that can 
help understand the trade policies of Member States.  
5.90.   For Sierra Leone, the essence and purpose of this mechanism should enable us to fulfil our 
commitment as a full Member of the WTO, but also and above all, to cont ribute to the emergence 
of a trading system that is fair to every Member States.  
5.91.   Therefore, the involvement and participation of all Member States during this exercise, 
significantly demonstrates your interest in the people and the Government of Sierra Leo ne. WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  5.92.   My delegation has done its best to provide answers to these questions. I humbly inform 
those Members who have not found answers to their questions or are not satisfied with our 
responses that written replies will be sent back once we have contacted the  relevant stakeholders.  
5.93.   We believe that this review has been able to make a complete assessment of the Sierra 
Leone's trade regimes and my Government will spare no effort to fully comply with WTO rules and 
also honour its multilateral commitments.  
5.94.   This wil l increase the transparency and predictability of the trade regime and help attract 
foreign investment in my country, which is recovering from the Ebola Virus Outbreak that led our 
economy into recession.  
5.95.   I wish that Members will support Sierra Leone in pu rsuing its efforts by improving market 
access for its goods and services and by paying special attention to the requests formulated here 
for technical assistance.  
5.96.   I cannot conclude my remarks without reiterating my deep gratitude to Madam Chair, 
whose comm itment and personal involvement have made it possible to successfully hold this trade 
policy review.  
5.97.   I would also like to express again my sincere appreciation and gratitude for all your valuable 
contribution and comments during this exercise on my country  second trade policy review.  
5.98.   Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all Members of the WTO, the Director General, the 
Secretariat, the WTO staff especially the Trade Policy Review Body. And personally, on behalf of 
myself and my team, I would like to than k Honourable Ambassador, Madam Yvette Stevens, who 
has been representing our country here and we are so proud of her. Thank you.  WT/TPR/W /125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This second Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone has provided us with a good opportunity to 
better understand the country's current trade and investment policies, as well as the challenges it 
faces. I would like to thank Deputy Minister Mansaray and the rest of the delegation from 
Sierra  Leone, including Ambassador Yvette Stevens, for their co nstructive engagement throughout 
this exercise. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador Sabine Böhlke -Möller from 
Namibia, for her insightful remarks, and all those Members who had participated in this review.  
6.2.  At this TPR meeting, Members com mended Sierra Leone on the resilience of its economy and 
its people. They were pleased to note that the country was back on the recovery path after the 
outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, and despite the numerous constraints it continued to face. 
They com mended Sierra Leone for the reforms that had helped it improve its business 
environment, in particular its efforts in fighting against corruption, establishing a one -stop shop for 
business registration, and participating in the Extractive Industries Transp arency Initiative. They 
saw a need for Sierra Leone to tackle supply -side constraints, so that these achievements would 
not be undermined. The delegation of Sierra Leone informed Members that the country had 
re-embarked on some major reforms, including a c omprehensive review of the tax system and the 
implementation of the ECOWAS common external tariff, which were expected to foster the 
economic and social development of the country, and support its integration into the regional and 
world markets.  
6.3.  Members ac knowledged Sierra Leone's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its 
active participation in the WTO. They encouraged Sierra Leone to ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and notify its Category A commitments as soon as possible. At the same time, 
Members noted Sierra Leone's need for additional capacity building assistance, and the role the 
WTO could play in this regard. Taking the opportunity of this TPR, the Sierra Leone delegation 
expressed gratitude for the technical assistance received, including projects under the Enhanced 
Integrated Framework which had, inter alia , helped develop value chains for the country's 
agricultural products. The delegation hoped that negotiations within the WTO would address 
development issues, with a view to fu rthering the integration of LDCs into the multilateral trading 
system.  
6.4.  Commenting on Sierra Leone's trade policy, Members welcomed its plans to develop an 
intellectual property (IP) strategy, and urged the country to accept the TRIPS Agreement 
amendments a nd ratify some IP treaties such as the Berne Convention, the Copyright Treaty, and 
the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. We were glad to hear from Ambassador Stevens 
that the TRIPS Agreement had actually been signed already and was on the way to be deposited. 
The Sierra Leone delegation also informed Members that the country was in the process of setting 
up an agency that would spearhead all IP -related activities.  
6.5.  Members appreciated that Sierra Leone had taken further measures to enhance the 
transpa rency and effectiveness of its customs system, such as automation of procedures and the 
adoption of new legislation that updated provisions on customs valuation. However, some 
Members pointed out that, despite the binding of all its tariff lines, frequent revisions and the large 
gap between bound and applied rates had undermined the predictability of the country's tariff 
regime and created uncertainty for businesses. Members noted that Sierra Leone would implement 
the ECOWAS common external tariff as from A pril 2017, and hoped it would be done in a 
WTO-consistent manner.  
6.6.  Regarding government procurement, Members congratulated Sierra Leone on the reform that 
had enhanced transparency and openness to international competition. Nonetheless, concerns 
were expres sed about Sierra Leone's local content policy, which emphasized the use of locally 
available goods and services, and national preferences in public procurements and contracts. 
Some Members encouraged Sierra Leone to consider becoming an observer to the WTO  
Government Procurement Agreement, and were informed that the Government was indeed giving 
this due consideration. Members also urged Sierra Leone to fully comply with its WTO obligations, 
in particular the notification requirements and implementation of t he TBT Agreement. In response, 
the Sierra Leone delegation confirmed that the country was working to comply with all its 
notification obligations in the near future.  WT/TPR/W/125 • Sierra Leone  
 
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  6.7.  By now, Sierra Leone has provided answers to most advance written questions raised by 
Memb ers. This morning, the delegation also gave us a comprehensive and detailed response to the 
key issues, including some very important and encouraging updates on the latest developments. 
This TPR will be successfully concluded in a month's time, once we hav e received all the replies to 
all outstanding questions.  
6.8.  I hope this TPR will encourage Sierra Leone to carry out further reforms which can accelerate 
its economic recovery and alleviate poverty. Within the WTO framework, in particular through Aid 
for Tra de, Members can also help Sierra Leone overcome its development challenges, so that at 
the next review of its trade policies, we can see the country moving from strength to strength, 
benefiting  fully from its WTO membership.  
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