Freetown, 12th December 2025- Sierra Leone has taken a major step forward in its maritime and trade development with the official launch of a direct shipping route between Taizhou Port in China and the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.
The initiative was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Madam Judith B. Kosseh, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Abu Bakarr Karim, and senior executives of China’s Xiehai Group.
Speaking at the event, Madam Kosseh described the new route as “a transformative leap for Sierra Leone’s trade infrastructure and a clear signal of our readiness to serve as a logistics hub for West Africa.” She emphasized that the reduced transit time, from the traditional 12 weeks to just 5 weeks, would “accelerate the flow of essential goods, raw materials, and capital equipment while cutting costs for businesses and improving supply chain reliability.”
Ambassador Karim hailed the partnership as a product of sustained diplomacy and collaboration. “This project is one of the clearest examples of how strategic bilateral cooperation can deliver tangible economic outcomes,” he said. “It will not only strengthen Sierra Leone’s integration into global trade networks but also reinforce our determination to harness maritime connectivity as a driver of sustainable development.”
Xiehai Group, a leading Chinese enterprise specializing in ship transportation and integrated logistics, will operate the service. Company representatives noted that the direct route would provide Sierra Leonean importers with faster, more predictable schedules, boosting competitiveness for manufacturers, traders, and entrepreneurs who rely heavily on Chinese‑sourced products.
The SLPHA leadership reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors and logistics partners. “By modernizing port operations and building international partnerships, we are positioning Sierra Leone as a model of maritime efficiency in the sub‑region,” Kosseh added.
The launch of the Taizhou–Freetown corridor is being celebrated as a game‑changer for Sierra Leone’s business community and a milestone in the country’s Medium‑Term National Development Plan, which prioritizes ease of doing business and regional trade leadership.
For many Sierra Leoneans, the new route represents more than a logistical upgrade. It is a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and the nation’s growing role in global commerce.
