For Immediate Release:
January 21, 2009

Media Contact:
Roberto Fabricio
robfab@miamidade.gov
305-375-4695



Vice President Of Sierra Leone Leads High Level Economic Mission to Miami-Dade County


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dorrin Rolle welcomed the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Honorable Samuel Sam Sumana, two ministers of the country's cabinet and other high level officials to Miami-Dade County today.

Vice President Sumana indicated that his delegation was visiting Miami-Dade County to promote his country's desire to increase trade, economic and cultural relations and travel between his African nation of 6.2 million and southern Florida. He also expressed an interest in establishing Sister City relations between Freetown and Miami-Dade County. Sierra Leone, which is comparable in size to South Carolina, is situated in the northwest coast of Africa.

Its economy is highly dependent on the mining and exportation of diamonds, but the country is rich in various high value minerals and its agricultural resources are largely under utilized. Vice President Sumana explained that his mission's main purpose is to make the international business community aware that after a war than ended in 2002, it is open for business. He also indicated that Sierra Leone would like to open a Consulate General in Miami-Dade at a future date.

During their visit to Miami-Dade the delegates toured Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami and various other parts of the community. The Jay Malina International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County hosted the delegation.

Commissioner Rolle told the delegation, "We are very happy that you are here because our countries have many ties and we are certain that both Sierra Leone and Miami-Dade County can benefit from closer economic and cultural relations."

Commissioner Rolle and delegate from Sierra Leone


 

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THE JAY MALINA INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONSORTIUM
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2560 Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 375-5808