Iran is spreading its economic tentacles to the West African region.

It has established trade link with Sierra Leone.

A twenty-one man delegation was in the Capital Freetown this week discussing trade and investment opportunities.

Their trip was part of a ten-day visit to other countries like Morocco and Cote D'Ivoire. The delegation told journalists at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on July 23 that they were in the country to familiarize themselves with trade opportunities in the country. It was revealed that Iran would not only trade with Sierra Leone but would also help Sierra Leone develop its energy sector and invest in housing which would help Sierra Leone overcome its mounting housing crisis since the end of the civil war in 2001.

A member of the Iranian Board of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and mines Mr. Masoud Deneshmand said they were pleased with the welcome they received from President Ernest Bai koroma. "It is very important to have a trade link with Sierra Leone as they (Sierra Leone) have engaged in economic development", he said. He also affirmed his country's commitment to help Sierra Leone attain food sufficiency. The country is currently facing food crisis as rice , the staple food is now sold at an exorbitant price. Rice producing countries in Asia have cut down on their exports to West Africa.

Mr. Deneshmand said another delegation would soon arrive in Freetown to reopen a clinic, on July 25, which had been operating prior to the intensification of the war in the country during the civil strife. "The Iranian ambassador to Sierra Lone Nasratollah Maliki commended his country en for their venture "My government is working assiduously to expand its investment in this country and also to build lasting relationship with Sierra Leone", he said.