The Government of Sierra Leone (represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security), has signed a Tripartite Agreement with the Government of the People's Republic of China (represented by H.E. The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (represented by the FAO Representative) for the implementation of the project entitled "Special Programme for Food Security in Sierra Leone under the South-South Cooperation Agreement" on 11 July 2006.

This project entails the fielding of technical assistance services by the People's Republic of China in consultation with the FAO for the identification, designing and implementation of the Special Programme for Food Security for a period of two to four years in two phases.

The major components of this programme are: water control, sustainable intensification of crop production systems and the diversification of production with emphasis on short-cycle animals artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, all in pursuant of the country's food security programme and the attainment of His Excellency The President Pledge.

Phase one of the programme will utilize the services of 4 experts and 14 field technicians while phase two will utilize the services of 8 experts and 28 field technicians.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Senior Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; the Chinese Embassy, FAO as well as the press, which was held at the Ministry's Conference Room, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown.