Shalimar Trading, a reputable Sierra Leonean premier organization, and a dealer in TVS Motorcycles, Suzuki Cars, Sonalika Agriculture, CF Moto ATVs, and Agriculture tools, on Tuesday 15th March 2021, at the Wilkinson Road, as part of the company’s commitment to work with the government in developing the transportation sector and humanitarian gesture, launched the Ashok Leyland Vehicle Product.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Stafford, Chairman of the event, said Shalimar Trading has made a name for itself in Sierra Leone and has been described as the most sustainable company within the transport sector. He furthered that most of the population rely on public transport, using buses (second hand imported vehicles), poda-poda (minibuses), shared taxis (saloon cars), Okada (bike taxis), and Keke (three-wheeler taxis).
He also disclosed that the ongoing Urban Moralization Transportation project currently implemented by the Bio Government through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, when completed, will bring relief to the people of this country, as the Sierra Leone Road Transportation Cooperation is only catering for less that 15% of the total population.
In his statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Shalimar Trading Limited, Moussa Mroue, said the company was established in 2003, as a sole distributor of TVS motorbikes in Sierra Leone, and launched the world’s leading brand of Sonalika Tractors and Implements & Suzuki cars from Japan in 2017. He further disclosed that the company is committed to serve humanity, adding that since inception, they have been working assiduously to ensure that they positively impact the lives of Sierra Leoneans across the country.
He added that they started Shalimar Trading Limited with just marketing motor bikes and that currently, the company doesn’t only import motor bikes, but markets Kekes and now they are launching Ashok Leyland buses and trucks.
He disclosed that as a company, they will continue to create the enabling environment for other businesses to thrive.
In her statement, Assanatu J. Mansaray, Director of Licensing at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), thanked the management of Shalimar Trading, for the love they have for Sierra Leone. She stated that the company has always met the demand of the public since they started operations in the country, and they have succeeded in empowering many young people. She however assured them of SLRSA’s support at any point in time.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh M. Kallon, in his key note address, commended Shalimar Trading for the launch of the Ashok Leyland buses and trucks, adding that this will help in bringing sanity in the transport sector. He said the government of President Bio is very much determined in transforming the transport sector, because it has been a major constraint to the growth of business in the country.
He said, ITP has been working in collaboration with the World Bank, Sierra Leone Ministry of Transport & Aviation, Freetown City Council, and other key urban transport stakeholders to develop a plan that will improve the delivery of public transport and in turn, the safety and journey experience for residents of the city.
He said the company has provided jobs for Sierra Leoneans across the country through motor bikes and Kekeh businesses, which he said has contributed towards the reduction of unemployment in the country. He assured the company of his Ministry’s support and called on other businesses in the same direction to emulate the footprints of Shalimar Trading, further emphasizing that they are really contributing towards the development of the country.