Israeli Envoy pays courtesy call on Ellen

Israeli Ambassador Ami Mehl Pays Courtesy Call on President Sirleaf; Promised to Encourage Investment in Energy, Mining sectors Israeli Ambassador to Liberia with residence in Accra, Ghana, Ambassador Ami Mehl, has paid a courtesy call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry office in Monrovia amid assurances of encouraging Israeli investors to explore possible investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

An Executive Mansion release said, Ambassador Ami Mehl was accompanied to President Sirleaf’s office by the Dean of the Cabinet and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marjon Kamara. Ambassador Ami Mehl expressed his preparedness to work with Liberia to ensure energy boost for the country, which he said is extremely crucial to meeting the middle-income level. The Israeli diplomat then informed President Sirleaf that two experts in the area of Early Childhood Learning are due in-country soon to work along with the Ministry of Education in order to examine the existing issues to advance proposals for practical and workable outcomes.

For her part President Sirleaf welcomed the delegation and thanked Ambassador Mehl for his continued interest and support in attracting potential business for Liberia. President Sirleaf said Israeli private sector intervention in the energy sector remains crucial expanding the overall energy capacity even after the completion of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant. Liberia, the Liberian leader noted is part of the U.S.-funded “Power Africa” initiative and as such working in partnership with Israeli-inspired investors is a welcome development.

President Sirleaf also said Liberia’s new agenda for doing business is anchored on value addition especially in the forestry, fisheries, oil palm, coffee, cocoa and mining sectors. The Liberians Chief Executive observed that that the much needed jobs will come online when value chain or addition informs our economic diversification drive.

Also accompanying Ambassador Mehl during the courtesy visit was Amir Hayman of Sociedade de Investimentos Mineiros (SOCIM) of South Africa with subsidiaries in Angola, Botswana, Russia, Canada, the Democratic republic of Congo, etc. SOCIM’s area of focus is polished diamonds and Mr. Amir Hayman says he will return in a month to conduct further study on the sector.

Mr. Hayman says he looks forward to a Public-Private Partnership arrangement that will ensure local ownership and enhance the economic competitiveness of the country’s local content. He spoke of the Diamond Academy in Israel – that will provide training for Liberians once significant progress is made coupled with the sealing of deal to kick start the proposal. He said, the Liberians – once trained and specialized will be critical in any unfolding Public-Private Partnership.

He indicated that SOCIM-SA’s long-term goal will be to set up a viable polished diamond partnership based on the best standards, characterized by sustainable relations on a win-win business model. Meanwhile the delegation is holding discussions with other key stakeholders in the energy, agriculture, fisheries and mining sectors.- Press release