The Liberian Business Association (LIBA) has made several recommendations to the Liberian Government in the interest of creating more jobs through mirco, small and medium – sized Liberian enterprises.
Addressing journalists Friday, 2 November at the Association’s office in Paynesville, LIBA president James M. Strother called for a comprehensive enforcement of the Investment Act of 2010.He says the Act exclusively reserves all retailing businesses for Liberians, especially in operations of gas stations, travel agencies, importation and sales of used clothing, among others.
Mr. Strother also calls for the provision of dedicated and well-targeted stimulus plan to address emergency capital needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) owned and operated by Liberians.
“LIBA will provide its expertise to ensure that the stimulus plan is well designed and implemented to minimize risks abuse and repayment,” Mr; Strother adds.He urges strong enforcement of Section 4.1(c) of the small business empowerment law.
According to him, this law provides for at least 25 percent of all Public Procurement Contracts entered into by all government institutions including State – owned enterprises to be allocated and provided to Liberian – owned MSMEs, at least five percent of which are allocated and provided to women – owned MSMEs.
Additionally, Mr. Strother urges government to ensure timely payments to Liberian businesses as well as other businesses for goods and services provided.“LIBA believes timely payments to vendors including Liberian businesses will accelerate business obligation with commercial banks, pay taxes, as well remaining profitable and competitive,” he says.
Meanwhile LIBA says as prime partners to the developmental goals of government, it welcomes the recent official launch of the Pro – poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).LIBA affirms its commitment and fullest support for the implementation of the PAPD in the interest of the wholesome upliftment of the people of Liberia.
LIBA president Mr. Strother says the Association is particularly inspired by President George Manneh Weah’s desire to restructure and revisit the programs around Liberian businesses in terms of having access to finance and human capacity development.
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According to him, these are intended to enhance Liberian participation in the creation of wealth in the Liberian economy. “We at LIBA see this as government’s willingness to conform to the President’s explicit statement that Liberians should not be spectators in their own economy,” he concludes.
By Winston W. parley
