Liberia-China sign “Letter of intent” to boost agriculture and fisheries

The Governments of Liberia and China have signed a “Letter of Intent” that is geared towards boosting agriculture and fisheries production through value addition.

The both governments signed the “Letter of Intent” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during an official visit of a Chinese trade delegation currently in the country. Agriculture Minister, Dr. Moses Zinnah signed on behalf of Liberia while Professor Lin Zhanxi performed the signing ceremony on behalf of the Chinese delegation.

Earlier receiving the delegation in audience, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed appreciation over the Chinese delegation’s visit especially at a critical time when Liberia is reshaping focus on diversification of economic potentials anchored on value addition. The Liberian leader encouraged the delegation to explore and access the prospects of doing

business and capitalizing on investment opportunities with emphasis on the agro-processing sectors.

President Sirleaf expressed delight over the delegation’s visit and informed the Chinese that Liberia was ready for doing business. She recalled the many contributions made by the Chinese government to Liberia and acknowledged the strong existing ties between the two countries.

The Liberian leader said she was optimistic that the projects will get started as soon as possible once all the technical details are concluded. However, she assured the delegation of her government’s support at all times aimed at getting the proposal to a fruitful conclusion.

Concerned about the future of young people, President Sirleaf appealed to the Chinese to invest in the country’s youthful population as they represent a hope for Liberia. The Chinese delegation’s major areas of focus include – agriculture, rice production, technology and fisheries, among others.

She also indicated that the Chinese business delegation have identified critical sectors of interest, which are of great importance – not only for the government’s Agenda but also country’s Post-Ebola Economic Stabilization Plan. She prevailed on the delegation to move around the country in order to appreciate some of the beautiful and scenic sites Liberia has with the view to creating economic possibilities for Liberians. 

President Sirleaf pointed out that Liberia was opened for business, particularly a kind of business that will foster inclusive economic growth. She assured Mr. Song Kening and delegation that their investment will be fully protected under the laws of Liberia.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia H.E. Zhang Yue said China remains fully committed to working closely with Liberia in fostering the country’s development agenda. Responding also, the Director of the Foreign Affairs’ Fujian Province and head of delegation, Mr. Song Kening thanked President Sirleaf for affording them the opportunity to undertake this unique visit to Liberia and assured her of their deep interest to invest in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and rice production; adding, “We are willing to work with the people of Liberia in getting the agriculture sector to a more vibrant level.”

He disclosed that the Chinese entrepreneurs see lots of opportunities in Liberia and expressed interest in training local talents in the areas of agriculture, rice production and fisheries, and promised to send experts to Liberia for hands-on technical guidance, amongst others.