Pres. Sirleaf assures Belgian investors

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has assured a Belgian trade delegation that Liberia is indeed prepared for business while expressing optimism about the prospects of dividends for investing in Liberia.

An Executive Mansion release said president Sirleaf was speaking on Friday, January 22, 2016 when the visiting Belgian delegation paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign in Monrovia. She said as the country braces itself for diversification of its economy with emphasis on agro-processing amid value addition, one of Liberia’s longstanding partners, Belgium, should endeavor to explore areas of potential economic interest. She pledged her administration’s commitment to ensure investors are protected.

President Sirleaf then assured her government’s willingness to work with the companies in bringing economic relief to the country. She emphasized the need for time-bound targets, and added that she will ensure the relevant Minister provides updates on what Liberia expects out of each investment coupled with time-frame.

She stressed the need for appropriate steps to be taken toward the achievement of set goals noting the compelling rationale for a monitoring system that will track progress. Speaking on behalf the delegation, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Trade, Pieter De Crem described the three-day business tour in Liberia as “successful” and evidently shows signs of prospects. Mr. De Crem said while in the country, more business opportunities were discovered from the various meetings held with various sectors of the Liberian government and business community. He however expressed interest in making good these opportunities and in building partnerships with local businesses and the government aimed at investing in the economy.

The delegation arrived in the country on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 and held discussions with President Sirleaf and Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. They also met the heads of the National Investment Commission, the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Commerce, Transport, Lands, Mines and Energy, Agriculture, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), National Port Authority (NPA), Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC), the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, amongst others.

The Joint Belgium-Luxembourg Trade and Investment delegation, amongst other things, expressed interest in transport, dredging and ports operations, civil engineering, diamond trade, energy, agro-industry, the environment, machines and other economic relations activities.

The Belgian Foreign Trade Minister used the occasion to thank President Sirleaf for the warm reception accorded him and members of his delegation by the government and people of Liberia and assured her of their commitment to invest in Liberia.

In brief remarks, Commerce Minister Axel Addy lauded the Belgian business delegation for their decision to explore business opportunities in Liberia and pledged his commitment in moving the sector forward. The delegation later departed the country.-Press release