By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Shenzhen, China – On September 7, 2024, Liberia and China convened a one-day Trade Forum in Shenzhen, China’s tech hub and third-largest city. The event, hosted by Liberia’s Embassy in Beijing and Shenzhen’s Foreign Affairs Office, aimed to showcase investment opportunities in Liberia across various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and trade.
Themed “China and Liberia Cooperating in Building a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the Spirit of FOCAC,” the Forum attracted numerous Chinese investors and was attended by high-ranking Liberian officials, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. President Boakai emphasized Liberia’s eagerness for Chinese investment, highlighting the country’s need for technology and investment to unlock its full potential.
In his address, President Boakai assured potential investors of Liberia’s welcoming environment, stating, “We bring to you opportunities because you have the expertise to help us.” He further underscored Liberia’s friendly disposition and the country’s commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with international partners.
Liberia’s Ambassador to China, D. McKinley Thomas, echoed the sentiment, stating, “China and Liberia are friends; now it is time to work together on economic and cultural exchanges for shared prosperity.” He encouraged Chinese investors to explore the diverse opportunities Liberia offers.
During the Forum, Shenzhen’s Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office, Richard Zhong, expressed Shenzhen’s readiness to collaborate with Liberia. “We are prepared to work together in economic partnerships, energy support, and infrastructural development,” Zhong noted, emphasizing the importance of mutual effort.
Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, highlighted Liberia’s tourism potential, showcasing the country’s offerings in cultural, surf, eco, and marine tourism. Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah called for investments in the agricultural sector, pointing out opportunities in poultry, livestock, and crop production.
Commerce Minister Amin Modad discussed Liberia’s business environment, stressing the nation’s need for foreign partnerships to bolster its commercial and industrial sectors. He pointed out the trade imbalance, with Liberia importing nearly $10 billion worth of commodities from China in 2023, while only exporting $85 million to China.
The Forum concluded with Chinese investors expressing their intention to visit Liberia to explore investment opportunities further. This promising dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between Liberia and China.
