21/08/2024
“From Rice Importer to Producer: Liberia’s Ambitious Plan Unveiled at Business Conclave”
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Vpo Jeremiah Kpan Koung has kicked off with a resounding message of unity and progress at the 19th India-Africa Business Conclave which promises to reshape the future of international trade.
The prestigious platform, renowned for fostering business ideas and proposals between Africa and India, has again brought together visionary leaders and investors from both regions with a distinguished envoy Vice President Vpo Jeremiah Kpan Koung, representing the Republic of Liberia, a nation with a rich history and a promising future thus emphasizing the significance of event in strengthening trade relations between Africa’s oldest nation and India.
Since the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) came into force in 2021, African nations have worked tirelessly to enhance intra-Africa trade. With a combined population of 1.4 billion people, Africa stands as one of the largest markets poised to boost international trade and investment. The Conclave serves as a remarkable journey to fortify trade relations between these two dynamic regions.
The envoy paid homage to India, a nation with a rich history and a rapidly evolving status as the world’s largest and most diverse democracy. India continues to play meaningful roles in global politics, economics, and security, establishing itself as a key player on the world stage.
Highlighting the longstanding diplomatic relations between India and Liberia, VP Vpo Jeremiah Kpan Koung, noted that the two nations have been deeply engaged in international trade and commerce for over six decades. A pivotal moment in this relationship came in 2012 when Liberia agreed to India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), providing preferential market access for Liberia’s exports.
A key component of President Boakai’s vision is to create a conducive environment for trade and investment in Liberia. The Government’s ARREST agenda is critical for transforming the lives of the Liberian people. The envoy also lauded India’s accomplishments as the world’s largest exporter of rice, with an impressive export of about 16.5 million metric tons in 2024.
Although India is Liberia’s main importer of rice, the Vice President expressed a keen interest in learning from India’s expertise in agriculture. “Our goal in Liberia is to shift from rice importation to rice production in the medium to long term,” the envoy stated, emphasizing the importance of investing in local farmers by providing capital, skills, technology, and equipment for local production.
“My presence at this Business Conclave is an affirmation of our government’s commitment to seek potential investors specifically in the agricultural sector, and to also encourage investments in other sectors which are mutually rewarding,” the Vice President declared. “As a government, we have the responsibility to engage our international partners and friends on the opportunities Liberia offers for investment and trade. To achieve socio-economic development, we must create jobs for our citizens!”
It can be recalled On July 10, 2024, President Boakai officially launched the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), a visionary six-year blueprint designed to transform Liberia’s agricultural sector and achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This strategy aims to leverage Liberia’s abundant agricultural resources and transition the country from dependence on food imports to a state of abundance and self-reliance.
“I remain hopeful that this Business Conclave and the planned meetings will solidify new partnerships and offer renewed hope for our people,” the envoy expressed.
“I once again reaffirm our government’s commitment to this bilateral friendship and congratulate the Government and People of the great Republic of India for such a unique continental gathering. – VP Koung
