(Brussels, Belgium-November 22, 2015) A one-day trade and investment conference organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation has been planned to take place on the 30th of November in Hague, the Netherlands.
The conference which will involve the participation of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone is a follow-up to the July 6-9,2015 high-level Dutch trade delegation to the three Mano River Union Countries with the view of providing insight into the pros and cons, dos and don’ts of doing business in the three countries.
The forum which is expected to bring together high-level government officials and ministers will adreess key priority areas of infrastructure, health and agriculture with the aim of soliciting possible investors as identified by the Investment Commissions of the three participating countries.
The Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperationn, Lilianne Ploumen said the conference will review strategic progress made in investing for sustainable development and economic transformation with the focus on opportunities for investing with an eye for challenges,economic transformation and inclusive growth and socially responsible development.
Representatives from Liberia to the conference are expected to come from the National Investment Commission(NIC),Ministry of Agriculture,Ministry of Health,the Ministry of Finace and Development Planning,Mnistry of Commerce, National Housing Authority,National Port Authority, Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Water and Sewer, Liberia Chambers of Commerce and the Liberia Business Association.
Over all, about 31 persons, 15 representing the private sector and 16 from the public sector are expected to represent Liberia.
At the July 2015 visit to Monrovia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed appreciation over the visit of the Dutch business delegation to country.
The Liberian Chief Executive received in audience the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ms. Lilianne Ploumen and delegation at her Foreign Ministry office on Monday, July 6, 2015.
Ms. Ploumen, at the head high-level trade mission, including representatives of at least 30 Dutch companies was in the country for a one-day Liberia-Netherlands Business and Investment Dialogue.
In the meeting with the delegation, President Sirleaf recalled the strong ties subsisting between Liberia and the Netherlands beginning with the Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) becoming one of the first international airlines to operate in Liberia after the construction of the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The Liberian leader then stressed that if basic infrastructures including roads, electricity and water are rehabilitated, these will give rise to the quality of life and eventually improve other services such as education, quality healthcare, as well as boost agriculture which remain Liberia’s potential for investment and growth. She indicated the need for immense assistance and collaboration to realize these objectives.
The President said Liberia was opened for business, adding: “Business that will foster inclusive economic growth. The Liberian leader assured Ms. Ploumen and delegation that their investment will be “fully protected” under the laws of Liberia.
Liberia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Holland and the EU Isaac W. Nyenabo says the conference will provide the avenue for trade and investment possibilities in Liberia inline with the Government economic diplomacy program.
Ambassador Nyenabo said several meetings and discussions have taken place since the July 6, 2015 trade delegation to Monrovia, all aimed at laying the ground work for the upcoming November 30 Conference in the Hague.
