Ambassador Nyenabo says the possibilities of the conference are in line with Liberian government development program

Three West African nations are expected to participate in a one-day trade and investment conference on Monday organized by Holland’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in The Hague.

The Dutch conference with  Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone is a follow-up to the July 6-9 visit of a 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 address 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.

Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, 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.

Commenting also on the event, Liberia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Holland and the EU Isaac W. Nyenabo said the conference will provide the avenue for trade and investment possibilities in Liberia in line with the Liberian government’s economic diplomacy program.

Ambassador Nyenabo said several meetings and discussions have taken place since the July 6 trade delegation to Monrovia, all aimed at laying the ground work for the upcoming November 30 conference in the Hague.

Representatives from Liberia to the event are expected to come from the National Investment Commission(NIC), ministries of agriculture, health, finance and development planning, commerce and public works.

There will also be officials representing the National Housing Authority, National Port Authority, Liberia Water and Sewer, Liberia Chambers of Commerce and the Liberia Business Association.

Over all, about 31 persons – 15 from the private sector with the balance coming from the public sector-  are expected to represent Liberia.

Back in July, receiving Minister Ploumen and her delegation at her Foreign Ministry  office on Monday July 6 in Monrovia, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed appreciation over the visit of the Dutch business delegation to country.

Ms. Ploumen, at the head high-level trade mission,which included 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  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.
Isaac Yeah