By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer &Foreign Correspondent
Paris, France –Wednesday, April 16, 2025- The Embassy of Liberia accredited near the French capital has embarked on what observers are terming as the right steps in the right direction. According to a dispatch to which Rural Reporters News Network is privy to; a fortnight ago Ambassador Teeko Yorlay and embassy staff unveiled an investment attraction brochure for the viewing, entertainment and relaxation of guests and visitors arriving on the premises of the embassy.
“Liberia is embarking on an ambitious journey of growth and opportunity. Guided by the vision of President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., our nation’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development presents a bold and strategic blueprint for progress and investment,” reads the introductory page of this highly informative and concise booklet, decked with valuable investment related information about the country’s huge natural resource as well as its virgin cum untapped ecotourism potentials.
Moreover and succinctly, the Ambassador’s followed by adding “It is with great optimism that I invite you to explore the new Liberia we are building 3 one of opportunity, stability, and partnership. The ARREST Agenda represents our commitment to Accelerating growth, ensuring Reforms and good governance, Revitalizing key sectors, expanding Energy access, bolstering Social services, and promoting Tourism. We warmly welcome you to join us in this journey toward mutual prosperity.”
Without much delay, the brochure which comprised 24 quarter pages takes its readers through coined meaning of its name-ARREST-Accelerating-driving economic growth and development; Reforms; ensuring good governance and transparency; Revitalizing; strengthening key economic sectors; Energy; expanding access to reliable power; Social; bolstering essential services and of course Tourism; promoting the country’s natural beauty.
According to the brochure, the ARREST Agenda otherwise known as the AAID is the Liberia’s development roadmap. “It is a national development plan, crafted to transform both our economy and society. This comprehensive strategy is investor-focused, ensuring that your time and resources are well spent. As we Accelerate growth, we streamline processes to avoid delays. As we Reform, we eliminate bureaucratic red tape. As we Revitalize key sectors, we create new opportunities for private enterprise. As we expand Energy and infrastructure, we empower your projects. As we strengthen Social Services such as health and education, we cultivate a skilled, capable workforce to support your business needs. And as we promote Tourism, we also create an inviting environment for expatriates and visitors alike”.
Beyond this, the Brochure goes on to provide briefs of various aspects of the Liberian economy vis-à-vis the country’s vis-à-vis current government facilitating reforms covering the civil service, economic outlook; encompassing solid growth, inflation control and sectors of opportunities.
Addedly,equally throws light on the country burgeoning agriculture and agro-Industry;shedding light on the country abundant resources inclusive of its fertile soil,well-crafted national development plan; which focuses on transforming from subsistence to mechanized and agribusiness.Furthermore,it discusses the opportunities for value-addition cum processesing raw materials into possibly finished products.It further deliberates on international investments from EIB and IFAD amounting to $50 million plus.
Agriculture is the backbone of Liberia’s economy and the first pillar of the ARREST strategy 3 Agribusiness value chains to ensure food security and jobs. Despite vast arable land ideal for rice, we import over 70% of our rice 3 an imbalance we are determined to correct. With 308 km of farm-to-market roads recently rehabilitated in key farming regions, getting produce to markets is easier than ever.
Opportunities include processing rubber into tires or gloves, cocoa into chocolates, oil palm into refined products, and developing food processing for juices, canned goods, and livestock feed for both domestic and West African markets. The Liberian government offers incentives for agro-industry, including duty-free import of farm machinery and tax holidays for agricultural investments.
Next, it delves into Liberia’s investor friendly Mining and natural resources sector-resource wealth, regulatory framework, investment opportunities. The information packed brochure then concludes with this “Liberia’s message is clear: our natural resources are open for partnership under fair terms, and we welcome responsible investment to develop them for mutual prosperity.”
The brochure then provides insightful summaries of other critical sectors such as Energy and electricity, Infrastructure development; pinpointing all currently ongoing projects, and here the Ministry of Public Works’ critical role in translating President Boakai’s iconic rallying remarks ”ROADS, ROADS, ROADS coupled with ‘Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia’ are translated to reality by way of these efforts including dry season roadwork interventions, the establishment of road fund collection mechanisms, and the review of salary structures for engineers to attract and retain top talent.“
Recycling and circular flow of the economy as well as Ecotourism and ultural exchange, showcase the rainforest preservation,unique wildlife,pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.
Liberia is often called West Africa’s hidden jewel. Under ARREST, developing Tourism 3 particularly ecotourism 3 is a key focus to diversify our economy. Our vision is to protect Liberia’s natural beauty while sharing it with the world. For entrepreneurs and travelers, Liberia offers an untapped tourism market with first-mover advantages.
“The government is investing in national parks and tourism infrastructure. We have established several protected areas (like Sapo National Park and Lake Piso Reserve) and are improving access roads, visitor centers, and training for park rangers and guides,” says the brochure.
Turning to tourism investment opportunities,the need for ecolodges,tour operations companies,outing and beach resorts management enteprises cannot be overemphasized. Here the governemnt expresses its willingness to offer tax holidays ,import duty waivers and host of giveaways to woo interested investors to Liberia.
Summarily,the rest of the brochure passionately discusses Healthcare and pharmaceticals as a sector item,Fisheries investment opportunities, and the last but not the least,manufacturing and industrialization. It is key to mention that like all the other sectors, the investment opportunities are equally mentioned for the last three sectors.
In conclusion,the very attractive brochure then highlights Liberia being next investment destination that French and other european investors should consider and take advantage of the endless virgin as well as win-win opportunities that the nation’s offer to all would be investors so to speak.
Thus, the Liberian embassy near Paris, France assures all potential investors of committed Government Partner,strong Franco-Liberian Ties,international Support environment and above all,high Reward Potential. The brochure then concludes “In closing, Liberia today offers the promise of high rewards for early investors who see what is on the horizon. Our country is transforming 3 implementing sound policies, investing in people and infrastructure, and unleashing entrepreneurial energy. We have success stories already: from major agribusiness and mining operations expanding, to new entrants like a GMPcertified pharmaceutical plant 3 the first in our region 3 proving that doing business in Liberia can be both feasible and rewarding.”
The brochure then calls on all French businesses to join the Liberian government in creating jobs for the youth, increase trade between Liberia and France as well as foster innovation that benefit both economies; adding “that Liberia is ready to arrest the stagnation of the past and launch into a future of inclusive growth 3 with your partnership. Let us seize this opportunity together”.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
