Monrovia – Liberia Vice President Joseph Boakai has extolled his country and China for a comprehensive and tangible progress in the development of friendship and cooperation, particularly the reestablishment of relations between the two governments in 2003.
Report by Willie N. Tokpah – [email protected]
Speaking at the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, VP Boakai said the bonds of friendship enjoyed by the two countries transcended mere political cooperation and extend to every part of their national existence particularly trade and economic development as well as people-to-people engagement.
“The several long-term scholarship and short-term professional training programs offered by the Government of China and the people of Liberia have made a strategically fundamental contribution to the human resource and capacity development of Liberia’s public sector,” said VP Boakai.
US$425 million in trade
The Liberian Vice President noted that Liberia and China relation have seen significant growth with respect to trade volume, accounting for more than US$425 million, a 75% increase in 2015, a process that made China one of Liberia’s top trading partners as well as the biggest foreign investor thus far.
He commended China for its important role in global affairs, particularly Africa’s development, which has onward strengthened China-Africa relations, stating the country’s support to Ebola-affected countries during the recent outbreak of that epidemic.
“On a more personal note Mr. Ambassador, the Government and People of Liberia recognize with appreciation your personal contributions to the existing and flourishing relations between Liberia and China. “
“You have been instrumental in motivating your government to increase its technical and economic assistance to Liberia,” Vice President Boakai maintained.
Vice President Boakai expressed Liberia commitment in remaining resolute in maximizing objectives of the framework relating to China-Africa Cooperation, a platform he said will enhanced Liberia’s interactions in diverse areas.
Moreover, the Liberian Vice President said his government under the stewardship of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf adhered to the One China Policy due to a true representation demonstrated by the Republic of China to its citizens.
VP Boakai however pledged Liberia commitment to the Ezulwini Consensus within the context of reform of the United Nations Security Council. The Ezulwini Consensus seeks two permanent seats with veto rights for Africa and a total of five non-permanent seats for Africa.
Meanwhile, Vice President Boakai wants more room for the expansion of Liberia and China collaboration with improvement in the security sector, particularly the provision of logistical support for the Liberian Army.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yue appreciated Liberia’s adherence to the One China policy and insistence on international justice.
“We encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Liberia to boost Liberia’s job market and industrialization and pursue high-quality, high efficiency and localization,” said Ambassador Zhang.
He applauded China continuous assistance to Liberia as a guidance role in the cooperation existing between the two countries and will not only meet hardware needs but also focuses on capacity building.
The Chinese Ambassador accredited near Monrovia praised Liberia for steady progress in economic stabilization and advancement of private sector business; value added industry and industrialization process.
Ambassador Zhang said Liberians had showcased a strong spirit of unity and resilience, which also inspired them to make notable achievements in the post Ebola recovery process.
“Social welfare including the public health and education has also been promoted as well as social cohesion improved. Liberia’s accession to the World Trade Organization has provided a good opportunity to better integrate herself into the World Trade and share the dividend of global economic growth,” he added.
In spite of the progress made, the Chinese Ambassador stated that Liberia still faced some challenges as a result of the slowdown of the world economy, a situation which also has an impact on Liberia’s economy, Liberian economy shrank to zero percent in 2015, according to World Bank.
It is estimated to grow by two percent in 2017.
Furthermore, Zhang promised to donate another batch of police supply to law enforcement agencies across Liberia worth over US$2 Million based on a request from the Liberian government.
He recalled the US$50 million construction work plan for the new Roberts International Airport’s terminal as well as the ministerial complex, annexes to the Capitol Building and the renovation of the SKD Stadium.
“In the field of agriculture, China takes full advantage of the agriculture assistance projects including Agriculture Demonstration Center and the Bamboo and Rattan Weaving and Vegetable Planting Technical Cooperation Projects, to support Liberia agriculture development,” Zhang said.
This, he believes, shapes a unique landscape of China-Liberia partnership which serves as a principle of equality and mutual benefit among them.
Zang at the same time noted that China-Africa relation opened a new era for a mutual relationship between Chinese and Africans, thus announcing 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans for the next three years amounting to US$60 billion.
He disclosed that China stands prepare to provide military aid worth US$100Million to the African Union within five years as a way to support the establishment of an African Standby Force and the African Capacity for Immediate Response Crisis.