KAKATA – Outgoing United States Ambassador accredited to Liberia Michael McCarthy has toured the Jeety Rubber Liberia Limited Corporation (LLC) being constructed in Weala, Margibi County with a call on the Government of Liberia (GOL) to see reason to provide visas to foreign investors upon their arrival into the country as part of efforts to improve the economy.
By Obediah Johnson
Jeety Rubber LLC is owned by renowned Indian business tycoon, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, who is commonly known as “Jeety” in Liberia.
Mr.. Sachdeva, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jeety Trading Corporation-a premier importer and distributor in hardware and building materials- and scores of other businesses across the country.
Ambassador McCarthy stressed that Liberian visas can be sold at the airport to western and American investors upon their arrival even more than its actual price to encourage foreign-direct investments in the Liberian economy. This, he emphasized is one of the easiest things to drive the Liberian economy.
Speaking during the tour on Wednesday, June 7, Ambassador McCarthy observed that foreign-direct investment is the best way to move Liberia forward in terms of economic and infrastructural growth and development.
He further called for “uncontrolled risks” to be avoided by the government and others to attract investments.
Ambassador McCarthy observed that “uncontrolled risks” normally happened when one cannot trust a contract or the justice system in a society.
He added that these risks also happened when investors cannot have access to land to carry on their investments.
“There are easy things that can be done to bring more investors (in Liberia). For instance, if American and Western business people didn’t have to get a visa-they can buy a visa at the airport even two or three times the price, more and more investors will come.”
“The more questions, the more risks; the more risks, the more the investors will stay away. In this case, the businessman (Jeety) who lived in Liberia for many years was able to scope up the situation and figured out this project. It’s less risky for him in fact because, he knows the laws of the land.”
He described the construction of the company by “Jeety” in that part of Liberia as an “investment in the future” of the post-conflict nation.
“This (investment) is a visual of how this country can turn around. Everyone agrees that what this country really needs to move forward is foreign investment and this is a perfect example. People who are coming to invest in the future of Liberia and the kind of investment that multiples.”
Ambassador McCarthy observed that though the company is yet to produce a finished rubber product at its facility, it has already started to positively impact the lives of citizens by booming economic activities.
He added that jobs are already being created for Liberians from Monrovia, Margibi and other parts of the country.
“I think this is a wonderful example of what could happen; more barriers will be removed from foreign investments. “
Ambassador McCarthy observed that the huge investment carried out by Mr. Sachdeva, who has stayed many decades in Liberia, showcases his trust and confidence in the country at this time, noting that, “he felt comfortable to invest his money.”
He recalled that the former Indian Consul General to Liberia has been very ambitious to establish the company in the country.
“Mr. Jeety is a good example of many things. One is civic volunteerism. He has done some things as a volunteer like feeding the prisons, supporting industries and citizens for the greater society. Coming here today is another example of what can happen if you allow investors to come in and put some money into the land and into the people.”
Citizens of Weala also commended and gowned Ambassador McCarthy for the visit.
In a statement read during the tour, the citizens observed that since the commencement of construction works at the company, economic activities have improved in Weala and other surrounding areas.
They named the leasing of about 50 houses from locals in the township by “Jeety” as one of the ways in which he is helping to develop the local economy.
The owners of the properties leased have also embarked on the construction of additional houses in the township.
They noted that “Jeety” has already employed about 300 citizens who were unemployed and could not afford to shoulder the burdens of them and their respective family members.
“Some of our citizens who have one house each can now boast of having between two to three houses in Weala. Mr. Jeety is building a free hospital for the citizens of Weala that cost more than US$300,000.”
The citizens named the provision of scholarships to university students, pipe borne water to six communities, weekly feeding of over 300 children, among others as some of the initiatives that have and are being undertaken by Mr. Sachdeva.
“Since Mr. Jeety entered into our township, he has been working with us. Since we been in this district, this is our first time to see an investor who is down to earth. Mr. Jeety, because of your humanitarian service to the people of WEala, we have decided to confer a Liberian name on you called ‘Kolleh’. The meaning of this name is ‘white man’.”
The citizens, however, extend thanks and appreciation for provided the opportunity and space for the construction of the company in their area.
“Honorable Ambassador, this is one of the investments in Liberia that we the citizens can now boast of in six years. We will carefully protect this in every aspect.”
For his part, Mr. Sachdeva described the construction of the company as a fulfillment of his ambition to help improve the Liberian economy and provide hundreds of jobs for citizens.
He said his decision taken to lease houses in Weala was intended to empower the citizens.
“I never built one house because; this is my way of identifying with the community and giving them economic strength.”
He disclosed that about 85% of the company’s current workforce comes from Weala, while the remaining 15% is from Monrovia, Buchanan and other areas.
“I believe that by God’s blessings we will be starting hopefully in July and citizens of Weala are the ones that I will look to first for employment.”
Mr. Sachdeva expressed gratitude for the level of support he continues to receive from th citizens and the Liberian government.
He used the occasion to commend President George Manneh Weah and his government for the efforts applied to ensure the timely passage of his tax incentive concession agreement by the National Legislature.
“I have the full support of every department of the government; they are supporting me wholeheartedly so I can start this thing. We are not planting any tree; we will buy rubber from every farmer in this country.”
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