MONROVIA – The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, delivered a compelling address to business leaders in Liberia, emphasizing their pivotal role in holding the government accountable for implementing regulations that create a level playing field conducive to the prosperity of all citizens.
“As business leaders in this room know, you have a critical role to play in holding the government accountable—to introduce regulations that level the playing field so that all people can thrive. This is not only the right thing to do, but it also lays the foundation for foreign investment and full participation in the global economy,” she said.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Ambassador Greenfield underscored that the imperative for businesses to thrive is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity for attracting foreign investment and ensuring full participation in the global economy.
She shared these sentiments during her keynote speech on Democracy at the Rescue the Economy Presidential Inaugural Ball held at the Executive Pavilion on Broad Street on Monday, January 22. The event, hosted by the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) in collaboration with the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), celebrated unity and marked a historic moment for Liberia.
“Tonight, is a celebration of progress—the power of choosing democracy over autocracy, multilateralism over isolation, hope over cynicism,” she remarked. Ambassador Greenfield stressed that democracies should deliver by protecting human rights, promoting economic development, creating safer communities, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in the halls of power.
Expressing gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event, she thanked the Liberian people for their warm welcome and acknowledged President Biden for selecting her to lead the American delegation. Ambassador Greenfield urged businesses to advocate for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities for all, emphasizing that these actions are crucial in tackling global challenges such as disease and climate change.
In addressing corruption, Ambassador Greenfield emphasized that addressing this issue would not only attract foreign investment but also encourage local entrepreneurs to innovate and create jobs, thereby fostering economic growth.
Rev. Luther Tarpeh, the Unity Party Chairman, on behalf of President Boakai assured the Boakai-Koung’s administration of working with the LCC and LIBA to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in order to boost the Liberian economy.
Rev. Tarpeh thanked the LCC an LIBA for organizing the colorful event in honor of the Liberian leaders.
Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, President of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, in his welcome remarks, expressed excitement about the Chamber’s recognition by the new administration. He highlighted the Chamber’s longstanding role as the driving force behind Liberia’s economic growth since 1951. Cllr. Tweh emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to building a vibrant business climate, promoting trade, commerce, and industry.
He declared the inaugural ball as a historic moment for the nation and the Liberian business community, demonstrating the new administration’s dedication to creating a safe and enabling business environment. Cllr. Tweh expressed hope for a stronger relationship between the government and the business community.
Assuring the Boakai-Koung government of their full support in reintroducing a better business environment, Cllr. Tweh disclosed the Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with the government to promote economic development opportunities, attract new businesses, create jobs, and establish a foundation for a sustainable private sector.
Mr. James M. Strother, President of the Liberia Business Association, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Greenfield for honoring their invitation to the inaugural presidential ball. Recognizing this as the first government to acknowledge their organizations, he encouraged fellow business leaders to unite and contribute to changing Liberia’s economic dynamics.
Strother expressed optimism about succeeding under the new administration and urged businesspeople to prioritize Liberia. He looked forward to a collaborative effort to foster economic growth and development in the country.