Monrovia – The Liberian Business Association (LIBA) and the United States Chapter of the Association has called on the Government of Liberia to demonstrate its political will towards creating an enabling business environment.
The two bodies made the call while signing a Memorandum of Understanding which, among other things, seeks to create partnership and collaboration in an approach to contribute to the economic growth and development of Liberia.
It also seeks to improve and enhance the foundation for business environment within the borders of Liberia and the United States of America.
LIBA’s President Dee-Maxwell Kemayah who represented and signed for the Association in the United States, said though government has been working towards the improvement of the business environment, more still needs to be done to strengthen the sector.
Speaking to journalists following the signing of the MOU, Kemayah stressed that under the MOU, the Liberian Business Association in Liberia and the Liberian Business Association in the Americas are to serve as advocates for Liberian owned and operated businesses and ensure that they have both the requisite technical capabilities and managerial skills.
Speaking further, the LIBA boss explained that the Liberian Business Association in the Americas is required under the MOU to provide the requisite and technical knowledge to LIBA – Liberia, its executives and members to do business in America.
It is also required to Assist in travel arrangements of executives and members of the Liberian Business Association in Liberia to the United States of America for business purposes on behalf of LIBA – Liberia and their respective businesses and facilitate networking and linkage building for LIBA – Liberia, its executives and members to find goods and services at reasonable cost
Also speaking the Executive Director of the Liberian Business Association in the Americas Jackson George described as welcoming the MOU and assured that the Association in the Americas will do all it can to honor its aspect of the deal.
George said, under the agreement, LIBA-Liberia will assist in arranging for the process of resettling in Liberia members of the Liberian Business Association in the Americas who wish to return home and may need accommodation to lease or rent for business purposes
He furthered that LIBA-Liberia will also assist in arranging for the Clearing of Goods from the Freeport of Monrovia for LIBA – USA, its executives and members.
George stressed that unless Liberian businesses can collaborate and understand themselves, the Liberian economy will continue to be dominated by foreigners.