Monrovia – Based on an invitation from President George Manneh Weah and the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change Chairman, Mulbah Morlu, 12 Italian investors, who arrived in the country to scout investment opportunities have expressed more interest in the rice production sector. Other sectors are not off the list, though.
Reported by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
President Weah and Morlu made the country’s case during their respective visits to Europe.
The Italian investors are now in country and holding series of discussions with agencies and ministries of government for possible investment in other sectors.
They commenced their discussions Wednesday, October 24, with the Liberia National Investment Commission, the Monrovia City Corporation, the Ministry of Public Works, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, and will conclude the discussion with Foreign Affairs Minister Gbehnzohngar Milton Findley today, October 25.
Speaking at the event, CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu assured the investors of friendly business climate and expressed anticipation that they will encourage other colleagues back in their country to join the venture. “Liberia is a ‘virgin land’ that is ready for every available legal investment,” he told the Italians.
According to Morlu, agriculture is lifeblood of the Liberian people especially rice production on grounds that rice is the nation’s only staple food.
For his part, Dr. Giuleano Codelo, head of delegation, expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and that reception shows that Liberia is ready to create friendly investment climate for the betterment of both the investor and the country.
Dr. Codelo acknowledged the early invitation of the President to European countries, especially Italy, where the President, during his sporting days, won the World Best Footballer.
He indicated that President Weah has being linked between Italy and the West African country, Liberia. He added that the Italy through its investment sector will support the President and the people of Liberia.
He added that they had come to see investment opportunities in agriculture, roads, energy, mining transportation and other basic infrastructures.
While in Liberia, the delegation will study the possibility of investing in areas of waste disposal, water purification and infrastructure development.
The Italians are expected to hold meeting with President George Weah and other members of his Cabinet.
Members of the delegation include Giovanni CodURI, Antonio LONGHI representing EUROGEO Wells, Umberto CUCCHETTI, representing Dimesion Ambiente, involved with waste management.
Other delegation members are Dario ZUCCHI and Barbara Falomo, representing the Italian water purification company “PSC-Water purification,” while Piemario Carazzo, will represent Agro Ital LTD-Rice Production.
The aim of the visit to Liberia is to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy through trade, exchange of knowledge, and provide win-win opportunities for production in the country’s economy.
During President Weah’s visit to Brussels, he indicated that Liberia is open for visit and encourage Italian and other European companies that were present in Liberia prior to the country’s civil war to come back and invest.
President Weah further emphasized manufacturing, trade and small and medium enterprises as other instruments in developing the country by creating employment and raising per capita income and saving for investment into other areas.