MONROVIA – In order to strengthen National Development and Aid coordination across government, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning through the Department of Economic Management along with development partners has begun a four-day National Joint Sectorial Portfolio Performance Review across all sectors which includes various Ministries and Agencies of Government.
The four-day event is meant to re-engage and review development financing across all sectors by setting the tone for effective aid dialogue, coordination, management and leadership.
The four-day’s activities will run from April 8-11, 2024 at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor Monrovia and with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, who spoke on behalf of the Liberian government thanked all development partners for supporting Liberia’s development drive and commitment toward strong coordination and partnership.
He reaffirmed President Boakai’s steady commitment to set a constructive example for national development across the country.
According to him, President Boikai’s vision for a new Liberia is outlined in the ARREST agenda platform which will not be achieved without strong commitment from development partners, key sector heads as well as civil society and private sector actors.
Hon. Zuo stressed that it is important to open the dialogue that brings together Development Partners, citizens and find support as we prepare the national development plan called the ARREST agenda.
He noted that during the four days, participants will have used the opportunity to launch an acquaintance with all Ministers and Development Partners to ensure the agenda platform is understandable and ensure cooperation in all policy documents going forward to 2030.
‘’ We are going to assess where we are, review recommendations and the existing portfolio to help crave a new development plan for Liberia’’ he added.
For her part, the World Bank Country Manager, Ms. Georgia Wallen said the Government of Liberia should focus on the value for money and maximize the use of skills and concessional results.
‘’ We also need to maximize the taxpayer dollars for development purpose’’ she asserted.
“Going forward let us keep the people of Liberia first during our discussions and measure the impact of growth by thinking together on how we can move from business as usual and opportunity that needs to be scaled off, ” Ms Wallen advised.
The African Development Bank Country Manager to Liberia, Hon. Benedict Kanu, said the event will enable all partners to exchange ideas and understand development gaps across the country.
He disclosed that in 1964, Liberia was instrumental for the creation of the African Development Bank.
‘’ The government needs to lead the development process, emphasizing private investment to realign official development assistance,’’ Mr. Kanu suggested.
Additionally, Mr. Kanu has admonished the government to focus on foreign direct investment.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Representative, Mr. James Wright urged the Liberian government to implement the anti-corruption policies to prosecute those responsible for corruption.
He said, “we (USAID) /will undertake extensive consultations with our government counterparts at national, county, and district levels with civil society, private sector organizations; and other development partners.