MONROVIA – As part of efforts to fulfill the Agriculture, Road, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism (ARREST) agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai led-government, Liberia’s Commissioner for Trade and Investment to Canada Madam Jallahqueena Hawa Konneh has initiated a project to connect and forge partnership between Liberian and Canadian businesses and investors.
The project is intended to attract and build donor relations, establish meaningful partnership, aligning Canadian investors with Liberian Businesses, as well as helping government to deliver on its agenda.
Addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Monday, May 19, Madam Konneh disclosed that the initiative will enable the Liberia government foster socio-economic growth, attract foreign direct investment opportunities, and establish direct diplomatic relationship with Canada.
She emphasized that this will build bridges to enhance global trade success between Liberia and Canada by connecting Liberian Businesses with Canadian International businesses and sourcing Canadian donors to invest in Liberia.
According to her, the project will also seek humanitarian assistance for the post-conflict nation in the areas of health, gender, agriculture, mining and Industry, fisheries, culture and tourism, youth programs, human resource capacity building and education.
“The Trade and Investment Commissioner of Liberia to Canada has also secured an office in the last two months in Toronto, Canada. A partnership has also been secured recently with QE24 Group of Companies Inc. based in Liberia and Canada.”
She pointed out that QE24 Group of Companies Inc, in collaboration with the National Investment Commission and the Trade and Investment Commission will hold the first Liberian Business Forum on August 15, 2024 in Canada.
Madam Konneh pointed out that the gathering is expected to host nearly 50 to 60 Investors, financial institutions and donor partners across Canada, high level Liberian government officials from sector related ministries, Canadian government officials and private businesses, and donor relation communities.
She added that the Office of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment has also secured over US$522,000.00 worth of medical supplies for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital.
The medical supplies include: syringes with needles, isolation gowns, face masks sterilized disposal, and gloves to aid in the delivery of quality healthcare services at the facility.
She disclosed that the huge donation was made possible by Dr. Ken Singh, President of Atlas Cargo in Toronto Canada.
“Part of this partnership is expected to develop into sustainable assistance program for the country’s health sector beginning with the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. It aims to also focus on supplies of medical equipment, the facility renovation, logistical support and the workforce capacity building.”
Currently, Madam Konneh added that, the Office of Trade and Investment in Canada, is working along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have consulate services established in Toronto, Canada.
“I would like to take this time to thank His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity on behalf of the Liberian communities and businesses in Canada. The Trade and Investment Office in Canada takes this opportunity to officially welcome business opportunities and partnership building in Canada.”
Also speaking, the General Manager of QE24 Group of Companies Teblee Marvis Robertson affirmed his company’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration in the business sector in Liberia.
QE24 Group of Companies is a Liberian-owned company that specializes in construction, global trade and business development. It mission is to demonstrate world-class expertise and customer centricity through ingenuity and technology.
“Our dedication to excellence and our strategic approach to trade and investment have positioned us for success in an ever-evolving global market.”
Mr. Robertson expressed delight and proud to share his company’s connection with Commissioner Jallahqueena Hawa Konneh, adding that, “this was not a mistake.”
He further uttered optimism that Madam Konneh will demonstrate commitment and dedication to the office she currently occupies and foster more friendly relations with partners, investors, and stakeholders to boost investment in Liberia.
“Moving forward, QE24 as an institution remains optimistic about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to drive progress and unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity.”
For his part, the Director for Promotion and Investment at the National Investment Commission (NIC) Henrique Zayzay pledged government’s commitment to promoting, attracting and facilitating foreign-direct investment in Liberia.
He said government would also help enhance investment opportunities in all sectors in the country.
He disclosed that the overall objective of the pending forum planned by the Liberian Trade and Investment Office in Canada is to realize sustainable investments in Liberia.
Mr. Zayzay expressed the hope that those investments will contribute immensely to the economic growth and development of the country.
He, however, encouraged citizens in the diaspora and others back home to embrace and form part of the forum as part of efforts to encourage foreign-direct investments here.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador-At-Large Charles Snetter welcomed the steps being taken by the Liberian Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Canada to attract investments to the country.
According to him, Liberia remains open for business and gone are the days where foreign investors had to offer “kickbacks” to public officials or higher-ups before investing in the country.
He assured that this negative act will not be condoned under the Boakai led- government.
