On November 5, 2013 the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), , launched the “Programme of Assistance to Trade Support Institutions in Liberia” (PATSIL), to enhance trade capacity for sustainable growth.  This reflects only one of the methods through which the MOCI will impact the Liberia’s ability to strategically maneuver itself in a competitive trade environment both regionally and internationally. Minister Cyril Allen who leads this effort as Deputy Minister of Administration, said that the launch of PATSIL marks the true beginning of  the MOCI’s rebranding efforts and a beginning of a much anticipated fruitful relationship between the African Development Bank  (ADB) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI). 

The key outcomes of the project are:

(a) An improved policy framework for the trade sector by supporting the development of key policies such as the trade policy and strategy, and a standards regime;

(b) Improved human resource capacity of the MOCI and Liberia Chamber of Commerce to enable them analyze, formulate, negotiate and implement trade-related policies;

(c)  Improved productivity of the MOCI and the National Ports Authority (NPA) through the provision of information technology equipment and software.

This effort compliments other actions throughout the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to drive more opportunities to improve the environment for trade in Liberia, from incorporating standards into the way consumers and businesses interact to ensuring that the Ministry itself operates in a more fiscal, process, and data-oriented manner. For example, improvement in the MOCI’s IT system will allow for better services in import and export declaration by shortening the process from days to completion in 20 minutes.  Other areas of the government that will be direct beneficiaries of PATSIL include the National Port Authority and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the private sectors.

PATSIL will be implemented over a three-year period; to date US$1 million has been secured under AfTra to support the project for the first 18 months. This funding is meant to be seed money for the PATSIL program. The fund will be managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with oversight from the Minister of Finance Project Financial Management Unit (PFMU).