As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and partnership between UNDP Liberia and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Liberia, the Resident Representative a.i of UNDP Liberia, Louis Kuukpen today paid host to the new Minister of Commerce & Industry, Hon. Amin Modad at the One UN House. 

During the meeting, the two officials reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the relationship between the UNDP and MOCI in supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development, including support to #MSMEs in Liberia.
Since 2021, UNDP has been supporting the Livelihood & Employment Creation project implemented by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 

The overall objective of the project is to support Liberia’s post-COVID-19 recovery, creating opportunities for income generation and reducing inequality, particularly among the poor and vulnerable segments of the population (women and youth). 

It also strengthens enterprise development services through capacity building, access to credit, and promotes innovations that address the needs for the economic advancement of women, youth, and People With Disabilities (PWDs).

The two officials pledged their renewed commitment and dedication to fostering development cooperation toward improving business development,  income, and livelihood creation.

Building on the gains made by the project in the last 3 years, they have committed to exploring new areas of partnership as well as, co-creating innovative initiatives that support the government's ARREST agenda. 

Other areas of partnership and collaboration that the two officials committed to exploring include support for capacity building at the MOCI with a coordinated project management unit, support for the informal sector (petty trade) and setting up of a value addition facility at the Monrovia Industrial Park.

Discussions were also centered on setting up of facilities to showcase made-in-Liberia products, mobilizing development partners and trade-related agencies of government around a platform to facilitate trade development, engaging with local financial institutions and agencies of government to remove barriers to lending for local MSMEs and creating an enabling business environment.