The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) have identified collaboration as a useful tool that sustains and stimulates private sector development. 

Against this backdrop, the two sides have reached a decision to work together at several constructive fronts in realizing such a brilliant idea. 

The idea was proffered recently when a delegation from the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas held a collaborative meeting with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry at the EJS Ministerial Complex office in Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.

Speaking during the meeting, the National Chairman of ULAA, Sekou Sheriff said the delegation came to Liberia to hold discussions with various stakeholders about the need for active involvement in the country’s democratic process.

 Mr. Sheriff and team also spoke about an upcoming Liberian Business Investment forum in Toronto, United States of America this September.

He said ULLA would get in touch with relevant stakeholders to raise funds intended to support the Commerce Ministry’s efforts to sustain the rice market.

The ULAA delegation also expressed the need to open up the Liberian market, especially rice importation to ensure that it is competitive and to also offer room for Liberian participation. 

 The group said it was also concerned about Liberia being an import-driven economy and called on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to institute appropriate measures geared toward private sector growth.

The ULAA executive lauded the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the warm reception accorded the delegation during the brief visit.

For his part, Commerce and Industry Minister, Amin Modad hailed the ULAA delegation for its decision for the visit and the concerns raised during the discussions. 

He said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry remains committed to the concept of open market and would continue to effect appropriate measures in such direction.

Minister Modad said when the new Senior Management Team (SMT) took over the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it inherited six major rice importers, all non-Liberians. 

He said the situation has been a concern to the Ministry and that efforts have been made for active Liberian participation in the rice industry.

He however noted that it has proven to be difficult on grounds that Liberians have not been able to sustain the rice market.

For instance, he spoke about the Monrovia Industrial Park (MIP) being overtaken by foreigners. “It’s not bad but we look forward to the involvement of Liberians,” he observed.

Minister Modad once more thanked the ULLA delegation and said that careful note has been taken of the crucial role diaspora participation plays in boosting the Liberian economy.