The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency recently played host to other line ministries and agencies as part on ongoing collaboration on environmental issues in Liberia.

The March 28, 2019 meeting was graced by more than   26   representatives from the concerned ministries and agencies of government, and purposely aimed at building a stronger and better coordination amongst the various entities, particularly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 The one day rotational meeting also sought to effectuate better coordination and cooperation between and amongst line ministries and agencies throughout Liberia.

In an over view of the role, mandate, vision and  mission of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the   Director for Knowledge Management and Archives at the Commerce Ministry,    Mr. Lowell Wesley,   said the ministry was established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1987.

Mr. Wesley went further by saying that from the onset, the Commerce Ministry was established in 1948 as a Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
He continued,”On June 1, 1962, it became the Department of Commerce and Industry.”

Mr. Wesley also noted that on   December 31, 1971, the name was changed to Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Transport, which resulted to the current name, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He told participants that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as a strong partner, is committed to   creating sound policies, with punctuality for commerce and trade that facilitate private sector growth and innovation.

He assured the participants, business community and partners that the Commerce Ministry is opened to cooperation and collaboration with the public.

Also taking the floor, representatives from the   Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spoke about several environmental issues that are key to the well-being of Liberia. The EPA delegation also called on line agencies and ministries to take  keen note of empowering and making use of Environmental Desk Officers assigned at the various ministries and agencies.

Amongst other issues, they called for full support and courtesy to Environmental Desk Officers as they carry out their responsibilities to the country.

The EPA delegation also called for the involvement of Environmental Desk Officers during the inspection of facilities, especially business houses, considering their technical knowledge on such matters, and as part of the ongoing partnership and collaboration.

Meanwhile speaking earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister, Professor Wilson K. Tarpeh,   said his entity is in line with the environmental laws of Liberia.
Professor Tarpeh also assured the participants of taking the various recommendations into account once they are in line with Liberia’s environmental laws and policies.

Jacob N.B. Parley
Public Affairs Director