Monrovia, Liberia – This month, The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the support of the Government of Japan, the International Finance Corporation, the International Trade Center, USAID/FED and other partners, will host the Second National MSME Conference and Trade Fair, where Liberia’s top Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), inclusive of all sectors, will showcase their secrets-to-success, network with big local, regional and international investors, and explore unique opportunities for small businesses in Liberia.  The Conference theme is “From Vision to Implementation: Buying Liberian, Building Liberia,” and this year’s spotlight will be on The Agribusiness Experience in Liberia, showcasing Made-in-Liberia cotton and artisanal cloth from Lofa county, production of domestic cassava and rice, as well as goods and services from a range of other sectors.

MSME Week will take place from April 28 – May 2, 2014 and will highlight key policy activities that promote all things Made-in-Liberia, namely: hosting the Liberia Entrepreneurial Exchange Round Table; launching The Liberian Marketplace store; facilitating The Liberian Experience Through the Arts for the promotion of intellectual property rights; announcing the first project under the Liberia Innovation Fund for Entrepreneurs (LIFE); launching the Entrepreneur Plus (E+) Program showcasing the most innovative entrepreneurs in the nation; and undertaking other major policy initiatives.

The MSME Conference will take place at the Monrovia City Hall on April 29th to 30th 2014, and will include thematic plenary sessions on policy opportunities for MSMEs in the areas of: Access to Finance and Access to Markets, with multiple breakout sessions to allow more detailed discussion. During The Conference, a number of qualified and merit-selected Liberian businesses will exhibit their products and services at The Made-in-Liberia Trade Fair.  

Conference Outputs

• A roadmap to MSME Policy and how it can help grow your MSME;
• Business networking between stakeholders for strategic business connections;
• Key business trainings and tools for MSMEs to run their daily operations;
• Lessons in best business practices from regionally-active business leaders;
• Opportunity to compete in the First National Business Competition.

Conference participants will include government officials, MSMEs, private and public sector representatives, civil society organizations and a range of technical practitioners and experts from throughout ECOWAS and other regions.

Conference registration will take place at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s MSME Division or via email nationalmsmeconference2014@gmail.com. Please check our webpage at www.moci.gov.lr for more information. Space is limited, so RSVP today.

        Signed: _______________________________
                                         Mr. Mitchell Jones             

                                       Director Public Affairs

 Published by authority of: ________________________________
                                                                   Hon. Axel M. Addy

                                                                        MINISTER