Liberian leader Partners UAE on food production, vowed to change narratives 'From Importer, to Exporter'

The Liberian leader has vowed to change Liberian's narrative not only to be self sufficient in food production, but a major exporter of the commodity.

It was recorded during the High Level UAE Delegates discussion with President Weah, Liberian president on Production of Rice on Industrialized Scale across Liberia.   

Rice is Liberia’s staple, and has even led to the overthrow of a sitting President- William R. Tolbert in the aftermath of the infamous 1979 rice riot. However, Liberia only produces 40% of its local rice needs, importing more than 300,000 metric tons a year, at a cost of US$ 200 million. 

The purpose of their visit is to make  Liberia one of the largest exporters of rice across Africa and the world.

The UAE Technical Delegates also visited the Free Port of Monrovia, Port of Buchanan, Ministry of Agriculture offices on the Japan Free Way, and Bushrod Island in the suburbs of Monrovia. 

The team also held separate talks with National Port Authority Managing (NPA) Director Bill Tweahway on potential investment into port development.

Recently, President Weah led a Liberian delegation to Abu Dhabi, UAE to meet with the authorities on potential investment into the Liberian economy. The Liberian Leader emphasized on rice production, ports and hospitals as areas focused on developing.  

During their meeting President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured the Liberian Leader of his country's firm commitment to invest in different sectors of the Liberian economy. 

Trokon Kpui, Minister of State without Portfollio said the UAE technical team is on a facts finding mission to see and assess possible challenges to the implementation of the UAE projects in Liberia. 

UAE has a strong track record of development across Africa, including Liberia where it completed an ultra modern 100 bed hospital in Gbarpolu County, Western Liberia, Kpui told New Liberia.

He explained that during President Weah’s visit, the UAE government also promised to work with the Liberian government to supply and distribute modern rice produce and high valued technology to Liberia. He said the technical team was in the Country  to meet with the Minister of Agriculture and  Managing Director, National Port of Authority. 

He said “instead of us importing rice, Liberia will be exporting rice to other countries."