On a recent visit to Montserrado County, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai received 304 pieces of agricultural machinery donated by the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China. At the handover ceremony, President Boakai emphasized that his administration is committed to addressing existing challenges and ensuring that citizens benefit from practical development initiatives. He noted that Liberians deserve tangible solutions rather than continued excuses.
President Boakai cautioned officials at the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize agriculture as a major driver of national development. He urged them to make the donated equipment accessible to farmers across the country and ensure that it is operated by qualified technicians. The President stressed that the value of development assistance should be measured by the results it produces, not just the ceremonies organized to receive it.
Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural development. He pledged continued cooperation in modernizing the sector, strengthening food security, and improving farmers’ livelihoods. Ambassador Yin described the handover as an important initiative to promote agricultural modernization and achieve shared development objectives.
Ambassador Yin emphasized that agriculture is fundamental to national security and socioeconomic development. He noted that improvements in the sector are directly connected to food security, public welfare, social stability, and national growth. The Chinese envoy commended President Boakai for prioritizing agriculture in his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah described the donation as a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to transform its agricultural sector. He disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has established 13 mechanization hubs across several counties to make agricultural machinery services more accessible to farmers. The Minister is working with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission to develop a private-sector management arrangement.
Minister Nuetah announced that 130 Liberians, mostly young people, have been selected for a 40-day training program in agricultural machinery operation and maintenance. Six Chinese specialists will provide technical support during the training, which aims to equip beneficiaries with the skills required to operate and maintain the donated equipment. The initiative aligns with the National Agriculture Development Plan and the government’s ARREST Agenda.
Agricultural cooperation between Liberia and China dates back to 2006, when Beijing began providing significant assistance to Liberia’s agricultural sector. China provided approximately US$1 million worth of agricultural tools and equipment to support efforts to revitalize local food production. The partnership has continued to grow, with China establishing the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center at the Central Agricultural Research Institute.
Key points
- President Boakai urges officials to prioritize agriculture and ensure that donated equipment is made accessible to farmers.
- China reaffirms its commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural development and modernization.
- The Ministry of Agriculture establishes 13 mechanization hubs across several counties to make agricultural machinery services more accessible to farmers.
