The Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), with support from the European Union (EU), has dedicated a renovated office for the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat (NTFS). This move aims to strengthen public-private sector collaboration, improve trade procedures, and create a more conducive business environment in Liberia. The dedication ceremony, held on Thursday, October 29, recognized logistical support provided by the EU Delegation to Liberia through the Private Sector Development Project, implemented by Expertise France.
LCC President O. Natty B. Davis emphasized that hosting the Secretariat demonstrates the Chamber's commitment to bringing government institutions and private businesses together to address challenges affecting investment and economic growth. He expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the EU Delegation, Expertise France, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Liberia Revenue Authority for their support toward the initiative. Davis highlighted the need for clear regulations, consistent policies, and predictable government services to make sound investment decisions.
Davis identified inadequate coordination among government institutions as a major concern for private-sector operators, citing discussions at the recent Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference. He said the Secretariat's presence at the Chamber would provide an opportunity to strengthen institutional relationships and ensure that business concerns receive greater attention in national trade policy discussions. The office will also complement the Chamber's Trade Desk, improving businesses' access to reliable statistics, trade-related information, and other services necessary for investment and expansion.
Dimitri De-Pues, Regional Hub Investment Officer at the EU Delegation to Liberia, welcomed the completion of the renovated facility, describing it as an important milestone in the partnership between the European Union and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce. De-Pues reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the initiative throughout the remaining three years of the project. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation among implementing partners to ensure the project achieves its intended objectives.
Deputy Minister of Commerce and Trade Wilmot A. Reeves, Chairman of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, welcomed the Chamber's decision to host the Secretariat, describing it as an important contribution to improving Liberia's business climate. Reeves explained that the EU-supported Private Sector Development Project promotes business growth through interventions targeting key value chains, including wood processing, fisheries, and cassava. He emphasized that government cannot do it alone and must create an enabling environment where the private sector can operate and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Buku, a speaker at the ceremony, underscored the importance of private-sector participation in trade modernization, noting that involving businesses early in the reform process helps ensure that policies address practical challenges encountered by operators. He welcomed the dedicated workspace, noting that it would strengthen the Secretariat's ability to coordinate activities and communicate business concerns during trade policy discussions. The National Trade Facilitation Secretariat operates under the National Trade Facilitation Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The initiative is expected to contribute to reducing trade barriers, attracting investment, and supporting sustainable private-sector growth. However, its long-term impact will depend on the ability of the Secretariat and its partners to translate their commitments into practical reforms that improve Liberia's business and trading environment. The presence of the Secretariat at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce is expected to strengthen engagement with businesses, improve access to trade-related information, and enhance coordination among relevant institutions.
Key points
- The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and European Union have dedicated a renovated office for the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat to enhance public-private collaboration and improve trade procedures.
- The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, attract investment, and support sustainable private-sector growth in Liberia.
- The Secretariat's presence at the Chamber is expected to strengthen engagement with businesses and improve access to trade-related information.
