Liberia: China Signals Readiness to Expand Agricultural Imports, Eyes Investment in Processing Sector

Vice President Jeremiah Koung secures commitment from Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on market access for Liberian cocoa, coffee and dried chili peppers, while Beijing pledges continued development support and encourages Chinese investment.

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By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

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MONROVIA — China has expressed readiness to increase imports of agricultural products from Liberia, including cocoa, coffee beans and dried chili peppers, as the two countries explore ways to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation.

The commitment was conveyed by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang during bilateral discussions with Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. in Shanghai on November 5, according to a press release from the Office of the Vice President.

Vice Premier Ding identified the submission and approval of eligible Liberian exporting companies as the next practical step toward accessing the Chinese market. He explained that agricultural products such as dried chili peppers, coffee beans and cocoa from African countries, including Liberia, had been granted access under existing market arrangements.

He encouraged Liberia to submit a list of companies interested in exporting these products to China for the necessary approval procedures, after which successful applicants could begin trading.

The discussions followed Vice President Koung’s participation in the opening of the Ninth China International Import Expo, where he called for greater efforts to translate China’s zero-tariff policy into increased exports, domestic processing and employment opportunities for Liberians.

Ding also expressed China’s willingness to strengthen agricultural trade facilitation with African countries and encouraged Liberia to take advantage of the China International Import Expo and other commercial platforms to connect local producers with Chinese buyers.

Welcoming the opportunity, Vice President Koung identified rubber, cocoa, coffee and other agricultural products as priority areas for expanded trade cooperation.

He emphasized that Liberia wants foreign investment to go beyond the export of raw materials by creating opportunities for domestic processing, skills development and employment.

“Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” Koung said.

He invited Chinese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing and light manufacturing.

In response, Vice Premier Ding said China would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Liberia and called for continued support to facilitate their operations.

He also identified iron ore mining as an important area of bilateral cooperation, expressing China’s readiness to strengthen policy coordination to ensure that investments generate greater benefits for both countries.

China Outlines Additional Development Support

Beyond trade and investment, the Chinese Vice Premier reaffirmed Beijing’s willingness to support Liberia’s development priorities through ongoing and proposed infrastructure and technical assistance projects.

Ding outlined continued cooperation involving the Congo Town overpass bridges, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles and road-related assistance.

He further disclosed that Chinese working teams would visit Liberia to assess proposed projects involving broadcasting facilities and the renovation of the Capitol Building.

China also pledged to continue providing scholarships and training opportunities for Liberian professionals as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s human resource and technical capacity.

Vice President Koung welcomed the assistance but stressed the importance of incorporating training, maintenance and technical support into development projects to ensure their sustainability.

He also highlighted reliable and affordable electricity as a major national priority, identifying opportunities for cooperation in solar energy, battery storage, hydropower and rural electrification.

Other areas raised by the Liberian delegation included clean water, healthcare delivery, digital connectivity and vocational training.

To move the discussions from commitments to implementation, Koung proposed the designation of focal persons and the identification of a shortlist of priority projects for further engagement between the two governments.

He assured the Chinese delegation that Liberia’s Embassy in Beijing and relevant government institutions were prepared to work with their Chinese counterparts to advance the proposed initiatives.

Liberia Seeks China’s Support at UN Security Council

The discussions also addressed cooperation on international affairs, particularly Liberia’s upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December.

Vice Premier Ding congratulated Liberia on its forthcoming presidency and expressed China’s readiness to maintain close communication and cooperation with Monrovia.

Vice President Koung, in turn, thanked China and other international partners for supporting Liberia’s election to the Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.

He outlined Liberia’s priorities during its tenure, including strengthening the participation of women and young people in peace and security initiatives, addressing the connections between climate change, conflict and natural resources, promoting regional security, and advancing Security Council reform and peacekeeping.

Koung also solicited China’s continued support for Liberia’s December presidency.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Liberia-China strategic partnership and translating diplomatic engagements into practical economic and development benefits for their respective populations.

The meeting was held at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai and attended by Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming; Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu; Liberia’s Ambassador to China, Dudley McKinley Thomas; and Executive Chairman of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, Prince A. Wreh.

Other members of the Liberian delegation included Samuel Nagbe, Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Energy Agency; Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration Macdonald Metzger; Press Secretary Richmond Neufville; and J. Wesley Washington, Minister Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in China.