By Prince S. Nagbe
MONROVIA, May 31 (LINA) – Top French business tycoons operating in Liberia have assured President George Weah of their commitment to attract more French investors to the country.
France Ambassador Terrance Wills, who led the French business delegation, told President Weah at his office on Wednesday that they are exploring the different sectors in the country, including energy, transport and logistics, shipping, car dealership, construction and rubber, among others.
The French envoy also assured the Liberian leader that his team will ensure that they will process natural resources of the country into finished products to reduce the import-driven mentality of several investors who have operated in the country over the years, noting, « We will support the policy that allows the production of finished products locally. »
« We also intend to invest in the tourism sector of the country, because tourism is one of Liberia’s promising natural resources that will help boost the country’s economy through the attraction of tourists, » Wills added.
According to him, the delegation also intends to adopt the roadmap to the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda to assist in the area of youth development and capacity building through vocational training as well as attract French investors and companies operating in the Ivory Coast to invest in Liberia.
He noted that France is optimistic that the business climate of Liberia will improve based on the level of enthusiasm President Weah and his team have come with and called on other business people in the country to do same.
In response, President Weah thanked Ambassador Wills and his delegation for the visit and hoped that Liberia and France continue the bilateral relationship the both countries have built over the years.
The Liberian leader assured them of Liberia’s preparedness to engage with the Europeans to strengthen their friendship and to let them know that Liberia is ready for business.
LINA PSN/PTK