U.S. Official Craves Laws for Domestic/Foreign Entities
The Analyst, Monrovia
U.S. Official Craves Laws for Domestic/Foreign Entities
24 March 2008
By George J. Borteh
The Assistant United States of America Trade Representative to Africa, Madam Florizelle Liser says Liberia needs law that will protect domestic and foreign businesses in the country.
She made the statement last week during a two-day workshop held under the topic ’Doing Business with the United States and Maximizing Benefits under African Group and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It was organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Madam Liser, a member of the US delegation that attended the meeting said "unless Liberia conducts key reforms in its trade law, there would be a slow path to private sector investment in the country."
She noted that Liberia has a great potential for investment but stressed that investors were concerned about what opportunity and protection they would have in Liberia.
"Liberia has a great potential for investment but investors are concerned about what opportunity and protection they would have in Liberia," she said.
Speaking at the end of the two days trade meeting held at the Monrovia City Hall, Commerce and Industry Minister, Frances Johnson Morris, thanked the participants and those who have attended the workshop especially the US trade delegation.
Minister Morris challenged the participants, most of whom owners of businesses in the country, to take advantage of the knowledge and information provided them.
She said the knowledge and information provided by the facilitators can help Liberia business community to assert the United States market in term of exporting locally made products.
Minister Johnson-Morris admitted that there are challenges and constraints for Liberian businesses, but blamed it on the lack of financial support and capacity building.
She called on the African Group and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to use its offices to extend support to Liberian businesses, especially opportunities that are under its (AGOA), control.
She also wonder why many Liberians continue to remain or live in poverty when have the potential of making themselves rich through their various talents and opportunities that are available to them.
