Ganta, Nimba County — China has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation, pledging deeper cooperation in farmer empowerment, mechanization, capability constructing, and expanded entry to worldwide markets as Liberia seeks meals self-sufficiency and financial progress.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Talking on the 2025 Nationwide Agriculture Honest on Friday, December 12, the Chinese language Ambassador to Liberia hailed agriculture as the muse of nationwide growth and described farmers as important to Liberia’s financial resilience and sovereignty.
“Farmers do greater than feed us—they gas our our bodies, our financial system, and even our sovereignty,” the Ambassador stated. “Empowering farmers is probably the most strategic funding a nation could make in its future.”
The Honest, held below the theme “Empowering Farmers, Enriching the Nation,” introduced collectively President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, senior authorities officers, growth companions, and farmers from throughout the nation.
Agriculture on the Middle of Nationwide Growth
The Chinese language envoy praised Liberia for putting agriculture on the forefront of its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth (AAID), noting that the federal government’s focus mirrors China’s personal growth path, the place agriculture, rural growth, and farmers have lengthy been nationwide priorities.
Drawing parallels with China’s expertise, the Ambassador stated sustained coverage focus has enabled China—regardless of having lower than 7 p.c of the world’s arable land—to feed almost 20 p.c of the worldwide inhabitants.
“This demonstrates what is feasible when agriculture is handled as a nationwide central activity,” the Ambassador stated.
Capability Constructing and Mechanization Assist
China, the envoy stated, continues to assist Liberia by means of sensible capacity-building initiatives. Amongst them is the China-sponsored Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Mission, now in its seventh part, which has educated Liberians in handicrafts, crop manufacturing, and livestock rearing, enabling beneficiaries to earn sustainable livelihoods.
The Ambassador additionally introduced progress on the Liberia Agriculture Modernization and Mechanization Mission, below which China will present fashionable agricultural equipment to service facilities in eight counties, aimed toward boosting productiveness and easing the burden on smallholder farmers.
As well as, China has organized a number of coaching packages for Liberian professionals in recent times, strengthening technical and institutional capability throughout the agricultural sector.
Opening World Markets for Liberian Produce
Highlighting the significance of worldwide commerce, the Ambassador disclosed that China has prolonged zero-tariff entry to agricultural merchandise from all 53 African international locations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, together with Liberia.
The coverage, he stated, considerably lowers export prices and opens alternatives for African farmers and agribusinesses to faucet into China’s huge client market.
“Liberia’s agricultural merchandise can enter the Chinese language market tariff-free,” he stated, pointing to African exports already benefiting from the coverage, together with peanuts, cashews, soy merchandise, and dried chili.
With China’s middle-income inhabitants projected to develop from 400 million to 800 million over the subsequent decade, the Ambassador stated demand for high-quality agricultural merchandise will proceed to broaden.
“We sit up for seeing extra value-added agricultural merchandise from Liberia in China’s mega market,” he added.
Robust Worldwide Assist
The Chinese language envoy additionally praised the Nationwide Agriculture Honest for bringing collectively worldwide companions, together with the World Meals Programme, the Meals and Agriculture Group, the World Financial institution, and diplomatic missions, describing the gathering as proof that Liberia’s growth is supported by international partnerships.
He stated the Honest not solely showcases native merchandise but additionally expands market entry, translating farmers’ labor into actual revenue.
Trying Forward
As China prepares to implement its fifteenth 5-12 months Plan subsequent 12 months, the Ambassador stated Beijing stays dedicated to high-quality growth and expanded international cooperation, creating new alternatives for deeper China-Liberia collaboration—significantly in agriculture.
“The prospects for agricultural cooperation between China and Liberia are broad and promising,” he stated.
He concluded by wishing Liberia success in its agricultural drive and a profitable Nationwide Agriculture Honest.
