Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph N. Boakai has stressed that infrastructure developments should benefit all stakeholders and cater to the long-term interests of Liberia beyond the interests of investors.
Delivering a noteworthy address at a side event with potential investors at the US-Africa Business Summit held last week in Dallas, Texas, USA, Boakai emphasized the importance of clarity and equity in multiuser railway projects in Liberia.
In his remarks before a room full of potential investors, the President singled out the iron ore giant, ArcelorMittal-Liberia, whose use of the Yekepa-to-Buchanan railway falls short of the multiuser mandate established by the Government of Liberia. Given that the railway in question is a sovereign asset belonging to the Republic of Liberia, Boakai reiterated his definitive support for a multiuser railway and port, advocating for clear rules and responsibilities to ensure that the infrastructure serves the country’s needs effectively.
“If you build a railway and you leave, just to serve your purpose, then what do we do with it? We want to make sure that that railway will benefit the country,” Boakai, who was flanked by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and ArcelorMittal’s Joe Matthews, told the prospective investors. “A multi-use must have defined rules, responsibilities, and governing principles that we all will agree to and benefit from because, if it’s multi-use, then it must be multi-use in a way that all persons benefit because the purpose of our involvement is to create an enabling environment.”
Boakai highlighted the necessity for defined principles and shared benefits in multi-use infrastructure, emphasizing the goal of creating an enabling environment that benefits all involved parties.
Liberia’s commitment to fostering business partnerships was underscored by Boakai, who expressed a renewed focus on equitable collaborations that align with the nation’s development objectives. He asserted, “Liberia is indeed open for business but with a new look to partnership.”
The President’s vision for Liberia’s engagement with business partners emphasizes a fair and mutually beneficial approach. The discussions on infrastructure development in Liberia have been shaped by Executive Order #112, signed by former President George M. Weah, which aims to maximize the utilization of infrastructure assets for the sustainable growth of the economy.
The order outlines plans to enhance the use of the rail infrastructure, which passes through Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties, and highlights agreements with the Republic of Guinea for product exports via Liberia.
The establishment of a National Railway Authority by then President Weah was commended by the U.S. Embassy in Liberia as a positive step toward attracting investments from multiple mining companies and fostering economic progress.
In a March 2023 statement, the Embassy reaffirmed its support for a multiuser rail model, emphasizing the importance of accommodating various corporate interests in line with the Liberian government’s policy.
The Embassy’s support for a multiuser rail model aligns with the Liberian government’s policy, promoting fair competition and inclusive decision-making processes that consider the interests of all stakeholders.
In response to potential misinformation on its stance on the railroad usage and mining development in the country, the U.S. Embassy clarified and emphasized the importance of policies that support fair competition and contribute to the broader goals of infrastructure development in Liberia. The Embassy’s advocacy for transparent and inclusive practices reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable development initiatives in the country.
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