Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has proposed that the strategic diplomatic relationship with China must grow from aid-dependency to investment-led growth, especially from raw material exportation, political goodwill to industrialization, and sustainable development.
Delivering an inspiring address at the opening of the China-Africa fourth economic and trade expo held in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China Thursday, June 12, 2025, VP Koung said that China has emerged as one of Liberia’s most significant economic partners, contributing to major national projects in areas such as roads, health, education, agriculture and energy.
Conveying President Joseph N. Boakai’s warm greetings to the gathering, VP Koung emphasizes that President Boakai recognizes the crucial nature of the forum and its valuable contributions in fostering sustainable economic partnerships.
Accordingly, he added that with China’s advance capacity and Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, they can together unlock transformative partnerships in energy, mining, infrastructure, technology and agriculture.
“As Liberia looks ahead to its vision of becoming a middle-income country, our relationship with China must grow from aid-dependency to investment-led growth; from raw material exportation to industrialization, and from political goodwill to sustainable development. Let us therefore strengthen this bond not just in numbers and projects, but in values, trust, and long-term strategy”, VP Koung recommended.
He further urged that Liberia’s seize the opportunity to invite all Chinese business leaders and entrepreneurs to explore Liberia, not just as a market, but as a partner for economic growth and development.
Vice President Koung disclosed that Liberia is ready to collaborate in ways that create jobs for its people, transfer knowledge, and achieve sustainable prosperity.
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened in the central Chinese city of Changsha, highlighting the commitment of the world’s largest developing country to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing nations.
The program brought together nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants, especially diplomats and entrepreneur under the theme: “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization.”
However, the value of cooperation projects preliminarily agreed upon surpasses 11 billion U.S. dollars, according to organizers.
Meanwhile, further commenting, Vice President Koung said that Liberia has done so much in recognition of China’s territorial integrity and welcomes its economic presence as a vehicle for growth and post-conflict recovery.
He disclosed that in return; Liberia has continued to support China’s global positions and reaffirmed its adherence to the ONE CHINA POLICY.
“As we gather here today, we affirm our dedication to strengthening the existing economic cooperation between our two nations: fostering greater trade and creating a more conducive environment for investment. Liberia welcomes credible Chinese investors with open arms. We are working very hard to ensure stability, transparency, and reforms that enable a favorable business climate. Liberia is rich in natural resources, human potential and untapped opportunities” he noted.
He reflected that the forum is not just an opportunity to echo on their collective achievements, but a moment to look forward and seek avenues for broader collaboration.
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