The Chief Executive officer of Saah Young Business Center, Saah Young Kinsley, disclosed his plans to import thousands metric tons of 25kg bag of rice into the country by next month.
Mr. Kinsley narrated that the expected metric tons of rice worth over a millions of United States dollars are all the Indians parboiled rice intended to help with the rice crisis facing the country.
Apparently, his decision was triggered days after the government through the Ministry of Commerce announced the increment in the price of an Indian parboiled rice from US$16.75 to US$18.50 for the 25kg bag.
Minister Modad further asserted that his decision was based on continuous discussion with the rice importers who all later agreed that the adjustments be made after reviewing other costs but vowed to continue engagements to reduce the price thereafter.
But this decision since led to public outcry among Liberians because rice is the country’s staple, but President Joseph Boakai, in reaction met with rice importers and a decision was taken that the price of rice on the market would remain the same.
“Subsequently, President Joseph Boakai met with the rice importers and other stakeholders; predicated upon evolving possibilities, he decided that there will be no increase in the price of rice on the market,” an Executive Mansion release added.
In an exclusive interview with reporters over the weekend, the Liberian businessman maintained that the rice, when brought into the country will also be sold to Liberian for an affordable price as compared to other prices that has been speculated in the media.
According to him, during the regime of former President George Weah, he imported 20 containers of the 25kg bag of rice that was highly embraced by Liberian, but said he was alledgedly resisted by the then Commence Minister to desist from the importation of rice .
“during the past government, I singlehandedly and willingly brought 20 container and were sold for US$14.00 per bag, but after selling all of the rice, I then decided to bring into the country more but the past administration put stop to me,” he revealed.
He praised the current commerce Minister Amin Modad for giving him Clarence to import the fifty containers of rice into the country , something that will help minimize the risk of rice shortages on the market.
Kinsley at the same time warned that a rice shortage in any economy and troubling and has a negative impact on the citizenry of that country and as such, there is a need that the market be opened to all who wants to get involved into the importation of rice especially Liberians.
He explained that if care is not taken, such situation can lead to the artificial increase of prices of rice and other related products; something that may cause the government unnecessary pressure and a potential threat from Liberians who rely heavily on rice.
Kinsley maintained, “A rice shortage can have significant impacts on the economy and it can also lead to increased prices for rice and related products and potential unrest among consumers who rely heavily on rice as a staple food. So, it is key that our government opens the market to all especially to Liberians that are eager to get involved into importing of rice.”
Meanwhile, CEO Kinsley further revealed that his efforts to buttress government ’s efforts to mitigate the shortage of rice on the market may include importing huge metric tons of rice by June in other to promote alternative food sources.
He added that his decision is intended to prove to others in similar business in Liberia that there are capable and competent Liberian that can make the difference and thereby called on policymakers to strike a balance between short-term relief and long-term sustainability.
