By Grace Q. Bryant
President Joseph Boakai is expected to launch the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), a project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), intended to add value and transform raw agricultural produce into finished products for local consumption and export today.
The launch under the theme “A Green Future will include a domestic trade fair and exhibition of agricultural products and expected to be attended by Development partners, Government entities and the Private Sector”
According to the executive chairperson, Prince Wreh, of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA), the event marks the start of the operationalization of the SAPZ in Buchanan Grand Bassa County, which covers 200 hectares of land situated within the 631 hectares of land of the Buchanan special economic zone to be designated.
He disclosed that the launch was preceded by a feasibility study that culminated a Master Plan for the Buchanan SEZ including the development of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.
“The feasibility study and master plan focused on the construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in the city of Buchanan that will, among other things, promote the industrial sector and agro-processing in a bid to add value to Agro-commodities produced in the country,” he noted.
He further that the SAPZ initiative has become an integral part of the Liberia Buchanan SEZ that will contribute significantly to economic growth and the provision of jobs.
The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) created by an act of the Legislature in 2017 has the statutory responsibilities to designate and regulate special zones to boost economic activities across the country and the SAPZ is one of its flagship initiatives
This historical event underpins the official launch of activities chat will pave the way for a holistic implementation of the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority’s (LSEZA’s) 5-year Strategic Plan to include the designation and regulation of special economic zones.
The Strategic Plan roll-out will stimulate high-volume trade activities, economic growth, and provide new employment opportunities in alignment with the Government’s ARREST AGENDA.