By Bill W. Cooper
The National Port Authority (NPA) over the weekend, hosted the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee focused on the revision of the APM Terminal concession agreement in Liberia.
The meeting, held at the NPA, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Investments Commission (NIC), APM Terminals Liberia/The Hague, the Ministry of Justice, and the Economic Advisor to the President, Molley P. Kamara.
NPA Managing Director Sekou A.M. Dukuly, chairing the meeting, welcomed members of the committee and emphasized the committee’s significant responsibility in overseeing the revision process.
According to Dukuly, the steering committee is integral to the ongoing efforts to ensure that the APM Terminals concession agreement continues to serve the best interests of Liberia, fostering economic growth and creating sustainable opportunities for the Liberian people.
He then used the time to urge members of the committee to approach their tasks with dedication, ensuring that the confidence imposed on them would lead to successful and meaningful outcomes.
President Joseph Boakai’s Economic Advisor, Morley P. Kamara, expressed his strong anticipation for the committee’s diligent efforts in meeting the President’s mandate on concessionaire agreements.
Kamara however, underscored the importance of the revision process in ensuring that Liberia’s economic interests are safeguarded and that the committee adheres to the deadlines established for the project.
Representatives from APM-Terminals Liberia, including local staff and a team from their headquarters in The Hague, expressed their gratitude for being part of the concession revision process.
They reiterated their commitment to productive and transparent discussions with the steering committee, with the goal of refining and enhancing the existing agreement between APM-Terminals Liberia and the Liberian government.
Meanwhile, the inaugural meeting also covered critical agenda items, including a review of the committee’s Terms of Reference (TOR), the establishment of a meeting cadence, and the appointment of a technical committee working group.
Discussions also addressed stakeholders’ engagement, highlighting the importance of the involvement of the Legislature, Business Community, Civil Society Organizations, the Brokers Association, and the Media in the process.
