By Laurina B Lormia
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, has underscored the urgency of reinforcing economic ties between China and Africa to unlock trade and investment potential.
Dr. Nyei made the statement during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-Up Actions of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, held in Changsha City, China.
According to him, Africa’s economic trajectory is shifting from raw material exports to more diversified sectors including services, manufacturing, and value-added production, which he said hold the key to long-term prosperity.
He explained that Liberia is making significant strides through ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign investment into critical sectors.
“A renewed partnership between Africa and China must focus on mutual growth, inclusive development, and sustainable economic cooperation that advances the interests of both parties,” he stated.
Dr. Nyei emphasized the need for more balanced trade engagements, stressing that economic cooperation must ensure that African countries are not disadvantaged in the global value chain.
He also noted that China remains an essential source of manufactured goods for Liberia, helping to bridge gaps in infrastructure, technology, and logistics through strategic partnerships.
He further highlighted Liberia’s strong support for multilateralism and called for a united front between Africa and China in addressing shared global challenges, including climate change, public health, regional insecurity, and transnational crimes.
Minister Nyei welcomed China’s continued support to Liberia’s development, particularly highlighting the 100 percent tariff waiver granted on Liberian exports to China, a move he described as pivotal to enhancing trade volumes.
He however, encouraged greater solidarity within the Global South, noting that only through unity and cooperation can developing nations collectively advance their interests on the world stage.
