Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung yesterday held bilateral discussions with His Excellency Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, on strengthening Liberia-China relations and advancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industrial development and human resource development.
The meeting, held at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai, followed Vice President Koung’s participation earlier in the morning in the opening ceremony of the Ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), where he joined other world leaders and international delegates.
Vice President Koung was the first among several international leaders received by Vice Premier Ding during the engagements. Other leaders included representatives from Georgia, Cuba, and Slovakia, while the Chinese Vice Premier also met with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The gathering brought together government leaders, international representatives, business executives, and development partners from different parts of the world, highlighting China’s continued efforts to promote international trade and economic engagement.
The bilateral engagement focused on translating the strategic partnership between Liberia and China into practical development outcomes, with particular emphasis on creating jobs, expanding domestic production, improving essential services and increasing access to the Chinese market for Liberian products.
Vice President Koung conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and expressed appreciation for the invitation and hospitality extended to the Liberian delegation.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing the partnership established under the leadership of President Boakai and President Xi Jinping, including through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative and continued high-level exchanges. “We remain committed to translating that partnership into practical benefit for our people,” Vice President Koung stated.
Vice President Koung welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for Liberian exports, describing it as an opportunity to increase trade and strengthen Liberia’s productive economy. He called for closer technical cooperation to help Liberian producers meet applicable standards, connect with Chinese buyers and expand exports of rubber, cocoa, coffee and other agricultural products.
The Vice President emphasized that Liberia’s trade ambitions are closely linked to domestic processing and value addition. He invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities within Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing and light manufacturing. “Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” he said.
Responding, Vice Premier Ding expressed China’s willingness to work with Liberia to make greater use of the CIIE and other trade platforms to deepen commercial cooperation. He noted opportunities for agricultural exports and indicated that relevant Liberian institutions could submit information on eligible exporting companies for review under China’s market-access requirements.
He also expressed China’s readiness to strengthen trade facilitation arrangements to support increased agricultural imports from Liberia and other African countries.
On energy, infrastructure and development cooperation, Vice President Koung identified reliable and affordable electricity as a national priority and welcomed cooperation in solar power, battery storage, hydropower and rural electrification. He stressed that improved electricity access would support communities, public institutions and productive businesses.
He also highlighted opportunities for partnership in clean water, health services, digital connectivity and vocational training, emphasizing investment that strengthens Liberian institutions and creates opportunities for young people.
The Vice President expressed appreciation for China’s development assistance and cooperation on projects including the two overpass bridges in Congo Town, agricultural machinery, government vehicles, the Liberia Broadcasting System and diagnostic laboratory support near the 14 Military Hospital.
He underscored the importance of technical assistance, training and maintenance arrangements to ensure that development projects deliver lasting benefits.
Vice Premier Ding reaffirmed China’s willingness to support Liberia’s development efforts and advance cooperation on priority projects. He outlined continued engagement on the overpass bridges, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles and road-related assistance.
He further indicated that Chinese technical teams would undertake assessments relating to broadcasting facilities and the renovation of the Capitol Building, while China would continue providing scholarships and professional training opportunities for Liberians.
Welcoming Vice President Koung and his delegation, Vice Premier Ding commended the Vice President’s contribution to China–Liberia and China–Africa cooperation. He described the two countries as friends that have supported one another in difficult times and noted the deepening political trust and cooperation achieved under their respective Presidents.
Vice President Koung reaffirmed Liberia’s adherence to the One-China policy and its respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and noninterference in the internal affairs of states.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation on matters of shared interest. Vice Premier Ding also expressed China’s readiness to maintain communication with Liberia in multilateral institutions and support efforts to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
On investment, the Chinese Vice Premier identified mining as an important area of bilateral cooperation and expressed support for stronger policy coordination to ensure that cooperation delivers mutual benefits. He indicated China’s willingness to encourage additional Chinese enterprises to invest in Liberia.
Vice President Koung proposed identifying designated focal persons and a concise list of priority projects to guide further technical discussions between the two governments. He assured the Chinese side that Liberia’s Embassy in Beijing and relevant national institutions stand ready to engage their counterparts to advance the priorities discussed. The Vice President renewed Liberia’s appreciation for China’s friendship and support and welcomed further visits by Chinese leaders, investors and development partners to Liberia.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Koung joined other world leaders at the opening of the Ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Liberia’s participation provides an opportunity to promote its investment potential, engage prospective partners and explore markets for Liberian products.
The bilateral meeting reinforced the delegation’s focus on securing partnerships that support domestic production, employment, skills development and improved public services. The Chinese delegation included H.E. Zhu Zhongming, Mayor of Shanghai; Mr. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; and other senior Chinese officials.
The Liberian delegation included H.E. Dudley McKinley Thomas, Liberia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Hon. Prince A. Wreh, Executive Chairman of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority; Dr. Macdonald Metzger, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration in the Office of the Vice President; Mr. Richmond Neufville, Press Secretary to the Vice President; and J. Wesley Washington, Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs other government.
