At the Climax of the Sixth EU-Liberia Political Dialogue, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the European Union signed a US$4 million grant to finance the Volunteer Partnership Agreement (VPA) projects in the forest sector. The grant is aimed at enhancing sustainable management of natural resources including wood or timber industry. 

MFDP Minister Hon. Samuel Tweah signed for the Liberian Government and EU Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Her Excellency Ms. Hélène Cavé, signed on behalf of the EU. 

According to a Foreign Ministry release, following the signing of the grant document, Ambassador Cavé expressed delight over the Dialogue and asserted that the EU-funded projects would help Liberia in managing sustainable natural resources in order to explore possibilities of exporting timbers or wood products on the EU Market.

She reiterated that the funding was being made available following a meeting with representatives from the Liberian Forestry Development Authority (FDA) where issues pertaining to the management of the Liberian Forest resources were discussed. 

In brief remarks, MFDP Minister Tweah lauded the EU for its support and added that the move is intended to support medium and long term macro-financing projects in the forest sector, adding that “this kind of partnership will help boost our economy.”     

Honorable Tweah noted that supports from the EU, AU, World Bank and other partners are critical to the growth and development of the country’s economy. He said one of Liberia’s priority agendas right now is to promote private sector development to enhance and stabilize economic growth. The Finance and Development Planning Minister then expressed optimism that the EU-funded projects will help in addressing some of the nation’s challenges in the forest sector and also to stabilize Liberia’s economy.

Moreover, he narrated that such agreements with the EU, Word Bank and Others partners will enhance private sector viability, which is one of Liberia’s automate development agendas.

“The private sector should take ownership of the forestry industry so as to add values to our forest products and create jobs,” urged, the Finance Minister.  

The Sixth EU-Liberia Political Dialogue took place Thursday, July 12, in the C. Cecil Dennis, Jnr. Auditorium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Dialogue was held under the Theme: “Consolidating Peace and Economic Development”.

The Sixth EU-Liberia Political Dialogue is aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral ties and cooperation between Liberia and the European Union. During the deliberation, the two sides also exchanged views on how to deepen cooperation in various sectors including Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister, H. E. Mr. Milton Gbehzohngar Findley, led the Liberian Government delegation at the one-day event, while the EU Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Her Excellency Hélène Cavé headed the European Union’s team at the Dialogue.  

The Sixth EU-Liberia Political Dialogue further highlighted amongst other issues key thematic areas including the proposed amendments to the Constitution, the Land Rights Act, and the Local Government Act at the National Legislature. Participants at the Dialogue also brainstormed on the status of the proposed bills currently before the 54^th Legislature.

Speaking at the meeting, Foreign Minister Findley extolled the European Union and its member states for the many bilateral assistances it has rendered and continues to provide the Government and people of Liberia. 

Minister Findley told the meeting that Liberia remains eternally grateful to its partners especially the EU member countries for the enormous support the organization has provided toward Liberia’s development drive. He added that Liberia will continue its bilateral engagements with the EU member countries aimed at promoting the country’s ‘pro-poor agenda’ geared towards empowering underprivileged Liberians. 

The two parties further discussed the state of the Liberian Economy including the 2018/19 National Budget reflecting on how the country’s revenue targets can be achieved to enhance economic growth.

Also high among issues deliberated at the Dialogue were the management of sustainable natural resources focusing potentially on Forestry and fisheries, which generate revenue and enhance  economic growth.