The Government of the Republic of Liberia and The People's Republic of China on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation agreement.
According to a Foreign Ministry Release, The Signing Ceremony took place in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs signed on behalf of the Liberian Government while Mr. Li Zhigong, Charge d' Affairs of the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia signed for his government.

Under the agreement, China is to provide a gratuitous assistance of RMB Yuan 100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Renminbi Yuan) as appropriated to 16 Million United States Dollar.
The two diplomats also concluded an exchange of notes for the supply of two sets of Nuctech Mobile Container/Vehicle Inspection System and the dispatch of Chinese Technicians to Liberia to install and adjust the equipment and to conduct technical training for Liberian personnel. The cost of the two units that amount to 40,000,000 RMB will be financed under the Agreement just concluded.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Charge d' Affairs of the Embassy of China near Monrovia commended the Government of Liberia for the speedy economic recovery under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Mr. Zhigong said the Chinese Grant comes at the critical period when Liberia is conducting elections which he noted, will transform the country and enhance its emerging democracy.
The Chinese envoy noted that the grant is intended to increase Government's revenue, in order to fight against terrorism and control the spread of small arms in Liberia. While combating, smuggling and helping to increase Government's revenue.

Responding, Acting Foreign Minister, Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby lauded The People's Republic of China for the numerous assistance towards Liberia's post conflict reconstruction and development programs.

Ambassador Grigsby noted that China has played a very important role in the post conflict recovery efforts of Liberia. He expressed confidence that the cooperation between Liberia and China will continue to expand and deepen.He said China's very significant assistance to Liberia over the last six years is a vote of confidence in the country's leadership and in its future.

Also giving remarks was the Deputy Finance Minister for Revenue and Expenditure, Madam Elfrieda Stewart Tamba thanked the People's Republic of China for the numerous Technical Assistance toward Liberia Development, especially in infrastructural development, including the renovation of the University of Liberia, the construction of the Ministry of Health and the Tappita Hospital amongst others.

Several top Foreign Ministry Officials including Cllr. Krubo Kollie, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs amongst others and Dr. Augustine Konneh, Director General of the Foreign Service Institute and Ms. Decontee Sarbie, Commissioner of Customs, Republic of Liberia, attended the ceremony.