For Immediate Release: U.S. Ambassador and Congressional Staffers Pay Courtesy Call to the National Investment Commission

U.S. Ambassador and Congressional Staffers Pay Courtesy Call to the National Investment Commission

Monrovia, Liberia – On August 23, 2024, the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Mark C. Toner, along with two senior professional staff members on Africa Policy from the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, paid a courtesy call to the National Investment Commission (NIC). The meeting highlighted the United States’ ongoing commitment to enhancing American investments in Liberia and ensuring the effective utilization of Liberia’s rail infrastructure.

During the discussions, the U.S. delegation expressed a strong interest in supporting Liberia’s efforts to attract more American investments. They inquired about the existing challenges in the investment landscape and sought to better understand the opportunities available to potential investors in Liberia.

Hon. Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director of the National Investment Commission, warmly welcomed Ambassador Toner, the Political & Economic Counselor of the U.S. Embassy, and the congressional delegation. He emphasized the importance of increased American investment in Liberia, noting the significant role that American investors can play in driving economic growth and development in the country.

A key topic of discussion was the establishment of a Feasibility Study Fund. Hon. Sheriff explained that such a fund would be instrumental in conducting preliminary assessments of potential investment projects, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy sectors. By effectively packaging investment opportunities for potential investors, the fund would facilitate the attraction of high-quality investments. This initiative is expected to have a positive economic impact by enabling the government to present well-prepared projects to investors, thereby increasing the likelihood of investment and aligning projects with Liberia’s national development goals.

Regarding the utilization of Liberia’s rail infrastructure, Hon. Sheriff informed the delegation that the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) has taken a proactive leadership role in facilitating the multi-use of the rail system. He highlighted that the multi-use approach is critical for the efficient transport of Liberia’s iron ore resources and the transshipment of ore from Guinea through Liberia. This rail infrastructure not only supports domestic mineral exports but also serves as a strategic route for regional trade, enhancing Liberia’s transit revenues and reinforcing its position as a key player in the regional mining sector. The IMCC’s decisions are pivotal in ensuring that the rail infrastructure serves multiple sectors, thereby maximizing its economic benefits. 

Ambassador Toner expressed his full support for the Government of Liberia’s initiatives and reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth, while also protecting Liberia’s international image.