Monrovia, Liberia - President George Manneh Weah has welcomed the expression of interest by French investors to invest in Liberia, in addition to existing French investments here.

Both France and Liberia enjoy longstanding and mutually rewarding bilateral ties that span several decades.

The delegation,which was accompanied by French Ambassador to Liberia, Terrance Wills met with the Liberian leader Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at his Foreign Ministry office. 

Speaking during the ceremony, President Weah said he was hopeful that the relationship both countries are trying to build would grow and strengthen to benefit their citizens.

According to the President, Liberia was prepared to work with the European Union (EU) of which France is a staunch member to bring more European investments to Liberia. “Like I said to President Emmanuel Macron, Liberia is open for business and we are prepared to work with any investor,” President Weah told the delegation of Investors representing different sectors of the French economy.

Making remarks on behalf of the delegation, French Ambassador Terrance Wills thanked President Weah for the reception accorded them.

He said the delegation was in the country to explore investment opportunities in many areas of the Liberian economy including transportation, tourism, and other areas of interest.

“Members of the French delegation are all executives of companies established in France and are operating in other parts of the World including West Africa,” the French Envoy explained. “The purpose of the visit is to attract more French investment in the country. The intention is to adopt a roadmap to support the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda.”

According to the Envoy, they are also working to support the President’s plans and policies in the areas of youth employment and promotion of tourism.

He acknowledged how there have been some challenges, but also stressed how they want to change the mindset of the business people in the country.

Ambassador Wills described Monrovia as a ‘global city’ goods from all over the world come to, but expressed the need to produce more locally-made products to create confidence in the economy.

 “We want the business people to be optimistic in your policy,” he emphasized.

Two of France’s giant companies, TOTAL, a petroleum provider and Orange, a telecommunication provider,are immensely contributing to the Liberian economy.

It can be recalled that President Weah visited France few weeks after his inauguration to seek support for his government and encouraged French investment in Liberia.