President Weah Woos UAE Investors, Business Tycoons to Tap In Liberia's Virgin Sectors
Monrovia, Liberia - Dubai, UAE - The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has spoken so passionately about the friendly ties subsisting between Liberia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as his personal brotherly friendship with the leaders of UAE.
Liberia is amongst 192 countries presently being showcased at EXPO 2020 DUBAI, an annual event which had to be delayed due to COVID-19 that's still ravaging global economies and supply chains.
In a special statement on March 25, 2022, President Weah nicknamed the Dubai Conference "Liberia National Day" and outlined Liberia's investment potentials and openness for business.
He said, "Liberia seeks to expand its potential in many areas, including the mining sector that it has been traditionally known for across the world. However, the emerging fields of tourism, agriculture and fisheries are ones that have yet to be exploited."
President Weah encouraged UAE investors and business leaders to come to Liberia and tap into "these traditional and virgin sectors" which he said will in turn help fill Liberia's huge infrastructure deficit and foster economic development.
"I invite you to join us in developing a prosperous business climate in Liberia," he said.
He noted that Liberia, for the first time in the history of World Expo, was being represented by having its own Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020.
"I am very pleased and proud to note that this is the first time in the history of World Expos that Liberia is truly represented by having its own Pavilion," President Weah stated.
He also thanked the organizers for the “One Nation, One Pavilion” policy of Expo 2020 Dubai, which he believes gave Liberia the opportunity to share with the world its business and investment opportunities; to showcase our rich culture and history as the first Independent African Republic; and to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership that we enjoy with the UAE.
The Liberian Leader said the theme of Liberia’s Pavilion is “LIBERIA IS OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS” embraces the idea that trade and investments are essential ingredients for sustainable national economic growth and development.
President Weah also used the occasion to extol the government and people of the UAE for the many projects they continue to undertake in Liberia, as a result of the close cooperation forged since he assumed office in 2018. He said that has led to the UAE support for programs in the areas of health, infrastructure development, sports, capacity building and agriculture.
He recounted how the UAE is currently financing the construction of a modern hospital complex in Western Liberia, as well as a state of the arts sports and recreational park, the Unity Sports Park, being built in central Monrovia.
"I am happy to announce also that the government of the UAE has been gracious enough to lend its hand to aiding with asphalt pavement of a road project leading to and through Liberia's northern Lofa County, by providing additional funding support," the President said.
The President said he was honored to attend the Liberia National Day Celebration at Expo 2020 Dubai at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
President Weah particularly thanked the leadership of the UAE and Organizers of Expo 2020 Dubai for the gracious hospitality provided to me and my delegation since our arrival in your beautiful city, and the excellent arrangements that you have made for our comfort and safety.
"As you aware, Expo 2020 Dubai has brought together 192 countries, with visitors from all around the world, under the central theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
He further said: "With three additional sub-themes of “Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability”, it has convened the global community here in Dubai, and is inspiring people around the world to work together in new ways to create a sustainable future.
According to him, Expo 2020 Dubai, the first mega-event of its kind in the Middle-Eastern region,
has also provided unique global platform for presenting new and innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the lives of people of all races and backgrounds, in spite of the ongoing global economic and health challenges which face our world today.
He said: "UAE is home to me. My experiences in this country inspired me to get involved with leadership in Liberia. To bring about change and to improve the lives of my people. I therefore seek to maintain that relationship with my brothers - particularly the ruler of Dubai and Crown Prince of Abu-Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan."
He informed the event of the launch of the year-long celebration of Liberia's Bicentennial Anniversary - marking 200 years since.
