Speaking Tuesday at opening of a two-day micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) conference in Monrovia, President Sirleaf said it was important that Liberian-made products and produces are consumed locally for the growth and development of Liberian businesses for a better economy.

“You got to take the product,” the President noted, revealing that she had been informed by Minister of Commerce Axel Addy that he decided to establish an exclusive marketplace for Liberian products.

“I am not saying that you will stop selling other products, but in the supermarkets we want to give people a choice—whether they buy the ones that come from Lebanon, whether they buy the ones that come from USA or whether they buy the ones that come from Liberia.”

President Sirleaf said Liberian businesses can thrive like other businesses only if they are given the chance and an enabling environment to operate.

“The possibility is there; we just need to harness it and support it,” she said.

She said a lot had been achieve anyway to ensuring that Liberian businesses thrive, including the MSMEs Empowerment Act and other regulatory frameworks her government has put into place.

“Your government, in recognition of your potential, your importance, of your capacity, has said 25 percent of all budgetary appropriation of goods and services will be given to Liberian entrepreneurs.

President Sirleaf added the the Public Procurement and Concession Commission was identifying Liberian businesses to monitoring ministries and agencies of government to ensure that the Empowerment Act is effective and 25 percent of the resources of the country goes back to Liberians.

However, she cautioned against Liberians fronting for foreign nationals, asking Liberians to seize the opportunity and also register their concerns to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

She revealed that the government was working on a policy wherein tax-compliant and legal Liberian businesses would be given a year free of tax for a much faster growth rate.

The 2015 MSMEs conference is being held under the theme: “Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment” is brings together a host of Liberian businesses with the aim of sharing ideas and creating linkages. It is sponsored by the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development, the government of Japan and Lonestar Cell MTN.

A two-year business incubation program—Entrepreneur-Plus (E+)—will be unveiled during the two-day conference. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will empower youthful entrepreneurs with US$10,000 to start a business.

This year’s conference comes just a month from Liberia signing the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession in Nairobi Kenya, which will enable Liberian traders to transact with traders of other countries.