MONROVIA, March 1 (LINA) -The failure of government to enforce the Liberianization Policy has claimed the attention of the Co-Chairman of the House of Representatives Statutory Committee on Executive, Grand Cape Mount Representative, Emerson Kamara.
He noted that despite setting aside of certain businesses exclusively for Liberians by law, foreign nationals are currently involved in these businesses, with the Ministry of Commerce doing nothing to right this wrong.
According to the Liberia News Agency, some 40 years ago the government promulgated the Liberianization Policy, setting aside 26 businesses, including retail sale of ice and rice, video club operation, retail sale of timber and planks, sachets of water and charcoal, among others, exclusively for Liberians.
But in a communication to Plenary, dated February 24, Kamara indicated that a survey he conducted in Monrovia and its environs has revealed that some foreign nationals are venturing in the very businesses set aside exclusively for Liberians.
The Grand Cape Mount County lawmaker made specific reference to the York Aqua and Fresh Aqua Companies, saying that these businesses were registered on December 3, 2010 and 2013 respectively by foreigners in Montserrado County.
Kamara wondered why the Ministry of Commerce has allowed the registration of these businesses by foreigners without taking into consideration the Liberianization Policy.
He has, therefore, requested the Plenary of the House to invite the Minister of Commerce to give reasons relative to the operation of these businesses by foreigners.
Meanwhile, Plenary has turned the communication over to the House's Committee on Commerce and Investment, to study it and report in one week.
LINA HVW/TSS/PTK