Liberia, China Sign MOU To Enhance Agricultural Cooperation

By Robert Dixon

BEIJING, CHINA June 20 (LINA – Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture between the two countries.

According to a dispatch from Beijing, China, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah who is visiting the People’s Republic of China, expressed optimism about the success of the partnership, highlighting numerous potential benefits as a result of the accord.

The Ministry of Agriculture boss disclosed that the goal is for Liberia to use the opportunity and become self-sufficient in food production using agriculture as a tool for job and wealth creation, poverty alleviation, and rural development through mechanization, small-scale industry development, and sustainable value addition.

The Ministry of Agriculture boss disclosed "Our goal as a country is to ensure that Liberia not only becomes self-sufficient in food security but also uses agriculture as a means for job and wealth creation, poverty alleviation, and rural development through mechanization, small-scale industry development, and sustainable value addition,” he emphasized.

Minister Nuetah lauded the People’s Republic of China for the opportunity provided Liberia, adding that the signing of the MoU marks the beginning of the sustainable development of agriculture in Liberia.

The MoU, which was formulated on June 18, 2024, is valid for five years with an automatic extension for succeeding five-year period and serves as a significant step towards enhancing technical cooperation and capacity building in the various fields of agriculture.

The statement added that the milestone agreement aims to drive agricultural development and ensure food security in both countries.

Under the terms of the MoU, both ministries have committed to fostering collaboration across various aspects of agriculture, including sharing specific technical expertise such as advanced irrigation techniques and best practices like integrated pest management to improve agricultural productivity.

Key areas of intervention outlined in the MoU include agricultural mechanization to enhance farming practices and increase productivity, capacity building, agricultural processing and value chain enhancement to add value to agricultural products and facilitate market access.

Other aspects of the agreement include, fisheries and aquaculture, which promote sustainable aquaculture practices and seafood production, animal husbandry, including livestock and poultry, and the prevention and control of animal diseases to safeguard animal health and ensure food safety.

This partnership serves as a win-win situation for Liberia and the People’s Republic of   China and ushers in a new chapter in their long-standing relationship.