SHANGHAI, China, November 5, 2026: Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has held bilateral talks with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, seeking expanded cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development.
The meeting, held Thursday at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai, followed Koung’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), attended by world leaders, business executives, and international delegates.
During the discussions, Vice President Koung called for stronger economic partnerships that would increase Chinese investment in Liberia, create jobs, expand domestic production, and improve access to the Chinese market for Liberian products.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening relations with China under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative.
“We remain committed to translating that partnership into practical benefit for our people,” Koung said.
The Vice President welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for Liberian exports and urged greater technical cooperation to enable local producers to meet Chinese market standards and increase exports of rubber, cocoa, coffee, and other agricultural commodities.
He also encouraged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing, and light manufacturing.
“Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” he emphasized.
Koung identified reliable and affordable electricity as a major national priority, seeking Chinese cooperation in solar energy, battery storage, hydropower, and rural electrification.
He further highlighted opportunities in clean water, healthcare, digital connectivity, vocational training, and infrastructure development.
Responding, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang reaffirmed Beijing’s willingness to strengthen economic cooperation with Liberia, including increased agricultural imports, infrastructure assistance, and investment in mining.
Ding said China would encourage additional Chinese enterprises to explore investment opportunities in Liberia and support efforts to expand trade between the two countries.
He also pledged continued cooperation on several development initiatives, including the two overpass bridges in Congo Town, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles, and road infrastructure.
According to the Chinese Vice Premier, technical teams would undertake assessments of broadcasting facilities and the renovation of Liberia’s Capitol Building.
He further reaffirmed China’s commitment to providing scholarships and professional training opportunities for Liberians.
Vice President Koung expressed appreciation for China’s development assistance and emphasized the importance of technical support, maintenance, and training to ensure the sustainability of Chinese-funded projects.
He also reaffirmed Liberia’s adherence to the One-China policy and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and noninterference in the internal affairs of states.
Both leaders agreed on the need for continued diplomatic engagement and closer coordination on priority development projects.
Koung proposed the designation of focal persons and the identification of specific projects to facilitate follow-up discussions between the two governments.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s participation in the Ninth China International Import Expo is expected to provide opportunities to attract investors, promote Liberian products, and strengthen commercial relations with Chinese businesses.
The Liberian delegation included Ambassador Dudley McKinley Thomas, Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority Executive Chairman Prince A. Wreh, Deputy Chief of Staff Macdonald Metzger, Vice Presidential Press Secretary Richmond Neufville, and Minister Counselor J. Wesley Washington.
See more Liberia News Network stories in Google Search by adding LNN as one of your Preferred Sources.
★ Add LNN as a Preferred Source