The visit aims to foster collaboration between the city of Shenzhen and Monrovia in key areas.
Monrovia- A High-level city government delegation from Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China arrived in Monrovia Wednesday and held productive discussions with the Mayor of the Monrovia City Corporation Hon. John-Charuk Siafa.
The visit aims to foster collaboration between the city of Shenzhen and Monrovia in key areas including; urban planning, technological advancement, and other strategic areas of mutual interest between the City of Monrovia and China’s Shenzhen city.
Shenzhen is a globally renowned city located in southern China that is known for its strong economy and reputation as a global technology and manufacturing hub.
Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong, is leading the Chinese delegation for a three-day visit to Monrovia which officially commenced on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at the Monrovia City Hall.
The visit to the City Hall commenced with an official reception Ceremony at the entrance of the Monrovia City Hall where the visiting Chinese delegation was received by Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, supported by Council Chair madam Macdella Cooper, other council members and senior staff of the corporation.
The Mayor presented the Key of Monrovia to Mayor Qin Weizhong, symbolizing the official welcoming of the Mayor and the Shenzhen delegation to the city of Monrovia which was followed by a Bilateral Engagement Session between both sides in the Ball Room of Monrovia City Hall.
Mayor Siafa led discussions for potential collaboration in key areas: City planning and urban development, Cultural and educational exchanges Waste management, Public safety, Economic and industrial cooperation amongst others.
“Your Excellency, we believe Monrovia and Shenzhen can build a powerful collaboration grounded in mutual learning and shared purpose. In particular, we seek technical cooperation in: Urban master planning and GIS-based zoning systems; Smart city technologies and e-governance platforms; Waste-to-energy solutions and circular economy models;
Public transport systems, including BRT and non-motorized transit; Heritage preservation and waterfront development; And importantly, capacity building and institutional development through exchange programs”
The Monrovia City Mayor also proposed the need for Shenzhen and Monrovia to forge a partnership that inspires both cities and demonstrates the true potential of South-South cooperation in a changing world.
The Lord Mayor wants Shenzhen and Monrovia to establish a sister city relationship which would enable structured cooperation in: Cultural and educational exchanges; Investment promotion and business innovation; Technical assistance in infrastructure and planning; Joint forums on climate resilience, green cities, and youth empowerment.
He also informed his Chinese counterpart about the launch of the Monrovia Transformation Study, a long-term visioning exercise to guide the city’s development journey for generations to come.
For his part, Mayor Weizhong spoke highly of Shenzhen’s socioeconomic development and expressed his hope for further deepening cooperation with Monrovia to seek broader development prospects and promote mutually beneficial partnership and common development between the two cities.
A key highlight of the bilateral engagement was Mayor Weizhong’s call for institution to institution engagements between Shenzhen and Monrovia while at the same time assuring that Shenzhen will contribute to accelerate Liberia China relations.
Both Mayors held in-depth discussions and agreed to deepen and explore diverse partnership opportunities in critical sectors, including technology.
The leadership of Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, remains committed to fostering partnerships that contribute to the mutual benefit of both the Monrovia City Corporation and its international partners.
