Monrovia – The United States Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Mark Tone, on Friday, January 17, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Minister, Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh.
Welcoming Ambassador Toner, Minister Dagoseh hailed the United States government for the long- standing partnership subsisting between the two countries. In an overview of the cordial ties between Liberia and the United States over the years, she recounted the United States government’s increasing support to Liberia, including trade, investment, capacity building and technology.
According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry release, under the signature of its Communications Director, Jacob N.B. Parley, Minister Dagoseh expressed Liberia’s readiness to strengthen trade with the United States and encourage private sector growth. Madam Dagoseh specifically sought the United States government’s support to President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda; explore other ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
She spoke about several areas that are keen to improving the business climate in Liberia; including enhancing business development, creation of the requisite environment for trade and industry and driving economic growth.
Other crucial components of Liberia’s business environment under Madam Dagoseh’s stewardship, as disclosed during Ambassador Toner’s visit include protection of Small, Medium and Large Businesses. The Commerce & Industry Minister told Ambassador Toner about plans to expand industries in Liberia, creating a climate that will be more attractive for investment and improving local commodities so that they can conform to acceptable international standards.
Minister Dagoseh was however quick to outline some of the challenges affecting the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Among them are gaps in the areas of infrastructure, capacity and logistics. She re-emphasized her commitment to making the Ministry’s vision a reality in the context of promoting economic growth, industrial development and sustainable trade. Minister Dagoseh lauded Ambassador Toner for the visit, describing it as welcoming and expressed the need for routine engagement with him.
For his part, Ambassador Mark Toner expressed apperception for Liberia’s growing democracy, as demonstrated by the peaceful transitions over the past few years. Ambassador Toner also spoke about the importance of the Liberia Standards Authority playing a critical role.
