The Jeety Conglomerate has immensely contributed to the welfare of underprivileged Liberians, including children.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
December 20, 2024: On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, India’s Deputy Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, visited the Jeety Rubber LLC and the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Weala, Margibi County.
Mr. Mude was led on the tour by prominent Indian businessman Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva (“Jeety”), the Chief Executive Officer of the Jeety Conglomerate.
The Indian Deputy Minister’s visit highlighted the growing investment from India into Liberia’s agricultural sector, with the US$44.5 million Jeety Rubber Processing Plant at the center of the tour.
Jeety, who served as the Honorary Consul General of India in Liberia for 28 years, has become a key figure in Liberia’s economic development.
The visit also underscored the strengthening economic and trade ties between India and Liberia, with a focus on job creation and sustainable growth.
The tour began at the sprawling SRC plantation, where Mr. Mude was greeted by Jeety, his staff, and local leaders from the region.
The SRC, a major rubber producer in Liberia, has been revitalized under Jeety’s leadership after its recent acquisition.
The plantation spans several hundred acres, and Mr. Mude was briefed on the stages of rubber cultivation, from planting to harvesting, as well as the innovative techniques used to improve productivity.
Speaking to the media after touring the facilities, Mr. Mude commended Jeety’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and his significant role in Liberia’s economic development.
“Your investment here is not just about business; it is about creating jobs, empowering local communities, and contributing to the overall growth of Liberia,” Mr. Mude said.
He also emphasized the importance of foreign direct investment in developing countries, especially for their long-term economic stability and growth.
Mr. Jeety has been instrumental in the revitalization of Liberia’s rubber industry.
His factory employs over 1,000 workers and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, producing high-quality rubber products for both local and international markets.
The US$44.5 million investment in the facility has already helped reduce unemployment in the region.
During the tour, Mr. Mude also took note of the factory’s robust corporate social responsibility efforts, which include providing scholarships for local children, offering healthcare services, and supporting infrastructure development in the nearby SRC camps.
These initiatives were recognized as vital contributions to the social development of the region.
“It is heartening to see a business leader who understands the importance of giving back to the community. Your initiatives are paving the way for a brighter future for many Liberians,” Mr. Mude remarked.
He also urged Jeety and other business leaders to continue adopting environmentally friendly practices to protect Liberia’s rich biodiversity.
He further urged them to ensure that their operations benefit both the economy and the environment.
Also speaking, Mr. Jeety assured the Deputy Minister that his company remains committed to sustainable practices.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our operations are environmentally friendly. We believe responsible business practices are essential for the long-term success of our investments and the well-being of the communities we serve and work,” he said.
Jeety further emphasized that the visit had reinforced his belief in the strong partnership between India and Liberia, highlighting the shared future both nations can build together.
In September of this year, Jeety Rubber LLC officially took over ownership of SRC’s 4,400-hectare rubber plantation.
He acquired the company after successfully winning the bid over Firestone Liberia and a former shareholder of the Socfinaf Group.
This acquisition added nearly 900 workers to Jeety’s workforce and expanded his company’s operations.
The SRC, which had been marred by years of protests and accusations of poor working conditions, land grabbing, and environmental degradation, has been restored to full capacity under Jeety’s leadership.
Although SRC had to lay off its entire workforce two months ago following protests, those workers received end-of-service benefits in line with Liberian law.
In addition to improving the operations at SRC, Jeety Rubber LLC has overcome challenges in sourcing enough latex cup lumps to run its factory at full capacity.
The SRC acquisition has helped to address these supply shortages, boosting production and stabilizing operations.
As part of his broader social commitment, Jeety has also been providing meals for inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison and the Kakata Prison in Margibi County.
His company also contributes to the welfare of underprivileged Liberians, including children.
Furthermore, Jeety has constructed a modern, 25-bedroom health facility in Weala, which serves thousands of residents in the area.
The clinic is equipped with an operating theatre, laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound rooms, an eye treatment room, pharmacy, and emergency services, among other medical amenities.
More than 55 patients are currently receiving care at the clinic, which plays a vital role in improving healthcare access in the region.
Through these efforts, Jeety continues to make a significant impact on Liberia’s economic and social landscape, strengthening ties between India and Liberia while improving the lives of local communities.
