By Stephanie M. Duncan
Monrovia – The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority has convened a high-level stakeholders’ discussion aimed at addressing key issues surrounding investment incentives and tariff exemptions critical to the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Liberia.
The meeting, held in Monrovia on May 26, brought together major institutions and stakeholders, including the Liberia Revenue Authority, the National Port Authority, the Ministry of National Defense, and private security actors.
According to organizers, the engagement focused on strengthening institutional collaboration and improving coordination mechanisms necessary for the effective implementation and operation of Special Economic Zones across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, LSEZA Executive Chairman Prince Wreh described the working session as a significant step toward enhancing Liberia’s tax incentive framework and improving security coordination within economic zones.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that all participating institutions clearly understand and execute their legal mandates in support of the SEZ program.
Also speaking, Customs Commissioner Saa Samoi reaffirmed the commitment of the Liberia Revenue Authority to work closely with LSEZA in strengthening customs functions, security controls, and trade facilitation measures.
Samoi referenced an existing Memorandum of Understanding signed between the LRA and LSEZA, which seeks to improve monitoring and control mechanisms across local and international trade corridors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Port Operations at the National Port Authority, James Bernard, pledged the NPA’s support to facilitate operational coordination and security access for staff and operators within the economic zones.
Bernard further proposed the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the NPA and LSEZA to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions, similar to the existing partnership between the LRA and LSEZA.
Representing the Ministry of National Defense, Assistant Public Affairs Minister Oscar Mulbah expressed the Armed Forces of Liberia’s readiness to support LSEZA’s mandate within Liberia’s free zone framework.
At the close of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced security coordination, and support for LSEZA’s efforts to attract investment, designate and license economic zones, and promote sustainable economic growth in Liberia.
The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority is the statutory body responsible for promoting, developing, and managing Special Economic Zones throughout Liberia to drive industrialization, attract foreign investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
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