MONROVIA, LIBERIA (JOSEPH KOON) Japanese Agriculture Delegation is expected to arrive in Liberia on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 as guest of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA) to explore investment opportunities in the sector.

According to a LIBA Release issued over the weekend, the Japanese Government will hold talks with heads of Government ministries and agencies and other institutions.

Some Government institutions include the Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce, Internal Affairs, Labor as well as the National Investment Commission, Liberia Bankers Association, Liberia Farmers Union and the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI), among others.

The delegation is also expected to visit a member of agriculture-related institutions to conduct feasibility studies on the need for possible investment in Liberia.

According to the release, the Japanese investment delegation is on a five-day feasibility mission in the Country, and with the Liberian Government’s emphasis on agriculture that will enable the Country to become self-sufficient in food production, the visitation is expected to give Government greater insight into its agriculture program.

Meanwhile, LIBA in collaboration with partners is expected to launch a three-year Food Production Program in the tune of 157.9 million United States Dollars for its members shortly.

LIBA release issued over the weekend said the program is intended to encourage and stimulate greater interest in the food production on a commercial scale in the Country after extensive consultations with stakeholders in the Agriculture Sector.

The release also said that LIBA Leadership described the Liberia Food Production Program as a private sector-driven business initiative, emphasizing that it is the engine of economic growth for any Nation.

Under the program, more than 140 thousand permanent and seasonal job opportunities will be created and Liberia’s dependency on food imports will be reduced and foreign exchange status also expected to improve.

According to the release, LINA Leadership has begun discussions with the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, the Management of CARI, the National Farmers’ Union, the Liberia Bankers Association among others, to ensure the success of the program.