MONROVIA, LIBERIA-In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, India and Liberia have concluded a day diaspora’s role in trade, investment, and development seminar in Monrovia.
The seminar, hosted at the Bella Casa Hotel, brought together officials of both the Indian and Liberian Governments, business leaders, writers, academics, social activists, and political leaders of Liberia, among others.
The Indian Diaspora carries a rich legacy, contributing to the developmental paths of countries worldwide and emerging as the living bridge connecting India to the world.
Speaking during the opening of the event, Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, said the Indian diaspora represents one of the most dynamic and impactful global communities, distinguished not just by their numbers but by their contributions to their adopted homelands.
“In Liberia, the Indian community has played an important role across diverse sectors; from trade and commerce to education, healthcare, and beyond. Their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural richness, and commitment to community welfare have left a mark on the social and economic fabric of this great nation,” Ambassador Verma disclosed.
According to the Indian Envoy, “what began nearly fifty years ago as a modest presence of traders and small business owners has evolved into a vibrant community that has grown alongside Liberia through times of peace and periods of challenge”.
The Ambassador disclosed that during Liberia’s most difficult hours, including the aftermath of civil conflict, members of the Indian community stood firm, contributing to the country’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
“As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Indian Diaspora in Liberia, it is important to acknowledge the symbiotic relationship that has flourished between our two countries. Our ties go beyond mere diplomatic connections; they are deeply rooted in shared values, traditions, and a collective vision for a better future,” he added.
Ambassador Verma further noted that India and Liberia share a common commitment to democracy, peace, and inclusive development as Liberia stands tall with its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and dynamic economy, serving as a key partner in India’s engagement with West Africa.
He said the bilateral cooperation between India and Liberia spans multiple domains, from capacity building and skills development to Education and healthcare, as India continues to support Liberia in areas such as education through scholarships, professional training programs, and development assistance across various sectors.
The Indian Envoy said the “India-Liberia Diaspora’s Role in Trade, Investment and Development” provides a platform to explore and appreciate the multifaceted contributions of the Indian Diaspora; “Despite their visible presence and substantial contributions over five decades, the story of the Indian community in Liberia has not been formally documented or academically discussed, this seminar represents our first step in filling that gap”.
Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia has expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of India for the significant contributions India continues to make towards Liberia’s growth and development.
According to Liberia’s Deputy Information Minister for Administration, Johnny Tarkpah, India is currently providing quality education to more than four thousand Liberian students in different fields.
“I am impressed with the growing trade statistics between India and Liberia, which reached about three hundred and ninety-seven million United States Dollars between 2024-202,5, higher than 2023-2024, which stood at around two hundred and forty million United States Dollars, Minister Tarkpah added.
The Deputy Information Minister for Administration disclosed that the India Government is also supporting Liberia through the Government ARREST Agenda, adding the seminar comes at the right time when the Liberian Government is focusing on improving the Country’s economy.
However, Former Commerce and Industrial Minister of Liberia, Amin Modad, is calling on the Indian Government to graduate from importing goods to Liberia and begin investing in key areas to create more jobs for Liberians.
The Former Commerce and Industrial Minister named agriculture, mining, Information Technology Communications, Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure development as areas the Indian Government should invest in, while urging participants of the India-Liberia Diaspora’s Role in Trade, Investment and Development Seminar to use the gathering to create a new era for both nations.
Modad wants such an endeavour to be premised on long-term developmental initiatives that will be driven by both governments and the private sectors of India and Liberia, disclosing that though India’s contribution to Liberia is steady, more needs to be done through an enhanced strategic economic partnership for the shared benefits of both countries.