MONROVIA, LIBERIA- The government has taken a major step toward strengthening its trade environment with the official launch of the Liberia National Trade Facilitation Committee.

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Commerce Minister Magdalene Dagoseh described the initiative as a milestone in the country’s drive to boost economic growth and deepen integration into regional and global markets.

Minister Dagoseh emphasized that trade remains central to Liberia’s development, noting that efficient and predictable systems can lower business costs, attract investment, and expand opportunities for citizens and enterprises.

 She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a competitive trading system through policies that support commerce and industrial growth.

Minister Dagoseh also highlighted Liberia’s ongoing economic reforms under the ARREST Agenda, particularly its focus on economic transformation.

The launch of the Liberia National Trade Facilitation Committee brought together officials of the government, civil society actors, and development partners, among others.

 In remarks on behalf of the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, Sekou Dukuly, the Executive Director for Research, Planning, and Economics Affairs, Van Ross, said the committee signals a commitment to transforming trade processes.

Ross noted that long-standing inefficiencies in cleaning and transporting goods have increased costs for businesses and ordinary citizens.

He highlighted Liberia’s international commitment, including its membership in the World Trade Organization and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Executive Director for Research, Planning, and Economics Affairs emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on real results, including faster port operations and simpler procedures for businesses.

He added that while the launch is significant, it marks the beginning of sustained efforts to modernize Liberia’s trade systems.

Meanwhile, Liberia Revenue Authority Commissioner for Customs Saa Saamoi says the Authority has commenced additional broader infrastructure in remote places, aimed at facilitating trade and deploying ICT in these areas.

Commissioner Saamoi urged the Committee to streamline the facilitation of trade, in reducing multiple fees on the traders.

The LRA Commissioner for Customs was speaking Thursday at the official launch of the Liberia National Trade Facilitation Committee in Monrovia.

At the same time, the President of the Association of Women in Cross-Border Trade, Frances Dialah, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued efforts in improving roads across the country.

Madam Dialah is also calling on the Central Bank of Liberia and other banks to create loan opportunities for women of the country in strengthening their businesses.