The Government of Liberia has commenced the review and renegotiation of concession agreements on tree crops, including Guthrie, Cocopa and Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC) for rubber, and Butaw and LIBINC for oil palms, while other negotiations are also ongoing for new concession agreements.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Chris Toe, the government in February of this year commenced the review and amendment of the Firestone concession agreement that was ratified in 2005.
Addressing the December edition of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Edward Blyden Forum in Monrovia on Wednesday, Minister Toe stated that all reviews or renegotiation of existing agreements and the negotiation of new agreements are guided by clear principles, focused on achieving specific objectives and targeted to address concerns.
The Minister pointed out that with this new development, there will be an increase of job employments for thousands of Liberians throughout the country.
Addressing the topic "Liberia's Agro-Investment Climate: Challenges & Benefits", Dr. Toe explained that the social and political environment that existed in the past when government entered into or renegotiated agricultural concession agreements for the cultivation, harvesting, processing and marketing of rubber and oil palm has changed.
According to him, reactivating and strengthening the agricultural sector is in the national interest and so, strategic partnership between the people, government and investors must be forged for share, inclusive growth and development. He added that observance of laws of general application must underpin every aspect of concession operations.
Minister Toe indicated that the concession reviews are attempting to ensure an equitable return of Liberia for its resources and people, taking into account ongoing changes in the agricultural industry of interest and to maximize the employment and productive engagement of Liberians.
The Minister also stated that the concession reviews will provide a secured structure for the profitability of the commercial enterprise and the ongoing development of the smallholder sector on whom the commercial enterprise most often depends and moreover, it will assure that the activities of the concessionaire are conducted in accordance with all of the requirements of Liberian law.
According to the Agriculture boss, as government enters into new concession agreements or renegotiate existing one, it remains mindful to consult with the citizens, share benefits with the communities and preserve the traditional practices of the people.
He added that government would empower individuals in order to eliminate the enclave nature of large-scale commercial activities and advocate policy that mainstreams gender-ties with commercial access and security to investment, and embeds sustainable natural resource use.
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