Chinese Vice Premier outlines next steps for exporters, pledges continued development support
IPNEWS: SHANGHAI, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA – Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has expressed China’s readiness to import more agricultural products from Liberia, identifying the submission and approval of eligible exporting companies as a practical next step toward expanding trade between the two countries.
During bilateral discussions with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., in Shanghai on November 5, Vice Premier Ding said agricultural products including dried chili peppers, coffee beans and cocoa from African countries, including Liberia, had received guarantee access to the Chinese market.
He explained that Liberia could submit a list of exporting companies for the necessary approval procedures, after which approve, companies could begin trading with China.
The Chinese Vice Premier’s remarks identified a concrete avenue for following up on Vice President Koung’s call to turn China’s zero-tariff policy into increased exports, domestic processing and employment opportunities for Liberians.
Vice Premier Ding further expressed China’s willingness to strengthen its agricultural trade facilitation arrangements with African countries to support increased imports. He encouraged Liberia to make greater use of the China International Import Expo and other commercial platforms to connect its products with the Chinese market.
The discussions took place at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel following Vice President Koung’s participation earlier that day in the opening of the Ninth China International Import Expo.
Vice President Koung welcomed the trade opportunities and emphasized the importance of helping Liberian producers meet applicable standards and establish relationships with Chinese buyers. He identified rubber, cocoa, coffee and other agricultural products as priorities for expanded commercial cooperation.
The Vice President stressed that Liberia seeks investment that increases domestic processing, develops local skills and generates employment. He invited Chinese enterprises to invest in Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing and light manufacturing.
“Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” he said.
Vice Premier Ding indicated that China would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Liberia and called for continued support and facilitation for their operations. He also identified iron ore mining as an important area of cooperation and expressed readiness to strengthen policy coordination so that investment delivers greater benefits to both countries.
Beyond trade and investment, the Chinese Vice Premier reaffirmed China’s willingness to support Liberia’s development priorities. He outlined continued cooperation on the Congo Town overpass bridges, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles and road-related assistance.
He also indicated that Chinese working teams would visit Liberia to assess projects involving broadcasting facilities and renovation of the Capitol Building.
Vice Premier Ding further pledged continued scholarships and training opportunities to support the development of Liberian professionals and strengthen the country’s technical capacity.
Vice President Koung expressed appreciation for China’s assistance and emphasized the importance of training, maintenance and technical support to ensure that development projects provide lasting benefits.
He identified reliable and affordable electricity as a national priority, welcoming investment and cooperation in solar power, battery storage, hydropower and rural electrification. He also highlighted opportunities in clean water, health services, digital connectivity and vocational training.
To advance implementation, the Vice President proposed designated focal persons and a short list of priority projects for further engagement. He said Liberia’s Embassy in Beijing and relevant national institutions stand ready to work with their Chinese counterparts.
The leaders also discussed cooperation in international affairs. Vice Premier Ding congratulated Liberia on its forthcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December and expressed China’s readiness to maintain close communication.
Vice President Koung thanked China and other international partners for supporting Liberia’s election to the Council for the 2026–2027 term. He outlined Liberia’s priorities in women and youth participation in peace and security; climate, conflict and natural resources; regional security; and Security Council reform and peacekeeping.
He also sought China’s continued support for Liberia’s Council presidency.
Throughout the discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Liberia–China strategic partnership and translating high-level cooperation into practical benefits for their peoples.
The meeting was attended by Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming; Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu; Liberia’s Ambassador to China, Dudley McKinley Thomas; Executive Chairman of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, Prince A. Wreh; Samuel Nagbe, Executive Director of Rural Renewable Energy Agency, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Macdonald Metzger; Press Secretary Richmond Neufville and J. Wesley Washington, Minister Counselor -Liberian Embassy in China.
