IPNEWS: Prominent businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as “Jeety,” has set an ambitious 2028 deadline for the production of Liberia’s first locally manufactured tires, placing a firm demand on the Government of Liberia to ensure a consistent supply of raw rubber.
Speaking at a recognition ceremony in Kakata, Jeety declared that achieving this milestone will require at least 550 tonnes of raw rubber daily an amount he says is critical to sustaining full-scale industrial production under his company, Jeety Rubber LLC.
“We are ready to deliver Liberia’s first made-in-country tires by mid-2028,” he stated. “But this can only happen if the government guarantees a steady and reliable supply of raw rubber. Without it, the vision will not succeed.”
Jeety disclosed that his company is currently undertaking an ambitious US$18 million factory expansion, which is expected to nearly double production capacity by 2026. The expansion, he noted, is part of a broader strategy to position Liberia as a competitive player in regional manufacturing.
However, he cautioned that the continued export of unprocessed rubber poses a serious threat to local industrial growth. He urged the government to take decisive action by restricting the export of raw rubber and prioritizing domestic processing.
“Liberia is exporting jobs and economic value,” he emphasized. “If we process our rubber here, we create employment, increase revenue, and strengthen our economy.”
Jeety further argued that improving access to local markets and offering better prices to rubber farmers would not only stabilize supply but also stimulate rural development and uplift livelihoods across producing communities.
Despite the hurdles, the businessman expressed confidence in Liberia’s potential to achieve this historic breakthrough, describing the tire production initiative as a transformative step for the country’s industrial sector.
“With the right policies and support, Liberia can make history,” he said. “This is about more than tires it’s about jobs, empowerment, and national progress.”
If realized, the initiative would mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s drive toward industrialization, reducing dependence on imports while unlocking new economic opportunities for its citizens.
