IPNEWS: The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) has convened a high-level stakeholders’ discussion focused on two critical issues impacting the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Liberia, investment incentives and tariff exemptions.
The discussion brought together key institutions and stakeholders, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Ministry of National Defense, and private security actors, all of whom play essential roles in the successful implementation and operation of SEZs in Liberia.
Speaking during the meeting, LSEZA Executive Chairman, Prince Wreh, described the working session as a critical step toward strengthening Liberia’s tax incentive regime, enhancing security coordination within the economic zones, and ensuring that all participating institutions clearly understand and execute their respective mandates as defined by law.
Also speaking during the meeting, Customs Commissioner Saa Samoi reaffirmed the LRA’s commitment to collaborating with LSEZA to ensure that customs functions, including security controls and trade facilitation measures, are effectively implemented and maintained.
It can be recalled that the LRA and LSEZA previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting and defining trade facilitation mechanisms to strengthen monitoring and control across local and international trade corridors.
Meanwhile the Deputy Director for Port operations at NPA, James Bernard, pledged the NPA’s willingness to work closely with LSEZA, particularly in facilitating security access and operational coordination for staff and operators within the economic zones. He further proposed the signing of a formal MOU between the NPA and LSEZA to deepen institutional collaboration, similar to the existing agreement between LSEZA and the LRA.
Representing the Ministry of National Defense, Assistant Public Affairs Minister Oscar Mulbah expressed the Armed Forces of Liberia’s support and commitment to working alongside LSEZA in advancing its mandate within the country’s free zone framework.
At the close of the meeting, all parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration, improving security coordination through established procedures, and supporting LSEZA’s mandate to attract investment, designate and license economic zones, and promote sustainable economic development in Liberia.
About LSEZA:
The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) is the statutory body responsible for designating, promoting, developing, and managing Special Economic Zones across Liberia to drive industrialization, attract foreign investment, and create sustainable jobs.
