A delegation from the Canadian government visited Liberia to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy. Discussions with Liberian authorities focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing challenges in key sectors. The engagement aims to foster collaboration and promote sustainable development, reflecting both countries’ commitment to environmental initiatives.
A delegation of three senior officials from the Canadian government has embarked on a visit to Liberia to explore investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy. This visit was organized by the Office of Liberia Trade & Investment in Canada, aiming to engage with Liberian authorities to discuss potential collaborative efforts encompassing various sectors.
The delegation consists of Mr. Amadou Kane, Counsellor and Chief of Bilateral Cooperation for Ivory Coast; Ms. Marie Belanger, Team Leader at the Directorate responsible for Canadian and International Partnerships; and Mr. Euloge Camara, Regional Climate Finance Trade Commissioner for Africa at the Canadian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire. Their discussions encompassed bilateral relations, trade enhancements, and green energy initiatives, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between Canada and Liberia since 1971.
During a significant meeting at the Executive Mansion with Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sylvester Grigsby, the dialogue focused on strengthening bilateral relations. The talks addressed critical themes such as human capital development, technological innovation, and private sector investment among others, all aimed at fostering collaboration.
The officials underscored Canada’s financial support for enterprises operating in African markets, including gender equality programs, infrastructure projects, and climate change adaptation initiatives. Additionally, a technical support initiative was proposed to enhance the skills and capacity of private school teachers in Liberia.
Mr. Amadou Kane highlighted his office’s longstanding relationship with Liberia, noting that, while no specific bilateral program exists, Canada has several trading programs contributing millions of dollars to Liberia through various organizations. He stated, “We have a lot of programs and projects in Liberia that are being implemented by organizations but Canada is funding them.”
The delegation aims to identify the challenges Liberia faces and discover opportunities for investment. Mr. Euloge Camara expressed his contentment with visiting Liberia and emphasized the collaborative effort needed to combat climate change, noting Canada’s continued financial backing for initiatives aimed at these causes since 2021.
Mr. Camara also mentioned a US$300,000 technical support program designed to strengthen the capabilities of private school educators in Liberia, facilitating growth in education.
Minister Grigsby reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to environmental conservation and renewable energy advancements, expressing the country’s readiness to partner with investors to enhance the energy sector. Both parties recognized this engagement as a step forward in strengthening Canada-Liberia relations.
The visit follows the Liberia Investment Forum held in Toronto, Canada, which attracted global investors interested in mining, sanitation, and infrastructure opportunities in Liberia. Minister Grigsby welcomed the Canadian delegation, stressing the importance of environmental protection and the government’s commitment to fostering renewable energy initiatives.
The Canadian officials will also interact with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning as well as the National Investment Commission, reflecting a unified effort to build substantial partnerships that promote sustainability in Liberia. This initiative stems from the successful outcomes of the Liberia Investment Forum, where multiple investment opportunities were highlighted.
This visit demonstrates Canada’s dedication to addressing climate change by supporting impactful projects in Africa, including Liberia, facilitated by the Office of Liberia Trade & Investment in Canada, represented by Madam Jallahqueena Hawa Konneh.
In summary, the visit by Canadian government officials to Liberia aims to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, especially renewable energy. The discussions led by Mr. Amadou Kane and his delegation highlight existing partnerships and future opportunities for investment in Liberia. With ongoing support for educational and environmental initiatives, these engagements signify a continued commitment to fostering sustainable development and strengthening bilateral relations between Canada and Liberia.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
