China Opens Door to More Liberian Farm Exports, Asks for List of Approved Companies

Published: November 6, 2026

SHANGHAI — Liberian exporters of dried chili peppers, coffee and cocoa could begin selling to China once Liberia submits a list of eligible companies for Chinese approval, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang told Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. on Thursday.

Ding said China is ready to import more agricultural products from Liberia, and that those three products from African countries, including Liberia, have been cleared for access to the Chinese market. Once Liberia submits its list and the companies pass China’s approval procedures, they can begin trading, according to a statement from the Office of the Vice President.

Ding’s remarks give Liberia a concrete way to act on Koung’s push to turn China’s zero-tariff policy into more exports, more processing at home and more jobs for Liberians.

“Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” Koung said.

The two men met at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai after Koung attended the opening of the Ninth China International Import Expo earlier that day. Ding said China is willing to strengthen its agricultural trade facilitation arrangements with African countries to support higher imports. He encouraged Liberia to make greater use of the expo and other trade platforms to connect its products with Chinese buyers.

Koung named rubber, cocoa, coffee and other agricultural products as priorities for expanded trade. He said Liberian producers need help meeting Chinese standards and building relationships with buyers. He also invited Chinese companies to invest in Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing and light manufacturing.

Ding said China would encourage more of its companies to invest in Liberia and asked for continued support and facilitation for their operations. He named iron ore mining as an important area of cooperation and said China is ready to coordinate policy more closely so that investment benefits both countries.

Ding also said China will continue its development support to Liberia. That support covers the Congo Town overpass bridges, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles and road-related assistance. He said Chinese working teams will visit Liberia to assess projects for broadcasting facilities and for renovating the Capitol Building. He also pledged continued scholarships and training for Liberian professionals.

Koung thanked China for its assistance and said training, maintenance and technical support are needed for projects to last. He called reliable and affordable electricity a national priority and welcomed cooperation in solar power, battery storage, hydropower and rural electrification. He also pointed to opportunities in clean water, health services, digital connectivity and vocational training.

To move cooperation forward, Koung proposed that each side name focal persons and draw up a short list of priority projects. He said Liberia’s embassy in Beijing and the relevant national institutions are ready to work with their Chinese counterparts.

On international affairs, Ding congratulated Liberia on its upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December and said China is ready to stay in close communication. Koung thanked China and other partners for supporting Liberia’s election to the council for the 2026-2027 term. He asked for China’s continued support during the presidency. He said Liberia’s priorities on the council are women and youth participation in peace and security; climate, conflict and natural resources; regional security; and Security Council reform and peacekeeping.

Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming and Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu attended the meeting. On the Liberian side were Dudley McKinley Thomas, Liberia’s ambassador to China; Prince A. Wreh, executive chairman of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority; Samuel Nagbe, executive director of the Rural Renewable Energy Agency; Macdonald Metzger, deputy chief of staff for administration; press secretary Richmond Neufville; and J. Wesley Washington, minister counselor at the Liberian Embassy in China.