Liberian Vice President Calls for Practical Solutions to National Issues at SAPZ Launch

Monrovia – Vice President Jeremiah Koung has urged national leaders and stakeholders to adopt a more practical approach to addressing Liberia’s complex challenges.

Speaking at the launch of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Koung emphasized the need for action over rhetoric.

“It is time for folks within the country to leave the talking and focus on the implementation of policies already on the books,” said Vice President Koung. He highlighted the potential for Liberia to manufacture many of the products it currently imports, thereby boosting economic productivity. “Most of the produce that is imported into the country can be manufactured here to improve economic productivity,” he added.

The SAPZ project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to transform raw agricultural produce into finished products for both local consumption and export.

The project’s theme, “A Green Future,” underscores its focus on sustainable development. The launch event featured a domestic trade fair and exhibition of agricultural products, attended by development partners, government entities, and private sector representatives.

Vice President Koung called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to improve and develop the country for the common good of all Liberians. “We need the collaboration of all stakeholders towards improving and developing the country for the common good of all Liberians,” he stated.

Executive Chairperson Prince Wreh also spoke at the event, pledging his institution’s commitment to fully implementing the project in support of President Boakai’s agricultural agenda. “This event marks the start of the operationalization of the SAPZ in Buchanan, which covers 200 hectares of land situated within the 631 hectares of the Buchanan Special Economic Zone,” Wreh explained.

The launch of the SAPZ follows a comprehensive feasibility study and the development of a master plan for the Buchanan SEZ. The master plan includes the construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Buchanan, aimed at promoting the industrial sector and adding value to agro-commodities produced in Liberia.

“The feasibility study and master plan focused on the construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in the city of Buchanan that will, among other things, promote the industrial sector and agro-processing,” Wreh added.