-As National Fair Draws Global Partners
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
China has reaffirmed its strong support for Liberia’s agricultural development, describing the sector as central to the country’s economic transformation and national sovereignty, as the 2025 National Agriculture Fair opened in Nimba County on December 12.
Speaking at the opening of the Fair, China’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Yin Chengwu, emphasized China’s commitment to Liberia’s agriculture drive, noting that the event reflects sustained international backing—particularly from China—for Liberia’s efforts to achieve food security and long-term development.
Ambassador Yin said the Fair demonstrates how China and other global partners are supporting Liberia by helping to link farmers to markets, transform agricultural labor into income, and strengthen the sector as a foundation for national growth.
Delivering remarks, Ambassador Yin described the National Agriculture Fair as more than an exhibition, saying it serves as a practical platform that connects farmers directly to buyers while promoting value addition across the agricultural value chain.
He noted that the Fair brings together major international institutions, including the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Bank, and several diplomatic missions, demonstrating that Liberia’s agricultural development agenda enjoys broad international partnership and cooperation.
According to Ambassador Yin, the event reflects Liberia’s determination to enhance farmers’ production capacity, pursue national food self-sufficiency, and advance agricultural development, which he described as a foundation for livelihoods and long-term national progress.
He emphasized the importance of treating agriculture as a central national task, pointing out that the sector occupies a priority position under Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Drawing from China’s own experience, Ambassador Yin highlighted how sustained national focus on agriculture enabled China to move from basic subsistence to modernization while feeding a large population with limited arable land and water resources.
The Chinese envoy also highlighted ongoing cooperation between China and Liberia in agricultural capacity building, including training programs that have equipped Liberians with skills in crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and handicraft production, as well as plans to support agricultural mechanization in several counties.
On trade, Ambassador Yin pointed to China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties, including Liberia, noting that the policy creates opportunities for African agricultural products to access the Chinese market at reduced cost. He said similar exports from other African countries are already entering China and stressed that Liberian products also have the potential to benefit from the growing Chinese market.
Looking ahead, he referenced China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, which focuses on high-quality development and expanded international engagement, and said it would open broader prospects for cooperation between China and Liberia, particularly in agriculture.
Ambassador Yin concluded by expressing confidence in the future of Liberia’s agricultural sector and wishing success to both the country’s farmers and the 2025 National Agriculture Fair.
