China & Liberia Launch 7th Phase of Bamboo, Agriculture, and Livestock Technical Project

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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the People’s Republic of China, has officially launched the seventh phase of the China-Aided Liberia Bamboo and Rattan Weaving, Fruit and Vegetable Planting, and Livestock Raising Technical Assistance Project. The event was held over the weekend at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex.

The technical cooperation between the two countries began in June 2007, under a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing Liberia’s agricultural and handicraft sectors. Since then, the program has trained hundreds of Liberians in bamboo and rattan weaving, vegetable cultivation, and livestock rearing.

Providing an overview of the project, Mrs. Kaema Jones, Director of Youth on Job Training (YOJT), noted that the first training session was facilitated by the Chongqing Wanzhou Company of China. The primary objective, she said, was to develop Liberia’s bamboo and rattan industry through skill-building.

“As of August 28, 2018, more than 900 young Liberians have been trained. Nearly 10% have opened their own processing stores, and their enterprises now account for 50% of the market share in bamboo and vegetable products,” Mrs. Jones stated. She added that this has significantly contributed to youth employment and economic growth, earning praise from the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization.

Between June 2017 and July 2020, the sixth phase of the project was implemented by a team of nine Chinese experts. Their work included establishing a Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Training Center at the Chinese Compound near the SKD Complex and the Clay Agriculture Technology Training Center in Bomi County. During this period, 500 citrus seedlings and 2,000 square meters of giant fungus grass were cultivated. An ecological demonstration site integrating livestock, biogas energy, and vegetable greenhouses was also developed in collaboration with two Liberian universities.

Mrs. Jones revealed that the seventh phase, signed in 2023, includes new components such as bamboo curtain and high-grade furniture production training. The project will also introduce cultivation of high-quality Chinese food crops to Liberia.

Launching the project on behalf of the Liberian government, Montserrado County District #6 Representative Samuel Enders expressed appreciation for China’s continued support.

“These initiatives align with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s development agenda,” he said. “With over a thousand achievements in Liberia, China’s commitment shows how important Liberia is as a partner.” He highlighted the role of young Liberians in crafting artificial materials and emphasized the importance of building a cooperative spirit through a “train-the-trainer” approach.

Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu also pledged the Ministry’s support. He assured a safe working environment for the Chinese experts and praised China’s investments, stating that Liberian youth are the primary beneficiaries.

“China has always supported our ministry’s programs, including a recent week-long medical outreach. There’s a need for further revitalization of our technical and vocational training sectors,” he added, urging trainees to be focused and practical in their learning.

Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its collaboration and support. He emphasized that the project’s success relies on Liberia’s full involvement and serves to strengthen mutual understanding and sustainable development.

“This initiative contributes to reducing plastic pollution and addressing climate change,” Ambassador Yin noted. “It reflects our shared commitment to long-term cooperation and development.”