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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, YIN Chengwu, has described the completion of the 81-kilometer Gbarnga–Salayea Road Project as a major milestone in Liberia’s development journey, emphasizing its significance for economic growth, national connectivity, and the strengthening of China-Liberia relations.
Speaking Tuesday at the official dedication ceremony of the road project in Lofa County, Ambassador YIN congratulated the Government and people of Liberia on the successful completion of the strategic infrastructure project, which coincided with celebrations marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary.
The ceremony was attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, members of the 55th Legislature, cabinet ministers, county officials, representatives of international partners, and officials of the China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO), the company that executed the project.
The Chinese envoy commended Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for their leadership during the implementation of the project. He also praised CHICO for its dedication and recognized the contributions of Liberian subcontractors, engineers, and workers whose collaboration helped make the project a reality.
According to Ambassador YIN, the road project represents a significant contribution to Liberia’s economic and social development.
He noted that improved road infrastructure plays a critical role in enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, reducing transportation costs, expanding access to markets, creating jobs, and improving the daily lives of citizens.
The Ambassador described the Gbarnga–Salayea Road as an important section of Liberia’s Northern Corridor and a key transportation route that will strengthen links between communities, support agricultural production, stimulate commercial activities, and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Ambassador YIN also praised the Boakai administration’s efforts to implement the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
He said that over the past two and a half years, President Boakai has led efforts to advance the government’s development agenda, adding that the completion of the road demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, promoting economic development, and enhancing the welfare of the Liberian people.
Highlighting the broader significance of the project, Ambassador YIN said the road stands as another symbol of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Liberia.
He recalled that relations between the two countries entered a new phase following the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Since then, he noted, bilateral cooperation has expanded across multiple sectors, particularly infrastructure development.
The Chinese diplomat explained that the project was awarded through Liberia’s public procurement process and successfully completed by CHICO, demonstrating both the confidence the Liberian Government places in Chinese enterprises and the professionalism and technical expertise of Chinese companies operating in Liberia.
Looking ahead, Ambassador YIN reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness, cooperation, and shared development.
He said China encourages more qualified Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Liberia in line with market principles and international business standards, while contributing to job creation, skills transfer, investment growth, and sustainable development.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between Liberia and China will continue to deepen, creating greater opportunities for businesses and citizens of both countries while supporting Liberia’s modernization efforts.
“As the saying goes, the road to development is the development of roads,” Ambassador YIN said. He also referenced a well-known Chinese proverb which states, “If you want to get rich, build roads first.”
He stressed that investment in roads is ultimately an investment in infrastructure, development, and the future.
Ambassador YIN concluded by expressing hope that the newly completed Gbarnga–Salayea Road will serve not only as a road of connectivity but also as a road of opportunity and shared prosperity for the Liberian people.
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