By Marie Willie
MONROVIA, Oct. 21 (LINA) —The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with China and promoting international collaboration to address emerging challenges in the global shipping industry.
Speaking at the 6th North Bund Forum in Shanghai, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., described China as a trusted partner of Liberia, emphasizing the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
He highlighted key areas of cooperation, including maritime transport, shipping security, environmental protection, and capacity-building, while underscoring the importance of bilateral partnerships and multilateral institutions in addressing challenges facing the global maritime sector.
According to the LiMA statement dated October 20, 2026, Commissioner Lighe expressed appreciation to China’s Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal Government for their continued engagement with Liberia and for providing a platform for international dialogue on emerging developments in global shipping and aviation.
He identified the Liberia-China Maritime Transport Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control cooperation as important instruments supporting maritime relations between the two countries.
“China remains a true and trusted partner of Liberia,” Lighe said, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to advance their shared interests and promote international trade.
The LiMA chief also emphasized the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the principal international body responsible for establishing a framework for cooperation on maritime issues, including vessel safety, marine pollution prevention, seafarer training, maritime security, and decarbonization.
He highlighted ongoing Liberia-China collaboration within the IMO and other international platforms, particularly in Port State Control inspections, capacity-building, and the recognition of seafarers’ certificates and licenses.
Lighe further expressed gratitude to China for its support during the December 2025 IMO Council election, in which both Liberia and China were elected to Category A of the Council.
According to him, effective multilateral cooperation is essential to ensuring that international maritime rules and standards reflect the interests of all countries, including small and developing states.
He said inclusive international engagement strengthens the legitimacy of maritime governance while promoting shared responsibility for addressing challenges affecting the industry.
A key focus of the Commissioner’s address was the protection and welfare of seafarers, whom he described as the backbone of global trade and the maritime industry.
He called on governments and international partners to uphold maritime laws and conventions and take concrete measures to protect seafarers from violence, piracy, harassment, and other threats to their safety and welfare.
“Protecting seafarers is not merely a maritime obligation; it is a global responsibility that demands our collective commitment and action,” Lighe stated.
He stressed that protecting seafarers requires sustained cooperation among flag states, port states, coastal states, shipowners, and other stakeholders across the international shipping industry.
The Commissioner’s remarks underscored Liberia’s continued commitment to strengthening international maritime partnerships, promoting effective global shipping regulations, and advancing measures to ensure the safety and welfare of seafarers.