By Richard Duke Baysah
KAKATA, June 9 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia through the Ministries of Commerce, Labor and Justice has formally launched the enforcement of the Liberianization Policy aimed at protecting businesses exclusively for Liberian citizens.
The exercise, held in Kakata City, Mrgibi County, seeks to ensure full compliance with Liberian laws that set aside certain categories of businesses exclusively for Liberian owned businesses.
Speaking at the occasion marking the formal national launch of the Liberianization policy, the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Madam Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh said the program is intended to strengthen the local economy, empower Liberian entrepreneurs, and prevent foreign nationals from illegally operating businesses set aside for Liberians.
She warned that any foreign businesses found violating the regulations would face closure, fines and or legal actions in keeping with the law.
“This government headed by His Excellency, Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., is committed to creating fair opportunities for Liberians business owners while maintaining lawful business practice across the country,” Minister Dargoseh stated in her remarks at the program.
The Liberianization policy was introduced during the administration of the late President William Richard Tolbert in the early 70s to enable Liberians to exclusively engage into 27 different businesses including the sale of used clothes, retail sales of locally produced commodities, among others.
Also speaking at the program, Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah called on citizens to take advantage of the policy and get involved with businesses that are reserved for them.
Minister Kruah said the Labor Ministry will work along with the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that the Liberianization policies are enforced under the labor law of Liberia.
“The Minister of Labor will jointly work with the inter-ministerial committee which includes Justice, Labor and Commerce to ensure its full implementation of the Liberianization policy,” Minister Kruah explained.
Speaking earlier in his welcoming remarks, the Superintendent of Margibi County, Ojay Morris, assured members of the committee the county’s administration full support towards the process.
Superintendent Morris said he was very delight to have Liberinization policy be formally launch in Margibi County.
“This policy will immensely help bring relief to Liberian businesses thereby giving them a chance to compete with foreign businesses,” the Superintendent stated.
Meanwhile, the local businesses in Margibi County have welcomed the formal launch of the decentralization policy by the government.