By Godgift Harris
Liberia and India have concluded a high-level one-day seminar in Monrovia. The exercise focused on the vital role of the Indian diaspora in promoting trade, investment and development between the two countries.
The event, held at a resort, brought together government officials from both nations, business leaders, academics, writers and civil society representatives.
The participants discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, and leverage diaspora potential for sustainable growth.
Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, lauded his country’s community for the “remarkable contributions to Liberia’s economic and social progress.”
Verma said the Indian diaspora has evolved over the past five decades from small-scale traders into a vibrant, and influential community deeply integrated into Liberia’s development.
“In Liberia, the Indian community has played a significant role from trade and commerce to education, healthcare and beyond. Their entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness, have left a lasting mark on the economy,” Amb. Verma said.
He spoke of the partnership between Liberia and India, which is rooted not only in diplomacy, but also in shared democratic values, peace and inclusive development.
Verma said India continues to support Liberia through scholarship programs, skills training, and capacity-building initiatives that are helping to empower Liberian youth and professionals.
The seminar served as a platform to recognize, and document the contributions of the Indian diaspora, whose impact, though substantial, has not been formally studied or discussed in development discourse.
Deputy Information Minister, Johnny Tarkpah, expressed appreciation to India for its continued support, especially in education and human resource development.
Meanwhile, former Commerce and Industry Minister Amin Modad, has called on the Indian Government to go beyond trade and begin investing in agriculture, mining, information technology, health, education and infrastructure.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by both nations to strengthen cooperation through the active engagement of the Indian diaspora, with the aim to deepen trade relations, boost investment opportunities and advance development agenda.