LSEZA Convenes High-Level Discussion With LRA, NPA, MoD

The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) has convened a high-level stakeholders’ discussion focused on two issues impacting the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with specific on investment incentives and tariff exemptions.

The discussion brought together key institutions and stakeholders, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Ministry of National Defense (MoD), and private security actors.

The entities, according to a release, played essential roles in the successful implementation and operation of SEZs.

LSEZA Executive Chairman, Prince Wreh, described the working session as a step to strengthen tax incentive regime, enhance security coordination in the economic zones.

They also ensured that all participating institutions clearly understand and execute their respective mandates as defined by law.

Customs Commissioner Saa Samoi, reaffirmed LRA’s commitment to collaborate with LSEZA to ensure that customs functions, including security controls and trade facilitation measures, are effectively implemented and maintained.

It can be recalled that the LRA and LSEZA previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and define trade facilitation mechanisms to strengthen monitoring and control across local and international trade corridors.

Meanwhile, NPA Deputy Director for Port operations, James Bernard, pledged the Authority’s willingness to work closely with LSEZA, particularly in facilitating security access and operational coordination for staff and operators in the economic zones. Bernard proposed the signing of a formal MoU between the NPA and LSEZA to deepen institutional collaboration, similar to the existing agreement between LSEZA and the LRA.

Defense Assistant Public Affairs Minister, Oscar Mulbah, expressed the Armed Forces of Liberia’s support and commitment to work alongside LSEZA in advancing its mandate in free zone framework.

All parties have meanwhile, reaffirmed their commitment to foster stronger inter-agency collaboration, improve security coordination through established procedures, and support LSEZA’s mandate to attract investment, designate and license economic zones, and promote sustainable economic development.