MONROVIA – The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has welcomed the formal handover of 2,929.02 metric tons of rice donated by the Government and people of Japan under the 2025 Kennedy Round Food Assistance Program, reaffirming the longstanding bilateral relationship between Liberia and Japan.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Acting Commerce and Industry Minister Hon. Stephen M. Yekeson, Jr. described the donation as more than food assistance, saying it reflects Japan’s enduring friendship and confidence in Liberia. The consignment consists of 97,634 bags of 30-kilogram rice. The rice will be sold, and the proceeds deposited at the Central Bank of Liberia for investment in development projects intended to improve the lives of Liberians.
Minister Yekeson noted that Japan’s assistance through the Japanese Counterpart Value Fund has supported development initiatives in Liberia since 2008. These include markets, bridges, housing for vulnerable families, warehouses to reduce post-harvest losses, and a modern wood factory in Nimba County expected to create training opportunities for young people.
The Acting Minister thanked the Government and people of Japan and acknowledged the support of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), National Port Authority (NPA), Liberian Marketing Association (LMA), and Northwestern Commodities Inc. He also explained that recent fluctuations in local rice prices have affected the monetization process, which is governed by an agreed pricing and reconciliation arrangement with the Japanese Government.
Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Liberia’s food security, agricultural development, and economic growth. He expressed satisfaction that the procedures for the 2025 food assistance program had been completed and that the rice donation was ready for official handover. He noted that the ceremony fulfilled Japan’s commitment under the program and represented an important step toward ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the assistance.
Ambassador Yoshimoto disclosed that the exchange of notes agreement for the 2026 food assistance program had been signed earlier that day, marking the start of the next phase of Japan’s support to Liberia. He emphasized that while food aid addresses immediate needs, Japan’s broader objective is to help Liberia develop a resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector capable of meeting its long-term food requirements.
The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of local economic development and the creation of employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people. He reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to continue working with the Government and people of Liberia to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance shared aspirations for food security and prosperity.
He also stressed that effective coordination and accountability are essential to achieving the program’s objectives. Ambassador Yoshimoto called for rigorous oversight of the counterpart value fund, accurate accounting of proceeds, and appropriate audit mechanisms to ensure transparency and public confidence in the use of the funds.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Samuel Stevquoah, Mr. Bill Massaquoi conveyed the Liberian Government’s gratitude to Japan for its continued support. He said the assistance goes beyond food provision by helping strengthen local markets, support traders, and create economic opportunities for market women. He assured Japan that the Liberian Government remains committed to transparent management of the proceeds for the benefit of the Liberian people.
For his part, Chairman of the Rice Committee, Ambassador Charles Minor, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support, describing the donation as a valuable gesture of friendship and cooperation. He called on the Japanese Ambassador to convey Liberia’s gratitude to the Emperor, Government, and people of Japan.
Also speaking, Mr. Ahamadu A. Dukuly, General Manager of Northwestern Commodities Inc. and the vendor selected for the rice monetization exercise, thanked the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Liberia. He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, particularly MoCI and other relevant institutions, for the opportunity to participate in the competitive bidding process. Mr. Dukuly reaffirmed his company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the monetization arrangement.
The handover marks another milestone in Liberia and Japan’s longstanding partnership and underscores their shared commitment to food security, development, transparency, and improved livelihoods.
