–Pres. Boakai Tells Economic Roundtable In Paris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has addressed an Economic Roundtable organized under the auspices of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s largest employer federation, as part of efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen bilateral economic ties between Liberia and France.
The high-level engagement, held in Paris, is in line with President Boakai’s on-going initiative to diversify Liberia’s foreign policy and reposition the nation as a trusted destination for trade and investment in West Africa.
The forum brought together senior executives from some of France’s leading corporations, including Group Qair, Matiere, IKA Technology, Group Ragni, AVRIL, Bureau Veritas, TotalEnergies, Sunna Design, Sharp Vision, Orange, MEDEF International, and Vinci Construction Grands Projects.
In his address, President Boakai presented Liberia’s national development blueprint, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes agriculture, roads (infrastructure), rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. He outlined Liberia’s improving business environment, and extended a warm invitation to French investors to explore the country’s growing opportunities, emphasizing that “Liberia is embracing a new beginning rooted in self-discipline, reconciliation, and an uncompromising fight against corruption.”
The Liberian Leader expressed the strong and enduring ties between Liberia and France, acknowledging France’s consistent support toward Liberia’s reconstruction and development.
The Liberian Chief Executive commended French companies already operating in the country for their positive impact, and called for “quality investments that drive sustainable growth and create lasting partnerships.”
President Boakai proposed the establishment of a Liberia–France Joint Chamber of Commerce to serve as a platform for advancing bilateral economic cooperation. The proposal received strong endorsement from MEDEF International and participating business leaders who agreed that the ambassadors of both countries will collaborate to finalize the modalities for the initiative.
In a powerful appeal to his audience, President Boakai said, “Please do not judge us by the past. The culture of Liberia is not dishonesty. Give us the chance to prove that today marks a new day for Liberia, and that we want to be respected as a country.”
French business leaders responded positively to the President’s message, expressing renewed confidence in Liberia’s leadership and commitment to reform.
MEDEF International announced that it will dispatch a high-level French business delegation to Liberia in early 2026 to further explore ways to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two nations.
