IPNEWS: The Governments of Liberia (GOL) and the people’s Republic of China (PRC) have agreed to begin technical discussions aimed at renewing the agreement on Maritime transport. The existing agreement signed on 8th September 2018, is set to expire next year, 2024.
China maritime transport Constitutes over 25 percent of Liberia’s total maritime registry. The world’s second-largest registry with over 71 years of experience, Liberia has earned International Respect for its dedication to flagging the world’s safest and most secured vessels.
According to a dispatch from the Liberian embassy near Beijing, China, the Commissioner General of Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) Mr. #Lenn Eugene #Nagbe, and the Director General of, the Department of Water Transport at the PRC’s Ministry of Transport, Li Tianbi, reached the agreement during a meeting held at the Ministry of Transport in Beijing, China recently.
The meeting Center on the existing agreement between Liberia and China and the ways to improve it so that cooperation between the two countries can be further solidified.
Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CLLR Deway Gray; Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Operations LiMA, Cllr #Margaret #Ansumana, and Liberia Ambassador to China H.E #Dudley Mckinley #Thomas.
Making remarks during the meeting, Mr. Li Stressed that both countries are two important Maritime nations; and as such, there is a need to continue to cooperate so that it’s a “Win-Win” situation for both countries.
Liberia is a big player in the Maritime business, while China is a big player in global trade. This agreement serves not only to strengthen bilateral ties but to also bring economic benefits to both Liberia and China.
China Director General Department of Water Transport further indicated that the agreement still has a year to its expiration, so it’s important to begin the review process immediately.
In response, LiMA Commissioner General #Nagbe indicated that the cooperation agreement has brought enormous benefits to the two countries since it came into effect a few years ago and called for its renewal at its expiration.
He noted that his visit to China is to initiate the review process of this agreement and hopes to improve the implementation using lessons learned. “Wherever there is a need for improvement, fine-tuning, and tweaking, they must be highlighted, discussed and resolved in the interest of both parties, he said.
Commissioner General #Nagbe hoped that both sides discuss other areas of interest including seafarers’ education and training, and broader Maritime administration. He highlighted the need for regular meetings, direct communication m, training, student exchange, and sharing of best practices that could further enhance this agreement and make it more beneficial to both countries.
Technical teams were set up and headed by LiMA Deputy Commissioner for Maritime operations Cllr Margaret Ansumana, while the Director of Water Transport was on the Chinese side. The designated technical teams have been mandated to commence their work immediately and conclude before the expiration of the existing agreement.
Meanwhile, in another development, the Liberian delegation paid a courtesy call to PRC’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Li, at his Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in China.
The two sides discussed cooperation in the areas of Maritime transport and bilateral concerns.
Earlier, the Gol delegation held several meetings with the China Shipowners Association in Shanghai.
