ITC looking to unlock Liberia's rubber potential

ERJ staff report (TP)

Monrovia, Liberia – The International Trade Centre (ITC) is working with the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Commerce and local Liberian farmers to diversify the nation’s trade sector with the aim of adding value, the Executive Director of the ITC has told FrontPageAfrica.

Currently Liberia's trade sector is predominantly import base, but Arancha Gonzalez, executive director of the ITC says it is working to help Liberia diversify its trade and also become a member of the World Trade Organization.

"[We help] small and medium enterprises to unlock their potential, adding more value which generates growth, serving as employment, so that trading is diversified," said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said the ITC will look at particular sectors that are competitive and help to train farmers in techniques that will lead to improved yields.

Specifically, the cocoa, cassava, rubber, fisheries and oil palm sectors are of priority at the moment.

Gonzalez said the ITC will sit with rubber workers and other farmers to build their capacities by training people who will serve as trainers for the rest of the farmers.

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