The Government of the Republic of Liberia through its Embassy in Washington, DC., joins efforts in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Global Interdependence Center and other participating sponsors to host a Business Forum for Liberia on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The Forum is integrated with the historical annual three-day Odunde Festival that will bring together approximately 250,000 individuals comprising business executives and entrepreneurs to Philadelphia.

The Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs has worked vigorously with African and Caribbean governments to create jobs and expand economic growth in these economies. The Commission has fostered this wide range approach to promote commerce and trade, culture and tourism in these emerging markets. The 2009 Odunde Festival will feature a one-day investment road show, promoting business opportunities in Liberia. This event will provide a unique opportunity for businesses operating in the greater Philadelphia area to explore foreign investment opportunities. This broad partnership between Liberia and the City of Philadelphia will bring pecuniary benefits to the two parties.

This forum will address strategic initiatives instituted by the Liberian government to develop a vibrant private sector whereby small and mid-sized businesses would operate as the driving force to create jobs and expand economic activities. The administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has aggressively worked to create an open investment climate that has attracted Liberians living in the Diaspora to return home and invest in the local economy. In this connection, interested parties are cordially invited to participate in this historic and exciting Business Forum, which will explore the excellent investment opportunities that exist in Liberia for potential investors wishing to invest in the country’s emerging markets. The Government of Liberia is rebuilding the country’s ravaged infrastructures, improving education and healthcare, developing capacities and expanding the economy through the establishments of small and mid-size businesses and industries. In spite of the global economic recession, the business climate in the country is conducive and the fundamentals of our economy remain promising and dynamic. In this connection, the Liberian Government is encouraging foreign capital investments in the private sector that is very vital for the creation of jobs in all spheres of the country’s economy.