Liberia and China have renewed their longstanding agricultural partnership, paving the way for a new phase of cooperation focused on technology-driven farming and value chain digitization.
The renewed collaboration was announced following the participation of Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, at the 2025 International Conference on Agricultural Service Trade held in Nansha District, Guangdong Province, China.
The conference, themed “Digitization-Empowered Value Chain,” was organized by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to strengthen trade ties and promote modern agricultural innovations among partner nations.
According to a statement issued by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the engagement marks a significant step in the growing partnership between Liberia and China. The ministry described the visit as a platform that opens new opportunities for Liberia’s agricultural transformation, particularly through the use of digital technology and mechanization.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the agreement to renew the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture and Yuan Longping Agriculture Corporation, a Chinese agribusiness known for its pioneering work in hybrid rice production.
Under the renewed agreement, Yuan Longping is expected to resume operations in Liberia once legal and financial frameworks are finalized. The company’s renewed mandate will focus on seed multiplication, agricultural research, and mechanized farming, initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and improving food security.
The ministry noted that earlier phases of the partnership faced setbacks due to logistical challenges, including poor road conditions and delayed chemical supplies. However, Minister Nuetah assured Chinese partners that improvements to project sites, particularly in Bong Mines, are now underway to ensure smoother implementation.
Yuan Longping Agriculture Corporation has played a vital role in Liberia’s agricultural development, particularly through the China Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center at CARI, Suakoko. The center remains a cornerstone for hybrid rice research and innovation, offering technical training and support to local farmers.
Minister Nuetah’s visit, officials say, reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector through international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable farming practices that align with the country’s broader food security goals.
