The National Port Authority (NPA) has welcomed Canada’s Ambassador to Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, Sandra Choufani, in a visit that signals growing interest in strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.
During her courtesy visit to the Freeport of Monrovia, Ambassador Choufani engaged with NPA leadership to explore opportunities for collaboration, particularly in enhancing port operations and expanding trade. The visit was framed as part of Canada’s broader effort to identify ways it can support Liberia’s economic development, especially within the maritime sector.
In her remarks, the Ambassador emphasized Canada’s willingness to share expertise and consider practical avenues for supporting the NPA’s efforts to improve efficiency and boost commercial activity.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the NPA leadership, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, James Richard Bernard, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed Liberia’s openness to foreign investment and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the NPA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), which aims to modernize port infrastructure, improve operational performance, and position Liberia as a key maritime hub in West Africa.
Bernard also pointed to the Ambassador’s dual accreditation as an opportunity to strengthen trade links between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, noting that the Port of Harper in Maryland County could play a critical role in facilitating regional commerce.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the APM Terminals facility at the Freeport, where officials outlined ongoing improvements, including 24-hour operations and reduced vessel turnaround times. APM Terminals management also expressed interest in forming technical partnerships with Canadian entities to further enhance service delivery.
The NPA described the visit as a positive step toward deepening bilateral relations and fostering future cooperation between Liberia and Canada. It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable maritime development and building international partnerships that support Liberia’s long-term economic goals.
