-A Dispatch From Paris Says
France and Liberia have signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, between the National Port Authority of Liberia, NPA, and Seine Axis Major River and Maritime Port, HAROPA of France to strengthen cooperation and foster strategic collaboration in port development, modernization, and smart technologies, a dispatch from the |Liberian Embassy in Paris has said.
Signed in the port city of Havre, the agreement marks a significant milestone in the growing economic and maritime relationship between Liberia and France.
According to the dispatch, it comes as a result of sustained diplomatic engagement facilitated by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France under the leadership of Ambassador Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic France.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two port authorities to promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in discipline such as , Smart port technologies and digital transformation; Automated terminal operations and smart logistics systems; and Port infrastructure modernization and rehabilitation.
Other areas of interest include, Capacity building and technical exchanges; and Sustainable maritime development and long-term institutional partnerships.
The dispatch says the National Port Authority of Liberia, which manages and operates the ports of Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville, recently embarked on an ambitious strategic port management and modernization agenda aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing infrastructure, and positioning Liberia's ports as competitive gateways for regional and international trade.
HAROPA PORT, France's leading river and maritime port complex and the fourth-largest port in Northern Europe, connects nearly 650 ports worldwide and brings extensive expertise in integrated maritime, river, and logistics operations.
The partnership, according to the dispatch, is expected to provide Liberia with valuable opportunities to leverage international best practices and innovative technologies in support of its port development objectives.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Ambassador Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. said the
MOU represents another important step in strengthening the longstanding friendship and economic cooperation between Liberia and France.
Through the partnership, according to Ambassador Yorlay, Liberia stands to benefit from world-class expertise in port management and technology, while opening new avenues for investment, trade, and maritime cooperation between our two countries.
Sekou A. M. Dukuly, Managing Director of the National Port Authority of Liberia, witnessed the signing ceremony. In his remarks, Mr. Dukuly welcomed the agreement and highlighted its importance to Liberia's port modernization agenda. Mr. Dukuly described the agreement as more than a formal document, emphasizing that it reflects a shared commitment to building a long-term partnership founded on mutual trust, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth.
He highlighted the significant opportunities the partnership presents, noting that while HAROPA PORT is recognized as one of Europe’s leading port complexes, the NPA is actively expanding and modernizing Liberia’s port infrastructure.
Dukuly expressed appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay and the Embassy of Liberia in France, and all stakeholders, whose efforts, he said, made the agreement possible, expressing confidence that the collaboration will deliver tangible benefits for both Liberia and France.
For Mr. Cedric VIRCIGLIO, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight of HAROPA PORT, the partnership and HAROPA PORT's commitment to international cooperation is highly significant.
“HAROPA PORT is pleased to embark on this new partnership with the National Port Authority of Liberia. We believe that cooperation, innovation, and the sharing of expertise are essential to building the ports of tomorrow. This Memorandum of Understanding opens the door to meaningful collaboration that will benefit both institutions and contribute to the sustainable development of maritime trade between Africa and Europe” he pointed out.
He maintained that the agreement is intended as a non-exclusive framework for cooperation and provides for regular consultations, information sharing, and the development of future collaborative initiatives between the parties.
Mr. VIRCIGLIO also said the signing of the MoU further demonstrates Liberia's commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure, enhancing trade facilitation, and attracting strategic international pa rtnerships that contribute to the country's economic transformation and sustainable development.
The National Port Authority is the statutory entity responsible for the administration, management, and development of Liberia's four seaports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville. The Authority plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and supporting Liberia's economic growth, while the HAROPA PORT is France's leading river and maritime port complex, comprising the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris. It is the fourth-largest port in Northern Europe and serves as a major global gateway connecting Europe to nearly 650 ports around the world.
