NATIONAL NEWS
PARIS, FRANCE – Liberia and France have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia and France’s HAROPA PORT, paving the way for collaboration in port modernization, smart technologies, and sustainable maritime development.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The agreement, signed Wednesday in the French port city of Le Havre, establishes a framework for cooperation between the two port authorities and is expected to support Liberia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and position its seaports as competitive gateways for regional and international trade.
The partnership is the result of sustained diplomatic engagement led by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France under the leadership of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. It marks another milestone in the growing economic and maritime relationship between Liberia and France.
Under the agreement, the National Port Authority and HAROPA PORT will collaborate in key areas including smart port technologies, digital transformation, automated terminal operations, smart logistics systems, infrastructure modernization, capacity building, technical exchanges, and sustainable maritime development.
The National Port Authority manages Liberia’s four commercial seaports in Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville and has embarked on an ambitious modernization agenda aimed at enhancing efficiency, expanding infrastructure, and boosting the country’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
HAROPA PORT, France’s largest river and maritime port complex and the fourth-largest in Northern Europe, connects nearly 650 ports worldwide and is recognized for its expertise in integrated maritime, river, and logistics operations.
The collaboration is expected to give Liberia access to international best practices and innovative technologies to strengthen its maritime sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Yorlay described the agreement as another important milestone in the longstanding relationship between Liberia and France.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents another important step in strengthening the longstanding friendship and economic cooperation between Liberia and France. Through this partnership, 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.”
National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a strategic partnership that extends beyond the signing of a formal document.
According to Dukuly, the Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared commitment to building a long-term partnership based on mutual trust, knowledge sharing, and sustainable growth.
He noted that while HAROPA PORT is recognized as one of Europe’s leading port complexes, Liberia is actively expanding and modernizing its own port infrastructure.
Dukuly expressed appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, Ambassador Yorlay, the Embassy of Liberia in France, and all stakeholders whose efforts made the agreement possible, expressing confidence that the collaboration would produce tangible benefits for both countries.
For his part, Cedric Virciglio, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT, reaffirmed the French port authority’s commitment to international cooperation.
“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.”
The Memorandum of Understanding provides a non-exclusive framework for cooperation, including regular consultations, information sharing, and the development of future collaborative initiatives between the two institutions.
Officials say the agreement underscores Liberia’s commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure, strengthening trade facilitation, attracting strategic international investment, and advancing the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
