New Liberian president vows to bolster economy

Joseph Nyumah Boakai has been sworn in as Liberia's 26th president, and he has pledged to strive for economic prosperity for the western African country while providing more opportunities for the young population.

The 79-year-old former vice-president won the country's November presidential runoff elections against then-president George Weah.

At the swearing-in ceremony in the capital Monrovia on Monday, Boakai pledged to strengthen cooperation with regional partners, including the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, on what he termed as "continent-wide initiatives" aimed at improving the lives of the Liberian people.

Boakai said his government will also foster South-South cooperation to address mutual developmental issues in the Global South.

Business profitability that will translate to general economic prosperity for citizens would be supported, he said.

Growth must come with development, and such growth must be equitable, he said, adding that foreign direct investment would be welcome in a partnership that will ensure the Liberian people will fully benefit from their resources.

"To the business community, we say the country is always open to business, 'legitimate business' that links to our development agenda, creation of wealth, increased productivity and serious participation of Liberians in the economy," he said.

Speaking on his campaign ARREST platform, which stands for agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation and tourism, he said agriculture must be the driver of the economy and potential national development.

He also promised to tackle corruption, invest in security and fight crimes such as drug trafficking.

More investment will be made in areas such as vocational training and science and education to support the required workforce development, he said, and the government will explore ways on working with young people to develop a national service program to enhance their future leadership roles.

Drivers of change

"You (the youth) will be the drivers of the change we seek. As our future, our agenda will create the space you need, but you must therefore prepare yourself to play a significant role in changing your country," he said.

At the invitation of the Liberian government, the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Bater, attended Boakai's inauguration ceremony on Monday.

While meeting Boakai on Sunday, Bater said China attaches great importance to the development of China-Liberia relations, and stands ready to work together with the Liberian side to enhance mutual understanding and deepen cooperation in various sectors for new progress under the comprehensive cooperative partnership.

Boakai said Liberia attaches high importance to the Liberia-China friendship, will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, and is ready to bolster cooperation with China in key areas such as infrastructure and human resources to accelerate development of bilateral relations.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.