Monrovia-The governments of Liberia and China have signed a historic agreement designed to develop friendly relations between the two governments and to strengthen their co-operation in the field of maritime transport.
By Dioda Wreh-www.diodawreh@gmail.com
Speaking at the Ministry of Information Weekly briefing, the Deputy Minister for Technical Service disclosed that the agreement will foster cooperation between China and Liberia on a range of issues, including the promotion of maritime and port development.
“In that agreement you will see Liberian flagged Vessels will be able to enter any Chinese port with less regulations and the Chinese Government will do the same. so these are just some of the achievements”
Boakia Fofana also revealed that vessels flying Liberian flags will be charged the privileged rate for tonnage dues when visiting any port in China.
The special rate savings is equated to a 28% discount for each vessel’s tonnage dues.
Fofana added that Chinese authorities will take all appropriate measures to avoid unnecessary delay to Liberian-flagged vessels, and will simplify the relevant custom procedures and other port formalities relating to such vessels.
Minister Fofana said the Agreement sets forth the easing of trade with Chinese registered vessels in Liberian ports, particularly the directive that Chinese vessels be charged tonnage dues when visiting any Liberian port at precisely the same rate as tonnage dues charged to vessels that are lawfully registered and flagged with Liberia.
