SAYS WEAH GOV’T FAILED TO LISTEN TO RICE IMPORTERS
Monrovia, Liberia – The country’s rice problem is complex, but it may be resolved, according to Minister Amin Modad of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Speaking on Friday, May 24, 2024, on the second day of the Cabinet retreat in Congo Town, the Minister stated that the government has implemented policies and plans to handle the rice problem.
He claimed that the previous administration misled the populace into believing that the price of rice had stabilized for the previous six years.
Minister Modad disclosed that rice importers had submitted multiple letters to the previous administration requesting an increase in rice prices to $20. She further stated that although the previous government had not consented to this, the price had been raised from $14 to $17, respectively.
In keeping with the government’s recent measures, we have granted IPDs to three additional importers. All are Liberians, as was not the case previously,” the Minister explained.
Additionally, he said that everyone who complies with the regulations set down by the government through the Ministry of Commerce, particularly Liberians, will be allowed access to the rice market.
The Minister assured the audience that rice is not in short supply as had been suggested, adding that it will be available in the nation within the next two weeks.
Minister Modad also mentioned that another shipment of rice, enough to feed the nation for six months, will arrive in the country in the upcoming weeks. During the Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Commerce advised the President and his colleagues that in order to find lasting solutions, the rice problem had to be examined severely and comprehensively.
The Minister declared that a plan would be created to consider price strategy in addition to funding local production. However, he demanded that a buffer be established for rice, including the creation of a value-added center aims to tackle the problem of rice.
He announced to reveal that importers had promised to donate $200,000 to support the creation of a value center for the nation.
