Monrovia, Liberia – A Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation and coordination in creating simplified Special Economic Zone (SEZ), labor, and employment regulations and guidelines has been formally signed by the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority (LSEZA) and the Ministry of Labor.
The Executive Chairman of (LSEZA), Hon. Prince A. Wreh, stated during the signing ceremony held at the Labour Ministry noted that the MOU’s signing is in accordance with section 16 of the Act that established his organization, which stipulates that all responsible government institutions operating within the Economic Zone’s framework must have a one-stop-shop environment.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Labor is an essential component of the one-stop-shop system and that the LSEZA will start full operations in areas involving the ministry as soon as the two organizations sign an MOU. Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. was then reassured by the LSEZA Executive Chairman that the Ministry’s participation at the One Stop-shop will improve LSEZA’s operations.
Labour Minister Kruah responded by outlining the One Stop-shop’s significance in reactivating the Liberia Special Economic Zone and stressing how it will help foreign investors by providing them with easy access to relevant government agencies for the processing of their paperwork.
The minister also gave LSEZA his word that he will cooperate with them to make sure that Ministry of Labor staff members are stationed at the One-Stop-Shop for timely coordination.
According to the Labour Ministry, the main goals of the MOU are to create and implement labor protections within LSEZA, create and execute a unique labor legal and regulatory framework that is in line with international labor standards and the National Labor Law, and guarantee adherence to internal standards and national immigration laws.
Along with promoting the rights, welfare, and safety of workers in Special Economic Zones nationwide, the MOU will also make it easier for LSEZA and MOL to work together to create and execute labor-related rules.
It will also support the creation of the SEZ Labour Center to supervise labor relations, employment policies, and dispute resolution procedures. Additionally, it will work to guarantee that all SEZ enterprises adhere to occupational health and safety regulations by requiring workers who process, manufacture, or package food, health, or pharmaceutical products to have valid occupational health cards issued by the SEZs Labour Center.
