Trade, investment conference in the Netherlands to include officials from West African nations

The Hague, Netherlands will be the site of a Nov. 30 trade and investment conference hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Government officials from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone will be in attendance. The conference is a continuation of a Dutch trade delegation that took place July 6-9 dedicated to strengthening relations between the Netherlands and the three African nations.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said trade relations between Liberia and the Netherlands began years ago when the Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) became one of the very first airlines to run from Liberia after the country opened Roberts International Airport (RIA). She said continued cooperation would serve to improve the quality of Liberia's offerings in the areas of education, healthcare and agriculture, among others.

"Business that will foster inclusive economic growth,” Sirleaf said.

Also expected from West Africa are officials from Liberia's National Investment Commission (NIC) and the ministries of agriculture, health, finance, development planning and commerce as well as public works, the National Housing Authority, National Port Authority, Liberia Water and Sewer, Liberia Chambers of Commerce and the Liberia Business Association.

According to Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen, this forum will focus on how to make better investments for sustainable development.