The West African nation of Liberia has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), making it the organization's 163rd member.
Liberia was supported during its WTO application process by the European Union (EU).
"The European Union is very pleased to welcome Liberia – our partner in the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific group – as a new member of the WTO," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said. "This is a clear and tangible demonstration of our joint commitment to integrate the world's least-developed countries into the global trading system."
Liberia is one of two Least Developed Countries (LDCs) whose membership will be ratified at the upcoming WTO 10th Ministerial Conference, the other being Afghanistan. LDCs have more leeway with regard to trading rights, customs valuations and intellectual-property rights.
More Stories
- Former PwC partner: Former U.S. federal agent detained in Nigeria 'has dedicated his life to fighting crime and upholding the rule of law'
- First National Economic Council Meeting held on March 13 in Gambia
- Nigeria President approves regional care center with CDC
- The Gambia President Barrow commissions new solar plant
- Sierra Leone President opens canning factory in Freetown
- Nigeria opens borders with Republic of Niger
- First-ever Africa Trade Week underway this week in Ethiopia
- Nigerian named new registrar of U.N. criminal tribunals agency
- Stakeholders at PIDA conference call for more youth job creation
- ENGIE, Orange expand effort to spread electricity in rural sub-Saharan areas