AML CEO Meets President-elect Boakai – Mutually Beneficial Partnership Discussions on Agenda

MONROVIA: Corporate executives doing business in the country are now making their way for acquaintance with President-elect Joseph Boakai, Sr. to give his briefings on the state of the Liberian business climate and how they can work with the new administration to improve trade.

One of such business executives is the Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s CEO, Jozephus Coenen who this week paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected Liberian, Joseph N. Boakai at his Rehab residence in Paynesville, City.

The AML CEO used the occasion to extend congratulations, on behalf of his company, for Boakai’s election and the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Mr. Coenen emphasized the enduring partnership between ArcelorMittal and Liberia, pledging the company’s commitment to continue operating in the country and collaborate with the new government.

Mr. Coenen and President-Elect Boakai also discussed ArcelorMittal’s investment in Liberia and the economic opportunities arising from the Phase II Expansion project, where CEO Coenen provided insights into the project’s scope and outlined expected timelines for fully expanded operations.

They also spoke of challenges related to the amendment of the Third ArcelorMittal Liberia Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) which is still before the Legislature for passage.

The ArcelorMittal Liberia CEO re-echoed his company’s stance and openness to a multi-user rail arrangement of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway.

President-elect Boakai, in response, welcomed the AML delegation, acknowledging the company’s significant investment in Liberia.

Boakai disclosed he was aware of the issues around ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations and assured that his government would operate on facts.

He expressed appreciation for AML’s commitment amidst challenges.

The newly elected Liberian leader shared a 2017 letter from Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, highlighting Mittal’s commendation for his role in the 2017 elections.

The President-elect concluded by assuring the company that his administration would strive to prevent scenarios of ‘ghost cities’ resulting from the withdrawal of major investors from Liberia.

Both discussants expressed optimism for continued collaboration between ArcelorMittal Liberia and the incoming administration.

ArcelorMittal Liberia is part of the ArcelorMittal group, the world’s leading steel and mining company, and the leader in all major steel markets globally.

ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. was created in 2006 when the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to mine iron ore was signed between the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal.

AML CEO Coenen was accompanied to the meeting by the company’s Head of External Relations and Sustainability, Marcus Wleh, and Communication Manager, Winston Daryoue.

Key figures attending the meeting with Boakai included former Public Works Minister Samuel Koffi Woods, Unity Party’s Chairman Luther Tarpeh, Ms. MacDella Cooper, former Finance Minister and Senator-elect of Gbarpolu County, Hon. Amara Konneh, Political Advisor, Anthony Kesselly, and UP Spokesman, Mo Ali.

Comments are closed.