MONROVIA — Liberia is set to strengthen its export capacity following the announcement of a landmark partnership between Global Logistics Services Inc. (GLS Group) and APM Terminals Liberia to establish the country’s first Export Processing Center (EPC).
The initiative, unveiled at the Liberia–EU Business Forum in Brussels, is expected to modernize Liberia’s trade infrastructure and significantly improve the ability of local businesses to access international markets.
According to the announcement, the new facility will serve as a centralized hub designed to streamline export operations and eliminate long-standing bottlenecks that have historically slowed the movement of Liberian goods to global markets.
Officials say the project combines GLS Group’s local logistics expertise with the global port management capabilities of APM Terminals, the concessionaire of the Freeport of Monrovia.
Transforming Liberia’s Export Value Chain
The Export Processing Center is expected to introduce several modern trade-support features aimed at improving efficiency for Liberian exporters.
Among its key functions will be an integrated cargo consolidation hub, allowing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to combine smaller shipments into full container loads—dramatically lowering the cost of exporting goods abroad.
The facility will also provide on-site quality and compliance testing, ensuring that products labeled “Made in Liberia” meet strict European Union phytosanitary and quality standards before they leave the country.
Another major feature is the introduction of a digital “OK-to-Load” clearance workflow, which will bring together customs authorities and regulatory agencies—including the Liberia Revenue Authority, LACRA, the Liberia Food Authority, and the Food and Drug Authority—onto a single digital platform to accelerate export approvals.
In addition, the center will provide real-time cargo tracking, enabling international buyers to monitor shipments and improving transparency across supply chains.
Boosting Jobs and Economic Growth
Developers say the Export Processing Center will play a major role in stimulating economic growth and diversifying Liberia’s export base.
The project is expected to reduce export costs, improve logistics efficiency at the Freeport of Monrovia, and create new employment opportunities across the logistics, manufacturing, and technical sectors.
Peter Malcolm King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GLS Group, described the partnership as a major step toward improving Liberia’s trade competitiveness.
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in Liberia,” King said. “By joining forces with a global leader like APM Terminals, we are providing Liberian exporters with the visibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness they need to compete on a global stage.”
Rachid Baho, Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia, said the project represents a turning point for Liberia’s trade ecosystem.
“This is a defining moment for Liberia’s trade ecosystem,” Baho said. “The Export Processing Center removes structural bottlenecks and positions the Freeport of Monrovia as a stronger, more reliable gateway for Liberian exports.”
Strengthening EU–Liberia Trade
The initiative also aligns with broader economic cooperation between Liberia and the European Union, which remains one of Liberia’s largest trading partners.
Officials say the project will help Liberian exporters take greater advantage of the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, which allows duty-free access for many products from developing countries.
Over time, developers believe the Export Processing Center could help Liberia transition from primarily exporting raw materials to becoming a value-added trading partner, supporting the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The signing ceremony in Brussels was attended by several senior Liberian and European officials, including EU Ambassador to Liberia Nona Deprez, National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, and Commerce Minister Magdalene Dagoseh.
Officials say the partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening Liberia’s logistics infrastructure and expanding the country’s participation in global trade.
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