SECTORAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LIBERIA

Mining:

Mining plays a significant role in the Liberian economy accounting for about 22% of gross domestic product and averaging 68% of foreign exchange earnings. The major minerals are Gold, Diamond, and Iron Ore. All of these are mainly exported in a raw or semi-finished form. The predominant position of Iron Ore mining in the economy has largely overshadowed the importance of the potential of other mineral resources, particularly in the fields of gold, Diamond and Manganese, amongst others.

Manufacturing:

The manufacturing Sector accounts for 6% of GDP. Liberia can not, even by African standards, be called an industrialized nation. The availability of agro, mineral and natural resources provide a viable base for growth and development in the sector. The Government of Liberia is highly committed to private sector development.

Agriculture:

Agriculture contributed about 20% of GDP in the late 1980's and about 50% of total export earnings. Rice is one of the principal cash crops as well as staple food. Other principal crops grown in Liberia include rubber, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, sugar cane, cassava and, to a lesser extent, a variety of fruits and vegetables. Live stock include cattle, pigs, goats and poultry. The country can boast of tremendous forest resources and therefore major potential for increasing agricultural production. There is a great potential for diversification efforts aimed at developing additional exports in the Agriculture and Agro-industrial sectors of the economy.

Rubber:

Rubber is cultivated both by large foreign companies and Liberian small holders with the foreign controlling about half of the total area under rubber cultivation. Rubber is the second most exported foreign exchange cash crop. Processing takes place to the extent needed for overseas transport. There is a scope for investing in secondary processing activities within the rubber subsector of Liberia, with Liberia's vast rubber resources, the following areas have been identified as feasible area far productive investment:

- all types of tires and tubes;

- inflatable rubber products;

- automotive and other molded rubber parts;

- medical and surgical rubber products; and

- rubber-made sporting goods.

Hydro-Carbon Potential:

The Liberian Government has recently completed a thorough assessment of the petroleum potential of the country.

Various areas have been further divided into blocks and are available for offering under the terms of a model contract.

Forestry:

Wood is Liberia’s number three export. Almost half of the country is covered with forest. The largest forest reserves are found in Northwest and Southeast regions of the country. The Government is supportive, at the highest level, of increased processing of logs locally to enhance employment opportunities and to generate more revenue for Government through increased value added.

Tourism:

The Lake Piso District, 73 miles from Monrovia, with its local point at the seaside city of Robertsport. Grand Cape Mount County, has been identified as a site that will provide sufficient returns for a variety of tourist operations.

Among the various opportunities presented by the area that can attract tourist are:

1. - Sport Fishing/Big Games Fishing in:

o Lake Piso,
o Ocean Atlantic,

2. - Water Sport:

o Swimming and water skiing in the lake;
o Swimming in the Ocean; Sun bathing;
o Boating on the lake

Caesar Beach

3. - Exploration/Adventure:

o The villages and hinterland;
o Forest areas adjacent to the lake;
o Exploring wild life on the mountain.