VZCZCXRO1361
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHMV #0032/01 0141302
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141302Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9632
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RUEATRA/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUCPCIM/CIMS NTDB WASHDC
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 MONROVIA 000032 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS USTR 
DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/IFD/OIA AND AF/W 
 
E.O. 12598: N/A 
TAGS: EINV EFIN ETRD ELAB KTBD OPIC USTR PGOV LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA:  2008 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT 
 
¶1.  SUMMARY: There is growing investor interest in Liberia, 
particularly in agriculture, construction, the extractive industries 
and tourism.  UN sanctions on timber exports were lifted in 2006 and 
on diamonds in early 2007 as Liberia became compliant with the 
Kimberly Process.  The removal of sanctions opens the way to renewed 
investment activity in those sectors.  Liberia debuted on the 
International Finance Corporation (IFC) "Doing Business" ranking and 
the Transparency International corruption index in 2007, and the 
government is determined to improve Liberia's initial ratings by 
focusing on short-term "quick wins" and longer-term legislative 
changes, particularly of the Investment Code and the Revenue Code. 
Liberia also joined the Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency 
(MIGA) in 2007.  The National Investment Commission announced US$97 
million in new investment in 2007, and total business registrations 
in 2006 increased 63% from the previous year, with indications of 
even greater growth in 2007. 
 
¶2.  Liberia is a recent post-conflict nation and is still recovering 
from the ravages of 14 years of civil war.  Much of Liberia's 
infrastructure -- including roads, electrical grid, and 
communication systems -- remains in ruins but progress, supported by 
the substantial infusion of international development assistance, 
continues.  Facilities for foreign visitors are adequate in the 
capital, Monrovia, but virtually non-existent in the rest of the 
country.  There is tremendous demand for jobs, with employment in 
the formal economy estimated at about 15% of the available labor 
force.  Most labor is unskilled, and the illiteracy rate is 
estimated to be between 60% and 85%.  While there are no landline 
phones, cell phone service is widely available and coverage is being 
extended into rural areas.  Although Internet access is available, 
it remains relatively expensive, especially for high-speed 
connections.  It is likely that major foreign investments will be 
expected to include support for schools, medical, and other social 
services as part of any concession agreement. 
 
¶3.  There are two challenges the Liberian government must address as 
it works to ensure equitable economic growth and reduce poverty.  A 
nationality-neutral investment policy will encourage the energy, 
ideas, and capital that create jobs and provide lower prices and 
higher value for consumers.  Expanded investment in promising 
sectors such as agriculture, forestry, mining, or tourism, and the 
ability to provide affordable housing for more Liberians, depends on 
rapid clarification of the tangled land tenure regimes.  END 
SUMMARY 
 
------------------------------- 
Openness to Foreign Investment 
------------------------------- 
 
¶4.  The impact of years of violence and bad governance undermined 
rule of law and created unchecked opportunities for corruption. The 
government has benefited from the Governance and Economic Management 
Assistance Program (GEMAP), which seeks to institute accountability, 
responsibility, and transparency in the fiscal management of the 
government and key state-owned enterprises.  GEMAP has had a 
positive effect in many areas that influence foreign investment 
decisions such as mining and forestry policies, and transparency in 
the procurement process. 
 
¶5.  Liberia debuted in 2007 at number 170 out of 178 countries on 
the IFC's "Doing Business" ranking, spurring resolve to do better in 
¶2008.  The Liberia Better Business Forum, a public-private 
initiative established in late 2007, is guiding proposals to improve 
the business climate.  The administration of President Sirleaf 
created a cabinet-level working group to complete "quick wins," 
(administrative actions it can take) and to identify longer-term 
reforms that will require legislative action.  Steps have already 
been taken to simplify the business registration process and there 
are proposals for "one-stop-shops" to facilitate transactions such 
as customs clearance and tax payments.  However, the government 
continues to wrestle with finding the balance between an open, 
nationality-neutral investment climate and "empowering" domestic 
businesses. 
 
¶6.  Seeking to empower Liberian businesses, the government in 1975 
promulgated a "Liberianization Policy," an Act to amend the General 
Business Law.  The Act set aside 12 business activities exclusively 
for Liberians.  An amendment in 1998 increased the number of sectors 
reserved for Liberians to 26.  These businesses include: 
 
-- Block making with cement, clay or like materials 
-- Supply of sand, stone and granite 
-- Operation of gas stations 
-- Peddling 
-- Ice cream manufacturing 
-- Commercial printing 
-- Travel agencies 
 
MONROVIA 00000032  002 OF 006 
 
 
-- Advertising agencies 
-- Graphics and commercial arts 
-- Distribution in Liberia of locally manufactured products (this 
provision shall not prevent manufacturers or producers from 
transporting or otherwise distributing their products to Liberian 
citizens or qualified persons for resale) 
-- Cinemas 
-- Production of poultry products 
-- Importation or sale of second-hand or used clothing 
-- Retail sale of rice 
-- Ice making or sale of ice 
-- Operation of water purification or bottling plant valued at less 
than US$100,000 or the sale/distribution of water purified in 
Liberia 
-- Importation and sale of used cars 
-- Tire repair 
-- Auto repair shops with investments of less than US$50,000 
-- Entertainment centers not connected with established hotels 
-- Retail sale of animal and poultry food 
-- Taxi and trucking 
-- Shoe repair 
-- Retail sale of timber and planks 
-- Bakeries 
-- Retail sale of pharmaceuticals 
 
¶7.  The Act is still in effect but has not been effective in 
increasing Liberian participation in commercial industries, nor has 
enforcement been consistent.  The Liberianization Act mandates that 
qualified Liberians be employed at all levels, including upper 
management of foreign-owned companies.  Some businesses owned by 
non-Liberians operate in contravention of the law.  Using the 
Liberianization law, the Ministry of Labor has sometimes held up 
work permits for expatriates and intervened in negotiations between 
investors/management and their Liberian employees.  The Liberian 
Business Association, an umbrella organization established in 1975, 
advocates strict implementation of the Liberianization policy.  Some 
other business groups are more open to the benefits of a 
nationality-neutral investment policy. 
 
-------------------------------- 
Conversion and Transfer Policies 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶8.  Both Liberian and U.S. dollars are legal tender.  Most business 
and government transactions (such as taxes) are conducted in U.S. 
dollars; most street transactions are in Liberian ("Liberty") 
dollars.  The Investment Code allows the transfer of funds 
associated with investments, including profits.  There are no 
restrictions on converting or transferring investment funds. ATMs 
are unavailable and traveler's checks and credit/debit cards are 
rarely accepted. 
 
¶9.  The Central Bank of Liberia regulates foreign exchange 
transfers.  Sums in excess of US$10,000 must be reported at the port 
of entry and no more than US$7,500 in foreign currency banknotes can 
be moved out of the country at one time.  Larger sums must be 
transferred via bank draft or other financial instruments; persons 
without a Liberian bank account are limited to two outgoing US$5,000 
over-the-counter cash wire transfers per month.  (Regulation 
Concerning Transfer of Foreign Currency, CBL/SD/16/2001, 
http://www.cbl.org.lr/doc/others/otherreg2001 / 
transferforeigncurrencynew.pdf ) 
 
------------------------------ 
Expropriation and Compensation 
------------------------------ 
 
¶10.  The Embassy is aware of one claim by a U.S. firm of 
expropriation (looting) by LURD rebels who attacked Monrovia in 
2003, before the current government was elected.  The claimant has 
not been in touch with the Embassy since 2004. 
 
------------------ 
Dispute Settlement 
------------------ 
 
¶11.  Liberia's legal system is similar to the criminal and civil law 
in the United States, but laws are not implemented consistently or 
predictably.  Investors cannot rely on the court system as a fair 
arbiter of disputes.  Judges and other judicial officers are poorly 
paid, courthouses are in disrepair, and administrative support is 
weak.  Judgments can be purchased, and foreign firms tend to be at a 
disadvantage.  Due to the backlog of cases, it could be years before 
a hearing takes place.  The Sirleaf government is committed to 
judicial reform, and there are plans underway to expand Alternative 
Dispute Resolution mechanisms, but change will take time. 
 
 
MONROVIA 00000032  003 OF 006 
 
 
----------------------------------- 
Performance Requirements/Incentives 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶12.  The Investment Incentive Code of the Republic of Liberia (the 
Code), adopted in 1966 and revised in 1973, prohibits 
nationalization of private enterprises and aims to attract foreign 
investment.  The National Investment Commission of Liberia (NIC) 
implements the Code.  The Government is revising the Code, which has 
been submitted for legislative deliberation in 2008.  More details 
are available on the NIC website: 
 
http://www.libnic.net/incentive_code.pdf 
 
¶13.  Under the current Code, approved projects must ensure the 
employment of Liberians at all levels and expand employment and 
training activities as the enterprise grows.  In addition, investors 
must permit Liberians to purchase shares or otherwise participate in 
the ownership of the enterprise, include a local value-added content 
of not less than 25% of the value of gross output and utilize 
Liberian origin raw materials and other supplies.  An approved 
investment should use imports only when local products are not 
available in sufficient quantity and/or its quality or price is not 
comparable to the intended import, as determined by the Government. 
Investment incentives include exemption from customs duty and tax 
exemption on profits re-invested in fixed assets, with exemption of 
the remaining profits from 50% of the income tax that would be 
otherwise payable.  There is also provision for loss carry-over and 
accelerated depreciation of fixed assets. 
 
-------------------------------------------- 
Right to Private Ownership and Establishment 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶14.  Land ownership is restricted to Liberian citizens.  Chapter 
III, Article 22 of Liberia's Constitution states "Every person shall 
have the right to own property alone as well as in association with 
others, provided that only Liberian citizens shall have the right to 
own real property within the Republic.  Private property rights, 
however, shall not extend to any mineral resources on or beneath any 
land or to any lands under the seas and waterways of the Republic. 
All mineral resources in and under the seas and other waterways 
shall belong to the Republic.  Non-citizen missionary, educational 
and other benevolent institutions shall have the right to own 
property, as long as that property is used for the purposes for 
which acquired; property no longer so used shall escheat to the 
Republic."  The 2006 Forestry Reform Law states that natural forests 
are owned by the Republic, with two exceptions (Chapter II, Section 
2.1).  Rights to land ownership and to use of resources such as 
minerals and timber are likely to evolve in coming years. 
 
¶15.  Foreigners may establish businesses in areas not reserved for 
Liberians.  Many foreign businesses have entered into long-term 
leases, but disputes over land ownership and squatters' rights 
remain contentious, particularly for large concessions.  The murder 
in 2007 of the foreign manager of one of the largest rubber 
plantations highlighted tensions over land use. 
 
----------------------------- 
Protection of Property Rights 
----------------------------- 
 
¶16.  The archive of many official records, including property deeds 
and secured property interests, was looted during the war and 
disputes over real estate ownership are difficult to adjudicate. 
Conflicts between customary and statutory land tenure systems have 
not been reconciled.  The lack of adequate facilities and salaries 
for judicial officers also degrades enforcement of property rights. 
Judges sometimes decide cases in favor of the highest bidders.  The 
Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, which is in charge of survey 
and validation of land claims, is planning to implement a mining and 
land cadastre to account for land throughout the country. 
 
¶17.  Liberia is a member of the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO) and a contracting party to international 
conventions and treaties on the protection of intellectual and 
industrial property rights, including the Berne, Paris, Madrid, 
Lisbon, Vienna and Washington conventions.  The Act adopting the New 
Copyright Law of Liberia, approved in July 1997, provides the legal 
and administrative framework for protection of intellectual and 
industrial property rights.  The Copyright Office (CRO) and 
Industrial Property Office (IPO) manage these issues, but lack the 
capacity to function effectively. 
 
¶18.  Holders of intellectual property rights have access to judicial 
redress but enforcement is minimal.  Infringement of intellectual 
and industrial property rights is prevalent.  Movies and music are 
 
MONROVIA 00000032  004 OF 006 
 
 
duplicated.  Counterfeit drugs, apparel, cosmetics, and computer 
software and hardware are sold openly.  Broadcasters do not tend to 
pay royalties for use of protected material. 
 
------------------------------------ 
Transparency of the Regulatory System 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶19.  The Liberian government is committed to improving Liberia's 
ranking in the next "Doing Business" index by making regulations 
transparent, accountable, and effective.  One focus is completion of 
a "one-stop shop" to facilitate imports and investment.  The 
government's implementation of GEMAP and agreement with policy 
prescriptions advanced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are 
showing results.  New regulations are improving the transparency of 
the government's Public Procurement and Concession Commission 
(PPCC).  Harmonization of the regulatory environment across 
ministries and agencies with conflicting rules and regulations is 
ongoing. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶20.  The Liberian banking system provides basic banking services but 
there is no effective capital market and portfolio investment. 
Financial institutions are undercapitalized and unable to meet the 
credit demands of the business community. Total assets of the five 
commercial banks were approximately US$158 million in 2006.  Banks 
have reduced the proportion of non-performing loans since 2003, but 
loan quality is still very poor. 
 
¶21.  The weak judicial system means financial institutions find it 
difficult to recover bad loans through the courts.  In addition, 
there is no effective credit rating system, and many firms lack the 
business records necessary for credit approval.  The obstacles to 
domestic travel and communication increase the risk in accepting 
collateral outside Monrovia and the lack of reliable land title 
hampers access to credit. 
 
¶22.  The United States has programs to support investment in small 
and medium Liberian companies, some of which provide services, such 
as lodging, communications, and construction, that improve the 
overall investment climate.  In 2007, the Overseas Private 
Investment Corporation committed US$20 million to the Liberia 
Enterprise Development Finance Corporation (LEDFC) to support small 
and medium Liberian enterprises.  LEDFC, which works closely with 
the commercial banks, is the first non-bank financial institution 
licensed by the Central Bank of Liberia.  This program should 
strengthen the financial sector and improve access to capital by 
growing Liberian firms.  The African Development Foundation had 
invested US$1.5 million in Liberian small- and medium-sized 
enterprises as of the end of 2007 and has about US$750,000 more in 
the pipeline for the first half of 2008.  These projects provide 
jobs, technology transfer, and management training. 
 
------------------ 
Political Violence 
------------------ 
 
¶23.  There has been no significant political violence since the 
signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2003 and the 
deployment of 15,000 UN peacekeepers that remain dispersed 
throughout Liberia.  The former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) was 
completely demobilized and with USG assistance a modern, 
professional force is projected to reach full operational status by 
¶2010.  The Liberian National Police is also being restructured. 
Increasing freedom and transparency has lead to vigorous pursuit of 
perceived rights, which results in active, often acrimonious, but 
non-violent political debate. 
 
---------- 
Corruption 
---------- 
 
¶24.  The government is tackling corruption but it remains systemic. 
In 2007, Transparency International rated Liberia 2.1 on the 
Corruption Perception Index, tying it for 150th of 179 countries. 
 
¶25.  Since taking office, the Sirleaf administration has boosted 
civil service salaries 150% and started paying salary arrears 
incurred by past governments.  There have been improvements in the 
transparency of government procurement, and the 75% increase in 
government revenue in Liberian FY2006-07 reflects progress in 
corralling revenue leaks.  However, the starting government salary 
is still only US$55 per month and despite efforts at reform there 
are still delays in paying government employees.  The Sirleaf 
 
MONROVIA 00000032  005 OF 006 
 
 
administration is wrestling with how to maintain civil service 
parity while removing incentives to corruption in positions of 
traditionally high rent-seeking potential.   Although problems with 
corruption have improved, travelers may encounter officials who 
solicit bribes. 
 
-------------------------------------------- 
OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶26.  OPIC provides coverage for investors in Liberia.  GSP 
eligibility was restored in February 2006. 
 
----- 
Labor 
----- 
 
¶27.  Labor legislation was revised in 2007, repealing a decree that 
prohibited workers from striking and repealing section 1508 (3), 
which permitted employees to be dismissed without cause.  The 
Liberian labor force is predominantly illiterate and unskilled, and 
most Liberians lack basic computer skills.   The literacy rate is 
believed to be about 15% for those below age thirty-five.  Many 
skilled professionals have emigrated.  The employment rate in the 
formal sector is approximately 15%. 
 
¶28.  Employees enjoy freedom of association, they have the right to 
establish, and become members of organizations of their own choosing 
without previous authorization or coercion.  In this regard, no 
employer shall discriminate against an employee because of 
membership in a labor organization.  While labor laws and policies 
themselves do not distort or impede investment, labor disputes are 
subject to arbitrariness with Liberian employees favored in legal 
disputes with foreign investors, regardless of the merits of the 
case.  Disputes between management and labor organizations at large, 
established rubber plantations in 2007 resulted in strike actions, 
several of them violent. 
 
¶29.  According to Liberian law, labor organizations and associations 
have the right to draw up their constitutions and rules, to elect 
their representatives in full freedom, to organize their 
administration and activities, and to formulate their programs.  The 
labor law specifies that no industrial labor union or organization 
shall exercise any privilege or function for agricultural workers 
and no agricultural labor union or organization shall exercise any 
privilege or function for industrial workers. 
 
------------------------------ 
Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports 
------------------------------ 
 
¶30.  In 1976, the government of Liberia created the Liberia 
Industrial Free Zone Authority (LIFZA) to promote industrial and 
corporate growth, but no FTZs are active now.  Almost no 
manufacturing is done in Liberia. 
 
------------------------------------ 
Foreign Direct Investment Statistics 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶31.  The National Investment Commission reported US$97 million in 
new investment in 2007 and has set a target of US$100 million a year 
for future years.  Business registration data confirm the sharp 
increase in investment activity.  According to statistics from the 
Bureau of Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, total 
businesses registrations in 2006 (foreign and domestic) increased 
63% over the previous year.  There were 564 foreign business 
registrations in 2006.  Partial-year figures for January-September 
2007 show 860 foreign firms registered in Liberia.  (Note: 
businesses must register annually.  End note.)  Although more 
detailed statistics are still not readily available, more data are 
being produced every year. 
 
¶32.  Recent investment has focused on construction, the extractive 
industries, and agriculture, particularly rubber and oil palm. 
Foreign firms have invested in the GSM cellular phone market, and 
have also expressed interest in the privatization of the Liberia 
Telecommunications Corporation.  There is extensive replanting of 
rubber trees and general rehabilitation and expansion of tree crop 
plantations.  Under the Kimberly Process, Liberia has resumed export 
of diamonds.  The lifting of UN timber sanctions in 2006 and signing 
of the forestry chain-of-custody agreement in December 2007 opened 
the way to export of timber products in 2008.  There is increasing 
interest in mining and oil exploration.  In late 2007, Mittal Steel, 
the world's largest steel company, announced it was increasing its 
investment in Liberia by 50%, to US$1.5 billion. 
 
 
MONROVIA 00000032  006 OF 006 
 
 
¶33.  Firms interested in investment opportunities in Liberia should 
contact the National Investment Commission (e-mail: 
WEBMASTER@NIC.gov.lr) 
 
Booth