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See the videos of the conference
The Government of the Republic of Liberia through its Embassy in Washington, DC., joins efforts in partnership with
the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID), Global Interdependence Center and other participating sponsors to host a Business Forum for
Liberia on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The Forum is integrated with the historical
annual three-day Odunde Festival that will bring together approximately 250,000 individuals comprising business
executives and entrepreneurs to Philadelphia.
The Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs has worked vigorously with African and
Caribbean governments to create jobs and expand economic growth in these economies. The Commission has fostered
this wide range approach to promote commerce and trade, culture and tourism in these emerging markets. The 2009
Odunde Festival will feature a one-day investment road show, promoting business opportunities in Liberia. This event
will provide a unique opportunity for businesses operating in the greater Philadelphia area to explore foreign investment
opportunities. This broad partnership between Liberia and the City of Philadelphia will bring pecuniary benefits to the
two parties.
This forum will address strategic initiatives instituted by the Liberian government to develop a vibrant private sector
whereby small and mid-sized businesses would operate as the driving force to create jobs and expand economic activities.
The administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has aggressively worked to create an open investment climate that
has attracted Liberians living in the Diaspora to return home and invest in the local economy.
In this connection, interested parties are cordially invited to participate in this historic and exciting Business Forum, which
will explore the excellent investment opportunities that exist in Liberia for potential investors wishing to invest in the
country’s emerging markets. The Government of Liberia is rebuilding the country’s ravaged infrastructures, improving
education and healthcare, developing capacities and expanding the economy through the establishments of small and mid-size businesses and industries. In spite of the global economic recession, the business climate in the country is conducive
and the fundamentals of our economy remain promising and dynamic. In this connection, the Liberian Government is
encouraging foreign capital investments in the private sector that is very vital for the creation of jobs in all spheres of the
country’s economy.
Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia will deliver the keynote address at this
auspicious occasion via video link. Speakers at the program will include senior Liberian Government Officials such as:
• H. E. M. Nathaniel Barnes, Liberian Ambassador to the United States of America
• Hon. Richard Tolbert, Chairman of the National Investment Commission
• Hon. Boakai Sirleaf, Acting Minister of Agriculture
• Hon. Francis Norkeh, Acting Minister of Commerce
Also participating are senior City Officials including:
• Hon. Michael Nutter, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia (TBC)
• Hon Jannie Blackwell, Councilwoman of the 3rd District
• Hon. Andrew Altman, Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development of the Pennsylvania Department of
Commerce (TBC)
• Hon. Stanley Straughter, Chairman of the Mayor’s Commission of African and Caribbean Affairs.
Additional speakers will include:
• Bruce Cameron of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
• Dr. Rockfeler Herisse and Jeffrey Jackson of the U.S. Agency for International Development
• Kevin Boyd of the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Dr. William C. Dunkelberg of Global Interdependence Center
• Ambassador John Simon of the Center for Global Development
• Steve Cashin of Pan African Capital Group
• Gayah Fahnbulleh of Transworld International Consortium
Panel Discussions will include the following topics:
• Agriculture & Forestry, Housing & Transportation, Maritime, and Mining & Natural Resources
• Liberia’s Infrastructure and U.S. export and trade opportunities
• Investment Outlook: Small & Midsized Business
• Opportunities: Finance, Banking & Insurance
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