Monrovia, Liberia - The Governments of Liberia and the Chinese EXIM Bank have signed a landmark loan agreement to refurbish the runway and the Terminal of the Robert International Airport (RIA) project in the amount of US $50 million dollars.
The loan agreement constitutes the relationship between Liberia and China over the years.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Foreign Affair Ministry on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, Finance and Development Planning Minister, Boima S. Kamara jagged that the Government is making everything possible to deliver a tangible change for the Liberian people.
Minister Kamara noted that the rehabilitation of the Robert International Airport is a great symbol for Liberia’s growth trajectory which every Liberian and International partners seek to ensure the recovery of the country’s economy following the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
“We are committed to continuing this partnership and would like for both countries to collaborate more closely in delivering the financing committed by EXIM Bank,” Minister Kamara avowed.
Emphasizing, “The reconditioning of the airport will increase the country’s traffic back to over 19 percent which case was prior to the Ebola outbreak. It will also increase the capacity to serve more flight and passengers as well as increase traffic flow and revenue up to US$ 400,000.00 annually,” he declared.
Minister Kamara maintained that the government is transmitting investment into airport and seaport, for export; roads and energy for better hospital and flourishing farm.
The refurbishment of the runway and terminal will improve more services at the RIA, raise additional revenue, and attract foreign investment alone with private partners. It will also attracts more airline and bring completion.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador Hon. Zhang said his country is encouraged by the approval of the China-Liberia framework agreement by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the loan agreement between the Liberian Government and the EXIM Bank.
He indicated the refurbishing of the RIA terminal and the runway is vital to the country’s growth and development.
“The airport will experience an increase in traffic flow and revenue generation when completed and will cover an area of 5000 square meters and accommodate about 220,000 people daily,” he declared.
The refurbishment of the runway and terminal will improve more services at the RIA, raise additional revenue, and attract foreign investment with private partners. It will also attracts more airline and enhance competition.
