Liberia Eyes 1 billion Deals At Expo Dubai
Liberia is poised to celebrate its national day at Expo 2020 Dubai today with a flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. The country’s strategy is to bring home 10 signature investment deals worth 1 billion dollars.
According to the Commissioner-General of the Liberian Pavilion, Morris A. Sackor, Liberia is utilizing the Expo 2020 platform to showcase the vast opportunities it has to offer in agriculture, mining, eco-tourism, and infrastructure, among other sectors. The event will be characterized by cultural performances as well as economic and business forums.
Expo 2020 Dubai is a six-month event that runs from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, bringing together 1.2M expected visitors and over 190 participating countries.
The event provides opportunities for countries to showcase their unique potential through displays of their cultural heritage, innovation, and business opportunities. It’s being held under the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future." At the Expo, the government envisages coming out with numerous investment opportunities to make Liberia better and attract the needed investment to support the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
It is also about connecting and integrating Expo 2020 with other national events, such as the upcoming Bicentennial. The country held its national day under the theme “Weaving Tomorrow’s Fabric”, which showcases the available and untapped potential of the country's economic sectors and its promising future.
The theme also focuses on highlighting the inspiring experience of African football legend, President George Weah, who is considered by FIFA as “the precursor of the multi-functional strikers of today."
President Weah was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. In 1995, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first and to date only African player to win these awards. A year later, in 1996, he was named African Player of the Century.
In a decorated and prolific 18 year career, President Weah played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs like Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille in France, AC Milan in Italy, and Chelsea and Manchester City in the English Premier League. He also played for Al Jazira Club in the UAE.
An inspiring story
Liberia's national day pavilion is adorned with inspiring photographs of President Weah, from his time as a player until he became the President of the Republic of Liberia in 2017. Next to one of them is a message titled, “A Model for Creating the Future."
“After 20 years spent in the sports arenas and football fields, Weah moved to the political arena to raise Liberia's name once again on international forums, but in a new way, contributing to a new future for his people and country," the release from the investment commission said.
Maurice Shakoor, Commissioner-General of the Liberian Pavilion, one of Weah’s childhood friends, said in a statement to Arabic newspaper Al Bayan: “Expo 2020 Dubai is sending a humanitarian message to the world and providing inspiring experiences for communities and individuals to help shape the future and provide equal opportunities for all, and we at the Liberian Pavilion are following that trend and presenting an inspiring experience for humanity from our midst - it is the story of George Weah, a wonderful idol to follow in making a better future. Young people from around the world can gain from his inspiring story and experience, and learn how to put his talent to use for creating a better future, and for changing the world."
Maurice explained that President Weah is a role model and ideal for Africa's youth, as such it was important to highlight his inspiring experience at Expo 2020 Dubai to make young people invest their abilities and talent to change their life for the better.
“Weah was a magical talent and, through football, he raised Liberia’s flag high at football stadiums across the world," President Weah added. "Today, he continues with his efforts to build a bright future for his country and people.”