Global Logistics Services Inc. (GLS Group), a leading integrated logistics company, and APM Terminals Liberia announce a transformative partnership to develop Liberia’s first dedicated Export Processing Center (EPC). This strategic initiative, unveiled at the EU-Liberia Business Forum in Brussels, is set to redefine Liberia’s trade capabilities and strengthen its multilateral relationship with the European Union.
The partnership marks a transformative step toward closing Liberia’s infrastructure gaps and modernising its trade landscape. By leveraging GLS Group’s local expertise and logistics infrastructure, combined with APM Terminals’ world-class port operations, the facility will enhance the export value chain and deliver efficiency for Liberian businesses seeking to access international markets.
"This partnership is a testament to our commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in Liberia. By joining forces with a global leader like APM Terminals, we are providing Liberian exporters with the visibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness they need to compete on a global stage. " Peter Malcolm King, Chairman & CEO of GLS Group
Operational excellence & key features
The EPC will serve as a centralised hub to eliminate historical bottlenecks that have hindered Liberian exporters. Key operational features of the facility include:
- Integrated consolidation hub: A dedicated space for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to consolidate smaller shipments into full container loads, lowering the entry cost for international trade.
- On-site quality & compliance testing: To ensure "Made in Liberia" products meet stringent EU phytosanitary and quality standards before departure, reducing the risk of rejected cargo.
- Standardized "OK TO LOAD" workflow: A digitized, streamlined documentation process that integrates with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to cut administrative delays.
- Real-time cargo visibility: 24/7 tracking and status updates, providing European buyers with the transparency and reliability required for modern supply chains.
"At APM Terminals, we aim to enable resilient trade and support the communities we serve. This Export Processing Facility will modernize the Freeport of Monrovia’s capabilities, reinforcing Liberia’s position as a rising trade hub in West Africa and strengthening our vital commercial ties with Europe." Rachid Baho, Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia
Empowering the Liberian economy
The new Export Processing Facility is designed to catalyze economic development and diversification. It will offer comprehensive services, including cargo consolidation, process integrity checks, and specialised handling, which are expected to:
- Reduce export costs:Lowering the financial barriers for local SMEs and large-scale producers.
- Enhance efficiency:Drastically reducing truck turnaround times and improving vessel frequency at the Freeport of Monrovia.
- Create jobs: Generating high-value employment in the logistics, manufacturing, and technical sectors.Enhancing EU-Liberia multilateral trade
As the European Union remains Liberia’s a main trading partner, this partnership is a key link to the "Everything But Arms" (EBA) initiative, facilitating duty-free access for Liberian exports to European markets. This B2B collaboration supports the EU-Liberia Business Forum's main goal: building sustainable partnerships that promote long-term growth.
Over the long term, this facility is expected to shift Liberia’s economic profile from a raw-material exporter to a value-added trading partner. This transition is vital to achieving the goals of the ARREST Agenda, particularly in Agriculture, Roads, and Trade, by creating a sustainable, private-sector-led engine for growth.
Peter Malcolm King, Chairman & CEO of GLS Group, and Rachid Baho, Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia, at the signing in Brussels, Belgium
The signing ceremony was attended by the Liberian Ambassador to the Benelux-countries and the European Union, along with high-level representatives from the EU-delegation to Liberia, underscoring the agreement's multilateral significance.
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