(Photo: Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, Li Jiang along with a group of Liberian Business people)

Trading may have temporarily stalled between Liberia and China but that did not stop Liberian business people from showing their solidarity and support to the People’s Republic of China as the country battles the deadly Convid-19.

The Liberian business people are mainly traders who often buy and import their goods from China. Under the banner China Town or China Shopping Center, the group presented the petition containing their solidarity and statement of support to the Chinese Embassy on Monday, February 24, 2020, in Congo Town, Monrovia.

It comes as the rest of the World joins in solidarity with the People’s Republic of China in tackling the deadly Coronavirus that has so far claimed the lives of over two thousand persons.

While presenting the statement, the President of the group, Saah Kpengba, said the move is in recognition of the strong and mutual relationship between Liberia and the People’s Republic of China.

Mr. Kpenga recalled that the private sector continues to benefit from the existing ties between the two countries as it has created an enabling environment for the smooth transaction of trade while at the same time benefiting from Chinese investments in Liberia.

Mr. Kpengba then admonished the people of China to be resilient as they deal with the Convid-19 threats trusting that the situation will be solved soon.

"We have always known the Chinese people to be resilient people and we believe that they shall overcome this virus just as Liberia did with our own Ebola crisis a few years ago" Kpengba added.

Receiving the statement, the Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, Li Jiang, thanked the business people for remembering China in its time of difficulty.

Mr. Li expressed optimism that China will defeat the virus soon, highlighting the resolve of the Chinese Government to protect its people and foreign residents against the COVID-19.

The Chinese Diplomat then reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continuing its engagements with Liberia despite the ongoing situation.

Diplomatic Observers believed the move by the Liberian people is very crucial as China is a leading player in the world economy and would need all the moral support at this critical period.

It can be recalled that the government of the People’s Republic of China was heavily involved in Liberia’s fight against Ebola during the outbreak in 2014.

China set up one of the biggest Ebola Treatment Units (ETU) near the SKD Sports Complex and sent Medical professionals from both the civilian and military circles.

Liberian businesses have enjoyed doing business with China as it presents the best and most affordable alternative for mutually rewarding transactions.

Guangzhou, Guandong Province, in particular, has been a blessing to a lot of Liberian business people, many of whom have developed strategic partnerships with their Chinese Counterparts.

It is no secret that the current outbreak is having its toll on businesses both in China, the rest of the World and particularly in Liberia.

In Liberia, China accounts for nearly half of the consumables imported in the country particularly the clothes and garment market.

(Francis Pelenah Jr, is a practicing Liberian Journalist with over 18 years of experience across both the print and electronic media. Contact: nahba2006@yahoo.ie)