Members of the business community, led by the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, have unanimously voted to boycott the National Port Authority (NPA) effective March 5, 2019. The Business Community was well represented through their various businesses, organizations, and associations including the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), Fula Business Association, World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), Liberia Wholesalers Association, National Customs Brokers Association (NCBA), Association of Indian Community in Liberia (AICL), Pharmaceutical Importers & Wholesalers Associations of Liberia, and Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (the two PATELs). After a lengthy discussion by members of the business community, a motion was put on the floor and voted on:“If the NPA cannot address the concerns surrounding the implementation of the GTMS/CTN fees by Friday, March 1, 2019, as promised by the NPA Board special committee represented by Minister Wilson Tarpeh, the Business Community will boycott the NPA by the following actions, effective Tuesday, March 5, 2019: no clearing of goods at all Ports; no obtaining Import Permit Declaration (IPDs);and no payment of government customs duties,” the business community said in a statement. The boycott is based on concerns previously raised by the Business Community that have not yet been addressed by the NPA since November 2018 to date. The Ministry of Justice and/or the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, as required by law, did not sign the GTMS contract.

Source: Daily Observer March 01, 2019 02:26 UTC