Liberia becomes WTO member

LIBERIA has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the body’s first ministerial conference in Africa. Liberia’s membership came after formal approval by the WTO ministers in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

AFP quoted elated Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf saying, “Liberia intends to serve as an active member, to use trade as a tool for investment that will cause development and reduce poverty”

WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo welcomed Liberia in the organisation and promising to support the west African nation. “It is particularly appropriate that at this first ministerial conference in Africa, we are welcoming a new African Member,” said Azevedo said.

War-torn Afghanistan was also expected to join the WTO at a separate ceremony yesterday in Nairobi at the conference, which wraps up today.