The Government and people of the Republic of Japan have again donated a huge consignment of rice to the government of Liberia. The 10,015 metric tons of rice was symbolically turned over to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Commerce recently at the Freeport of Monrovia. The donation is the third of its kind from Japan to China in recent times.

Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Freeport of Monrovia, Commerce Minister, Miata Beysolow said the coming of the Japanese rice was made possible through the efforts of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who during a visit to Japan in 2008, appealed to friendly governments to assist Liberia in the area of food production.

Madam Beysolow disclosed that following the President's appeal, the government of Japan approved the donation of 8612 metric tons of rice to Liberia but because of the disaster that occurred in that Asian country, the rice was reserved by the Japanese Government.

According to the minister, following the unfortunate situation Japan purchased the rice from the United States and Thailand which was shipped to Liberia. She said the rice will be sold and proceeds used for areas of prioritization by the Liberian Government.

For his part, the Chief of Mission of Japan, Mr. Harmano pledged his government's continuous assistance to Liberia and assured the public that Japan will continue to support every effort being made by Liberia in its reconstruction process following years of unrest.

He said the consignment of rice brought into the country will be sold at an affordable price by the Liberian Government for the proceeds to be used to fund other projects being undertaken the by government.