STATEMENT BY HONORABLE JEREMIAH KPAN KOUNG, SR., VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AT THE SIXTH QINGDAO MULTINATIONALS SUMMIT, HELD IN THE CITY OF QINGDAO, SHANDONG PROVINCE, THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA, JUNE 18-20, 2025

STATEMENT BY HONORABLE JEREMIAH KPAN KOUNG, SR., VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AT THE SIXTH QINGDAO MULTINATIONALS SUMMIT, HELD IN THE CITY OF QINGDAO, SHANDONG PROVINCE, THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA, JUNE 18-20, 2025

EXCELLENCIES
OFFICIALS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT
BUSINESS LEADERS
DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia.

I am happy to be here today at the sixth Qingdao [Ching-dau] Multinational Summit, a gathering that reflects the spirit of openness, collaboration, and shared progress that defines our global era.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers and to the beautiful city of Qingdao [Ching-dau] for hosting us with such warmth and professionalism.

Today is the first time a high-level delegation from Liberia is represented at this summit, which signifies a new beginning for further collaboration between Liberia and China.

Although our two Nations have a strong existing economic bond, I have come to explore new opportunities for a mutually beneficial cooperation.

Shandong is a major economic and open province in China. Qingdao [Ching-dau] stands as one of China’s most dynamic coastal cities, renowned for its strategic coastal location, robust port infrastructure, manufacturing excellence, and growing sectors in green energy, finance and technology, offer immense opportunities for trade and cooperation.

As we begin to forge this new economic relationship, my message from the Government and People of Liberia is clear: we want to deepen trade relations, promote joint investment opportunities, and build lasting partnerships that deliver results - not only for today, but for generations to come.

I believe that this collaboration must not only be based on economic growth, but it must also focus on building bridges of trust, understanding, and shared prosperity.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am confident that this new economic engagement with Qingdao [Ching-dau] will pave the way for impactful initiatives and long-term success.

We meet at a time when the world faces complex challenges: economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the continuing evolution of technology and industry.
Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities to rethink how we do business, how we build partnerships, and how we create jobs for our people and improve their livelihood.

Multinational cooperation is no longer a choice -it’s an imperative.

Here in Qingdao [Ching-dau], I see a city and people committed to creating a world-class, globally integrated economy. I also see an opportunity for Liberia to contribute to and benefit from this collective vision.

Let this summit serve not only as a platform to reflect on our progress, but also as a springboard for deeper engagement.

Let us focus on building trust, ensuring fair and transparent business practices, accelerating green and digital transitions, and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

Let this be the beginning of a bold, forward-looking partnership between Liberia, China and the global community. One that reflects the highest ideas of international cooperation.

Thank you.