In a significant move aimed at bolstering national infrastructure, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is currently in China leading a high-level Liberian government delegation to inspect and verify heavy-duty road construction equipment, commonly referred to as “yellow machines.” The visit marks a critical step in the government’s plan to procure approximately 285 units of construction machinery to improve road connectivity across Liberia.
The Vice President and his delegation arrived in the industrial city of Changsha, Hunan Province, where they began a weeklong tour of leading construction equipment manufacturers. The delegation includes key government officials such as Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission Burger Scott Johnson, Deputy Director General of the General Services Agency Robert Wilson, and Assistant Finance Minister for Budget Madam Sarah Mulbah.
Over the coming days, the Liberian team will assess machines from major manufacturers including Sinotruck, Seny, Caterpillar, and Shantui. They are also scheduled to inspect the Shandong Heavy-Duty Industrial Group and visit its Future Technology Exhibition Hall to gain insights into cutting-edge construction solutions.
Vice President Koung will also travel to Laiwu to tour the Sinotruk manufacturing base before proceeding to Qingdao for a meeting with municipal leaders. These engagements are designed to ensure that Liberia’s procurement decisions are guided by technical quality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term value.
On Monday, the delegation visited Seny Industrial Park where discussions centered on securing a fair and affordable procurement deal within the government’s $22 million budget ceiling. VP Koung expressed appreciation for the invitation and emphasized the importance of securing high-quality machines at the best value for Liberia.
He reiterated that the ultimate goal of this procurement is to facilitate the development of farm-to-market roads, which will play a crucial role in stimulating agricultural productivity and economic growth.
The trip will conclude in Guangzhou on June 19, where final assessments and technical verifications of the machinery will be completed before a deal is finalized.
