Global Logistics Services Inc. and APM Terminals Liberia have announced a partnership to establish the first ever Liberian Export Processing Center, a project aimed at enhancing the country’s export infrastructure and strengthening trade connections with the European Union. The initiative was introduced during the EU-Liberia Business Forum in Brussels and represents a significant development in Liberia’s efforts to modernise its trade systems. Through the creation of the Liberian Export Processing Center, the partners intend to streamline export operations and provide Liberian companies with improved access to global markets.
The collaboration combines GLS Group’s local logistics expertise and infrastructure with the port management capabilities of APM Terminals. Together, the companies plan to address longstanding infrastructure gaps that have constrained Liberia’s export sector. The Liberian Export Processing Center is designed to improve the efficiency of the country’s export value chain while supporting businesses seeking to ship products internationally. By providing a centralized facility for export-related operations, the project aims to remove persistent bottlenecks that have historically limited the competitiveness of Liberian exporters in global trade.
Once operational, the Liberian Export Processing Center will function as a consolidated hub for export processing and logistics services. Among its main operational components will be an integrated consolidation hub where Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can combine smaller shipments into full container loads, helping reduce entry barriers for companies participating in international trade. The facility will also include on-site quality and compliance testing to ensure that “Made in Liberia” goods meet European Union phytosanitary and quality standards prior to shipment, reducing the likelihood of cargo rejection upon arrival. In addition, the project will introduce a standardized “OK TO LOAD” workflow. Supported by a digitized documentation system integrated with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the workflow is designed to shorten administrative processing times. Real-time cargo visibility, with continuous tracking and status updates, will further enhance transparency and reliability for European buyers and trading partners.
The new export facility is expected to play an important role in supporting Liberia’s economic diversification strategy. By offering services such as cargo consolidation, process verification and specialized cargo handling, the Liberian Export Processing Center is intended to reduce export costs and lower financial barriers for both SMEs and larger producers. Operational efficiencies are also expected to improve logistics performance by reducing truck turnaround times and increasing vessel frequency at the Freeport of Monrovia. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities in logistics, manufacturing and technical services.
As the European Union remains Liberia’s principal trading partner, the initiative complements the Everything But Arms initiative by supporting duty-free access for Liberian goods entering European markets. Over the longer term, the Liberian Export Processing Center is expected to help reposition Liberia’s economy toward value-added exports while supporting the objectives of the ARREST Agenda in Agriculture, Roads and Trade.
