Biney Courts French Investment for Harper Port

By Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County

MARYLAND COUNTY, Liberia, August 27, 2026 — Maryland County Senator James P. Biney has held high-level discussions with Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yonley, focusing on strengthening Liberia-France relations, attracting French investment and developing Liberia’s port infrastructure.

Senator Biney, Chairman of the Liberian Senate Committee on Executive, was received at the Liberian Embassy in Paris on Wednesday, August 26, where the two officials discussed diplomatic, economic and investment issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Yonley briefed Senator Biney on the embassy’s efforts to strengthen Liberia’s diplomatic presence across the eight European countries covered by the Paris mission, while improving engagement with Liberians living in Europe.

He also highlighted efforts to attract French businesses and investors to Liberia, saying significant opportunities remain for increased French investment in the country.

According to Ambassador Yonley, France has more than 1,000 investments in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, compared with fewer than 15 in Liberia, despite what he described as historical and economic similarities between the two West African countries.

He identified Liberia’s seaport sector as one area with significant potential for French investment, particularly in port infrastructure and related economic activities.

Responding, Senator Biney commended Ambassador Yonley and his staff for their efforts to promote Liberia’s diplomatic and economic interests in Europe.

The Maryland County senator used the meeting to highlight the economic potential of the Port of Harper, citing its strategic location and proximity to Côte d’Ivoire.

Biney said the expansion and modernization of the Harper Port, coupled with the completion of the bridge being constructed over the Cavalla River, could significantly boost cross-border trade and movement between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

He said a fully developed Harper Port could potentially serve as an alternative regional gateway to the Port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, while creating employment, expanding trade and generating additional revenue.

Senator Biney also thanked Ambassador Yonley and his team for facilitating opportunities for Liberian port directors and mayors of port cities to visit France later this year.

He said such exchanges could expose Liberian officials to international best practices in port management, urban development and maritime commerce, while creating opportunities for partnerships between Liberian and French institutions.

Biney also asked Ambassador Yonley to convey his appreciation to the leadership of the Liberian community in Europe for inviting him and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to participate in Liberia’s July 26 Independence Day celebration in France next year.

He said, if possible, he would attend the celebration with a delegation comprising traditional chiefs, youth and women representatives.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the historic building that has housed the Liberian Embassy in Paris since 1957.

During the tour, Biney inspected the condition of the diplomatic facility, which Ambassador Yonley said requires significant attention.

Ambassador Yonley subsequently requested that Senator Biney meet with members of the Liberian community and its leadership in Paris before departing for Maryland County through Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, August 28.