APM Terminals Liberia and Global Logistics Services Inc. (GLS Group) announced a landmark partnership in Brussels to build Liberia’s first dedicated Export Processing Center, a centralized hub designed to expand Liberian access to European markets and streamline the country’s export chain.
Unveiled at the EU Liberia Business Forum in Brussels, the initiative pairs GLS Group’s local logistics expertise with APM Terminals’ port operations to tackle longstanding infrastructure and procedural bottlenecks at the Freeport of Monrovia.
The partners say the facility will modernize trade flows, improve compliance with EU standards and lower the cost of exporting for Liberian producers.
“By joining forces with a global leader like APM Terminals, we are providing Liberian exporters with the visibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness they need to compete on a global stage,” said Peter Malcolm King, Chairman & CEO of GLS Group.
Rachid Baho, Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia, added that the project will “enable resilient trade and support the communities we serve.”
Key operational features of the EPC include: an integrated consolidation hub to enable MSMEs to combine smaller shipments into full container loads and reduce entry costs to international trade; On-site quality and compliance testing** to ensure “Made in Liberia” goods meet EU phytosanitary and quality requirements before shipment; A standardized, digitized “OK TO LOAD” workflow integrated with the Liberia Revenue Authority to cut administrative delays and real-time cargo visibility** 24/7 tracking and improved transparency for European buyers.
Officials project the center will reduce export costs, shorten truck turnaround times, improve vessel frequency at the Freeport of Monrovia and create new jobs across logistics, manufacturing and technical sectors.
Over time, the partners expect the EPC to help shift Liberia from primarily exporting raw materials toward higher value-added trade.
The project also reinforces Liberia’s commercial ties with the European Union and aligns with the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, which grants duty-free access for eligible Liberian exports.
Organizers said the facility supports the objectives of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda by bolstering agriculture, roads and trade through private sector led growth.
The signing ceremony in Brussels was attended by the Liberian Ambassador to the Benelux countries and the European Union, along with senior representatives from the EU delegation to Liberia, underlining the multilateral significance of the agreement. Construction timelines and financing details were not disclosed.
