The power of rice

Long ago in the forties, fifties and sixties, our beloved country was selfsufficient in growing rice. All rice sold in Monrovia was grown in the interior. Trucks carrying other imported goods would leave Monrovia and head out into the hinterland and sell these goods. The currency was rice. Without criticising the Open Door Policy in the early fifties, it incouraged foreign nationals to come and do business in Liberia. This is about the time when the Lebanese started establishing their businesses. Gradually, and especially towards the end of the seventies, we were importing most of our rice. Enough said about his.

Today, we cry foul when the price of rice fluctuates with the world market price. Why? Because there are only two importers of rice who supply the whole country. Past governments have tried to control the price of the commodity by basically dictating price roofs to those importing. This would have been fine if anyone was free to start a rice importing business, but that is not the case. Instead the commerce ministry also dictates who is allowed to import rice by granting/withholding licenses to import. What kind of psuedo communism is this? Why should I as a businessman import rice at market price, ship it all the way to West Africa and then sell it for less than I have bought it. Sure, if the government subsidised me, I would very well consider.

We need to open up the market and let anyone who is willing and able import the stuff. He who sells it at the lowest price will surely be able to unload his stock without difficulty. Stop the bullshit now and free up the right to import and then collect whatever tariffs you see fit.