SHANGHAI, China, October 23, 2026 – Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with China and expanding international collaboration to address shipping security, environmental protection and emerging challenges confronting the global maritime industry.
Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., made the commitment while addressing the 6th North Bund Forum in Shanghai, China.
Speaking at the international gathering, Commissioner Lighe described China as a trusted maritime partner of Liberia, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in maritime transport, port security, environmental protection and capacity-building.
He said Liberia’s longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship with China provides opportunities for deeper cooperation in international shipping and maritime development.
“China remains a true and trusted partner of Liberia,” Lighe declared, stressing that cooperation between the two countries continues to advance their mutual interests and facilitate international trade.
The LiMA boss commended China’s Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal Government for organizing the forum and providing a platform for dialogue on emerging developments in global shipping and aviation.
He identified the Liberia-China Maritime Transport Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control cooperation as important instruments supporting bilateral maritime relations.
According to him, the agreements have provided a framework for cooperation in maritime administration, vessel inspections, capacity-building and the recognition of seafarers’ certificates and licenses.
Commissioner Lighe emphasized that bilateral partnerships must be complemented by stronger multilateral cooperation to address increasingly complex challenges facing the shipping industry.
He described the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the principal international institution responsible for coordinating collective responses to maritime safety, pollution prevention, security, seafarer training and decarbonization.
The Commissioner said Liberia and China continue to collaborate through the IMO and other international maritime platforms to promote effective regulation and strengthen global shipping standards.
He also expressed appreciation to China for its support during the December 2025 IMO Council elections, when Liberia and China were elected to Category A of the Council.
Lighe maintained that effective multilateral cooperation is necessary to ensure that international maritime regulations reflect the interests of both developed and developing countries.
He said greater inclusion in international maritime decision-making would strengthen the legitimacy of global shipping regulations and promote shared responsibility among member states.
Meanwhile, the LiMA Commissioner called for stronger international action to protect seafarers against piracy, violence, harassment and other threats to their safety and welfare.
Describing seafarers as the backbone of global trade, he urged governments, shipping companies and international maritime institutions to enforce existing conventions and adopt practical measures to improve working conditions aboard vessels.
“Protecting seafarers is not merely a maritime obligation; it is a global responsibility that demands our collective commitment and action,” Lighe stated.
He emphasized that safeguarding seafarers requires sustained cooperation among flag states, port states, coastal states, shipowners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.
According to him, protecting the rights, safety and welfare of maritime workers is essential to maintaining secure and efficient international shipping operations.
Commissioner Lighe reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to working with China and other maritime partners to strengthen shipping governance, promote environmental sustainability and improve the protection of seafarers. – Press Release
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