VP Koung In China for Yellow Machines

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The Government of Liberia has taken a crucial step toward transforming the nation’s road infrastructure as Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. leads a high-level delegation to China to inspect heavy-duty construction equipment as part of Liberia’s "Yellow Machines" initiative. The trip marks the beginning of a rigorous evaluation process for companies that have submitted unsolicited bids to supply machinery to the Government of Liberia. The first stop of the delegation on Monday was the SANY Group’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Changsha City, one of China's largest hubs for engineering and construction equipment. The visit was aimed at conducting physical and technological verification of the equipment, as well as assessing the plant’s production standards, equipment quality, and overall capacity to meet Liberia’s road-building needs.

SANY Group’s Vice President, Mr. Li Qin, welcomed the Liberian delegation and provided a detailed tour of the facility. Mr. Qin boasted of the company’s track record, highlighting SANY’s contributions to road and infrastructure development projects in Asia, Africa, and beyond. He expressed keen interest in partnering with Liberia’s development efforts if selected, emphasizing the durability and advanced technology embedded in SANY’s machinery. Vice President Koung, in remarks during the tour, reiterated the commitment of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration to acquiring affordable and high-quality roadwork equipment that will drive significant improvements in the country’s road network. “The President's vision is clear—improve infrastructure, connect our people, and stimulate development,” the Vice President stated. “We are here to inspect and compare, not to make decisions. Transparency and value for money will guide this process.”

The delegation also includes Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings, Deputy Director of the General Services Agency (GSA) Robert Ernest DW Wilson, and Assistant Finance Minister for Budget Sarah Mulbah. Each representative brings a sectoral perspective to the verification process, ensuring a comprehensive review of the technical, financial, and logistical aspects of the procurement. The Government has reportedly capped its spending capacity for the acquisition of equipment at US$22 million, underscoring its intention to maximize value and remain within budget. Despite high interest from the competing companies, officials emphasized that no supplier has yet been selected. “This mission is strictly for inspection and assessment. The procurement process is restricted and remains ongoing,” said Public Works Minister Giddings. “We are evaluating which supplier can deliver the best equipment that fits Liberia’s needs without compromising quality or cost.” The Liberian delegation is expected to visit two additional companies before concluding its tour. The comprehensive evaluation will guide the Ministry of Public Works in making a final recommendation, which will determine which company is awarded the contract to supply the much-anticipated “Yellow Machines” for nationwide roadwork and development.