Renowned Indian businessman and humanitarian, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, commonly known as Jeety, is calling on members of the Indian and Lebanese business communities in Liberia to transition from traditional trading into industrial investment—what he described as “Liberia’s long-overdue industrial awakening.”
Jeety made the passionate appeal during the official reopening ceremony of the Exclusive Super Store, owned by T. Choithram & Sons (Liberia) Inc., on 19th Street in Sinkor, Monrovia.
“We need to think generationally. What legacy are we leaving behind? It must be more than shops and showrooms. Let it be factories, processing plants, and products made in Liberia by Liberians,” Jeety said.
He said that while retail and trade have played an important role in Liberia’s economy, the time has come for a bold shift toward small- and medium-scale manufacturing that creates jobs, strengthens local supply chains, and adds value to the country’s abundant natural resources.
“The industry can create more jobs—not just trading,” Jeety emphasized. “We must begin transforming into small-scale industries. If we want the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow, we need to move into the industrial sector. Industry plus agriculture is what develops a country.”
Jeety, who is the founder of Jeety Rubber LLC, a rubber processing plant located in Weala, Margibi County, serves as a living example of how industrialization can be pursued by investors in Liberia. His company processes raw rubber locally, generating employment for dozens of Liberians and contributing to domestic value addition.
“We cannot continue to rely solely on import and resale models. That era must begin to phase out,” he said. “The responsibility now lies with those of us who have benefitted from Liberia’s economy to help drive this industrial awakening. Let’s build factories, create value, and employ more Liberians in productive industries.”
“This country is full of opportunity,” Jeety concluded. “What we need is courage—the courage to build, the courage to invest in local talent, and the courage to believe that Liberia can become an industrial force in West Africa. Let us lead that journey—together.”
The event was graced by Magdalene E. Dagoseh, Minister of Commerce and Industry, who praised both the reopening of the super store and Jeety’s call for private-sector-led industrialization. She described the reopening as more than a business relaunch—it was a vote of confidence in Liberia’s economy.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the management and staff of the TCS Group,” Minister Dagoseh said. “Your dedication to excellence and your resilience in reinvesting in Liberia during these trying times are commendable.”
Minister Dagoseh reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors, both local and foreign, to thrive in manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
“The reopening of the Exclusive Super Store symbolizes more than access to consumer goods,” she said. “It represents Liberia’s ongoing recovery, a deepened public-private partnership, and a path to inclusive economic transformation. We want to see more businesses take up the challenge Jeety has laid down—to move from commerce to industry.”
She noted that the Boakai-led administration is actively working on reforms to support industrial ventures, including access to finance, simplified business registration, and tax incentives for manufacturing.
Mr. Chirag M. Ramani, Manager of T. Choithram & Sons (Liberia) Inc., welcomed dignitaries and attendees and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Liberia’s long-term growth.
“We are proud to continue serving the Liberian people with improved retail services through the Exclusive Super Store,” Ramani said. “This reopening is a symbol of our confidence in the Liberian market and our ongoing desire to be part of the country’s economic success story.”
The newly renovated store offers a modern shopping experience, with expanded product lines, improved infrastructure, and a focus on customer satisfaction. The reopening also provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for dozens of Liberians.