The government has concluded a deal with the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) relating to the rehabilitation and redevelopment of a rubber plantation in Maryland county in south-eastern Liberia. CRC is owned by SIFCA, a privately owned agro-industrial company that is based in Côte d'Ivoire and active across the region in palm and other oils, as well as rubber, cotton and sugar. The agreement is valued at US$78m, with an initial investment of US$35m, some of which will be used to purchase rubber from local smallholders, and some of which will go towards rehabilitating the existing plantation. The construction of a rubber-processing facility will follow as part of the 50-year concession. Operations are expected to start this year following ratification of the agreement by the legislature. The company has committed to give priority to employing qualified Liberians and procuring from local suppliers, and has given assurances that it will improve local healthcare provision and protect the environment.