Zambia has taken over the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) Forum for the next one year following an African Ministerial Consultative Group meeting held in Washington DC. This is according to a statement released to Lusakatimes by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in the United States of America Ben Kangwa.
The Forum is an annual event mandated by the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in May 2000 to expand trade and investment with the sub- Saharan Africa.
It allows eligible countries’ officials to review the implementation of AGOA, as well as exploring new ways for the future in order to enhance and strengthen trade integration and make smooth commerce activities between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.
The out –going Chairperson of Kenya, the Minister of Trade Hon. Amos Muhinga Kimunya passed over the Chairmanship to Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Felix Mutati, pledging unflinching support and cooperation for a successful tenure.[pullquote]Africa is no longer the same as before – It is a continent that is rich in natural resources and has a highly cost effective labour base. Let us kill this negative myth for it to develop[/pullquote]
Speaking at the Ministerial opening ceremony on behalf of the Ministerial Consultative Group, Hon. Mutati reiterated the importance of AGOA in promoting trade and economic development in Sub Saharan Africa.
He stated that Africa is a continent with significant potential for the US market and offers greater financial returns more so that it was seeing its strongest economic growth since the late 1970s.
“Africa is no longer the same as before – It is a continent that is rich in natural resources and has a highly cost effective labour base. Let us kill this negative myth for it to develop,” he said amid a loud applause.
Minister Mutati also said that Africa had shown greatest improvement and taken the biggest steps in reducing corruption in 38 countries, introduced business reforms as well as stabilized exchange rates over the past decade.
He emphasized the need that AGOA should be viewed as a partnership- between the US and Sub Saharan Africa in order to promote trade and development.
Later the Minister took part in a plenary session along his equivalent – US Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk in a discussion entitled “New Strategies for Expanding US Sub Saharan African Trade.”
The session explored new strategies to reduce trade barriers, creation of new trade opportunities and the strengthening of US-African trade within the context of the changing global trading environment.
Hon. Mutati and his delegation which included Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela held two bilateral meetings, first with Ambassador Kirk and officials from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) and later with Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela said this year’s AGOA Forum offers a great platform for the Zambian delegation to engage with American decision makers and their private sector in developing productive business networks based on mutual understanding.
“It will be a great opportune time to enhance personal business contacts between Zambia and the USA in order to try and jump start trade and investment between the two countries,” she added.
This is great news. Congratulations Mr. Mutati. You deserve it.
congrates mutati!!!!!!!!! but do not be corrupt like RUPIAH. Unfortunately you are in the corrupt governemt you too could be corrupt.
Well done Zambia. AGOA has been under utilized by Zambia. The US remains a major foreign market for our exports, yet we have not taken advantage of this opportunity over the past 10 years. I have confidence in Hon. Mutati. He is the only good thing MMD has going, and they would do well to make hime VP in they take 2011.
Well done Zambia. AGOA has been under utilized by Zambia. The US remains a major foreign market for our exports, yet we have not taken advantage of this opportunity over the past 10 years. I have confidence in Hon. Mutati. He is the only good thing MMD has going, and they would do well to make him VP in they take 2011.
Great news indeed!!
Congrats Mr Mutati,now take advantage of the chairmanship to market Zambia in USA.
#2, The good, When you say Rupiah is corrupt, I have no doubt you are parroting Fred Mmembe and his Post Newspaper who have never said ONE good thing about Rupiah since the day MMD selected RB as Presidential candidate over their favoured Magande. I would ecourage you to think for yourself and evaluate true evidence. By the way bear in mind that Hon Mark Mushili (PF) has just been convicted for attempting to swindle the government. He is still serving.
This is indeed great news that every well meaning Zambian should be happy with. To Hon F. Mutati I salute you and your team at the Minitry of Commerce Trade and Industry, though your party does not achknowledge your efforts please continue to do it for Mother Zambia. God bless Zambia.
Congrats for what! Even when Obama won the elections, we said Africa will be better? Is it better? Even if Zambia is given US$1B will it be better? NO! We shall only improve our lot- ourselves!
#8, Zambino, why are you trying to separate Mutati from his Party. It was his Party MMD which sent him to America. What is your problem? Just congratulate Mutati. Kwasila.
I think your problem is that you are failing to acknowledge the achievements of MMD, therefore you want to attribute them to Mutati as personal achievements. Mutati was an envoy of his government and he was elected Chairman in that capacity..
#9 MB, Your post is made out of bitterness and I tell you you will never make any progress out of bitterness. Accept the good things that happen to your country. Rome was never built in a day especially if YOU were to become President. Perhaps you would stop being bitter if you were President. Kano nga Ebo.
Well put #9.We’ve not been deserving of AGOA.It is sad to not have exploited more than half of eligible products.We’ve not been serious on business,continous improvement and lack focus.Reading the comments above is discouraging.They focus on the politics of it rather than the business of it.MMD easily gets more comments/attention for hot air.AGOA on the other hand…well.Africans at times deserve
the shrug they get.
Please! Leave more information and more links about next themes:
1. rachel mcadams dating 2009
2. philanderers com dating
3. boyfriend loser
4. with your boyfriend
5. starting out together a devotional for dating or engaged couple
delete plz
Hello all! Who can tell me about poker bonus site?
I need find best casino and poker bonus code for play.
Sorry fuc**g offtopic!!!
Thx.
Free best dating
???????? ????????? ?? ????????? 10 ????????? ???
????? ???? ????????? , ??? ????????? ???!
Decidedly substantial resource. Add to bookmarks
After using the birkin bag of this company you will not get the chance to complain sooner or later on.
Ideally the shoes should be comfortable but there are three out of four experience foot pain in some point of life, most problems comes when you don wear the comfortable shoes that can lead to severe foot pain.http://www.lvlouisvuittonoutletonlines.net Periodically the fashion house itself holds online sales of previous seasons handbags, and this a great opportunity to buy designer handbags at the fraction of its original price.Today Balenciaga is owned by the Gucci Group, and the head designer is Nicolas Ghesquire.
When I discovered the absence of certain cards in my bedroom, I just knew which they received been swiped.
Unknown message