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| African exports to US soar under AGOA
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Kampala, Uganda (PANA) -
Pundits in Washington have noted a 180-
percent growth in exports from Africa to the US, saying it was an
indication that the continent was taking full advantage of the
Africa Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) enacted in 2000.
The details on trade trends between Africa and America since the
inception of AGOA in 1994 were highlighted at the opening in
Kampala Monday, of a two-day trade capacity building seminar.
According to statistics from the US Department of Commerce,
exports from AGOA-eligible African countries rose from 3.9
billion US dollars in 2000 to 10.9 billion dollars in 2001,
showing a growth of 180 percent.
Under AGOA, eligible countries are allowed tariff and quota-free
exports to the US market. The exports covered by the scheme
include textiles and apparels, leather and footwear, and
agricultural products.
US Assistant Trade Representative in charge of Africa, Rosa
Whitaker, stressed at the seminar that to make the best of the
scheme, "we have identified the urgent need to train African
exporters on how to exploit the Act by increasing productivity
and meeting US market standards."
"As of now we encourage African exporters to engage in joint
ventures with American importers," she later told journalists at
a press conference.
"Joint Ventures will help create capital for the development of
the redundant export potential. It will enhance manufacturing,
create jobs and stimulate purchasing power in Africa," Whitaker
reasoned.
The seminar under the theme 'Maximising the Benefits of AGOA,'
was addressed by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni who averred
that "Africa's problem has always been trade not aid that most
often came with strings attached."
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| Kampala - 18/03/2002 |
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