U.S. Supports Trade and Investment in East Africa

Posted on :Monday , 26th October 2015

U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Patricia M. Haslach

joined President Mulatu Teshome at the Origin Africa presents: Africa Sourcing and Fashion

Week trade expo to promote East African countries as sourcing and investment destinations for

international buyers of apparel, textile, leather, and home decor. The United States Agency for

International Development (USAID)-supported trade expo is a prime opportunity to raise the

profile of East African designers and manufactures, and draw investment to the region.

President Obama launched the Trade Africa initiative in 2013 to boost trade and investment with

and within East Africa. The initiative boosts trade and investment in East Africa through the

USAID-funded East Africa Trade and Investment Hub. Since its launch in November 2014, the

East Africa Trade and Investment Hub has facilitated 170 linkages between buyers and East

African firms, yielding $80 million in exports to the U.S. under the African Growth and

Opportunity Act (AGOA). More than $16 million of these exports were from Ethiopia. Through

AGOA, the U.S. Government promotes African trade competitiveness, job growth, and poverty

reduction. Under AGOA, nearly 6,400 qualifying items can be exported to the U.S. without

import duties.

“The recent 10-year AGOA extension provides greater certainty for African producers and U.S.

buyers about access to the U.S. market and creates a stable environment that encourages

increased investment in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ambassador Haslach. “As you can see from

the number of exhibitors and buyers here today, Africa is open for business.”

The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub partners with the private sector and local

governments to find practical solutions for trade and investment constraints. It also builds

awareness around opportunities for African and U.S. firms to increase trade, expand business

partnerships, and invest in East Africa.

To learn more about trade capacity building and market linkage opportunities under AGOA,

contact the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub

Expogroup

Expogroup is a full service exhibition organiser with over 28 years experience in International trade exhibitions. Our current portfolio includes 28 annual exhibitions from a diverse range of industries being held across the Middle East & Africa.

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