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Ministers ask US for AGOA extension
By Alfred Wasike And Sylvia Jjuuko
AFRICAN finance ministers are appealing to the US government to expedite the process of extending the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to 2015.
The ministers made the resolution on Saturday night at the end of a two-day continental conference organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Finance Minister Gerald Sendaula told journalists, “We have requested the ECA executive secretary (K.Y. Amoako) to write a letter on behalf of African ministers which urges the US Government, Congress and other friends of Africa to support and expedite the process of extending AGOA because our people need it.”
AGOA, which was enacted in 2002, allows less developed countries duty-free export into the US’ $11 trillion market of apparels made with fabrics from another country.
The ministers are concerned that if the “third country provision” is allowed to lapse by September 30, African country textile sectors will collapse resulting in loss of investment and jobs.
“We also agreed to negotiate as a bloc for access to lucrative markets,” Sendaula said.
On the recent refusal of donors to endorse Uganda’s 2004/5 budget proposal, he said, “We have been in dialogue with the donors. We are making progress.”
Ends
Published on: Sunday, 23rd May, 2004
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