Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves expressed his excitement at the opening of the AGOA Private Sector Forum in Johannesburg, emphasizing the importance of the event and its role in fostering economic partnerships.
Graves extended his gratitude to key figures, including Florie Liser and the Corporate Council on Africa team, British Robinson and the Prosper Africa Secretariat, Ambassador Brigety and the U.S. Mission in South Africa, and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Tai for her leadership on AGOA and other crucial U.S.-Africa trade priorities.
Minister Patel and his team at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition were also commended for their excellent hosting of the week’s events.
The event coincided with the recent publication of a New York Times series, “The World is Becoming More African,” which Graves found to be especially timely.
The series highlighted the growing influence of a new generation of Africans in the global economy, culture, and politics. Their dynamism, innovation, and commitment to shaping a better world offer opportunities for all, both Americans and Africans, to achieve greater economic prosperity.
Graves stressed the shared goal of seeking economic opportunity and prosperity for both American and African people. This forum serves as a platform to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in achieving these objectives, further cementing the significance of AGOA in the U.S.-Africa trade relationship.
