08 Aug 2017

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Biggie Butale is attending the 16th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum scheduled to take place from August 8-10 in Lome, Togo, under the theme: "The US and Africa: Partnering for prosperity through trade."

A press release from the trade ministry says the purpose of this year's forum is to discuss issues pertaining to the enhancement of trade relationships between Africa and the US as well as exploring ways of utilising the AGOA programme by eligible African countries.

It further says Botswana has recently completed the development of a national AGOA response strategy and that implementation has commenced.

The release further says the forum affords Botswana an opportunity to learn from other countries on how they had taken advantage of the US market.

The release further says the forum will also include a ministerial closed session which will discuss the future of AGOA in light of the new regime and its recent foreign policy.

It also emphasises that the assistant minister will present Botswana's position on the issues to be discussed at the meeting, and that in addition the assistant minister will co-chair the investment ministerial breakout session which will discuss opportunities and constraints for expanding investment to support sustainable development in Africa. ENDS