Ethiopia: Preparations for AGOA Forum 2013 'completed'
The Ethiopian Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Embassy and the African Union Trade and Industry Commission have announced (Monday, July 29) that preparations are now finalized to host the 2013 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum which will be held in two weeks time.
According to the organizers registration of participants has now been concluded. The Ministry of Trade's Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Amakele Yimam, said "The Forum will be a good opportunity for Ethiopia to promote its products, reflect its positive image as well as attract investors and enhance conference tourism."
Amakele said that the Forum, aimed at promoting a high-level dialogue on trade and investment-related issues between the US and Africa, is expected to bring together over 600 government and private sector leaders and other stakeholders from Africa and the United States.
This year's Forum will be held under the theme: "Sustainable Transformation through Trade and Technology." Sub-Saharan African Countries are expected to push for the extension of the period to export goods free of tariff and quotas to the United States through the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The Forum will be discussing some sixteen main agendas relating to trade and investment.
Meanwhile the US Embassy in Addis Ababa has said it will be organizing a one day business-to-business 'matchmaking' program to take place on August 9 to coincide with the AGOA Forum. The aim is to provide opportunities for participants to meet with potential U.S businesses looking for Ethiopian partners in the areas of wholesale, distribution and sales. The event will be open to all companies but is expected to focus on the agriculture sector.