American Chamber to lobby for AGOA extension
The American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia is planning to partner with the Zambian business community to lobby for extension of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) which expires in 2015.
Chamber executive director John Payne said AGOA was important for the strengthening of business engagements for both Zambia and the United States (US) hence, the need to extend it.
Mr Payne said the organisation would use the meeting with the incoming US ambassador to Zambia as an opportunity to push for the extension of AGOA.
Further development of commerce between the US and the business community in Zambia, would result in more business opportunities for both countries.
“There is need for more trade between Zambia and the US, looking at the opportunities that are in the two countries in terms of national resources and market for the products which has not been fully exploited,” he said.
Mr Payne said in an interview that since the chamber registered its presence in Zambia, it has been able to attract 73 members from both the US and Zambia and that, it hoped to recruit more before the end of the year.
He also appealed to the business community in the country to take advantage of the chamber to explore more business opportunities.
“As a chamber we aim to serve US citizens, US controlled companies and organisations doing business in Zambia as well as, businesses which are already or seeking to become involved in trade with the US by establishing networks,” he said.
The American Chamber of Commerce is a member-based business association founded in 2011 and seeks to promote, develop, and facilitate commerce, trade, and investment between the US and Zambia.
Its focus areas include business linkages, policy advocacy, professional development, and corporate social responsibility.