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The
United States Trade Representative, Mr. Robert Zoellick, arrives in Maseru
on December 11 for a three-day official visit to the country, according to a
statement from the US Embassy.
In Lesotho to discuss bilateral trade and development initiatives as well as
the success of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Mr. Zoellick
will meet with the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and later the
Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mpho Malie.
He will also see local
legislators, farmers and business people to hear their perspectives on how
open markets and expanded trade can help to raise living standards and
overcome poverty.
The US envoy will visit the Thetsane textile industries, facilities that
benefit from duty-free access to the US market under AGOA, and explore the
areas that may be the focus of funding from the US Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC).
According to the statement, the US Trade Representative plans to learn more
about the economic success of AGOA in Lesotho and discuss the opportunities
available to further connect free trade and open commerce to economic
growth, regional integration and political reforms through MCC development
aid.
This will be Mr. Zoellick's fifth visit to Sub-Saharan Africa as US Trade
Representative. He will be accompanied by the Assistant US Trade
Representative for Africa, Ms.Florie Liser; Assistant US Trade
Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison, Mr. Chris
Padilla; Assistant US Trade Representative for Trade Capacity Building, Ms.
Mary Ryckman and; World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director responsible for
Agricultural Negotiations, Mr. Jason Hafemeister.
The US delegation is expected to hold a press conference to be held at
Thetsane Industrial area at the end of their visit.
08 December 2004 |