US secretary of commerce to visit Ghana

Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans will lead a senior-level business development trade mission to Accra, Ghana and Johannesburg, South Africa November 12-15, 2002. The delegation will include approximately 15 US-based senior executives of small, medium, and large US firms representing a variety of businesses. These key sectors reflect Africa?s infrastructure needs, the growth of a consumer society, and the increase in manufacturing created by the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The overall focus of the trip will be commercial opportunities for US companies, including joint ventures, presented by the continuing market liberalization and privatization underway in these countries. In both Ghana and South Africa, briefings and one-on-one business appointments will be arranged for members of the business delegation.

With the inauguration of the administration of President John Kufuor in December 2000, Ghana has become a West African leader in promoting economic reforms and establishing democratic institutions. President Kufuor has improved Ghana?s economic situation through pragmatic policies aimed at political and economic stability, low inflation, and smaller fiscal deficits.

Often referred to as the "Gateway to Africa", Ghana is moving towards becoming a hub for commercial activity in West Africa. The country should become a middle income country by 2020 with President Kufuor aiming to institute a "Golden Age of Business" in Ghana. With $200 million of US merchandise exports in 2001, Ghana is one of America?s largest markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the bilateral commercial relationship between the United States and Ghana is one of the most diverse in the region. Ghana is a beneficiary country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and its AGOA apparel eligibility provides a firm foundation for increased investment and stronger trade with the United States.

The leading sectors for exports to Ghana include telecommunications equipment, computers and peripherals, pharmaceuticals, electrical power systems, construction and earth moving equipment, mining industry equipment, food processing and packaging equipment, and hotel/restaurant equipment.

Goals

The mission will further both US commercial policy objectives and advance specific business interests. It is aimed at:

o Introducing American companies to Ghana and South Africa and promoting expanded commercial opportunities in these countries;

o Enhancing the dialogue between government and industry on issues affecting the development of US-African commercial relations;

o Removing impediments to market access encountered by US firms in Ghana and South Africa;

o Advocating for US firms;

o Emphasizing the benefits of international trade for improving the standard of living and quality of life; and

o Highlighting examples of the corporate citizenship and active involvement by US businesses in the communities where they operate in the United States and abroad.

The mission will provide participants with exposure to high-level business and government contacts and an understanding of market trends and the commercial environment. American Embassy officials will provide a detailed briefing on the economic, commercial and political climate, and participants will receive individual counseling on their specific interests from US Commercial Service industry specialists. Meetings will be arranged as appropriate with senior government officials and potential business partners. Representational events also will be organized to provide mission participants with opportunities to meet Ghana and South Africa?s business and government representatives, as well as US business people living and working in Africa.

The tentative trip itinerary will be as follows:

November 12 - Accra, Ghana

November 13 - Accra, Ghana

November 14 - Johannesburg, South Africa

November 15 - Johannesburg, South Africa

The Commerce Department's US and Foreign Commercial Service will provide logistical support for these activities at each stop. (US Dept. of Commerce)