AGOA in Action

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Professional Development Program

The AGOA Professional Development Program (APD) is made up of a series of six study tours in the U.S. and 16 workshops in Africa that will enhance participants' understanding of how to effectively use the AGOA legislation to develop viable two-way trade relationships. The program also introduces African business leaders to U.S. markets, business practices and trade associations. The U.S. State Department has selected 58 African business and public sector leaders from 35 African countries to participate in the program. The participants will be divided into six groups for U.S.-based study tours focusing on apparel and agriculture. The program also includes a series of AGOA-focused workshops in 16 African nations. These workshops will allow the returned business leaders and U.S. technical experts to explain the benefits of AGOA to other African business and government leaders.

TEXTILES About Our Participants (All participants selected by U.S. State Department):

BOTSWANA: Ms. Marie Kereng Merchandising Director, White Dove (PTY) LTD · Owner of a medium-scale export-oriented business employing 450 workers · Produces blouses, shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans; has begun work with "The Gap Inc."

CAPE VERDE: Mr. Adriano Cruz Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Barlavento · 267 member Chamber has 14 members who currently export · Exports fish and apparel to the U.S. and Europe Madagascar Ms. Claudine Randriambololona Owner-Manager of a Fabric Manufacturing Company · Exports over $45,000 a year · Manufactures hand-made house wares and clothing

MADAGASCAR: Ms. Tiana Razafintsalama Owner, Rabana Company · Manufactures raffia products made from local vegetable materials · Exports bags, hats, satchels, packaging materials

MALAWI: Mr. Kantilal Karsanji Desai Owner, Knitwear Industries · Owner of a textile business employing 80 people · Serves as chairman of the Malawi Garment and Textile Manufacturers Association

MALAWI: Mr. Bapu Aziz Mahomed Managing Director, Crown Fashions · Owner of a garment manufacturing company which has been in business for 25 years · Employs 1300 workers, manufacturing pants, shorts, shirts, and all types of knitwear

NIGERIA: Mrs. Mary Babalola Managing Director, Springview Garments · Owner of a large factory that can produce 100,000 garments per month for export

SENEGAL: Mr. Gora Athj Managing Director, Ega-Confection · Director of a company that specializes in the manufacturing of military fatigues and work uniforms · Employs 100 workers and has a yearly turnover of about $400,000

TEXTILES Tentative Agenda:

Washington, D.C. Sunday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 7, 2002 · Arrival · Welcome and orientation briefing by CCA Staff, African Coalition on Trade, and U.S. Department of State · Participation in the Small Business Association's National Small Business/ Procurement Week Activities

Miami, Florida Wednesday, May 8 - Friday, May 10, 2002 · Participation in AfrICANDO trade and investment symposium, including customs issues training · Meetings with Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Miami

Washington, D.C. Saturday, May 11 - Monday, May 13, 2002 · Meetings with federal regulatory agencies · Individual private sector meetings · Exit Assessment

New York, New York Tuesday, May 14 - Thursday, May 16, 2002 · Private Sector Meetings with prospective business partners · Meetings with apparel businesses ·

Departure from New York City late Thursday, May 16, 2002