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.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Textile Export Forum

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 Mount Soche Hotel

Blantyre, Malawi

8:30 am Welcome and Introductions · Moderated by Ingrid White, AGOA Program Manager, Corporate Council on Africa

9:00 am An Overview of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) · Marsha Powell, Director, Global Trade Initiative Ltd.

10:15 am Coffee and Networking Break 10:30 am Presentations by AGOA Professional Companies · K.K. Desai, Chairman, Knitwear Industries Ltd. · B. A. Mahomed, Managing Director, Crown Fashions Limited ·

12:00 am Lunch · Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Roger A. Meece, U.S. Embassy Lilongwe

2:00 pm Discussion of Cotton Production Diversification: From Cotton Growing to Garment Manufacturing · National Economic Council · National Association of Small Holder Farmers (NASHF)* · Monsanto Companies* · Member of Garment & Textile Manufacturers Association of Malawi

3:15 pm Coffee and Networking Break

3:30pm U.S. Standards for Textile Exports · Ms. Marsha Powell, Director, Global Trade Initiative Ltd.

4:30 pm Discussion/ Program Wrap-up

5:00 pm Program Concludes *Denotes an invited participant.

This program is brought to you with the support of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs/ Office of Public Diplomacy