WASHINGTON – From October 31, 2023 to November 4, 2023, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the 20th U.S.—sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation (AGOA) Forum.
The Forum will bring together the United States and AGOA-eligible countries along with representatives from key regional economic organizations and stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and labor to discuss how to strengthen trade and investment ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa and how to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and development.
While in Johannesburg, Ambassador Tai will meet with senior government officials from AGOA-eligible countries. She will also meet with United States Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety.
From November 3 to November 4, Ambassador Tai will co-chair the AGOA Forum.
On November 3, Ambassador Tai will provide remarks during the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony is open to pre-approved press until 10:20 AM.
Ambassador Tai will also provide keynote remarks during Plenary I and remarks during the trade ministers meeting. The plenary and trade ministers meeting are closed press.
On November 4, Ambassador Tai will participate in the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony is open to pre-approved press.
Additional information regarding Ambassador Tai’s meetings and events during the AGOA Forum will be provided at a later date.
Background
The United States and AGOA-eligible countries previously met in December 2022, when Ambassador Tai hosted sub-Saharan African trade ministers and senior officials in Washington, D.C. for a Ministerial Meeting on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
The joint statement from Ambassador Tai and South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel announcing the Forum can be found here.
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