WASHINGTON: Senator Mancoba Khumalo,the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade has,on behalf of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), requested the United States(US) to consider a long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) programme.
According to eSwatini Government's online platforms,the Minister was speaking during the 2022 AGOA Ministerial Engagement in Washington DC, USA.
“In this regard,it is SACU’s concerted view that an early and long-term renewal of AGOA preferences is important and necessary to prevent any disruptions to trade.A longer-term extension of AGOA beyond 2025 with less conditionalities which guarantees certainty will ensure increased benefits for Sub-Saharan African Countries.In addition, an expanded product coverage with flexible Rules of Origin to enable cumulation among sub-Saharan African Countries will also benefit the private sector.Consequently, this will be predictable and ensure increased private sector investment which could enhance market access to the US market,”said the Commerce Minister as quoted by eSwatini Government online platforms on Wednesday.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo follows proceedings during the 2022 AGOA Ministerial Engagement in Washington DC.