Tanzania: Obama's Tanzania Visit to Focus On Trade

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• Business
• East Africa
• External Relations
• Tanzania
• Trade
• U.S., Canada and Africa

East African Business Week (Kampala)

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By Andrew Zablon & Kenan Kalagho, 24 June 2013

Mwanza, Tanzania — United States President Barrack Obama's visit to Tanzania early next month, will highlight trade opportunities the EAC region can exploit through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA is a US trade regime that allows a variety of African goods entry into the American market on a duty/quota free basis. Tanzania is a founder member of the East African Community.
US Ambassador to Tanzania, Alfonso Lenhardt said last week Obama will seek to reinforce US focus in Africa on areas such as economic cooperation, strengthening institutions of democracy and investing in the next generation of African leaders.
President Barack Obama will come with a delegation of more than 1,200 people, including 500 businessmen and investors .
He said the visit is also intended to "place on growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa through expanding economic growth, investment and trade," he said.
Tanzania has already hosted two sitting US presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
In a White House statement issued by the Press Secretary on May 20, 2013, it is disclosed that President Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama look forward to traveling to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania from June 26 - July 3. Obama is expected to reinforce the importance that the US places on its deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa.