A top-level South African trade delegation to the US led by the government says it has garnered support from President Joe Bidens administration and members of Congress for a renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
A statement from Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) on Saturday, reported that the delegation led by its minister, Parks Tau had concluded a successful visit to the US, where it attended the 21st AGOA Forum held there between 22 and 26 July.
Tau, who was accompanied by his deputy Andrew Whitfield, government officials, private sector players and labour representatives, said the delegation welcomed the support expressed by both the Biden Administration and members of Congress for the renewal of AGOA.
At the same time the delegation also secured broad support for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between SA and the US, the DTIC said.
The DTIC noted that with Agoa expiring in 14 months, African ministers of trade attending the forum urged the Biden Administration and the US congress to expeditiously renew AGOA with non-controversial enhancements and amendments for a minimum of 16 years.
