EVANS DELIVERS ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S
COMMITMENT TO AFRICA
Pursues Opportunities In Ghana with U.S. Business Delegation

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today urged American companies to answer President Bush’s call and use the power of free markets as a tool against poverty. Against the backdrop of a hospital that treats children infected with HIV/AIDS, Evans praised U.S. companies that give back to the communities where they do business.

The Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital here lacked basic equipment and appropriate plumbing and heating until U.S. companies, including the Boeing Company, stepped in with financial support.

“When American companies do business overseas, they bring the American values of service, volunteerism and social responsibility,” said Evans. “Businesses have the power to play a big part in unlocking prosperity and providing hope for the people of Africa, and it is projects like this that illustrate the impact of good corporate practice on the lives of people around the world.”

Also today, Evans witnessed an $80 million signing agreement between Lemna International Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., a trade mission participant, and Ghana Water Company. The contract will expand and rehabilitate the drinking water systems of Sunyani and 16 other towns and villages, providing clean drinking water to millions of people. Evans and business delegation members also met with Ghana’s President John Kufuor.

Evans arrived in Ghana from Morocco, where he met with King Mohammed VI and other senior members of the government to further trade. President Bush announced earlier this year his desire for a free trade agreement between the U.S. and Morocco.

On Thursday, Evans and the business delegation will travel to South Africa, where they will meet with senior government officials and members of the South African business community.