Small Businesses Dominate Business Development Mission to Africa

Commerce Secretary Don Evans today announced that 12 U.S. businesses--primarily small companies--will accompany him on a business development mission to Accra, Ghana, and Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov 12-15.

The business delegation (list attached) will explore and expand export opportunities in Africa’s information technology, transportation, environmental technologies and security and safety equipment sectors.

“Small companies employ half of all Americans and represent 97 percent of all U.S. exporters,” said Evans. “I am pleased so many small businesses will be joining me on this trade mission. Trade Promotion Authority and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will not only allow these companies, but all American and African businesses to tap the power of markets to foster economic growth, create jobs and improve the lives of citizens in both countries.”

Evans said the Nov. 12-15 mission will further the commitment made by President Bush and South Africa President Thabo Mbeki to strengthen economic relations between the United States and South Africa.

Participants will develop contacts within the Ghanaian and South African governments and meet with potential business partners. For some participating businesses, this trip will open the door to Africa as a market for the first time. For others who already conduct business in Africa, the mission will offer opportunities to expand agreements with existing African partners and cultivate new ones.

South Africa is Africa’s leading beneficiary under AGOA and is the United States’ largest export market in Sub-Saharan Africa. U.S. exports to South Africa totaled $2.9 billion last year, accounting for approximately 40 percent of total U.S. exports to the region. Across the country, there are about 900 U.S. firms doing business in South Africa, up from approximately 250 in the mid-1990s.

In 2001, U.S. merchandise exports to Ghana reached $200 million, making Ghana one of America’s largest markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. The bilateral commercial relationship between the United States and Ghana is one of the most diverse in the region.

On the trip, Evans will also highlight corporate citizenship and active involvement by
U.S. businesses in the communities where they operate in the United States and abroad.

For more information on the business development mission, visit the Commerce
Department website at http://www.doc.gov/africatrademission.

Official Business Delegation
Business Development Mission to Ghana and South Africa

Alpine Armoring Inc.	Herndon, VA	Safety and Security Equipment and Services
Fred Khoroushi, President
Astronautics/Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp.	Wayne, NJ	Aerospace Products, Equipment and Services
James A. Gardner, Corporate Vice President, Business Development
Borland Software Corporation	Scotts Valley, CA	Computer Software, Peripherals and Technology
Keith E. Gottfried, Senior Vice President - Law and Corporate Affairs, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
CMS Energy Corporation	Dearborn, MI	Electric Power Generation
Kenneth Whipple, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ELKINS Marine Training International	Petaluma, CA	Safety and Security Equipment and Services
David Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer
Forest Oil Corporation	Denver, CO	Energy Products, Technology and Services
Bruce Thompson, Executive Director Public and Industry Affairs
HardHatBid, Inc.	Riverside, CA	Computer Software, Peripherals and Technology
John D. Parks, Chief Executive Officer
Lemna International, Inc.	Minneapolis, MN	Infrastructure Project Development
Viet Ngo, President and Chief Executive Officer
Oakwood Homes Corporation	Greensboro, NC	Construction Equipment and Services
Thom Cross, Senior Vice President Oakwood International
OraSure Technologies, Inc.	Bethlehem, PA	Medical Products, Technology and Services
Sam Niedbala, Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer
The Boeing Company	Cresent, Sandton, SA	Aerospace Products, Equipment and Services
Walt Braithwaite, President, Boeing Africa
Water Health International Inc.	Rancho Santa Margarita, CA	Environmental Products and Technology
Tralance O. Addy, President and Chief Executive Officer