FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

On Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 8:00 a.m.EST, Treasury Secretary John Snow will host a meeting with finance ministers from African nations to discuss the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  The meeting will be held in the Treasury Department's Cash Room, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. 

Since the program began, AGOA has proven to be a vital tool for economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa, stimulating trade opportunities for African businesses, empowering local entrepreneurs, delivering much-needed investment and creating jobs.  Secretary Snow will discuss will discuss with finance ministers the economic impact of AGOA and future prospects for expanding trade and investment links with sub-Saharan Africa.

The TOP of the meeting will be OPEN PRESS.

The Cash Room will be available for pre-set at 7:00 a.m.

Media without Treasury or White House press credentials planning to attend should contact Treasury's Office of Public Affairs at (202) 622-2960 with the following information: name, social security number and date of birth. This information may also be faxed to (202) 622-1999.