U.S. COMMERCE DEPUTY SECRETARY TO PROMOTE TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS
DURING TRIP TO EGYPT, TUNISIA, ALGERIA AND MOROCCO THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER
21-28
Highest
Ranking Commercial Official to Visit the Region in Bush Administration
U.S. Commerce
Deputy Secretary Sam Bodman will travel to Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria
and Morocco to meet with officials of government and industry. This
visit follows the passage of Trade Promotion Authority and is in response
to each country's expressed interest in stronger economic and commercial
ties with the United States. Throughout the week, Deputy Secretary
Bodman will meet with ministers of commerce, other senior government
officials, and the U.S. and local business communities in each country
to encourage progress on economic reform programs and promote the
creation of new bilateral trade and investment opportunities between
U.S. and regional businesses.
Deputy Secretary Bodman's arrival is evidence of the commitment by
the Bush Administration to a strong partnership of trade and investment
with the region and achieving the goal of integrating Egypt and the
Maghreb into the global economy. His visit comes at an important time
for U.S. trade relationships with the region. It reflects the United
States' commitment to continued cooperation with these nations and
strong support for the success of the partnerships between the American
and local business communities in the region.