Commerce Secretary Leads Business Development Mission to Ghana and South Africa

Following President Bush signing legislation giving U.S. presidents authority to negotiate international trade deals, Commerce Secretary Don Evans announced he will lead a business development mission to Accra, Ghana and Johannesburg, South Africa this fall.

“I look forward to leading this trade mission, my first since Congress granted President Bush the power to negotiate global trade deals,” said Evans. “Trade Promotion Authority and the African Growth and Opportunity Act allows the United States and Africa to tap the power of markets to foster economic growth, create jobs and improve the lives of our citizens.”

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.

“The mission will help U.S. and African regional businesses explore new trade and investment opportunities,” said Evans.

Evans and the business delegation will begin the mission in Accra, Ghana on November 12, 2002. Participants in the Business Development Mission will include representatives from the information technology, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental technology, medical products, and construction equipment and services business sectors. Participants will develop contacts within the Ghanaian and South African government, as well as meet with potential business partners.

Further information about the trade mission, including requests for applications, may be directed to the Office of Business Liaison, Room 5062, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230 (tel: 202-482-1360; fax: 202-482-4054). Applications and additional information are also available on the official mission web site at http://www.doc.gov/africatrademission.