For Immediate Release: November 26, 2012
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Obama Trade Official Launches Historic Trade Misison in Zambia
Under Secretary Sánchez, U.S. delegation arrive in Lusaka to explore exporting opportunities
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez arrived in Lusaka today with a delegation of 14 U.S. companies to launch the first-ever U.S. Department of Commerce-led trade mission to Zambia. The delegation will meet with public and private sector officials to discuss potential partnerships and projects that will support economic growth in both countries.
“I’m excited to bring this trade delegation to Zambia, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. I look forward to introducing these U.S. firms to Zambian government and private sector representatives to explore opportunities for expanded exports and investments,” Sánchez said. “I know these companies have the innovative technologies and services that Zambia needs to support its growing economy.”
U.S. exports to Zambia have increased more than 27 percent to nearly $111 million thus far in 2012 when compared to the same period last year. U.S.-Zambia total bilateral trade more than doubled in 2011.
This trade mission continues to South Africa with stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The mission advances two of President Obama’s key trade initiatives – the National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014, and the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which seeks to promote opportunities for U.S. companies to trade with and invest in Africa.
###
International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.
The International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, manages this global trade site to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. This site contains PDF documents. A PDF reader is available from Adobe Systems Incorporated.