US To Extend Eligible Exports Products

LUSAKA, May 13 - The United States of America is in the process of extending the eligible exports products from 2008 to 2015 through the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).

COMESA head of AGOA Moses Simemba said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the bill had already been brought to congress and the hearing would be done soon

He said that the extension would address structural laws of non- eligible products such as hand made fabrics and yarn, as at the moment only machine made fabrics were AGOA eligible.

He said the new agreement would make it possible for hand made fabrics to be exported and would benefit Zambia more.

COMESA was looking forward to an integrated textile industry in Zambia, able to produce garments and contribute to the development of the nation in terms of job creation.

Mr Simemba said the new arrangement would also assist in improving the lack of infrastructure in AGOA eligible countries.

He explained that a number of experts would be in the country soon to offer technical assistance.

Regional integration through the AGOA free trade would attract more investment that would help reduce poverty levels.

"We feel it will promote peace and secure trade and also fight HIV/AIDS. We also hope to see the programme being implemented soon," Mr Simemba said.

Source: The Times of Zambia / allAfrica Global Media