During the trip, PAC-DBIA members have gathered country-specific information for use in making recommendations to the U.S. President to encourage the development of capital markets, encourage transparent and value-based procurement processes, and workforce development.
ADDIS ABABA (ITA)–Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Gilbert Kaplan has visited Ethiopia as a fact-finding mission with members of the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA). Under Secretary Kaplan is joined by representatives from 14 PAC-DBIA member firms and officials from 11 U.S. government agencies on this first stop of a four-nation visit, which also includes stops in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.
“The United States government and senior U.S. business leaders are serious about enhancing commercial engagement with Ethiopia. As the fastest-growing and fifth-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia can become a significant economic and trade partner for the United States,” said Under Secretary Kaplan. “This visit will help all of us to better understand this dynamic and developing economic market and provide insight on how our great nation can support and participate in the great processes that are happening here.”
During the trip, PAC-DBIA members have gathered country-specific information for use in making recommendations to President Trump to encourage the development of capital markets, encourage transparent and value-based procurement processes, and workforce development. The delegation also met with Ethiopian government officials, leaders of state-owned enterprises, and representatives of American and Ethiopian private companies to explore opportunities for increased cooperation.
The United States seeks to strengthen economic ties with Ethiopia and remains focused on supporting efforts to create a conducive environment for private sector growth that will lead to broad-based economic prosperity and increased opportunities for both our countries. Chaired by the Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the PAC-DBIA advises the President on ways to strengthen commercial engagement between the United States and Africa.
Source: International Trade Administration (ITA)