US Export Council

United States – Southern Africa - Round Table with Governments and Key Business Leaders from August, 19 to 21, 2009 – in Johannesburg, South Africa

In recent weeks, Congressman Bobby L Rush (D-Ill.) has been vocal in his support of U.S. economic and trade development with Africa.

The global economic crisis has been transmitted to Africa primarily through reductions in export revenues and remittances. The downturn has heightened the imperative to strengthen intra-African integration as a means to promote economic development.

The U.S. Export-Import Bank’s Sub-Saharan African Advisory Committee is crafting a pilot project aimed at boosting U.S. exports to the region

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Western Union, a leading global payments network, are counting on innovative thinking and entrepreneurial ideas to help alleviate poverty in Africa.

“High-level engagement has already started” between the Obama administration and Africa, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said May 19.

The World Bank expected real growth in the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) to reduce from 5.8 per cent in 2008 to less than four per cent in 2009.

“Export growth has been a shot in arm for U.S. manufacturers,” says John Engler, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

“Dubai is one of the fastest growing tourist and commercial centers in the Middle East," said Kevin Knight, United's senior vice president-Planning. “This route answers customer demand for more convenient, nonstop service to the Middle East"

US Companies seeking export sales opportunities and local economic development leaders are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Connect Forum - US Export Council, Trade and Investment Mission to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, March 17th 2009