2004 Adopted Resolutions
72nd Annual Meeting
Boston

return to table of contents

SUPPORT FOR EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (AGOA) AND FOR THE U.S.-SOUTHERN AFRICAN CUSTOMS UNION (SACU) FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

     WHEREAS, in the past year, the implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has continued to strengthen the United States’ trade and economic relationship with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa; and

     WHEREAS, the African Growth and Opportunity Act is a cornerstone of the effort by the Administration to promote free markets, expand U.S.-African trade and investment, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate sub-Saharan Africa’s integration into the global economy; and

     WHEREAS, the African Growth and Opportunity Act continues to foster new trading opportunities and investment, create new jobs, and promote economic development, while both supporting the efforts of sub-Saharan African nations undertaking difficult economic, political, and social reforms and providing incentives for countries considering such reforms; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act continues to help sub-Saharan Africa address the challenges of debt relief, poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases; and

     WHEREAS, to further these goals and encourage long-term development in the region, the U.S. has embarked on negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to spur U.S. economic growth and job creation as well as to improve living standards, eradicate poverty, and encourage economic development, the rule of law, and transparency in sub-Saharan African countries; and

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has long supported trade agreements with countries around the world in order to further such economic growth and development goals and to benefit the dynamic economies of U.S. cities,

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to extend AGOA’s authorization and its special third-country fabric provision, which includes enhancement of AGOA-related technical assistance, and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the U. S. Conference of Mayors supports U.S. efforts to conclude a strong U.S.-SACU Free Trade Agreement, which has the potential to bolster U.S.-sub-Saharan trade and investment relations while strengthening the economy of sub-Saharan African nations.