United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk Visits Key Trading Partner Ethiopia

August 8, 2009

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - United States Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk paid a three day working visit to Ethiopia. Ambassador Ron Kirk met and held talks with Ethiopian government officials including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He also met with representatives of the private sector and visited several industries.

During a briefing he gave to journalists today at the conclusion of his visit to Ethiopia Ambassador Kirk said, “I am here because Ethiopia is a key U.S. trading partner in Africa.  I am also here because Ethiopia’s story is emblematic of U.S. engagement with all of Africa on trade and development.  We have seen progress.  Our countries have a robust trade relationship.  AGOA is a huge part of that.   Ethiopia is doing particularly well under AGOA.  Exports more than doubled from 2007 to 2008. Ethiopia is diversifying exports.  And we can see the fruits of U.S. efforts to build trade capacity here.  Yet, challenges remain.”  Ambassador Kirk stressed the importance of continuing to work together to enable Ethiopian exporters to take full advantage of AGOA opportunities.  He said, “we must work together to build trade capacity here and across sub-Saharan Africa.  We must work to become full partners in the global trading system.”

The U.S. Trade Representative stated that his country supports and encourages Ethiopia’s work to accede to the WTO.  He said, “we commend Ethiopia for completing its First Working Party on accession in May 2008.   We encourage Ethiopia to keep working at it.  America will continue to provide technical assistance through USAID.”  Ambassador Kirk said his country also encourages further economic reforms thereby encouraging investment, trade, and economic growth, and making Ethiopia more competitive.

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