The Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hon. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), along with Hassan Adam Hosow, the Executive Director of the NEC and Chief Economic Advisor to the President, held a meeting with Connie Hamilton, Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa in Washington, D.C. today.
The primary focus of the meeting was on Somalia’s request for eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the potential benefits that Somalia could obtain by becoming a member of AGOA. The discussion also encompassed the necessary steps that are required to be taken to move forward with the designation.
AGOA is a preferential trade program that was enacted in 2000 and grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of products. If Somalia becomes eligible for AGOA membership, it will have an opportunity to increase its exports to the U.S. market and stimulate its economic growth.
The meeting between the Somali delegation and Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa in Washington, D.C. demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthen their bilateral trade relations and promote economic development in the region.
