Text: 38 Sub-Saharan Countries Certified for U.S. Tariff Preferences

African Growth and Opportunity Act statement issued January 4

The White House announced in a written statement January 4 that 38 Sub-Saharan African nations have qualified for preferential treatment regarding U.S. tariffs under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The annual designation signifies that these countries are making progress in specific economic and social areas, and are thus entitled to greater access to U.S. markets. The Gambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are new additions to the list of eligible countries.

The text of the statement follows:

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The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

January 4, 2003

STATEMENT BY
THE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY

On December 31, 2002, President Bush approved the designation of the following 38 Sub-Saharan African countries as eligible for tariff preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Benin; Botswana; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Republic of the Congo; Cote d'Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; The Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Uganda; and Zambia.

As required by the legislation, this annual determination signifies which countries are making continued progress toward a market-based economy, the rule of law, free trade, economic policies that will reduce poverty, and protection of workers' rights. By providing these countries greater access to American markets, AGOA can spur development of an economic relationship between the United States and Africa that is based on shared values and shared responsibilities in a world of free trade, free peoples, and free ideas. This year, the president has added The Gambia and The Democratic Republic of the Congo to the list of eligible countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo's AGOA benefits will be activated when it forms its transitional government, expected in February.

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