The Zambian civil society has prodded government to be inclusive as the June 2011 10th African Growth Opportunity Act-AGOA-Forum draws near.

Zambia, the current chair of AGOA is hosting the 10th forum this June from the 6th to 8th and preparatory meetings by the 4th with the theme now announced as “Enhanced trade through increased competitiveness, value addition and deeper regional integration.”

About 2,000 delegates are expected to take part in the forum were government, civil society and the African women enterprises program will be in attendance.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) were signed into law on May 18, 2000 as Title 1 of The Trade and Development Act of 2000.
The Act offers tangible incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets.
Countries like Zambia have however not benefited from the facility as evidenced in the declining exports recorded in the period 2006 to 2010.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry highlights that in 2006 exports in to the US market were at 361,000 US Dollars then rose to 10.9 million US Dollars in 2008 and later nosedived to 121,000 US Dollars in 2009 before regaining momentum in 2010 at a paltry 1.4 million US Dollars.
As part of those preparing for the hosting, the Consumer Unit and Trust Society-CUTS International Zambia office; which is hosting the AGOA Secretariat, has engaged in an aggressive media campaign ahead of the much anticipated Africa Growth AGOA forum.
CUTS International Zambia Executive Board Chairperson, Love Mtesa therefore says through the media campaign, his organization will ensure that all economic sectors benefit from participating in the forum.
“The forum will be an opportunity for Zambia to redeem itself in actively benefiting from the American market.” Mr. Mtesa has said.
On the other hand, government has highlighted the media’s cardinal role in economic development.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Sam Phiri has emphasized the media's role in exposing available business opportunities to potential investors.
“The media must raise public awareness on the AGOA forum as well as its benefits for the local business community. I am also challenging you as the local media to stimulate international private sector interest in the Zambian economy” Dr. Phiri stated.

About 20 journalists and civic representatives converged in Lusaka for a preparatory meeting aimed at harmonizing information on AGOA so that journalists are equipped with in-depth knowledge on intricate matters about the forum.
Ends.