U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on U.S. and East African Community's Cooperation Agreement to Expand Trade Africa Initiative

Statement

U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and East African Community (EAC):

"I commend U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and the Administration in the signing of the U.S. and East African Cooperation Agreement that will increase trade capacity in the region and strengthen economic ties between our continents. This agreement is a great step forward for Trade Africa, which was first announced by President Obama in 2013. Since it's inception, this initiative has contributed to great successes in the region and this agreement today will only further solidify and expand Trade Africa beyond EAC and allow for a more comprehensive trade and investment relationship between US-Africa. With this agreement we implement critical customs reforms, harmonize standards, and undertake multilateral commitments that supports economic integration.

"In this increasingly globalizing world, we must continue to build on past successes by expanding existing relationships that will ultimately create more jobs and better economic opportunities at home and abroad."

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