President Cyril Ramaphosa is more determined to save the Agoa deal.
Agoa stands for the African Growth & Opportunity Act.
It is understood that the delegation will include three cabinet ministers, Enoch Godongwana of finance, Ibrahim Patel of economic development and Naledi Pandor of international relations.
According to the presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the trip is part of Ramaphosa’s administration’s visits to the G7 countries, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Uk and the US.
“They are starting with the US. Don’t fall into the trap of making this thing about the US. It’s not about the US, it’s about trade and political bilateral relationships with all these G7 countries and it’s about them appreciating our position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, it is also to then share with them an update on the African Leaders Peace Mission and other issues of mutual bilateral interests, so naturally Agoa will come up,” said Magwenya.
The trip comes on the backdrop of a move by some politicians in the US lobbying for South Africa to be excluded from Agoa. They argue that South Africa should be removed as it was no longer a developing country and should no longer benefit.
However, the move appears to be inspired by South Africa’s non–aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.
The West has been pushing for South Africa to take a pro-Ukraine stance by condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine territories.
The threat to remove South Africa from Agoa is not backed by any facts, said the spokesperson.
In any case, the insider argued, South Africa is not in Agoa with a begging bowl as the US also benefits from the country’s participation in the trade act.
Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2023-07-09-ramaphosa-sends-senior-ministers-to-us-over-agoa/
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