Under Secretary Lago Promotes U.S. Trade Partnerships During Official Visit to Tanzania and Zambia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
publicaffairs@trade.gov
WASHINGTON – Less than two months after the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago traveled to Tanzania and Zambia to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to strengthen U.S. commercial and economic relationship across the continent.
Specifically, Under Secretary Lago visited Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Tanzania, from Feb. 5-8 and Lusaka, Zambia, from Feb. 8-11.
In Dar es Salaam, Under Secretary Lago engaged with American and Tanzanian CEOs, startups and business representatives to discuss the business environment in Tanzania, identify opportunities for increased bilateral trade and investment, and highlight how a deepened economic relationship can support mutual job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
In Dodoma, she visited the Tanzanian National Assembly and conducted bilateral meetings with several officials, including leaders with the ministries of Communications and Information Technology; Energy; Finance and Planning; and Industry, Trade and Investment.
In Lusaka, Zambia, Under Secretary Lago and Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales met with President Hakainde Hichilema and other government officials, where they discussed the success of U.S. businesses in Zambia and ongoing opportunities for increased bilateral trade. They explored a potential U.S.-Zambia Commercial Memorandum of Understanding, modeled after existing memorandums the U.S. Department of Commerce holds with four other African nations. She hosted a roundtable with women entrepreneurs and met with government officials and key leaders from several ministries, including the Chair of the newly installed Public Private Dialogue Forum to discuss areas of cooperation on technology and trade.
“Tanzania and Zambia are two markets that have experienced incredible economic growth, and the opportunities are immense for U.S. companies seeking to reach new customers,” said Under Secretary Lago. “The United States is eager to partner with these governments and companies across the region to advance mutual goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
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