U.S. Commerce Official Promotes Trade in Tanzania and throughout the EAC

May 22, 2012

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez (left), His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (center) and the U.S Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez visited Arusha and Dar es Salaam from May 19 through 22 to advance a White House proposed regional trade package with the East African Community (EAC) as well as the White House Partnership for Growth (PFG) Initiative in Tanzania. The proposed regional trade package with the EAC includes, among other things, a regional investment treaty; a trade facilitation agreement; and a commercial dialogue.

Just prior to his arrival in Tanzania, the Assistant Secretary spent three days in Nairobi, Kenya, where he convened a Trade and Investment conference with the EAC private sector to identify strategic priorities as a road map for the proposed commercial dialogue under the regional trade package. He also provided keynote remarks on Public Private Partnerships at a Structured Finance Seminar hosted by Vision 2030, and held bilateral meetings to advance key market access concerns on Intellectual Property Rights and Transparency.

Assistant Secretary Camuñez's stay in Dar es Salaam included meetings with His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Minister of Finance Dr. William Mgimwa, Minister of Trade Dr. Abdallah Kigoda, and Omari Issa, CEO of the Investment Climate Facility. Assistant Secretary Camuñez was welcomed to Tanzania by U.S. Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East Africa Community (EAC) Alfonso E. Lenhardt, who accompanied the delegation during their visit in Dar es Salaam. The Assistant Secretary also met with representatives of American businesses and investors in Tanzania at a reception hosted yesterday by the American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania.

Addressing the reception, Assistant Secretary Camuñez highlighted the importance of U.S. investment in Tanzania, saying, "Private sector growth is the key to addressing many on Tanzania's most critical challenges. The United States is proud to be working together with the Tanzanian government, particularly through the Partnership for Growth (PFG) Initiative, and with our private sector partners to foster and support the type of business environment that will bring about increased growth and benefit both the companies involved and the Tanzanian people."

In Arusha, Assistant Secretary Camuñez met with EAC Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera and with representatives from the East African Business Council. Ambassador Lenhardt noted: "Assistant Secretary Camuñez's visit reflects the United States of America's strong commitment to expand and deepen its commercial partnership ties with Tanzania and the region in order to promote entrepreneurship, development, and prosperity for all citizens."

The United States of America is the largest donor to Tanzania. In 2011, the American people contributed over one trillion shillings ($700 million USD) to the Tanzanian people through interagency assistance programs.