GUINEA HOLDS SUCCESSFUL AGOA DAY IN KINDIA

UNCLAS CONAKRY 001018 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT PLEASE PASS TO USTR FOR LAURIE ANN AGAMA AMEMBASSY DAKAR PLEASE PASS TO WATH AMEBASSY ACCRA PLEASE PASS TO WATH COMMERCE FOR SALIHA LOUCIF E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD PGOV SOCI BEXP GV SUBJECT: GUINEA HOLDS SUCCESSFUL AGOA DAY IN KINDIA ¶1. (U) SUMMARY. On September 6, the Conakry AGOA Network sponsored an inspiringly successful AGOA day in Kindia, a few hours north of the capital. The event, the first of six planned throughout the country, was organized in order to promote the benefits of AGOA to local businesspeople. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Attended by econoff, the AGOA day (African Growth and Opportunity Act) drew between 100 and 150 participants and was enthusiastically received by the local population. Although the town is hampered by unreliable telephone communications and difficult roads worsened by heavy rains, Kindia has a reputation for exceptional products, from textiles to foodstuffs. The AGOA Network, based in Conakry, organized the event to promote AGOA in the Kindia region as well as to gauge support for the establishment of a satellite AGOA Network office. The all-day event was covered by Radio Television Guinean. ¶3. (SBU) Just before the event, econoff met with the new governor of the Kindia region, Hadja Hawa Fofana. A charismatic woman, she is a former Hubert Humphrey fellow and the first female governor in the country's history. She stated that she is committed to more women in government in Guinea. "The door (for women in politics) is now open, it shall not be closed again." The governor expressed warm regards for the U.S., and hope for continued good relations between our countries. ¶4. (U) The Governor opened the ceremonies with a short speech amid much local fanfare. Econoff and M. Mohamed Bangoura, a representative of the Minister of Commerce, joined the Governor to welcome participants. Econoff also presented brief remarks. Following the opening formalities, the AGOA Network spent the day presenting a detailed, step-by-step explanation of AGOA and suggestions as to how Guinean businesspeople can take advantage of the program. A trade exhibit of locally made products was displayed as well. ¶5. (SBU) COMMENT. Significantly, the planning, organization, and funding for the AGOA Day in Kindia was done almost entirely by the Conakry AGOA Network and the Ministry of Commerce. Hadja Binta Balde, AGOA Coordinator and M. Dianka Koivogui, Deputy AGOA Coordinator took the lead in making sure the program was a success. The West African Trade Hub in Dakar provided AGOA Toolkits and French language pamphlets explaining AGOA. Embassy Conakry provided encouragement and technical assistance as well as participation in the event. The fact that the local AGOA group took the initiative to undertake this project demonstrates commitment to AGOA coupled with the ability to achieve specific goals. The next AGOA Day in Guinea is set for October 16 in Conakry, after the end of Ramadan. END COMMENT. BROKENSHIRE