Ambassador Ron Kirk Concludes Visit to Dakar, Senegal


Dakar, Senegal - United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk has concluded his two-day visit to Dakar, Senegal. This was Ambassador Kirk's first time visiting Dakar, Senegal as the United States Trade Representative and it gave him an opportunity to discuss ways to improve the US.-Senegal trading relationship.

While in Dakar, Ambassador Kirk met with Prime Minister Ndene Ndiaye and Trade Minister Amadou Niang as well as other government and private sector representatives with whom he discussed a range of issues such as trade under AGOA, the Doha negotiations and efforts the government of Senegal is taking to improve the business environment and attract investment. He also met with Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) staff about a potential U.S.-funded MCA compact that will have an impact on trade and the people of Senegal.

As well, Ambassador Kirk met with Senegalese producers and exporters to discuss the successes and challenges they face exporting to the United States under AGOA. Additionally, he toured the Port of Dakar and was able to see the advances made at the port to promote Senegalese and regional trade.

Before leaving Dakar, Ambassador Kirk visited Goree Island, a historical site, and talked to Mayor Augustin Senghor about the importance of tourism and trade.

"Trade continues to play an important role in economic growth and development in the United States and Africa," said Ambassador Kirk. "I have spent the past few days in Dakar because the Obama Administration is very interested in enhancing the U.S.-Senegal trade investment relationship, including greater trade under AGOA. Senegal's exports to the U.S. are modest but we recognize the potential for Senegal to increase its AGOA exports and to become a hub for trade between the United States and countries in West Africa."

Ambassador Kirk began his three country Africa tour on August 4 in Nairobi, Kenya at the 8th annual U.S. - sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, commonly referred to as the AGOA Forum. He then visited Ethiopia and ended in Senegal.