The Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub is in the process of developing an African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) toolkit for use by African trade promotion agencies and export firms.According to Janet Forest, a specialist consultant for international development agency USAID, this is designed to address some of the needs identified by exporters during stakeholder engagements.“The toolkit will provide an overview of the legal framework for US market entry under Agoa. It consists of an export manual that covers all of the issues that could come up when exporting to the US as well as four briefers – one-page documents on specific subjects.” Forest said several key documents were required for US entry, including an entry summary, a bill of lading, evidence of a bond, commercial invoice, and a packing list showing quantity, harmonised tariff system code numbers, item descriptions, unit costs, as well as total cost.Based on Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) law, which provides preferential treatment to over 3400 products from 131 designated beneficiary countries, including 44 least-developed countries, Agoa adds 1800 products to GSP products, including import-sensitive products not eligible for GSP. According to Fraser, it is hoped that the toolkit will address some of the challenges identified such as the lack of knowledge and information on the advantages of the programme. “There are substantial opportunities for utilising Agoa to a greater extent than at present.”
INSERT: "The toolkit will provide an overview of the legal framework for US market entry under Agoa." – Janet Forest
