Kendrick Meek: “I rise in support of H.R. 434--the African Growth and Opportunity Conference Report. The constituents in my district…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 434--the African Growth and Opportunity Conference Report. The constituents in my district support efforts by this Congress to ease the burden of poverty in the Caribbean by solidifying a strong growing market for U.S. exports to the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) region. This bill encourages African and Caribbean countries to continue economic reforms while providing essential opportunities for their citizens. This legislation provides duty free, quota free treatment for apparel made in 24 countries of the Caribbean Basin Initiative. This will allow the countries of Central America and the Caribbean to compete on an equal basis with Mexico under NAFTA. Passage of this bill will help raise the standard of living for people in the Caribbean and Africa and help create new economic ties between the United States, the Caribbean and Africa. Private sector trade and investment will create new markets for U.S. exports of goods and services. Fostering economic growth in Africa and the Caribbean is critical to raising the standard of living of the people living in Africa and the Caribbean. By assisting U.S. exporters in expanding their access to the African and Caribbean markets, we are opening up a market for 800 million potential new consumers for American goods and services.”