§3704 United States-sub-saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum

Summary

The President must set up and run yearly high-level meetings between U.S. officials and governments of sub‑Saharan African countries to build stronger economic ties. Within 12 months after May 18, 2000, and after talking with Congress and the countries involved, the President must create a United States‑Sub‑Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. The President must have the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. Trade Representative host the first annual meeting with countries eligible under section 3703 and with countries making substantial progress toward eligibility. The meeting must focus on expanding trade and investment, carrying out this chapter, and encouraging joint ventures. The President must also invite regional African organizations and other appropriate countries, and encourage U.S. nongovernmental groups and private‑sector representatives to hold parallel meetings with their African counterparts. The President must try to meet with heads of eligible and progressing sub‑Saharan African governments at least once every two years, with the first such meeting no later than 12 months after May 18, 2000. The U.S. Information Service must regularly share economic information supporting free‑market reforms through multiple media. The Forum must review the HIV/AIDS epidemic in each sub‑Saharan African country and how it affects that country’s economic development.