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Statement of Daniel A. Seligman Responsible Trade Program, Director
WASHINGTON -- "Today's vote in the House of Representatives to approve the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (HR 434) reflects a sincere effort by many in Congress to
establish mutually beneficial trading relationships with Sub-Saharan Africa. A responsible
international trade and investment policy could be key ingredients in Africa's rise from
poverty.
Regrettably, the African Growth and Opportunity Act fails to "put a human
face" on trade, and does nothing to balance new economic rights for business with
responsibilities to the environment and working people. HR 434 authorizes negotiation of a
trading relationship with Africa that would:
compromise African sovereignty by imposing onerous new economic
conditions in exchange for continued zero-tariff access to the US market. For instance,
the legislation would permit the US government to pressure African nations into reducing
corporate taxes, an essential source of revenue for health, education, and schools;
open Africa to increased foreign investment by transnational mining and
oil companies whose operations will despoil land and water that the poor majority depend
on for survival. For instance, the bill would reduce risks for extractive industry by
allowing corporations to sue in international courts for lost profits that result from
government actions to protect the environment or pursue other public goals. Such
"risk reduction" may prove a powerful incentive for business, but compromises
Africa's ability to ensure sustainable development; and
reduce the availability of needed pharmaceuticals to Africa's poor.
While pharmaceutical companies deserve a just return on their inventions, many
pharmaceuticals are now developed by the federal government with taxpayer dollars. The
availability of drugs to help the sick is a complex policy question that should not be
resolved within the confines of a trade agreement.
The Sierra Club looks forward to amending the African Growth and Opportunity Act in the
Senate to ensure a responsible trade policy that protects the environment and working
people."
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