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Govt sets aside 5bn/- for Sullivan summit preps
2008-01-30 09:27:55
By Correspondent Austin Beyadi
The government has set aside 5bn/- for preparations of the up coming Sullivan Summit, scheduled for Arusha in June this year.
The Coordinator of the Sullivan Summit Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Shamim Nyadunga, said on Monday in Dar es Salaam that the summit`s costs would be shared between the government and the Sullivan secretariat.
She said that the Sullivan Summit would help Tanzania access international markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
``Tanzania has been lagging behind in accessing AGOA markets compared to other countries. This summit will promote a sense of understanding among local business persons to enable them make maximum use of the AGOA,`` she said.
She said that the summit would promote different investment opportunities in the country as well as provide openings for local business persons to do business with their American counterparts.
The coordinator explained that creative and innovative initiatives emerge out of discussions and negotiations at the summits where new relationships are brokered to make those initiatives a reality.
The Leon H. Sullivan Summits brings together the world`s political and business leaders, delegates representing national and international civil and multinational organizations, and members of academic institutions; in order to focus attention and resources on Africa`s economic and social development.
Africa needs partners, who can bring skills, expertise and resources to the problems and challenges it faces. It is through these partnerships that Africa can realize its full potential, she noted.
The mission of the summit was inspired by Rev. Leon H. Sullivan`s belief that development of Africa is a matter of global partnerships. It was particularly important for Rev. Sullivan that Africa`s Diaspora and Friends of Africa are active participants in Africa`s development.
The Sullivan Summits are organised by the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation and host countries to highlight key issues and best practices, stimulate discussion and define opportunities, promote private enterprise and foster high-level strategic partnerships.
They are a bridge between America and Africa, and serve as fora for economic and cultural cooperation.
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