Richard Cary, Director of Economic Development, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Kenyan participants to Athens, explaining the role of the Chamber in the economic development of the community. The visit to the DeKalb Farmers Market, a primary source for imported fresh fruits and vegetables, was especially valuable for the Fresh Produce Exporters Association, who were interested in price differentials between organic and conventional imported produce. The group made visits to handicraft importers and retailers, Just African Image and Afro Centric Network, and cut flower importers and retailers. At Afra Air Cargo, a new company establishing direct linkages with Africa, the delegation visited cold storage and customs clearing facilities at Hartsfield International Airport. This was especially important for the shipment of perishable products to the U.S.

The University of Georgia
East Africa-American Business Council
Kenyan Ministry of Trade and Industry

The University of Georgia (UGA) and the East Africa-American Business Council (EAABC) in Atlanta are working with the Export Promotion Council of the Kenyan Ministry of Trade and Industry, to conduct a multi-phase business development project for Kenyan business people, entrepreneurs, and trade officials focused on the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Through training programs, technical assistance, and capacity building, Kenyan participants will become familiar with the American marketplace; learn how to export to the U.S. market; and create a transparent business environment for foreign investment.

REPORTS AND SUMMARIES (PDF)
	• Abstract of Significant Accomplishment for State Department's Citizen Exchange Project • Phase IV Final Report • Phase III Follow-up Training, April 11-19, 2005 • Phase III Trade Mission to Kenya, Sept. 9-18, 2004 • Facilitating International Marketing and Trade through Business Exchanges: Linking Buyers and Sellers in a Coordinated Program of Capacity Building in the Emerging Markets of East Africa, Glenn Ames, Jennifer Frum, Job Dieleman • Report of Phase I Activities

The project is funded by the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, (ECA/PE/C). The grant is awarded under ECA/PE/C's 2003 Open Competition. The project was funded beginning in May 2003 and will continue through April 2005.

In the first phase of the project, eight Kenyan trade association representatives and business people traveled to Georgia in February and March 2004 for one-month of intensive train-the-trainer instruction. In the second phase in September 2004, a two-week trade mission will send eight southeastern U.S. business people to Kenya to expand and build upon business relationships developed during the earlier phases of the project.

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS (POWERPOINT)
	• ExportKenya: Exporting to the USA, Job Dieleman • Tips and Traps for Successful Exporting, Robbie Stewart • Understanding the Crafts/Gift Markets in the US, Day 1, Robbie Stewart and Maria Machado • Understanding the Crafts/Gift Markets in the US, Day 2, Robbie Stewart and Maria Machado

The Project Directors are Dr. Glenn Ames, Director of the Office of International Public Service and Outreach, University of Georgia, and Mr. Stephen Seda, Executive Director, East Africa-American Business Council. Other project collaborators include Mr. Job Dieleman, International Trade Division specialists with the Small Business Development Center, a division of Business Outreach Services at the University of Georgia, and the African Studies Institute. The project's primary overseas partner is Ms. Lucy Waguthi Waithaka, Export Promotion Council, Nairobi, Kenya.

The project goals are to enhance East African entrepreneurs' understanding of U.S. consumer characteristics, business practices, product distribution and retailing, import and export regulations, and to develop the capacity of East African trade associations to assist their members in the export market. At the end of the project, participating East African businesses will have the capacity to successfully sell their products in the American market, which will ensure the project's long-term impact and sustainability. "Such grants help to increase the effectiveness and success of entrepreneurs in their quest to do business with US companies," said Mr. Seda.

"Trade Statistics show that since its enactment in May 2000, the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) has created new trading opportunities for African businesses, new jobs for local employees, and brought investment to the region. However, the full benefits of AGOA will not be realized unless African businesses and entrepreneurs become more familiar with the American marketplace, learn how to export to the U.S. market, and create a transparent business environment for foreign investment," added Mr. Seda.

This AGOA project will assist small and medium sized Kenyan entrepreneurs and firms to access U.S. markets. It targets dynamic entrepreneurs who want to expand their knowledge of U.S. markets and build linkages with U.S. firms that desire to trade with East Africa.

PRESS
	• "Barriers to Trade with US Spelt Out," Daily Nation, Sept. 14, 2004 • "US Trade Mission Visits Kenya to Explore Investment Opportunities," www.chinaview.cn, Sept. 13, 2004 • "UGA to Host East African Entrepreneurs, Trade Representatives," Columns, Feb. 23, 2004 • "Energy Group Heads Overseas to Build Relationships," Athens Banner-Herald, Feb. 23, 2004