U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh will be leading an agribusiness trade mission in East Africa.
Representatives from 32 agribusiness and farm organization will join her on her mission to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, according to an Oct. 26 USDA news release. The trip will be Oct. 31-Nov. 4. Officials from the Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon and Nebraska agriculture departments are expected to participate in the agribusiness trade mission.
"I am excited to lead this delegation to foster stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the U.S. and Kenya and Tanzania as both of these countries present a growing opportunity for U.S. agricultural exports," Bronaugh said in the news release. "This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about U.S. agricultural and food products in the region."
Nairobi and Zanzibar are strategic East African ports that attract many U.S. exporters and investors. Last year, the U.S. exported more than $60 million in agricultural, fish and forestry products to Kenya and $6.9 million worth of agricultural products to Tanzania, according to the news release.
During next week's trade mission, Bronaugh and other U.S. participants are expected to meet with potential processors, importers and distributors from Kenya and Tanzania, as well as other East African nations. The aim is "to establish trade relationships and expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports," the news release said.
"In addition, U.S. federal and state officials will engage with government counterparts on trade-related policies that will advance U.S. interests and strengthen bilateral relations in the region," the news release said.
