The African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and the multilateral trade agreements and preferential trade initiatives between the United States and the Sub-Saharan African nations have enhanced the trading opportunities between Miami-Dade County and these East African countries. In 2003, United States exports to Kenya were valued at US$196.5 million, and imports were valued at US$249.3 million. Kenya increased its trade value with Miami-Dade County from US$13 million in 2003 to US$15 million in 2004. In 2003, Ugandan imports from the United States totaled US$41.7 million, mainly in equipment and services such as health care, nutrition and education. In that same period the United States imported US$34.8 million in products such as tea, coffee, tobacco and diamonds from Uganda.
In Kenya, the Miami-Dade delegation will continue their Air-Route development talks, which have been ongoing since the Treaty on Open Skies was enacted in January 2002. Establishing direct air routes will increase business linkages and continue to create opportunities for trade and commerce. During their stay in Kenya, the Miami-Dade delegation will visit the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Kenyan Airport Authority, and Kenya Airways. Recent bilateral business missions to Kenya, as well as reciprocal missions to South Florida, are positive signs toward the establishment of an air route between our cities. The delegation will also meet with the Ministry of Tourism to explore the possibility of opening a Kenyan Trade and Tourism office in Miami.
The delegation will visit Kampala, Uganda, to increase trade relationships and develop new links between the city and Miami-Dade. Meetings scheduled during their visit include the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Uganda Railways Corporation, Uganda Flower Growers and Exporters Association, Uganda Coffee Federation, DAS Air Cargo, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and others.
