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House debates bill promoting African trade
March 11, 1998
Some critics worry that African exports would hurt U.S. textile and apparel workers
Web posted at: 12:22 p.m. EST (1722 GMT)From Correspondent Kyoko Altman
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The House of Representatives is expected to vote Wednesday on a bill promoting trade and investment in Africa, a region traditionally ignored by U.S. companies.
Unlike Mexico and South America, where U.S. businesses have flocked in recent years, the focus on Africa has historically been on aid issues, not trade.
"We've opened up our doors to Mexico, Central and South America, to all of Asia, and here is the richest continent we got. We have to start somewhere," said Rep. Charles Rangel, D-New York.
Still, the bill, aimed at spurring economic growth in this rapidly growing region of 600 million people has stirred an unusually passionate debate.
"This is a bad omen, a bad bill and a disaster for Africa," said Randall Robinson, president of Trans Africa, a wholesale air courier to Africa.
Supporters say the bill would boost the economies of poor African countries The bill would eliminate tariffs and import limits on sub-Saharan African countries that are taking steps to democratize and open up their economies. Of the 48 countries in the region, nearly half are expected to qualify.
Some opponents charge the bill puts too much power in the hands of U.S. international companies that could take advantage of the African people. Others worry that African exports will hurt U.S. textile and apparel workers.
"What I'm doing is trying to make sure that the people of South Carolina do not get short-changed in the guise of helping South Africa," argued Rep. James Clyburn, D-South Carolina.
Supporters say Africa's industry is not a threat to the U.S. economy, because import growth is expected to be very small. They argue that the bill would help poor African countries stand on their own and reduce their dependence on U.S. aid, which has dropped by 25 percent over the last two years.
When President Clinton visits Africa later this month, he's expected to argue that the shift in U.S. policy toward trade is not only good politics, but good economics as well.
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