JOHANNESBURG - United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves insisted that American companies remained the partners of choice for many across the African continent.
This was in comparison to China, which had been growing in influence and trade across the African continent. Graves, who was part of the US delegation at the African Growth and Opportunity Act forum which was underway in Johannesburg, said his country had done its best to ensure its African partners have what they need, in terms of investment.He said that America reduced barriers to entry and was helping to create a stable market by providing technical assistance and support through their commercial law programmes in many African countries.
Brigety, the US Ambassador to South Africa, had drawn the ire of the entire nation following unfounded claims that a Russian vessel received arms that were purchased from South Africa while the Kremlin was in the middle of a conflict. South Africa's economy took a beating following Brigety's damning allegations, and some in the country have continued to push for the ambassador to be removed.“We are focused on the great opportunities we have between us, the deep friendship and shared values between our nations and across the continent. I think everyone here believes that this is an inflection point for Africa.