The Western Cape Provincial Parliament has passed a binding resolution confirming the province’s commitment to securing South Africa’s inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

DA spokesperson for finance, economic opportunities and tourism, Cayla Murray, said the resolution, passed on Thursday, had committed the provincial government to reaffirm the USA and Western Cape’s “friendship and important economic and trade ties” and to support the renewal of Agoa in 2025.

 

 

The resolution calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take urgent diplomatic action by engaging with the US to ensure SA’s inclusion in Agoa and on Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, to support trade relations on behalf of the Western Cape by negotiating for the renewal.  It emphasises the province’s strong bilateral ties with the US and commits to strengthening these ties.

“The ANC-led National Government does not speak for the people of the Western Cape in their shameful support of Russia’s illegal war. It is ultimately our residents that will bear the brunt of the decreased economic activity that will result from a lack of Agoa access,” Murray said.