Addis Ababa, December 16, 2021 (FBC) – Senator Jim Inhofe urged the Biden Administration to take real steps to undo the sanctions against the democratically elected government of Ethiopia and roll back termination of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits to the country.
Removing Ethiopia from AGOA is devastating to a nation that has been such a great partner of the US over the years, he said.
“Ethiopia has long been one of our best trading partners in Africa, in part because its airline has a majority of Boeing fleet. And because of that many planes across the continent are being maintained in Ethiopia.” the senator underlined.
“This flivver action makes our other partners doubt our commitment impose the rug out from under many American businesses that have decided to make investments in Ethiopia instead of other countries, in places around the world like Southeast Asia.”
“I can remember standing many years ago on this floor and lauding the virtues of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and what he has done for Ethiopia. The fact that he is probably could be arguably the best educated Prime Minister in that country at any time.”
“And the good news is that, there is time before the Biden administration cancels AGOA benefits,” he added.