Benin-America AGOA Partnership
&
AIDS Conference (BAAPAC)
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The African Growth and Opportunity
Act (AGOA) was signed into law on May 18, 2000 as Title 1 of The Trade
and Development Act of 2000. The Act offers tangible incentives for
African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and
build free markets.
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Vision, Hope, Opportunity, Integrity
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A fresh vision inspires the
Benin-America AGOA Partnership & AIDS Conference (BAAPAC). The
central focus is to reduce barriers to American businesses and investors
doing business with African countries and companies. Language and
cultural differences will be addressed toward encouraging American
corporate interest in Africa. The conference earnestly aims to create
an environment in which American businesses can meet with local African
businesses, forming mutually beneficial partnerships.
The
conference aspires to build a bridge to new economic opportunities
between America and African countries. A successful BAAPAC Conference
can effect a positive, historic impact on the lives and economic
condition of African people. Worldwide media coverage of the BAAPAC
Conference promises to increase awareness and invigorate African
self-help, on the road to economic independence.
The AIDS portion
of the conference will focus on how American organizations can work
with African countries to promote AIDS prevention and increase the
treatment of AIDS victims. We fervently desire to turn the tide against
this pandemic, affecting over 30 million Africans. President Bush has
committed $15 billion over the next few years to fight AIDS in Africa;
and, efficient channels need to be verified, and prepared, to expedite
the distribution of these desperately needed funds.
Benin is
committed to showing American businesses that it is ready to conduct
business transparently and adapt to American business values. We are
confident other African countries attending the BAAPAC Conference will
follow the initiative Benin has taken.
The AGOA Conference aimed
at bringing American business and investors will demonstrate that French
speaking West African countries are ready to lower existing cultural
and language barriers. This new road into African well-being promises
to be a path beckoning to all Africa.
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President KEREKOU of Benin greets Wayne Williams, Executive Director of Integra* T Foundation on recent visit.
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In January 2003, the Integra* T Foundation began discussions with government officials in the country of Benin in West Africa. The goal was to reach agreement for a conference to bring American companies, interested in doing business in Africa, to Benin.
Eleven months later, in December 2003, Wayne Williams, the Executive Director of the Integra* T Foundation arrived in Benin to meet President KEREKOU and all ministries of the government. An agreement emerged enabling the Integra* T Foundation to organize and conduct the Benin-America AGOA Partnership & AIDS Conference in April of 2005. President KEREKOU has given the Integra* T Foundation his personal mandate to proceed forward toward, what we believe, is a turning point, a most historic event for Africa.
The AGOA Conference aimed at bringing American business and investors will demonstrate that French speaking West African countries are ready to lower existing cultural and language barriers. This new road into African well-being promises to be a path beckoning to all Africa.
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Charles da Silveira, Executive Director of Integra*T Africa shakes hands with President KEREKOU of Benin.
On the far left is United States Ambassador to Benin, Wayne Neill.
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The “Shining Hope on Africa” AIDS Music Concert will be held in Cotonou the same week as the BAAPAC Conference. International music artists will be performing at the 2 day, 8-hour concert and it will be televised worldwide. It will raise millions of dollars, which will be used to provide the desperately needed drugs to treat victims of AIDS in Africa.
We have had discussions with suitable organizations that would be able to produce such a concert. This concert promises to spotlight the music culture and openess of Benin and its people.
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We need the
help of organizations and individuals from every corner of America to
make the Benin-America AGOA Partnership & AIDS Conference (BAAPAC)
the huge success we know it can be. This is the perfect time for America
to show the rest of the world that we have compassion and care about
those in the world who need assistance to improve their opportunities in
life.
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Upon leaving Benin in December
2003, Wayne Williams, Executive Director of Integra* T Foundation,
received this beautifully crafted statue (made in Benin by a local
artist) from President KEREKOU's personal adviser.
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Common Ground
Races meet on first human ground,
African Earth, one race, one Sun.
Languages strain toward human vision,
Push through distrust and derision,
And come upon a common sound:
The sigh released, “We all are one”,
The Hope of Peace.
- L.S. Heatherly,
Philosopher of Humanity
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Live the Dream Everyday!!!
Harmony and Autonomy for all Creatures Sharing this Fragile Earth!!!
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