    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 18, 1997]
    [Pages 169-170]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting the Second Africa Trade and
    Development Report
    February 18, 1997

    Dear __________:
        I am pleased to submit the second of five annual reports on the
    Administration's Comprehensive Trade and Development Policy for Africa
    as required by section 134 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Our
    policy seeks to accelerate the pace of sustainable economic development
    for the countries of Africa.
        This Second Africa Trade and Development Report reflects our
    conviction that economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa will benefit
    both Africans and Americans. Stronger economies will better enable
    African nations to address a variety of complex problems that transcend
    regional boundaries. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the
    United States cannot afford to neglect a vast region that contains
    almost 10 percent of the world's population. Our efforts to help Africa
    develop will also create more export opportunities for U.S. goods and
    services and more jobs at home. These efforts to strengthen African
    economies will also reduce the cost in later years for large-scale U.S.
    humanitarian aid and enhance local and regional capacity to address
    transnational problems that threaten regional stability.
        Many African countries have made significant progress in the
    struggle for development in recent years. With assistance from the World
    Bank and the International Monetary Fund, more than 30 Sub-Saharan
    African nations have instituted economic reform programs, and, since
    1990, nearly as many have held elections.
        Nevertheless, there is much more to be done. The United States and
    other developed nations must do our part to promote economic growth and
    development in the region. Additionally, African governments must
    recognize that the failure of many to open their markets to increased
    international trade has inhibited regional economic growth.
        This second report summarizes the status of ongoing programs
    discussed in last year's African trade and development report and
    introduces several initiatives designed to spur investment, development,
    and trade over the near to medium term. These programs and initiatives
    seek to achieve five basic objectives set forth in the first report:
    trade liberalization and promotion,

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    investment liberalization and promotion, development of the private
    sector, infrastructure enhancement, and economic and democratic reforms
    implemented by many Sub-Saharan African governments in recent years.
        Working with the Congress, the U.S. private sector, the countries of
    Africa, and our other trading partners, the Administration looks forward
    to developing additional initiatives to promote trade, investment, and
    development in Africa.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Jesse Helms, chairman, and Joseph
    R. Biden, Jr., ranking member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations;
    William V. Roth, Jr., chairman, and Daniel Patrick Moynihan, ranking
    member, Senate Committee on Finance; Benjamin A. Gilman, chairman, and
    Lee H. Hamilton, ranking member, House Committee on International
    Relations; and Bill Archer, chairman, and Charles B. Rangel, ranking
    member, House Committee on Ways and Means.