Congressman McDermott introduces New Partnership for Trade Development Act
November 18, 2009

On November 18, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced legislation - the New Partnership for Trade Development Act - to remove barriers in the U.S. market to products from the world’s poorest countries. The act would protect African countries from erosion of the preferences they currently receive for apparel under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

IGD applauds the legislation and commends Rep. McDermott for including a strong emphasis on providing U.S. aid for trade capacity building – assistance that is designed to help developing countries secure real economic gains from increased market access and expanded trade. The New Partnership for Trade Development Act is an important step toward a more comprehensive U.S. strategy that leverages both aid and trade to promote global development.