Mohale FM By: Mohloai Mpesi
THE government has intensified its call for the extension and modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that thousands of jobs in the country’s textile sector depend on continued access to the United States market.
Speaking during celebrations marking the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary at the US Embassy in Maseru on Thursday evening, the Minister of Law and Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, said Lesotho strongly supports the renewal of AGOA beyond its 2026 expiry date.
Mr Ramoeletsi, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Limpho Tau, said AGOA had played a critical role in creating employment opportunities and sustaining Lesotho’s manufacturing industry.
He said the United States had remained one of Lesotho’s key development and trade partners since diplomatic relations were established in 1966, when Lesotho attained independence.
AGOA allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US market for more than 1800 products, plus over 5000 items covered under the Generalized System of Preferences.
