DBIA Campaign: President Obama meets with Imolites in Diaspora





President Obama speaking with Mr Sylvester Okere at the DBIA forum

Fresh opportunities for social and economic empowerment for Imo State indigenes in particular and Nigerians in general have been put in place through the effort of a group of Nigerians led by an illustrious son of Imo State, Mr Sylvester Okere.

Mr Okere who participated in a business forum tagged ‘Doing Business In Africa’ (DBIA) which has in attendance, some world leaders including President Barak Obama of the United States of America drew attention to the need for sustainable Trade (partnership) not aid (relief) between Africa and America.

In a speech at the forum held at the White House on February 20,2013, Mr Sylvester Okere hailed President Barak Obama for putting Africa into perspective. Like the ancient Chinese proverb says, "if you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. But if you teach him to fish you feed him for a lifetime”.

Read President Obama's Message on Putting Africa into Perspective: “Through the DBIA campaign, we are responding to the emergence of African regional economic communities, and working with our partners to deepen integration, reduce barriers to trade and investment, and support existing and new investments by American businesses. By doing so, we continue the work of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities that will help drive our economy and support the growth of our African trading...”



Mr Sylester Okere speaking at the White House during the DBIA forum recently



It will be recalled that during the launch of DBIA campaign in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2012, the Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary, Rebecca Blank said that the “Doing Business in Africa” campaign will promote economic growth, trade and investment in Africa. She emphasized the United States’ ongoing commitment to deepening economic ties with these nations. She also shared a message from President Obama (PDF) in support of the campaign.



Participants at the DBIA forum held at the White House in Washighton DC



The United States is pursuing four objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa: strengthening democratic institutions; spurring economic growth, trade and investment; advancing peace and security; and promoting opportunity and development. The new Doing Business in Africa campaign is a key part of this effort. It leverages the federal government’s strengths as assets in trade promotion, financing, and more. Goals of the campaign include helping U.S. businesses identify and seize opportunities in Africa, and helping them overcome any challenges they face to establishing business relationships with Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa presents enormous opportunities to the American private sector. According to the World Bank, its GDP totaled approximately $1.25 trillion in 2011, and six of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world are in Sub-Saharan Africa. U.S. total merchandise exports to Sub-Saharan Africa tripled between 2001 and 2011.