ANC government’s handling of Agoa is like an accident in slow motion

The current Agoa debacle is a clear symptom of the ANC government's contemptuous attitude toward Western trading partners and its obsession with Brics, says Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus’s parliamentary spokesperson on Trade and Industry.

He said problems related to the trade agreement (American Act on Growth and Opportunity in Africa) extends over months and underlines the government's indifferent attitude.

"Our farmers are badly affected by America's ruling to block trade in three types of meats, and it could become much worse if the rest of the agreement also gets jeopardized. If the ANC continues with its indifference, it is even impossible that South Africa could be kicked out of Agoa.

"When the FF Plus confronted Minister Rob Davies about two months ago about the issue, he simply shrugged it off saying America is a ‘sovereign country and can do as he sees fit’.

"It is ironic that South Africa under the previous government was on the receiving end of sanctions because of its policies. Now the ANC manages to apply sanctions against itself.

"As far as Agoa is concerned, the real issue is not only chickens. America is concerned about the signals sent by senseless policies such as the ban on foreign investors’ shareholding in local security firms and land as well as the limitations that Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) place on investors,” said Adv. Alberts.

Issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Trade and Industry, 6 November 2015