Rush launches new, Africa trade caucus on eve of International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– On the eve of the bi-annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Bi-Annual General Assembly in Washington, D.C., U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) hosted two, high profile meetings of foreign dignitaries, trade representatives and top U.S. elected and appointed officials to mark the launch of the African Partnership for Economic Empowerment Caucus (APEEC), a group that Rush spearheaded in forming in partnership with U. S. Rep. Donald Payne (NJ-10).
 
The day began with Rush providing welcoming remarks at a morning gathering that featured a sterling array of African and American diplomats and business leaders, including His Excellency Namadi Sambo, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria.  Rush, who chairs the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, began his remarks with these words, "I am very passionate about seizing this unique moment in history to do all we can to link the economic interests of the United States and Africa. I take seriously the 'trade' mandate of the subcommittee I chair and I want to bring that work into focus in a way that makes a difference in the lives of the people of the United States and, especially, on behalf of the people I serve in my Chicago district," said Rush. 

The morning event, hosted by a coalition of national trade organizations convened by Ufo Eric-Atuanya of Rimsom Associates, marked the beginning of a working group on African trade.  Their goal, in part, is to ensure that leaders and entrepreneurs from the continent of Africa have their voices heard on a variety of economic policy issues as part of the unfolding trade and economic policy agenda between the United States and Africa.

Later that evening, in a capacity crowd in the U. S. Capitol Visitor Center attended by U. S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Rush was the featured speaker at a reception hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding, a leading international trade association committed to fostering and strengthening ties between U. S. business and international markets.  In brief, but lively remarks, Rush said this, "Through the course of last year's presidential campaign, a clarion cry went forth that said, 'yes we can.'  I stand before you this evening determined to take that statement to the next level by saying, 'now we must!'

"I've got enormous jurisdiction on international trade but it's never really been utilized.  Rather than being a back bencher, with vim and vigor I have decided to develop an international trade initiative.  It's not our intention to try to initiate bilateral or multi-lateral agreements.  That falls under the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee.

"But we can be involved in international trade promotion.  I really believe that if, in fact, we can develop a common agenda with respect to U. S. trade with Africa, then it can be mutually beneficial.  My district is one of the poorest in the nation.  If I'm going to deliver effectively on job creation, then I've got to look beyond the borders of the United States.  I want the citizens of my district to understand that they are, in fact, citizens of the world. That's what I want to promote. 

"I am so pleased that all of you are here, this evening, taking the position that Africa has real specific issues that will not get discussed or moved to the front of the agenda unless we are part of the solution for that discussion.  I believe that as Africa improves itself politically and economically, I believe that the littlest children can take their place as leaders of the entire world."

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(WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2009) - Rush addresses a morning session on trade policy between the U. S. and Africa at a forum at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.  Shown, here, left to right, is Rush trade counsel Angelle Kwemo; Claude Fontheim, Senior Advisor, Business Council for Global Development ; His Excellency Namadi Sambo Executive Governor, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Ufo Eric-Atuanya, Managing Partner, Rimson Associates and Dr. Willene Johnson, President, Komanza, Inc. and former U. S. Executive Director for the African Development Bank.

(WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2009) - Rush greets United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk at an evening reception at the U. S. Capitol Visitor Center that marked the launch of the African Partnership for Economic Empowerment Caucus (APEEC), a group launched by Rep. Rush and U. S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ).

(WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2009) – After Rush spoke to invited guests at the evening reception in the Visitor Center, Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of the Business Council for International Understanding, the host of the evening event, invited him back to the podium where they engaged in dialogue about how to strengthen the economic ties between the United States and Africa.