Maseru, Aug. 08 — Secretary General (SG) of the Economic Freedom Trade Union (EFTU), Mr. Ts’epang Makakule, has welcomed the United States (US) Senate’s endorsement of the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Mr. Makakule said although it was still too early to celebrate, the Senate’s decision offered hope that the trade agreement could be renewed.
He expressed optimism that, if the renewal is approved, it could have a positive impact on Lesotho’s economy.
However, Mr. Makakule urged the Government of Lesotho to engage with the US administration and explore ways of persuading it to ensure that the renewal process is successfully concluded.
The US Senate has endorsed a two-year extension of the AGOA a major trade framework between the US and eligible African countries.
The measure was approved by 90 senators to six after the AGOA extension was incorporated into a broader government funding package.
The legislation must now return to the House of Representatives for consideration. If lawmakers approve the Senate version, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives had backed a three-year extension of AGOA. However, the Senate opted for a two-year extension as part of its wider government funding legislation. Both chambers will therefore have to reach agreement on the final wording of the bill before it can be signed into law.
The trade arrangement officially expired in September last year but was given a temporary reprieve by President Trump in February, extending it until the end of December. If approved in its current form, the latest proposal could keep AGOA in place until the end of 2028. The White House has yet to issue a public statement on the Senate’s vote.
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