For Madagascar, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is synonymous with textile and apparel exports to the U.S. market. In 2001, Madagascar was second among all African nations exporting textiles and apparel to the United States. One year later, after an 8-month political crisis that caused economic blockades, strikes, and disruption of the foreign exchange market, Madagascar dropped to sixth among AGOA exporters.

After a return to order in July 2002, the new administration began working to restore investor confidence and to support the Malagasy private sector. The World Bank Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance identified AGOA as a mechanism that can “jumpstart” the Malagasy economy by increasing exports and returning the country to the path of economic growth.

Nathan Associates helped boost the competitiveness of Malagasy businesses and create a better environment for businesses by

  • Building business linkages between Malagasy and U.S. firms and promoting Malagasy products among U.S. importers via a U.S.-based Business Development Specialist;
  • Providing sector-specific business development assistance to Malagasy exporters in the textiles/apparel, natural products, and handicrafts sectors; and
  • Increasing awareness and understanding of AGOA in the public and private sectors.

We also supported policy reform to increase Malagasy competitiveness in global markets.

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