Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 31, 2014 -- The African Leaders Visit: Energy began last night in Houston, TX with a reception welcoming energy leaders who are facing important decisions on how best to develop significant recent natural gas discoveries in Africa. U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Leocadia I. Zak and U.S. Department of Energy Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Smith kicked off the Visit, which is one of only two commercially-focused events to take African leaders outside of Washington, DC on the occasion of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit hosted by President Obama.
African leaders participating in the Visit include:
• H.E. Professor Sospeter Muhongo, Minister of Energy and Minerals, United Republic of Tanzania
• H.E. Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Republic of Kenya
During the event, Minister Muhongo emphasized the importance of the private sector to encouraging economic growth and described the ways in which Africa is changing to foster a better business environment for U.S. companies. Energy officials from Nigeria and Liberia also attended the reception.
The African Leaders’ Visit: Energy will offer the leaders access to U.S. federal, state and local experts – as well as to U.S. companies of all sizes – who can share vital insight into the development of energy infrastructure in the United States. The Visit will also emphasize the need for good governance and transparency to ensure a sound marketplace. Site visits near Houston, which has maximized its energy resources and created an economic boom, will showcase gas infrastructure installations and pipeline architecture.
Tomorrow morning, the African leaders will brief U.S. industry on their countries’ specific energy development plans and opportunities. To register to attend this briefing, please visit: http://bit.ly/1pqoGhr.
Real-time information and updates about the Visit may be found on social media via #ALVEnergy.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.
Betsy Pisik, The Webster Group, http://www.webstergroupinctrademissions.com, +1 (212) 539-1911, [email protected]
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