WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - A trade program that grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market should be extended by 16 years, said Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a leading voice on U.S.-Africa policy.
African countries want a 10-year renewal of the pact ahead of the 2024 U.S. election.
President Joe Biden's administration is also seeking the program's reauthorization but has called for certain reforms.
"My AGOA Renewal Act would extend this program, incentivizing investments that will create jobs, bolster economic development, and strengthen our standing in the region," Coons said in a statement.
Ben Cardin, the committee's chairman, supports the program's reauthorization, but believes there should be changes to how eligibility criteria is applied, an aide said.
Persons:
Chris Coons, Joe Biden's, Coons, Ben Cardin, James Risch, Katherine Tai, Makini Brice, Paul Simao, Josie Kao
Organizations:
Senate Foreign Relations, Continental Free Trade, Reuters, Biden, United, . Trade, Thomson
Locations:
U.S, Africa, United States, Washington