DA blames Davies for dithering

THE DA says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies should shoulder the blame for the US’s warning on withdrawal of Agoa privileges.

DA trade spokesman Geordin Hill-Lewis said if the trade pact was suspended it would affect roughly R2.4 billion in annual agricultural exports, with dire consequences for farmers and farm workers.

Davies had had months of warnings and reminders to honour the commitments made to the US on market access for chicken, pork and beef, but had failed to do so.

“This mess-up has happened on his watch, and its consequences are entirely on his hands.”

Hill-Lewis said the US warning came just three days after Davies told Parliament’s portfolio committee on trade and industry the deal was “secure”.

“He was clearly misinformed, or was not being completely frank with the committee.” – ANA