Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 21, 1993 TAG: 9309210077
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
The presidents of five African nations and officials from 20 others began trade discussions with the Southern Governors' Association at a summit held in conjunction with the SGA's annual meeting.
The participants signed a nonbinding trade pact to conclude a day of opening ceremonies and speeches.
"Placing trade with Africa on the front burner of our priorities sends a strong message," said Gov. Douglas Wilder, the SGA chairman and summit host. That message, he said, is that the Southern states recognize the growth potential of Africa's "nontraditional markets."
North Carolina Gov. James Hunt suggested following up with another meeting in one of the African countries for more detailed discussions, and Joaquim Chissano, president of Mozambique, offered to hold the meeting in his country. Wilder said a decision would have to be made by the SGA's executive board.
The historic significance of the summit's site was not lost on the visiting dignitaries.
"It was Richmond that was the capital of the Confederacy that resisted emancipation of people of African descent," President Ketumile Masire of Botswana said.
But he pointed out that Virginia was the first state to elect a black governor - Wilder.
"I marvel at the transformation 130 years can leave," Masire said.
Chissano also noted that the first Africans to arrive in Virginia were "handcuffed and chained as forced labor, as slaves.
"This time, we come of our own free will, without handcuffs and chains; not for revenge, but to give hands to our brothers who knew how to transform life in this part of the world."
Wilder said it is time for Americans, particularly black Americans, to reach out to African nations.
"Our nation has lost out by not taking advantage of our traditional and historic ties to Africa," Wilder said.
"African Americans need to know that they come from a culture of heroic leaders and timeless myths, of great traditions passed on through years of upheaval. Our history did not begin with slavery, it was only interrupted by it."
The African officials said they hope talks with the Southern governors will lead to more trade and investment in their economically struggling countries.
"The average African's standard of living is lower than it was 20 or 30 years ago," said Dawda Kairaba Jawara of Gambia. But he said African nations are determined to revive their economies, and more trade with the United States will help.
South Carolina Gov. Carroll Campbell Jr. said the summit will help generate more trade.
"There is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting to gain understanding," he said.
Oklahoma Gov. David Walters said he hopes the participants also can exchange ideas on health care, particularly infant mortality. Trade, investment, education and cultural exchanges are important, he said, "but good health care precedes it all."
Other governors attending are Jim Folsom of Alabama, Jim Guy Tucker of Arkansas, Zell Miller of Georgia, William Donald Schaefer of Maryland, Kirk Fordice of Mississippi, Mel Carnahan of Missouri, Pedro Rossello of Puerto Rico, Ned Ray McWherter of Tennessee and Gaston Caperton of West Virginia.
African nations that sent delegations were Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
by CNB