Quarterly Report #14: Apr-Jun 2011 for West Africa Trade Hub 2

Technical assistance was provided directly to 337 companies, including 129 women-owned businesses. This support enabled companies to meet export standards set by governments and companies worldwide. The Trade Hub also facilitated the participation of 181 companies in 11 international trade events, resulting in the establishment of 1162 professional buyer relationships. Furthermore, the Trade Hub's efforts led to the creation of 967 jobs. The Trade Hub's activities focused on several key sectors, including trade and investment capacity, financial services, transport infrastructure, business environment, and telecommunications infrastructure. In the trade and investment capacity sector, the Trade Hub provided support for companies in the AGOA Services, Market Linkages, Shea, Cashew and the African Cashew Alliance, Specialty Foods, Sustainable Fish & Seafood, Home Décor & Fashion Accessories, and Apparel sectors. The Trade Hub also facilitated the participation of companies in international trade events, such as the 10th Annual AGOA Forum in Lusaka, Zambia. The Trade Hub's efforts in the financial services sector focused on providing support for companies to access financing and other financial services. The Trade Hub also worked to improve the business environment in West Africa by providing support for companies to navigate regulatory requirements and access markets. In the transport infrastructure sector, the Trade Hub worked to improve the efficiency of transportation systems and reduce costs for companies. The Trade Hub's activities in the telecommunications infrastructure sector focused on improving access to telecommunications services and reducing costs for companies. The Trade Hub also worked to improve the business environment in West Africa by providing support for companies to navigate regulatory requirements and access markets. The Trade Hub's efforts led to the creation of 967 jobs and facilitated the establishment of 1162 professional buyer relationships. The Trade Hub's support for companies in the six nontraditional export sectors resulted in significant increases in exports. The Trade Hub's efforts also led to improvements in the business environment in West Africa, including the creation of jobs and the establishment of professional buyer relationships. The Trade Hub's activities in the third quarter of FY 2011 demonstrate the importance of trade hubs in supporting African entrepreneurs and connecting African and American businesses. The Trade Hub's activities in the third quarter of FY 2011 were facilitated by partnerships with various organizations, including the African Cashew Alliance, the Abidjan Lagos Corridor Organization, and the Bank of Industry, Nigeria. The Trade Hub also worked with various government agencies, including the Economic Community of West African States and the Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine. The Trade Hub's partnerships and collaborations enabled the organization to provide support for companies in the six nontraditional export sectors and improve the business environment in West Africa.