WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1459/96 by Carlos ROBLES PIQUER to the Commission. Presence of the USA in Africa
Date: 1996-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, ROBLES PIQUER
Subjects: Africa, United States, competition, development aid, trade relations













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91996E1459

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1459/96 by Carlos ROBLES PIQUER to the Commission. Presence of the USA in Africa  


Official Journal C 322 , 28/10/1996 P. 0069 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1459/96 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (12 June 1996)Subject: Presence of the USA in AfricaBefore beginning a recent tour of five sub-Saharan countries the US Trade Secretary said that the era of Europe's economic domination and commercial hegemony in Africa was over and that Africa was of interest to the USA.This statement brings to a close a long period during which, for decades, the USA ignored the problems of African countries. Now, however, the end of apartheid in South Africa and the progressive democratization of other countries on the continent have started to persuade Americans that Africa is still viable.In view of Europe's traditional presence in Africa, does the Commission think that the EU should to a certain extent alter its strategy in Africa in the light of the abovementioned statements by the US Trade Secretary? Will the new American attitude mean complementarity or competition regarding the support programme and the kind of involvement which the European Community has always had with regard to Africa?Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (12 July 1996)The renewed American commercial interest in Africa, to which the Honourable Member refers, comes at a time when the United States is re-examining its position and restructuring its presence in the African continent in terms of development assistance. Although the Commission does not suggest any link, it would regret any reduction of American assistance to the African continent, where still so much needs to be done.The increased commercial interest by the United States should, at the same time, be regarded positively. It implies that the largest trading nation in the world recognises business possibilities in Africa. This gives credit to those donors (in particular European) that have been active in Africa to assist countries establish viable economies in which private business can thrive. The United States' attitude also underpins the European policy towards Africa which has always been based on the pillars of aid and trade.Europe has been Africa's most significant trading partner. The new American interest will therefore certainly mean competition for European firms active in Africa. Whereas competition in itself is a good thing, it has to take place on a level playing field. An active involvement by the United States government in this competition may require an appropriate European response. The Commission, therefore, follows the United States' government activities closely, although the activities to which the Honourable Member refers do not warrant, at this stage, a specific response, nor a change of the Community's Africa policy.The Commission takes this opportunity to underline the need for a better place for Africa in the world trade arena and will continue to work towards a policy of sustainable development in that continent.