Fourth of July celebration 

The Embassy hosted a Fourth of July celebration at the Ambassador’s residence. Some 400 people attended the evening’s festivities including Members of Parliament, Senators, diplomats, businesspersons, and other private citizens. The evening featured performances by Five Star Brass,  a U.S. Navy band, and the Maranatha Choir, a Gabonese group, to the delight of all the guests. Ambassador Reddick delivered a brief address commemorating the founding ideals of the United States and recognizing the cooperation the United States and Gabon continue to share in facing the challenges of the 21st century.

AGOA Forum in Libreville

Ambassador Reddick with Minister delegate of Commerce (photo by Joel Bouopda) -

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, the Embassy co-sponsored a day of workshops designed to inform Gabonese officials and businesspersons on the benefits and opportunities presented by the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The event, entitled “AGOA Day,” was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, Industry and Tourism; the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, and Mines; and USAID’s West African Trade Hub. Around 100 local business men and women as well as government officials attended the day-long event held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Libreville. The workshops focused on three sectors—forestry, fishing, and artisan goods. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the how they could take advantage of AGOA and a committee to serve as a reference liaison was established. The Ambassador delivered the Keynote address, which was attended by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and of Artisans; the Minister of Water, Forests, the Environment and Sustainable Development; the Minister of Agriculture, Farming, Fishing and Rural Development; and the Delegate Minister of Economy, Trade, Industry and Tourism.