Have a stake in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry? You should not miss Natural Products Expo East, taking place in Baltimore, Maryland. www.expoeast.com

After 10 years in West Africa, USAID West Africa Trade Hub Director Vanessa Adams will be moving on August 1, leaving behind a dynamic economic growth project that has had significant impact across the region.

A brochure presenting the activities of the USAID West Africa Trade Hub.

trade-hub-brochure-0112.pdf

The USAID West Africa Trade Hub, the USAID Southern Africa Trade Hub and the USAID East and Central Africa Trade Hub, which frequently collaborate to promote African companies such as at the MAGIC Apparel show pictured here, will meet in Washington, D.C., to discuss strategies and approaches to increasing exports from Africa to international markets. They will also discuss aspects of the African Competitiveness and Trade Enhancement initiative l

Business
Importers expressed readiness to buy more African shelled cashews and confirmed that certifying nuts that are ready to roast will meet their needs. Their comments came during the Association of Food Industries Conference in Florida, U.S.A. Jim Giles, a food safety and quality consultant for the African Cashew Alliance, and Elitza Barzakova, the Trade Hub Market Linkages Manager, presented the new strategy rolling out the new food safety and quality seal at the trade association meeting, with leading U.S. food importers. www.africancashewalliance.com

The USAID Trade Hub's work covers diverse West Africa. With this series, Tradewinds introduces a new occasional series offering information and insight on each country - a snapshot.

In January, Gora Athj, the CEO of EGA Confection, gave a tour of his apparel factory in Dakar to an international buyer. Over four days of meetings facilitated by the USAID Trade Hub, the buyer looked at all aspects of producing apparel in Senegal, including visits to government offices and a major shipping company.