I know first-hand the importance of economic ties between Ethiopia and the United States. And in all of this, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is one of the most powerful tools we have, offering duty free benefits to African nations. Ethiopia has enjoyed these benefits since 2000 and AGOA is responsible for providing economic empowerment to millions of Ethiopians. I made the point strongly to the Obama administration, when I was awarded a ‘Champion of Change’, that the U.S. should continue to enhance AGOA, bringing in more countries and exploring innovative ways of developing more industries.