U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Arnold today opened the Madagascar–United States Trade and Investment Symposium (MUSTIS), aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment. The two-day event brings together more than 100 participants, including senior Malagasy and U.S. Government representatives, private-sector leaders, U.S. exchange program alumni, and Malagasy businesses seeking to enter the U.S. market.
“The United States believes that expanding high-quality, mutually beneficial trade and investment leads to economic growth, stability, and prosperity for America and our trading partners,” said Chargé d’Affaires Arnold. “We believe in equal partnerships that reduce dependence on foreign assistance, harness each country’s economic potential, and with governments that commit to fair, transparent, and business-friendly operating environments. Together, by creating those conditions and expanding opportunities, we can, as we like to say, ‘grow the pie’ so that more businesses can flourish, and more people can have a piece of that pie as more jobs are created for Malagasy and American workers. This strengthens both of our economies.”
Highlighting the growing economic dimension of U.S.–Madagascar relations, MUSTIS aims to create concrete trade and investment partnerships between U.S. and Malagasy businesses by connecting potential partners and addressing common challenges. The program features sector-specific working groups on agriculture, tourism, mining, handicrafts, and textiles. Following the symposium, these groups will continue meeting over the coming months to turn discussions into concrete action.
MUSTIS is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Government exchange program alumni, which received funding through the U.S. Department of State’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) to support projects led by alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.
The United States remains Madagascar’s top export destination. In 2025, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Madagascar exported nearly 3 trillion Ariary to the United States – more than to any other country.
The United States supports trade relationships that are reciprocal, modernized, and aligned with today’s market needs, while promoting a transparent and predictable investment climate that attracts high-quality investment and delivers long-term benefits for both the American and Malagasy economies.