Distinguished guests, representatives of the Government of Madagascar, members of the private sector, assistance implementers, alumni leaders, colleagues, and friends, good morning!
It’s a pleasure to join you today for the opening of the Madagascar United States Trade and Investment Symposium. It’s wonderful to see so many leaders in the private and public sectors together to pursue our shared goal of deepening economic ties between our two nations.
Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to making this symposium possible.
This event was proposed by a group of private sector leaders who happen to be alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Leading the team is Herizo Andriamiarana, a proud alumnus of the 2017 Young African Leaders Initiative, drawing on the skills of members of the Madagascar-U.S. Exchange Alumni group. Your combined efforts to realize this event demonstrate how U.S. government exchange alumni transform ideas into action and networks into meaningful impact.
I also want to recognize the important role of the American Chamber of Commerce in Madagascar, the Madagascar–U.S. Exchange Alumni network, and all the speakers and facilitators contributing today and tomorrow, both here in Madagascar and joining us virtually from the United States. Your expertise and engagement are essential to making this symposium practical, relevant, and impactful.
Today’s symposium reflects something very important: the relationship between Madagascar and the United States is not only diplomatic or based on assistance, but increasingly economic, entrepreneurial, and forward-looking. We share the belief that focusing on increasing trade and investment is the way to grow the economy, create jobs, stimulate innovation, and improve livelihoods.
Across sectors from agribusiness to mining, tourism, textiles, handicrafts, and emerging technologies, the potential for greater collaboration between our two nations is undeniable. We see opportunities for increased trade and investment flows, skills development, job creation, and sustainable growth that benefit communities in both Madagascar and the United States.
The United States strongly believes expanding high-quality, mutually beneficial trade and investment will lead to economic growth, stability, and prosperity. 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, more people can have a piece of that pie.
Over the next two days, I encourage all participants to engage fully, ask questions, share your experience, talk to one another, and explore opportunities for partnership. The relationships built here will become the foundation for greater prosperity for both our nations. I am particularly encouraged by the sector-focused sessions and the follow-on working group meetings over the coming months, ensuring that what begins here will continue into sustained engagement and measurable results.
I wish you a productive, inspiring, and successful symposium. Thank you.