Representatives of Georgia companies are invited to attend a seminar with Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s ambassador to the U.S., at Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business on Friday, Feb. 25, to discuss projects that will contribute to the country’s economic development.
Mr. Diop is to visit the business school to discuss business opportunities recommended by students of a class studying economic development in Mali, the largest West African country in size and one of the poorest countries in the world.
The seminar is part of a course launched in the fall semester at the recommendation of former President Carter as a case study for studying development strategies of governments of West Africa. Mr. Carter has worked in Mali through the Carter Center on eradicating guinea worm.
The interdisciplinary class contains Goizueta MBA students as well as Emory undergraduates, students from Emory’s school of public health and a student from Emory’s law school.
The students suggested Mali should develop tourism through adventure tours, handicrafts as a basis for other manufacturing activities, affordable feminine products, call centers and pre-packaged malaria treatments. Mali also should export more of its crafts, according to the student report.
The course is taught by Sam Cherribi, a visiting senior lecturer and member of the Dutch Parliament from 1994-2002. Dr. Cherribi also serves as Emory’s liaison with the Carter Center for international development.
George Vojta, former vice chairman of the board, director and member of the management committee of Bankers Trust Co. and founder and chairman of eStandardsForum Inc., a financial services information company, also is to attend the seminar.
Mr. Vojta is a director of the Financial Services Forum, which is composed of leading financial firms including Wachovia Corp. and provides advice on regulatory, legislative and public policy issues related to the global financial system.
The Georgia AGOA Commission, which is chaired by Davidayon Mayers-Kelley, is hosting the event along with Emory as part of the commission’s Ambassadors’ Lecture Series.
The Georgia AGOA Commission was formed to promote the African Growth and Opportunities Act, which Congress passed in 2000 to provide the goods of selected countries in Africa access to U.S. markets.
Ms. Mayers-Kelley recommended that Georgia companies involved in the designated sectors attend the seminar, which costs $100 for visitors and $80 for members of the commission. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m..
To register for the seminar, call Ms. Mayers-Kelley at (404) 215-9267. To learn more about Emory’s economic development programs, call Deb Hammacher at (404) 727-0644.