World > Africa > Togo > Relations with U.S. (Notes)

Togo - Relations with U.S. (Notes)

U.S.-TOGOLESE RELATIONS Togo is a pro-Western, market-oriented country, and the United States and Togo have had generally good relations since its independence, although the United States has never been one of Togos major trade partners. The largest share of U.S. exports to Togo generally has been used clothing and scrap textiles. Other important U.S. exports include rice, wheat, shoes, and tobacco products, and U.S. personal computers and other office electronics are becoming more widely used. The Government of Togo, with the support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), established an export processing zone (EPZ) in Togo. The zone has attracted private investors interested in manufacturing, assembly, and food processing, primarily for the export market. USAID closed its local office in 1994 and runs local development programs from its office in Abidjan through nongovernmental organizations in Togo. Peace Corps began its work in Togo in 1962, and since that time has hosted more than 2,200 Peace Corps Volunteers. Currently there are 100 Volunteers serving in Togo. Volunteers have a successful history of collaboration and involvement with the Togolese people at all levels. Their efforts build upon counterpart relationships and emphasize low-cost solutions that make maximum use of local resources. Partnering with local and international organizations is an important component of Volunteer project activities. Volunteers work to promote self-sufficiency in the areas of business development, education, environment, and health. All Volunteers, regardless of sector, are trained in how to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Principal U.S. Officials Ambassador--David B. Dunn Deputy Chief of Mission--J.A. Diffily Management Officer--vacant Public Affairs Officer--Mary Daschbach Consular Officer--Amanda Jacobsen Pol/Econ/Commercial Officer--Melanie Zimmerman Peace Corps Director--George Monagan The U.S. Embassy is located on Boulevard Eyadema, Lomé (tel: 228-261-5470/1/2/3). The mailing address is B.P. 852, Lomé, Togo (international mail) and AmEmbassy Lome, 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC 20521-2300 (by diplomatic pouch).