AGTA President Joins US Trade Advisory Committee on Africa

American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) president Bruce Bridges has taken a seat on the US Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA) for a four-year term that began May 20.

Bridges, president of Bridges Tsavorite, will hold a position on TACA in his capacity as AGTA president, the association said Tuesday.

Bridges will represent the wider jewelry sector and advocate for the trade’s interest, AGTA said. The role also highlights AGTA’s ongoing engagement and strengthening relationship with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on global trade issues affecting AGTA members and the jewelry industry overall, it added.

Meanwhile, AGTA CEO John Ford will serve as the designated staff representative and liaison between the committee and Bridges.

TACA, founded in 1975, plays a key role in advising the USTR on trade policy and development matters impacting countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We believe that [Bridges’s] experience and perspective will make a valuable contribution to the TACA, and we greatly appreciate [his] service,” said US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

Image: Bruce Bridges. (American Gem Trade Association)