USTDA generates an average of $231 in U.S. exports for every dollar it programs. Since its inception, the Agency has supported more than $119 billion in U.S. exports to infrastructure projects in emerging economies, helping companies create good-paying jobs across the United States.
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced it has awarded a feasibility study grant to Bangladesh prepared foods and cold chain services company Bonton Foods Limited (Bonton Foods) to support the deployment of a temperature-controlled logistics network of cold storage refrigeration warehouses in Bangladesh. The study’s goal is to lower costs and reduce losses of dairy, meat, and other food products, resulting in improved food security for people across the country. Bonton Foods selected Minnesota-based Land O’Lakes Venture37 to conduct the study.
“Facilitating private sector investment is vital to Bangladesh’s food security goals. Our partnership with Bonton Foods will help mobilize capital and deploy innovative solutions that address the needs of Bangladesh’s people,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “We look forward to demonstrating the positive role that U.S. technology can play in unlocking greater access to fresh foods.”
While Bangladesh has 2.7 million metric tons of cold storage refrigeration capacity across over 300 sites, the country’s current cold chain industry cannot meet demand, particularly in rural areas. As a result, animal proteins and produce are handled primarily via wet markets with little to no mechanical refrigeration support, which can lead to food spoilage and loss. The USTDA-funded study will address these challenges by facilitating the construction of an integrated network of third-party logistics cold storage facilities across Bangladesh.
Shamim Ahamed, Managing Director of Bonton Foods, said: “The country’s large population—20 million people in greater Dhaka alone—a growing upper and middle-class, and changing consumer patterns signal a bright future for the cold chain industry, and we are keen to leverage our position in the market by expanding third-party logistics services to small and medium-sized agribusinesses as well as international food importers and exporters.”
“The lack of appropriate temperature-controlled logistics in Bangladesh results in post-harvest losses, affects food safety, and limits trade in agricultural and consumer products,” said Chargé d’Affaires of U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Helen LaFave. “Cold chain infrastructure would enable Bangladeshi agricultural producers to diversify export opportunities by ensuring the safety and quality of their agricultural products. This feasibility study will identify opportunities for increased U.S. investment in cold chain, which would create a stable logistics network for refrigerated and frozen U.S. products that meet the consumer demands of the rapidly growing Bangladesh middle class.”
USTDA’s study advances the goals of Biden-Harris Administration priorities such as the Feed the Future initiative.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – From October 8-10, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will host a delegation of leaders from the United States and nearly 20 European and Eurasian countries in Knoxville, TN, for an event focused on the safe and efficient deployment of the latest nuclear energy technologies. Organized in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Civil Nuclear Energy Workshop: Partnering for Implementation will highlight innovative U.S. technologies that are revolutionizing the sector.
“USTDA has played a leading role in the development of advanced nuclear energy projects in Europe that will use U.S. technology,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “It is essential for public and private sector leaders to convene and share information that will facilitate the safe and efficient deployment of these projects. Our goal is to advance our partners’ clean energy and energy security objectives while promoting the benefits of partnering with U.S. industry.”
Civil nuclear energy plays a critical role in achieving global energy security needs. Countries in Europe and Eurasia are taking steps to deploy innovative nuclear technologies to meet their net-zero commitments. At the same time, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reinforced the importance of a diverse energy mix to ensure their energy security.
Through this event, high-level industry leaders, decision makers and senior government officials from nearly 20 countries and the United States will share best practices and recent developments regarding technical, operational, and regulatory practices throughout the civil nuclear energy value chain.
More information, including the agenda and list of participants, is available at https://www.nuclearworkshops.com.
MEDIA:
In person: Remarks will be open to the press on October 8 from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and on October 9 from 9:00 to 9:15 a.m.; all other sessions will be closed. The event will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Virtual: USTDA Director Ebong will be available to the media virtually on October 8 at 10:00 a.m.
To attend the workshop or to join the media availability, please email press@ustda.gov. Media registration closes on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership-building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) to support the modernization of weather forecasting and early warning systems in Vanuatu. The project will enhance disaster preparedness and resilience by improving the country’s ability to forecast hazardous weather and disseminate effective early warnings to the public. USTDA’s assistance will also pilot technology from Massachusetts-based Tomorrow Companies Inc. (Tomorrow.io) to improve the speed and effectiveness of these systems.
“Safeguarding communities from hazardous weather events is of paramount concern to many of our partners across the Pacific Islands,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Our partnership with VMGD will advance a priority for Vanuatu, while opening opportunities for U.S. companies to offer highly innovative weather technologies. This project is another example of USTDA’s commitment to catalyzing partnerships with the private sector to advance climate resilience and disaster preparedness.”
Vanuatu is extremely vulnerable to hazardous weather due to its location in a cyclone-prone region of the South Pacific. Climate change is increasing the severity of cyclones, floods, and droughts, leading to displacement, loss of life, food insecurity, and long-term development challenges.
VMGD has selected Tomorrow.io to deliver the technical assistance, which will conduct a detailed review of existing weather forecasting and early warning services and develop a plan for new investments in weather observation and telecommunication infrastructure. The activity will also pilot Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence platform that leverages the latest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and satellite observation. The project will allow VMGD to equip citizens, farmers, institutions, transportation operators, and businesses with greater quality of information and real-time alerts to better respond and plan for risks associated with increased variability and extreme weather events.
“This partnership with USTDA and Tomorrow.io represents a significant step forward in strengthening Vanuatu’s ability to forecast severe weather events and provide timely early warnings to our communities. With our country’s vulnerability to cyclones, floods, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change, having access to cutting-edge meteorological technology and services is crucial for protecting lives and livelihoods. We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Government and the innovative solutions offered by Tomorrow.io, which will enhance our forecasting capabilities and help build a more resilient Vanuatu,” said Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department Acting Director, Fred Jockley.
U.S. Ambassador to Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock said: “Opening the new U.S. Embassy Port Vila in July is a manifestation of our long-term commitment to Vanuatu. Today’s ceremony reflects another step forward as we deepen our relationship with the people of Vanuatu. With this assistance, we are working together with the private sector to bring innovative solutions to address the serious impacts of climate change.”
“We are honored to support the climate resiliency of the Pacific islands through innovative AI and space-based technologies,” said Sebastien Boulay, Advisor to Tomorrow.io and Project Lead. “Aligned with the goals of the Weather Ready Pacific program and backed by U.S. leadership, Tomorrow.io is committed to a long-term partnership with Vanuatu. We deeply value the trust that VMGD and USTDA have placed in this project. With Vanuatu as an early adopter of this groundbreaking technology, we will enhance the existing services provided by VMGD, ensure sustainable funding of a modernized forecasting system, and provide life-saving early warnings to remote communities.”
This project supports the U.S. Government’s Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative and the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), with the goal of expanding access to cutting-edge climate information, early-warning, and satellite data to bolster climate resilience.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a grant to Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to support the development of an integrated command center for management of smart city infrastructure in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. The grant will co-fund a pilot project to demonstrate technology solutions from seven U.S. companies.
“USTDA is pleased to continue its partnership with OIKN to advance smart urban development and high-quality infrastructure that will increase sustainability and improve the quality of life in Indonesia’s new capital,” said USTDA Director, Enoh T. Ebong. “U.S. companies and trusted technology partners can support this investment in critical digital infrastructure by delivering cutting-edge innovations.”
USTDA’s grant will co-fund the command center pilot along with contributions from U.S. technology companies, including Autodesk, Inc. (San Francisco, CA), Amazon Web Services, Inc. (Seattle, WA), Cisco Systems, Inc. (San Jose, CA), Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Redlands, CA), Honeywell International, Inc. (Charlotte, NC), International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY), Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Chicago, IL). U.S. technical advisory firm Meta Mind Global Corporation LLC (Dover, DE) will serve as prime contractor to coordinate OIKN’s pilot project.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to develop Nusantara as a model of sustainable and innovative urban development,” said Minister Mochamad Basuki Hadimuljono, OIKN Acting Chairman. “The integration of advanced technologies into our smart city infrastructure will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also improve the quality of life for residents. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a future-ready capital that stands at the forefront of green and digital transformation.”
Implementation of an integrated command center will enable real-time data collection, analysis and decision-making across city operations. The project can enhance OIKN’s situational awareness, optimize allocation of public resources, improve the delivery of citizen services, and increase public safety and security in Nusantara.
U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, said: “The USTDA support for developing this integrated command center project exemplifies our unwavering commitment to deepen the U.S.-Indonesia partnership on sustainable development across Indonesia. By bringing together the innovation and smart city expertise of leading U.S. technology companies in support of Indonesia’s forward-looking vision, this collaboration will deliver transformative solutions that help accelerate the nation’s growth and improve the quality of life for all its citizens. Together, we are advancing digital infrastructure that drives economic progress, builds resilience, and paves the way for a more prosperous future for both our nations.”
The project joins a series of USTDA programs in support of Nusantara’s development, including an April 2024 reverse trade mission to the United States, a training workshop in Jakarta, and business forum events to familiarize Indonesian decision makers with U.S. smart city solutions and best practices for implementation. USTDA-funded technical assistance is also providing OIKN with detailed designs and capacity building for integrating priority smart city applications in Nusantara.
The technical assistance supports priority U.S. government initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, with the goal to develop, expand, and deploy secure digital infrastructure to power economic growth and facilitate open digital societies
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency will bring a delegation of leaders from Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal to the United States to build partnerships in support of strengthening cybersecurity in the countries’ critical infrastructure.
While in the United States from September 29 to October 10, the 15-member delegation of government and financial sector representatives will travel to Washington, DC; New York City; and San Francisco to meet U.S. companies and see demonstrations of cutting-edge U.S. technologies that will protect critical infrastructure like financial services and telecommunications. Delegates will also meet with public and private sector representatives to explore the regulatory and financial aspects of advancing African cybersecurity capacity.
USTDA will host a public business briefing in Washington on October 2 and a networking reception on October 3 in New York City. These events are an opportunity for U.S. companies to hear directly from the delegation about upcoming commercial prospects and to engage one-on-one with delegates to showcase their cybersecurity solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.ustda.gov/events/.
As a leading developer and deployer of cybersecurity and data protection solutions, the U.S. private sector is uniquely positioned to become an essential partner to Côte d’Ivoire, the DRC, and Senegal as they fortify their network infrastructure. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience growth in digital economic activity and interconnectivity. As governments work to digitalize their economies and public services, they are increasingly seeking solutions for risks from cyberattacks and theft, particularly with respect to critical infrastructure.
The reverse trade mission advances the U.S. government’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to deliver game-changing projects to close the infrastructure gap in developing countries; the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative for expanded access to an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet; the Prosper Africa initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa; and the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
