USTDA, ADB Formalize Partnership on Infrastructure

Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a new partnership to advance quality infrastructure across Asia. In a ceremony held at USTDA’s headquarters, ADB and USTDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) – creating a framework for collaboration on public procurement and project preparation assistance to help implement the region’s infrastructure priorities.

“Quality infrastructure will be foundational to Asia’s long-term prosperity. USTDA and ADB share a vision and complementary set of tools to help make that happen,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Our collaboration will ultimately improve the results of large infrastructure projects, including better development outcomes. It will also increase U.S. industry engagement in the region’s infrastructure development.”

The MOU will strengthen ADB and USTDA’s collaboration in strategic areas including project preparation and financing to promote sustainable infrastructure development. Shared goals highlighted under the MOU include supporting climate-smart infrastructure investments that promote green, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, as well as providing support for project preparation to ensure the bankability of infrastructure projects.

Through its Global Procurement Initiative (GPI), USTDA will support the professionalization of procurement staff in eligible ADB borrowing countries and create a career development track to enhance the utilization of value-for-money principles at the country level to support ADB-funded infrastructure. Under the MOU, the GPI will also provide guidance and technical assistance to procurement officials in the Indo-Pacific region on how to integrate international procurement best practices into public tenders.

“Both ADB and USTDA are committed to developing our clients’ capacity to undertake procurement that is effective, transparent and drives value for money,” said Tomoyuki Kimura, Director General, Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department, Asian Development Bank. “We look forward to this new phase of our joint work and growing and strengthening our partnership.”

Launched in 2013, USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative: Understanding Best Value is dedicated to assisting public officials in emerging economies to better understand the total cost of ownership of goods and services for infrastructure projects. The Initiative now includes 15 partner countries.

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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.

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