Arlington, Virginia – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency today launched the U.S.–Turkey Next Generation Cities Initiative to support of the development of smart cities across Turkey. The Initiative will streamline access for Turkish partners to the most innovative smart cities solutions that U.S. companies have to offer and be executed in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service. USTDA launched the Initiative by awarding two grants to support smart cities development in Ankara and Gaziantep.
“These projects reflect not only our continuing commitment to a broad and dynamic portfolio in Turkey, but also the best of our team’s ability to connect innovative U.S. industry with trusted overseas partnerships,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “I am confident that what we achieve will make a lasting difference for years to come.”
Specifically, USTDA will fund technical assistance for the development of a smart city roadmap for the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality as it prioritizes new investments, services and applications to enhance city operations, public services and quality of life.
“I believe this USTDA grant will support the transformation of Gaziantep into a smart city,” said Gaziantep Mayor and President of the Union of Municipalities Fatma Sahin. “The 21st century is an era of data. Cities that leverage data to solve problems will create cities that are healthier, cleaner, more comfortable, more livable, citizen-oriented and sustainable.”
In addition, a USTDA pilot project will help Ankara’s General Directorate of EGO (Electricity, Gas and Bus Operation Organization) optimize bus route planning across the city. The pilot includes the installation of a customized AI-based software platform, development of a mobile application for tracking bus transportation data and a program to improve network efficiency and effectiveness.
“I would like to thank USTDA, Ambassador Satterfield, and my colleagues, said Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas. “The project will improve current bus operations, improve the quality of public transportation service, reduce operational costs, increase energy efficiency and also decrease carbon emissions in the city.”
“The U.S. Mission to Turkey is committed to supporting the development of smart cities across Turkey,” said David M. Satterfield, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey. “USTDA’s focus on early stage project funding is the kind of targeted assistance that will greatly benefit this country’s development future. We are delighted to partner with the cities of Gaziantep and Ankara to enhance their citizen services.”
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit the USTDA website at https://ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project/.
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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 development 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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