FEATURE STORY
USTDA REGIONAL REORGANIZATION: Responding
to a Changing World
I n
order to most effectively provide U.S. Trade and
Development Agency (USTDA) services in our rapidly
changing world, I am pleased to announce a
reorganization of the agency’s regional structure. This
change, the first since the early 1990s, presents an
exciting opportunity for us to strengthen the overall
impact of USTDA’s global program. Beginning
October 1st, USTDA program activity will be organized
under five restructured regions: Asia; the Middle East,
North Africa and South Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Europe
and Eurasia; and Latin America and the Caribbean.
This reorganization has three primary features. First is
the newly created region comprised of the Middle East,
North Africa and South Asia, which will establish a
focal point for emerging priorities in this region.
Second, the agency will combine the Europe and Eurasia
regions to better coordinate economic development
activities in those parts of the world. Finally, the
restructuring will result in increased resources for
activities in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those
related to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.
In Asia, the reorganization will allow greater attention
to development needs China and Southeast Asia, where
opportunities for U.S. private sector participation are
significant.
USTDA’s Latin America and the Caribbean region will
remain as it is currently structured, but with renewed
emphasis on trade capacity building activities
throughout the region. As we look to the future, USTDA
will continue to evolve and modify its internal
structure in response to a changing world. Our goal is
to enhance the way our many partners interact with the
agency and to expand our coordination with other U.S.
Government agencies. At the same time, we will maintain
the same high level of support for U.S. commercial
involvement in overseas projects. We are excited about
the opportunity that this reorganization presents for us
to make our results oriented program even more
effective. These changes build on USTDA’s successful
history of adapting to meet new challenges. As always,
our strong relationships with our many partners
overseas, in the U.S. private sector, and at other U.S.
Government agencies will ensure our success. |