VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 - FALL EDITION 2000

TDA - New Opportunities for U.S. Companies:
Southeast Europe Energy and Transportation

The secret to doing business in Southeast Europe is to follow the money. That is precisely why TDA is hosting the Southeast Europe Energy and Transportation Conference. The conference will take place on September 13-15, 2000, at the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. U.S. firms will be introduced to over 25 new projects in the energy and transportation sectors that are already slated for funding by the international community.

The U.S., European Union, and major international financial institutions are coordinating their efforts to promote peace through the Stability Pact. This organization involves the countries of the region and other donors in rebuilding and resuscitating markets after recent conflicts. In total, the Stability Pact members have allocated $2.4 billion for development, much of which is designated for infrastructure. At the conference, TDA will present the best projects for which U.S. firms are eligible and likely to win. Examples of projects to be presented at the conference include:

• Power Generation - TDA is promoting the construction and interconnection of electric power substations in Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Albania. This regional endeavor is estimated to cost $84.5 million and has a U.S. export potential of $31 million.
• Oil & Gas - Oil, gas, and heating contractors are needed to provide materials for the modernization of the Banja Luka District Heating system. The projected U.S. export potential is $30 million.
• Transportation - TDA funded a feasibility study to upgrade and rehabilitate the airport in Skopje, focusing on passenger facilities. The total project implementation cost is approximately $36 million. The EBRD is considering financing this project.
• Oil & Gas - Extensive work and equipment are needed to modernize the oil terminal at the Port of Constanta, including metering equipment, firefighting facilities, additional piping and loading arms, pumps, and remote control systems. The approximate U.S. export potential for this project is $10 million.