SPLIT, CROATIA (July 8, 2004) – Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $105,000 grant to Cian d.o.o., a private Croatian firm, to fund a feasibility study on the development of a new medical waste management system for the Split/Dalmatia region of Croatia.  The grant illustrates USTDA’s ongoing commitment to assist Croatia in meeting environmental directives.

The grant was conferred in a signing ceremony held at Cian’s headquarters.  The Honorable Ralph Frank, U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Government.  Mr. Petar Bojic, Director, signed on behalf of Cian d.o.o. 

The USTDA-funded study will develop detailed plans for the construction of new medical waste treatment facilities and the establishment of transportation capacity to safely transport medical waste.  If implemented, the advent of these technologies and practices in Croatia is expected to substantially increase efficiency and reduce the environmental, health, and cost risks associated with inadequately processed medical waste.  An important component of the project will be the ability to convert a significant amount of the medical waste processed into usable energy, thereby establishing a new source of electricity in the region.  

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.  The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.  USTDA’s strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development.  In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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