BANGKOK, THAILAND (September
23, 2004) – Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency
(USTDA) provided a $530,000 grant to Thai Airways International
Public Company Limited (THAI). The grant will be used to develop a
threat assessment and security implementation plan for THAI’s
operations at the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is
scheduled to open in September 2005. The grant was conferred in a
signing ceremony held at THAI’s Head Office in Bangkok. United
States Ambassador to Thailand Darryl N. Johnson and Mr. Kanok
Abhiradee, President, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the
U.S. Government and THAI, respectively.
As Thailand’s national carrier,
THAI will be the largest tenant of the new airport and a key
provider of aviation-related services to other airlines using the
airport’s facilities. The USTDA-funded implementation plan will
identify resources and define security policies that will help THAI
meet international security standards and ensure the safety of its
operations. The assistance will also highlight the latest
technologies and practices that can prevent the impact of terrorism
on lives, assets and business reputation.
The USTDA grant awarded
today reflects the U.S. Government’s overall commitment to the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum’s objective of
advancing regional economic growth, prosperity and security. In
particular, the technical assistance supports the Secure Trade in
the APEC Region (STAR) Initiative, which seeks to accelerate efforts
to screen people and cargo before transit, increase security on
ships and airplanes while en route, secure private company supply
chains, and enhance security in airports and seaports. In addition,
the technical assistance will advance the goals of the Asian
Development Bank’s Regional Trade and Financial Security Initiative
(RTFSI), which was established by APEC Leaders to strengthen
anti-money laundering efforts, combat the financing of terrorism,
and enhance port security in the APEC 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.