GABORONE, BOTSWANA -( August 1, 2002) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) concluded a grant agreement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to provide funding for the final phase feasibility study of the upper airspace management (CNS/ATM) transition plan for the member nations of SADC. Ambassador John E. Lange, U.S. Ambassador to Botswana and Special Representative to SADC, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. government. The Executive Secretary for SADC, Dr. Pakeereesamy Ramsamy, signed on behalf of SADC.

Under the agreement, TDA will provide a $600,000 grant for SADC's Transportation and Telecommunications Commission to contract with Innovative Solutions International of McLean, Virginia, to complete the $1.2 million feasibility study. Innovative Solutions will contribute the remaining $600,000. The study will assess the technical, financial, economic and environmental aspects of SADC moving from a terrestrial-based system to a space-based upper airspace control system for the region.

The agreement represents a working commitment by the U.S. Government to help improve regional economic integration through the development of this important sector of the economy. The successful completion and implementation of the project will improve air transportation services across the large region. It should also increase Southern African employment, generate increased income for the people of the region, and highlight investment opportunities in Southern Africa.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation in developing and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on economic sectors that represent significant U.S. export potential. By funding various forms of technical assistance, training grants, feasibility studies, orientation visits, and business workshops, TDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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