PRAIA, CAPE VERDE - (August 14, 2003) Today, the U.S. Trade Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $291,650 grant to Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea (ASA) to fund a feasibility study assessing both short and long term improvements at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island, Cape Verde.

The grant was conferred in a signing ceremony held in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. Signing on behalf of ASA was Mario Paixao, Chairman of the Board of ASA, while the U.S. Ambassador to Cape Verde, the Honorable Donald C. Johnson, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

The main objectives of the study are to determine the requirements for and the financial feasibility of expanding the airport facilities on Sal Island to accommodate projected future air traffic demand. The feasibility study also will also assess the viability of establishing an air cargo hub at the airport to take advantage of the trade opportunities afforded by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In addition, the study will review air traffic control and air navigation facilities already either in place, or in the process of being completed, and make recommendations as to expansion and upgrades necessary to handle the projected growth at the international airport on Sal Island.

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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