Rabat, Morocco -(December 6, 2001) Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director Thelma J. Askey and Moroccan Minister of Transport Abdeslam Znined signed a grant for $325,300 to fund a feasibility study for the development of a Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) transitional technical plan. The grant was signed in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Margaret Tutwiler.

This study will help Morocco in evaluating its air traffic infrastructure and control systems in order to transition to a system that is fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) CNS/ATM concept. The plan, proposed by the Direction of Civil Aviation (DAC), will also include recommendations to transition from traditional air traffic technologies to a more modern system on a national basis. In addition, the study will define required training and maintenance requirements related to the proposed systems and a prioritized capital investment program for the DAC.

"I am pleased to sign this important grant during my first visit to Morocco as Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency," noted Director Askey. "This agreement is a further demonstration of our continued commitment to work closely with Morocco and is indicative of why we have selected Morocco as the 2001 USTDA Country of the Year." Director Askey is making her first visit to Morocco and the Middle East from December 4 - 10, and is meeting with senior officials of the government of Morocco and the private sector.

This year, Morocco received 18 grants from USTDA totaling over $2.5 million, and was a worldwide leader in the number, effectiveness, and diversity of projects in five key sectors: environment (especially water supply, and wastewater treatment), transportation, oil and gas, electric power, and information technology.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, 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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