SOFIA, BULGARIA - (July 11, 2002) The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) will hold a grant signing ceremony next Wednesday, July 17, at the American Center multipurpose room, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. This grant is a continuation of TDA's commitment to assist in the development of Bulgaria's private sector, as well as the cable television (CATV) industry throughout Southeast Europe. The United States Ambassador to Bulgaria, Mr. James W. Pardew, will sign the grant on behalf of TDA.

The $153,975 feasibility study will focus on the further development of Cable Bulgaria's existing technical infrastructure, which is highly advanced among CATV companies in Bulgaria, while also providing them with a business plan that will help attract further financing. The CATV system that Cable Bulgaria is operating, constructing, and upgrading will require substantial capital investments to complete. Once completed, this system will be able to deliver not only video programming services to households, but residential and commercial Internet and telephony services as well.

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.

For more information on covering this event, please contact the Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia at 359.2.963.4062.

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