JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -- (July 16, 2002) U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) Director Thelma J. Askey today announced the official opening of a TDA regional business development office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Plans to open the office were unveiled by U.S. President George W. Bush in a speech at last year's meeting of the U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. Lance Ludman, a TDA Country Manager since 1997, has been named as the Regional Business Development Manager for Africa and will be based in the Johannesburg office.

Through this regional office, TDA seeks to expand its portfolio and activities across sub-Saharan Africa. In making today's announcement Director Askey stated, "This new office allows TDA to work more closely with its African clients and project sponsors, and represents a natural progression in the continued expansion of our Africa program. President Bush is committed to promoting trade and development in Africa, and has instructed TDA to open this regional office as part of a coordinated effort to promote American investment and transfer American know-how to Africa."

In 2001, TDA provided approximately $10 million in grants to African project sponsors for technical assistance, training and feasibility studies supporting the development of large infrastructure development projects. This year, TDA is targeting $13 to $14 million in grants supporting African projects.

Ludman will be stationed at the Ronald H. Brown Commercial Center in Illovo, Johannesburg and co-located with the U.S. Commercial Service office. Contact information for TDA's new office is as follow:

U.S. Trade and Development Agency
15 Chaplin Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196
P.O. Box 1762, Houghton, 2041
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 778-4800
Fax: +27 (0) 11 442-3770

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