USTDA GRANT SUPPORTS IT EXPANSION PROJECT FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUCHAREST

For Immediate Release

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - (July 4, 2003) Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $257,120 grant to the Municipality of Bucharest to fund a feasibility study on the expansion of the Municipality's information technology (IT) infrastructure strategy to the six municipal districts of Bucharest (Regias) and other institutions under the authority of the Bucharest General Council. The grant represents an example of the USTDA commitment to assist the Municipality with its plans for growth and its quest to improve operations and services for the public.

The grant was conferred in a signing ceremony at City Hall in Bucharest. Mr. Carl B. Kress, USTDA Chief of Staff, signed the grant on behalf of the U.S. Government. General Mayor Traian Basescu signed on behalf of the Municipality of Bucharest. 

The project is the second phase of an IT strategy put forward by the Municipality of Bucharest. The aim of the project is to create a comprehensive IT system. By providing an integrated method of sharing data and organizing information, the project will allow the Municipal government to be more responsive and efficient in handling everyday operations. The system will improve access to information throughout the Municipality and improve its ability to better serve the public. The USTDA-funded study will examine the technical and economic aspects of the project and provide assistance with the preparation of tender documents for Phase II implementation.

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.