ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - (May 1, 2003) "Creating Partnerships for Growth" was the theme of a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) seminar held yesterday for small and medium-sized U.S. firms interested in exploring international opportunities. The sold out event attracted representatives of 66 U.S. firms from around the country and was held at USTDA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The program focused on how to do business with USTDA and showcased the types of assistance available through the Federal Government to help U.S. businesses compete successfully in the international arena.

USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey opened the program by welcoming the participants. "USTDA knows that small businesses are the engine of growth in the U.S. economy. Small businesses also are the backbone of the USTDA program," said Director Askey. "In fact, over the past five years more than one-third of USTDA outlays, including both program and administrative activities, have gone to small businesses."

The Honorable Hector V. Barreto, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was the keynote speaker at the seminar. In his remarks, Administrator Barreto noted that over 97 percent of U.S. exporters are small businesses. He also emphasized the importance of small businesses and international trade to the U.S. economy.

"President Bush wants to create an environment where all small businesses, including those that export, can grow and flourish," said Administrator Barreto. "With trade promotion authority now in hand, the President will be able to create additional commercial opportunities between U.S. businesses and our trading partners in other parts of the world. I salute the fine efforts of Director Askey and USTDA for hosting this forum to highlight international opportunities for businesses in this country."

The one-day seminar included detailed, practical information about how small and medium-sized firms can avail themselves of the overseas business opportunities supported by the USTDA program. Representatives of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Northern Virginia U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Small Business Exporters Association gave presentations on the most effective way for small and medium-sized firms to work with them. Prescheduled one-on-one meetings with USTDA program staff were arranged to discuss the most successful means for U.S. firms to compete for contracts to perform USTDA-funded studies and activities.

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.

Back to Press Releases