ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - (October 4, 2002) Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director Thelma J. Askey announced the appointment of Geoffrey Jackson, the agency's Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, to serve as Assistant Director for Policy Planning. In his new capacity, Mr. Jackson will advise Director Askey on international trade and foreign assistance matters, and make recommendations for possible USTDA program assistance to support U.S. policy objectives.

In addition, Mr. Jackson will establish and coordinate the preparation of USTDA assistance designed to advance the Administration's trade and foreign policy priorities. This work will include technical, training and feasibility study assistance for projects involving capacity building to support the Doha Development agenda, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Partnership for Prosperity with Mexico, Afghanistan and the Frontline States, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and Trade Promotion Coordination Committee activities.

Mr. Jackson has served as USTDA's Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific since 1997. Previously, he was Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe. Prior to 1989, he held other positions at USTDA involving Africa and the Middle East. Before joining the agency, Mr. Jackson held positions in the Economic Development and International Trade Administrations of the U.S. Department of Commerce. These assignments involved multilateral development bank issues, commercial trade dispute settlement, country assignments, trade policy and international trade promotion. Prior to joining the Commerce Department, Mr. Jackson worked for the U.S. Coast Guard.

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 and specialized studies, conferences, orientation visits, and business workshops, USTDA 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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