CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - On Thursday, August 30, the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Margaret DeB. Tutwiler, signed a major new grant agreement of $350,000 on behalf of TDA with both the President of the Greater Casablanca Region, Mr. Mohamed Labsir, and the Wali of Greater Casablanca, Mr. Driss Benhima. The funds will finance a critical feasibility study and technical assistance on improving collection and treatment of solid waste in this city of 4 million inhabitants.

The TDA grant responds to a request by the Greater Casablanca Region to help develop a comprehensive solid waste management system as present practices do not keep up with requirements. The study, which will be competed to U.S. firms, covers waste collection and transport, transfer stations, remediation of the present landfill and selection of a new landfill site for development, waste treatment, and street cleaning. The firm selected must also address another key element of the study, which is to develop recommended public-private sector solutions for the financing and management of an expected concession for the overall project. The U.S. consultant will develop a bid package to be issued as an international tender, and will assist the City of Casablanca in evaluating bidders.

Ambassador Tutwiler remarked to the Wali and President at the signing ceremony "I am delighted to be here in Casablanca to sign this important agreement for the USTDA. I am confident that this assistance will allow you to develop a better system to address critical environmental needs and to improve the quality of life for Casablanca's citizens. This grant agreement is another clear sign of the strengthening of the economic ties that exist between our two nations. In improving environmental quality, this project will contribute to the highest priorities underlined by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, namely the creation of jobs and the encouragement of foreign investment in Morocco."

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we help 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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