ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) awarded a grant of $574,000 for an aviation project in western China. TDA Director Thelma J. Askey and Director General of the Southwest Regional Administration of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Mr. Wang Cunhao, signed the grant at a ceremony in the TDA Business Center.

The TDA-awarded grant to the Southwest Regional Administration of CAAC provides funding for a feasibility study and strategic plan to construct a modern airport and air route network in western China. China's central and local government leaders believe the establishment of a modern air traffic infrastructure is the key to promoting economic development in the area. Current aviation infrastructure in the region is seriously underdeveloped and inefficient. Several major airports in the region are unable to accommodate medium and large commercial aircraft. As a result, many of these airports are unable to meet the growing demand for air traffic services.

This grant signing is a significant step towards establishing increased business opportunities for U.S. companies in China and follows a visit by TDA Director Thelma J. Askey in July and August 2001, which officially reopened TDA activities in China. This project has the potential to result in substantial U.S. exports over the next several years.

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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