WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA - (September 17, 2003) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $381,260 grant to the Namibian Airports Company Limited (NAC) for a feasibility study on a project to upgrade and modernize the Walvis Bay Airport. The Honorable Kevin J. McGuire, U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, signed an agreement conferring the grant on behalf of the U.S. Government. Mr. J. H. Akwenye, Chairman of NAC, signed on behalf of the Grantee. NAC will competitively select a U.S. contractor to perform the study.

Located at the westernmost node of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor connecting Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, Walvis Bay Airport has the potential to serve as a multi-modal cargo hub for port, rail, truck, and aviation freight transported among Southern Africa, Europe, and the United States. In addition, the proposed airport upgrade and modernization project will address the increasing international business and tourism demand in Namibia's major Atlantic Coast cities, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, as well as the Etosha Pan, Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert.

NAC was created in 1998 and is wholly owned by the Government of Namibia. It is responsible for the management, operation, and assets of several airports in Namibia. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will examine both short-term and long-term improvements to the airport such as runway rehabilitation, upgraded fire and rescue services, cargo terminal development, and the creation of an industrial park around the airport. The total project value is approximately $80 million. Financing for the airport project could come from both public and private sources and will be examined as part of the study.

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.

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