Arlington, VA (May 24, 2000) - A delegation of four senior executives from Sonelgaz, the national electric and gas company of Algeria, will be in the United States from June 1-12, 2000 for a twelve day Orientation Visit (OV) to look for products and services to implement a new Customer Information System (CIS). The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) is sponsoring this OV and has contracted Marison International Corporation, a Boston based firm that specializes in U.S. - Africa business development, to organize this event.

"Algeria has entered a new era of peace and renewed growth and opportunity," stated J. Joseph Grandmaison, Director of TDA. TDA and the U.S. government are committed to supporting this process by creating opportunities for Algerian decision-makers and American industry executives to develop and increase business relations. Sonelgaz is one of the leading utilities in North Africa with an installed capacity of 5600 MW and a customer base of 4.5 million. The utility has embarked on a new program to improve its performance as well the quality of service to its customers. The acquisition of a new CIS is a central element of this process.

The OV will allow CIS solution providers an excellent opportunity to present their products and services to Sonelgaz representatives who are very interested in learning about the cutting-edge technology lead offered by American firms in this industry. Sonelgaz's objective is to acquire an integrated system to handle billing and work order management functions. TDA and Sonelgaz are already working together on several projects including a feasibility study to develop a 1200 MW independent power project and the development of a SCADA and fiber optic telecommunications link.

The Sonelgaz executives will visit Boston, MA, Laguna Hills, CA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC where they will be briefed by leading CIS solution providers such as Kenan Systems, Dynasty Software and Connext, Inc. The delegation will also participate in the CIS 2000 conference in Las Vegas (June 4-7). Firms wishing to learn more about this event should contact Marison International at (617) 267-6666, Fax: (617) 267-0007, email: Marisoninter@aol.com.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is an independent federal agency that assists in the creation of jobs for Americans by helping U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. TDA provides American firms with market entry, exposure and information through the funding of feasibility studies, technical assistance, reverse trade missions and conferences. These efforts help American businesses establish a position in newly emerging economies.

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