Amman, Jordan - (December 9, 2001) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Government of Jordan signed a grant agreement to fund a project study in Jordan. USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. government in the presence of U.S. Ambassador in Amman Edward W. Gnehm. His Excellency Dr. Bassem Awadallah, Minister of Planning, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the Jordanian Government in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Fawaz Zu'bi, Minister of Post and Communications (MPC). Under the agreement, USTDA will provide a $269,000 grant to the MPC for a study examining wireless sector market liberalization as well as the deployment, development, and licensing of advanced wireless technology. MPC will select a U.S. company to conduct the study from competitive bids submitted by interested U.S. firms.

The grant represents a continuation of the United States' commitment to support the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by providing direct, practical assistance to help Jordanian and U.S. companies take advantage of new export, import, and investment opportunities created by the FTA. The MPC study of the wireless market is the next major milestone in the liberalization of Jordan's telecommunications sector, leading to improved services, lower prices, and greater access for Jordanian consumers and companies. Since 1997, USTDA has provided over $2 million in funding to various telecommunications, water, energy, aviation, border security and other infrastructure projects in Jordan.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency, an independent government agency founded in 1981, 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, TDA 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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