For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 21, 2003
Fact Sheet
U.S. Expands Digital Freedom Initiative to Indonesia and Peru
Presidential Action
Today, President Bush announced the expansion of the U.S.
Digital Freedom Initiative to two APEC economies: Indonesia and Peru.
Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI): The United States is committed
to helping countries bridge the digital divide and generate economic
growth and opportunity. DFI promotes transfer of information and
communication technology (ICT) to benefit entrepreneurs and small
businesses in developing countries. It also aims to help countries
create a pro-competitive policy and regulatory environment. The
program is a public-private partnership and is supported by USA Freedom
Corps' Volunteers for Prosperity initiative.
Expansion to Indonesia and Peru: President Bush welcomed Indonesia
and Peru as DFI partner countries. The activities to be pursued in
these countries cover a range of possibilities, including:
- Placing U.S. private and public sector volunteers in small
and medium-sized businesses to share ICT expertise;
- Supporting development of a national cyber-security program
to facilitate computerization and e-business;
- Providing easier access to credit for small and medium-sized
businesses; and
- Applying U.S. expertise in areas such as distance learning,
tele-health and e-government.
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