USTDA to Unveil Telecom and ICT Export Opportunities at Middle East and North Africa Project Forum

USTDA to Unveil Telecom and ICT Export Opportunities at Middle East and North Africa Project Forum

WASHINGTON, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Export and investment opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa are the focus of a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) conference for information and communications technology (ICT) providers scheduled to take place May 14-16, 2006 in Muscat, Oman. The event will bring government officials and private sector leaders from nine countries together with representatives of U.S. information and communications technology companies.

"Wireless mobile technologies have led to a dramatic increase in basic telephony in many Middle East and North African countries, while the next generation of services is poised for dramatic expansion," said USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey. "Significant opportunities now exist for U.S. vendors, service providers and investors to increase business in the region."
The Making Connections in the Middle East and North Africa project forum will provide participants with details on new project and export opportunities in the areas of telecommunications infrastructure build-outs, new license offerings, as well as regional e-government and e-education initiatives. The projects presented at the event are expected to be implemented over the next three years and range in value from $2 million to $200 million each.
The event is cosponsored by a number of trade and industry organizations including: the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia, the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco, the Bilateral-US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the Information Technology Association of America, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, World Information Technology and Services Alliance, the Telecommunications Industry Association and the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute. Motorola, IBasis and Microsoft are some of the U.S. ICT providers participating in the technology workshops designed to highlight relevant U.S. technology applications.
The conference will also address key policy issues and highlight efforts to expand telecommunications infrastructure, improve delivery of government services, and support the growth of e-commerce. Participating countries will include Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia and Yemen.
Also expected to participate are representatives of the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and Middle Eastern and North African companies interested in partnering with U.S. firms. Officials from U.S. and international lending institutions will also be on hand to discuss loan and insurance programs available for communications exports and investment.
Each U.S. participant will receive a resource guide on the projects presented, including critical economic information, export potential, time lines, equipment needs and key contacts. A series of pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings will also enable U.S. participants to meet privately with the project representatives. For more information or to register for the event, visit the conference website at http://www.trademeetings.com/ , or contact Ms. Pamela Peseux at (202) 347-2725.
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.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency

CONTACT: Donna Thiessen, U.S. Trade and Development Agency,+1-703-875-4357

Web site: http://www.trademeetings.com/

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