USTDA Sees Deals in Asia

WASHINGTON -- Export and investment opportunities in Southeast Asian nations are the focus of a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) conference for information and communications technology (ICT) providers to be held April 27-29 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will bring government officials and private sector leaders from eight countries together with representatives of U.S. telecommunications and Internet technology companies.

"Wireless mobile technologies have led to a dramatic increase in basic telephony in many Southeast Asian countries, while the next generation of wireless Internet 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 Southeast Asia Connections Conference will provide participants with details on new project and export opportunities in the areas of mobile systems, wireless local loop, data networking and Internet access, fiber networks, e-government and e-commerce. The projects presented at the event are expected to be implemented over the next 18 months and range in value from $2 million to $200 million.

The conference agenda 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 from East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States.

Also expected to participate are representatives of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Southeast Asian companies interested in partnering with U.S. firms. Officials from international lending institutions, including the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the International Finance Corporation, will also be on hand to discuss loan and insurance programs available for communications exports and investment. Trade and industry organizations supporting the conference include the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Pacific Telecommunications Council, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and American chambers of commerce in the region.