[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRADE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member would like to highlight the 
important work of the Trade Development Agency (TDA). The TDA is an 
independent U.S. Government Agency that promotes U.S. exports in long-
term, commercially sustainable projects in developing countries. 
Additionally, the TDA is unique because it is small, flexible, and can 
respond quickly. As a result, TDA is one of the first agencies to enter 
new markets. Moreover, TDA also makes the host country an important 
part of identifying priority developmental needs.
  The TDA funds various forms of technical assistance, training grants, 
feasibility studies, orientation visits, and business workshops. To 
illustrate their work, in September of this year, TDA signed a grant 
with the National Bureau to Combat Desertification, State Forestry 
Administration in the People's Republic of China for $244,200. The 
Grantee selected Valmont Industries, Inc., a Nebraska company, to be 
the contractor for this study. The goal of the study is to help prevent 
and reduce desertification in Western China, thereby improving the air 
quality in Beijing and other Western areas and improving the areas 
immediately surrounding the desert. The study will examine Valmont's 
pivot irrigation technologies and how they can be utilized to best 
prevent the desert from expanding.
  Furthermore, under the administration of President Bush, the Director 
of the TDA has refocused its priorities so that program activities 
support important policy initiatives and objectives, such as 
reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. For example, TDA continues its 
cooperation with Afghan officials to address infrastructure, pipeline, 
airport, hotel development and telecommunications initiatives.
  Another priority of the TDA is to support program activities in 
Africa. To demonstrate this, in October 2001, President Bush announced 
the establishment of an Africa Regional Trade Development Office under 
TDA. In July 2002, TDA opened an office in South Africa, which will 
help develop infrastructure and trade opportunities for the continent. 
For instance, in Nigeria, TDA allocated funds for the development of 
fertilizer production, power generation and agricultural irrigation.
  It has come to my attention that the demand for TDA's services during 
FY2002 has been tremendous. Moreover, in light of priorities such as 
Afghanistan, the demands on TDA are expected to increase in FY2003.
  Mr. Speaker, a little money goes a long way at TDA. As a result, this 
Member urges his colleagues to continue to support TDA.