Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced it will fund a series of initiatives to support the sustainable growth of Southeast Asia’s aviation sector in coordination with the public-private U.S.-Southeast Asia Aviation Cooperation Program (SEA ACP). USTDA also issued a call for initial proposals to expand its grant-based support for aviation sector activities across Southeast Asia.
“Collaboration in the aviation sector is more important than ever – particularly during the global pandemic – as we work to ensure that our air transportation systems are safe and secure,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “These programs are just what ACP member companies need to share their expertise with counterparts in Southeast Asia and support their aviation development goals.”
USTDA’s initiative will include an airport management training program for Vietnamese airport operators and multiple reverse trade missions to the United States for the region’s industry leaders, covering aviation safety, airport operations and airport security checkpoint design, among other top priorities. These programs will include engagements with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and U.S. private sector partners of the SEA ACP.
“USTDA is our long-term and supportive partner. We have been working with USTDA since 2010 in the area of airport management. The USTDA training program will greatly assist our capacity-building plan, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic time, when training is critical for us. We look forward to working with USTDA and FAA on this important project,” said Do Tat Binh, Deputy General Director of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam.
Launched in 2019, the SEA ACP is a public-private partnership that works with aviation stakeholders in Southeast Asia to design programs that promote technical, policy, and commercial cooperation in civil aviation. The SEA ACP is an industry-led initiative supported by USTDA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce.
U.S. companies interested in joining the SEA ACP should contact seaacp@ustda.gov.
Under its call for initial proposals, USTDA intends to advance aviation infrastructure in eligible developing and middle-income countries throughout Southeast Asia as well as the Pacific Islands. Grant funding from the Agency can be used for feasibility studies, technical assistance or pilot projects to structure sustainable infrastructure. USTDA will accept initial proposals through January 11, 2021 at 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. Initial proposal requirements can be found here. To learn more about USTDA’s call for initial proposals, please register for our upcoming webinar at 8:00 PM (EST) on December 9, 2020.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357