USTDA Hosts ASEAN Ambassadors and EXIM for Discussion on Infrastructure Priorities for the Indo-Pacific
February 28, 2020
Press Release
U.S. Ambassador of Vietnam Ha Kim Ngoc; Kimberly A. Reed, President and Chairman of the EXIM Bank of the United States; and USTDA Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy.

Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency today hosted a wide-ranging discussion on infrastructure priorities within the Indo-Pacific region featuring ambassadors and senior officials from the embassies of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, as well as Kimberly A. Reed, President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).

“USTDA and the ASEAN nations have a long history of partnership and ensuring high-quality infrastructure is built throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said USTDA Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy. “That is why we are doubling our investment in the Indo-Pacific region, to ensure that more bankable projects are ready for financing from partners like EXIM and others.”

Hardy also emphasized that USTDA’s project preparation tools are advancing high-quality infrastructure in the ASEAN region by connecting innovative U.S. companies with priority overseas opportunities. Since 1992, USTDA has supported more than 400 infrastructure project activities across the ASEAN region in the energy, transportation, and ICT sectors. With the launch of new regional programs, including the Southeast Asia Aviation Cooperation Program, the number of projects is expected to grow.

Chairman Reed highlighted EXIM’s role in helping American businesses export their “Made in the U.S.A.” goods and services. ASEAN ambassadors and officials noted the need for a sustained U.S. presence in the region’s infrastructure development and look forward to engaging further on these issues at the 2020 Indo-Pacific Business Forum to be hosted in November on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Vietnam highly values the longstanding partnership among ASEAN countries, USTDA and EXIM,” said Ha Kim Ngoc, Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States. “I see great opportunities for the engagements of USTDA, EXIM and US companies in the infrastructure development in ASEAN in areas such as energy, transportation, agricultural technology and healthcare infrastructure.”

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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.

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