Koror, Palau – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced new funding to strengthen American engagement in priority digital and transportation infrastructure projects across the Pacific Island region. USTDA announced the commitments during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
“The Pacific Islands sit at the heart of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the projects we are advancing today reflect our deep commitment to partnering with Pacific Island nations,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “USTDA has a track record of turning early-stage project assistance into real infrastructure on the ground, helping our partners deploy trusted American technology on their own terms.”
Since last year’s PIF Leaders Meeting, USTDA recorded new successes in the Pacific Islands, including the deployment of trusted 4G/5G solutions across Palau and the first-ever subsea cable link between Tuvalu and global networks. USTDA also provided feasibility study funding to support the relocation of Palau’s Belau National Hospital.
Today, USTDA announced the following:
Tonga: Data Center Infrastructure: USTDA awarded feasibility study funding to the Government of Tonga to help modernize Tonga’s national data center and network, enabling secure, resilient hosting for government systems and public services. The study advances a broader U.S. effort to build Tonga’s digital infrastructure on trusted American technology, alongside State Department support for secure cloud migration.
Tonga: Fuel Supply Infrastructure: To strengthen Tonga’s fuel supply reliability and energy security, USTDA approved funding for a feasibility study to help upgrade the country’s port facilities, fuel storage capacity, pipeline infrastructure and market-oriented regulatory practices. The study will identify U.S. sources of supply and project financing pathways for its sponsor, Tonga’s Pacific Energy South West Pacific Limited.
Republic of the Marshall Islands: Mobile Network Modernization: USTDA approved funding for technical assistance to support the modernization of the nationwide mobile network in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The assistance will identify optimal technology options, financing pathways and implementation strategies for the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority, supporting the replacement of legacy mobile network equipment.
Republic of the Marshall Islands: Ports Modernization: USTDA approved funding for technical assistance to help modernize the country’s two primary ports: Majuro and Ebeye. The assistance will deliver conceptual designs, market and demand forecasts, customs and security improvements recommendations, and a phased implementation roadmap. Upgrades will increase freight capacity, improve port efficiency and readiness, and strengthen supply chain reliability.
Republic of the Marshall Islands: Amata Kabua International Airport: USTDA approved funding for technical assistance to help modernize the Amata Kabua International Airport, including airfield and terminal facilities. The assistance will address anticipated growth and operational improvements over a 20-year horizon and facilitate aviation partnership opportunities between U.S. industry and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: press@ustda.gov