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USTDA to Present Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa Aviation Sector

Dépèche transmise le 16 septembre 2009 par Business Wire

USTDA to Present Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa Aviation Sector

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Upcoming aviation projects and investment opportunities in the sub-Saharan African region will be discussed at a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) conference scheduled to take place October 26-28, 2009 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, GA.

The U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa: Partners in Aviation Conference will bring together senior government officials and private sector representatives from 17 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ministers of Transportation and leaders of civil aviation authorities, and representatives of U.S. government and aviation companies, to discuss aviation issues and opportunities.

“Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are poised to make dramatic improvements in the region’s aviation infrastructure to meet continued growth in passenger and cargo volumes,” said USTDA Acting Director Leocadia I. Zak. “The planned infrastructure enhancements present significant opportunities for U.S. aviation vendors and service providers.”

USTDA has identified more than 90 major aviation projects underway or in advanced planning stages in 29 countries and 3 regional economic communities. The timeframe for implementation is over the next three years. Twenty-nine of the projects, representing investments totaling approximately US$2.6 billion, will be profiled in detail at the conference. Information on the remaining projects will also be provided to conference participants.

All of the projects present significant commercial opportunities for U.S. aviation suppliers and professional service firms. The project budgets range from US$27 million to US$480 million and include infrastructure upgrades at most international airports in the region, air traffic control and safety improvements, and a number of new international airport initiatives.

The conference agenda will highlight key topics, including financing and security and safety management systems, and promote a dialogue on the development and growth of the sub-Saharan African aviation industry. In addition, planned workshop sessions on leading technologies for enhancing airport facilities and airspace management are also on the agenda.

Participating countries include: Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The City of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are supporting partners for the conference, and the airport will host an airside tour for African delegates and interested U.S. company representatives. Trade and industry organizations supporting the conference include: The Corporate Council on Africa, Air Transport Association of America, Inc., Airport Consultants Council, the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and USA-Kenya Chamber Of Commerce. Corporate sponsors include: Honeywell; HOK; The Louis Berger Group; Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman; Vedder Price; Raytheon; and Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc.

Officials from U.S. government departments and agencies, including USTDA, the U.S. Departments of Transportation, State, Commerce and the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration are expected to participate. Officials from financing institutions, including the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, will also be present to discuss their programs with conference participants. Representatives from African companies interested in U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa partnership opportunities will also be in attendance.

Each U.S. participant will receive a resource guide on the projects presented, including critical economic information, export potential, time lines, equipment needs and key contacts. Participants can also take part in pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings to talk privately with project presenters and other official delegates. For more information or to register for the event, visit the conference website at www.trademeetings.com or contact Pamela Peseux at +1-202-347-2725 or +1-866-636-4729 (toll free in the U.S.), or by e-mail at [email protected].

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, and orientation visits that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment. USTDA’s strategic use of foreign assistance funds support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creating an enabling environment for trade and sustainable economic development. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

Visit USTDA’s Website at www.ustda.gov