April 10, 2002

TDA Signs Grant With Romanian Ministry Of Labor & Social Solidarity

 

Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) signed a grant for $149,750 with the Romanian Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity (MLSS) to partially cover the cost of a feasibility study to modernize the information technology (IT) infrastructure of the MLSS. The U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mr. Michael Guest, participated in the signing ceremony along with the Romanian Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity, Mr. Marian Sarbu. META Group Inc., a U.S. consulting firm, will conduct this study and has contributed an additional $149,750 to the cost of the project, to bring the overall amount to $299,500.

The objective of this study is to develop Romania's social sector through the implementation of state-of-the-art IT systems within MLSS. As a result, there will be improvements in the efficiency and delivery of social services, including payments to Romanian citizens and better relationships among the Ministerial agencies. This project will ultimately create a more accessible interface between the Romanian Government and its citizens. Project financing will be provided by a World Bank loan of US$50 million, which has been made available specifically to develop the Romanian social sector.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we help American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world. Since 1992, TDA has invested over US$13 million in a wide variety of activities in Romania intended to assist in the economic and social development of the country. Visit TDA's Website at www.tda.gov.