July 19, 2002

TDA TO FUND TERMOELECTRICA CONTROL SYSTEM SURVEY

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) signed a $531,750 grant today with Termoelectrica, the Romanian state-owned thermal power generation company, to provide funding for a thermal power economical operation survey. This grant is a continuation of TDA's commitment to assist in the development and modernization of Romania's energy sector. The grant was signed by Mr. Jonathan Marks, Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, and by the Director General of Termoelectrica, Mr. Ion Marcu.

The $531,750 survey will identify those areas where economic efficiencies can be achieved through investments in control system technology improvements. It will lay the groundwork for upgrading the controls and instrumentation of up to 9 power plants and their control rooms with modern, digital, computerized equipment. The U.S. contractor for this study will be selected through an open competition, with the Request for Proposals to be issued through Federal Business Opportunities (www.fedbizopps.gov).

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation in developing and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on economic sectors that represent significant U.S. export potential. By funding various forms of technical assistance, training grants, feasibility studies, orientation visits, and business workshops, TDA helps 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.

Visit TDA's Website at www.tda.gov