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{{Short description|Government agency}}
{{Organization
{{Use American English|date = February 2019}}
|OrganizationName=United States Trade and Development Agency
{{Infobox government agency
|OrganizationType=Independent Agencies
| agency_name    = United States Trade and Development Agency
|Mission=The USTDA promotes economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries by funding various forms of technical assistance, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions. The agency's activities help U.S. businesses gain access to international markets while fostering sustainable infrastructure development abroad.
| logo            = Logo USTDA color RGB.png
|CreationLegislation=Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992
| formed          = {{start date and age|1992}}
|Employees=50
| headquarters    = 1101 Wilson Blvd.<br /> Arlington, VA
|Budget=$79,000,000 (Fiscal Year 2023)
| employees      = 80<ref>[http://www.ustda.gov/about/staff.asp USTDA: About USTDA: Staff]. Ustda.gov. Retrieved on 2013-08-12.</ref>
|OrganizationExecutive=Director
| budget          = $79.5 million (FY 2021) <ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.congress.gov/116/crpt/hrpt444/CRPT-116hrpt444.pdf | title=STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2021 | website=www.congress.gov}}</ref>
|Services=Technical assistance; Feasibility studies; Pilot projects; Reverse trade missions
| chief1_position = Director
|HeadquartersLocation=38.89408, -77.06911
| chief1_name    = [[Enoh Ebong]]<ref>[http://www.ustda.gov/about/staff.asp USTDA: About USTDA: Staff]. Ustda.gov. Retrieved on 2021-10-18.</ref>
|HeadquartersAddress=1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
| chief3_name    =
|Website=https://www.ustda.gov
| parent_agency  =
| website        = {{Official URL}}
}}
}}
'''United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)''' is an independent U.S. government agency focused on promoting economic development in emerging economies while advancing American commercial interests. It operates by facilitating U.S. business involvement in infrastructure projects abroad, aiming to increase U.S. exports and create jobs in the United States.


The '''U.S. Trade and Development Agency''' ('''USTDA''') is an [[independent agencies of the United States government|independent agency of the United States government]], formed in 1992 to advance economic development and U.S. commercial interests in [[developing country|developing]] and [[Middle income country|middle income]] countries.
{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.ustda.gov}}


==Structure==
==Mission==
{{expand section|date=January 2015}}
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) was created under the (22 U.S.C. §2421) to "promote United States private sector participation in development projects in developing and middle-income countries" and to "provide opportunities for the use of United States exports." With these Congressional mandates, USTDA’s dual mission is unique among foreign assistance agencies: while the Agency promotes outcomes in infrastructure and economic development, it is mandated to help create American jobs through exports.


==History==
The USTDA promotes economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries by funding various forms of technical assistance, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions. The agency's activities help U.S. businesses gain access to international markets while fostering sustainable infrastructure development abroad.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/mission "About USTDA - Mission"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
USTDA’s roots date to the 1970’s, when the [[United States Agency for International Development]] (USAID) coordinated a government-wide "Reimbursable Development Program" (RDP) to provide foreign countries continued access to U.S. development advice, U.S. technical assistance, U.S. equipment, and U.S. technology "even after they have reached the stage where they no longer need to rely on concessional financing for their further development."<ref>USAID Office of Reimbursable Development Programs FY 1980 Budget Submission at 4.</ref> Though well-intentioned, RDP became lost in USAID’s mission and culture of international economic and humanitarian assistance. The Congressional Research Service described the problem as follows: "…AID’s expenditures for [RDP program] activities linking U.S. business to development in 1976 and 1977 fell to only about $1 million annually. By the end of the 1970’s, however, there was a growing sense in Congress that the U.S. private sector should be more active in development programs. In 1978, Congress directed AID to increase emphasis on U.S. private sector involvement in development assistance."<ref>“The Trade and Development Agency,” CRS Report No. 93-717 F, August 5, 1993, at 4 (Emphasis supplied).</ref>
 
==Parent organization==
 
USTDA does not have a parent organization as it is an independent federal agency.
 
==Legislation==
 
The agency was established by the [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-106/pdf/STATUTE-106-Pg3937.pdf Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992].<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/history "USTDA History"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Partners==
 
* Various U.S. government agencies including the Department of Commerce, Energy, State, and others for collaborative projects.
* Private sector companies for partnership in project development.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/partners "Partners"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Number of employees==
 
USTDA has approximately 50 employees.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about "About USTDA"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Organization structure==
 
The USTDA is structured to carry out its mission through:
 
* **Program Development Division** which identifies and develops project opportunities.
* **Regional Offices** that manage activities in specific geographic areas.
 
===Leader===
 
USTDA is led by a **Director**.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/leadership "USTDA Leadership"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
===Divisions===
 
The divisions include:
 
* **Program Development** for identifying potential projects.
* **Regional Operations** for managing programs in different parts of the world.
 
==List of programs==
 
* Technical Assistance Grants
* Feasibility Studies
* Orientation Visits for Foreign Delegates<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/program/program-types "USTDA Program Types"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Last total enacted budget==
 
The last enacted budget for USTDA was approximately $79 million for Fiscal Year 2023.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/funding/budget "USTDA Budget"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Staff==
 
USTDA employs around 50 staff members who work on promoting U.S. business interests globally through infrastructure development initiatives.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about "About USTDA"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>
 
==Funding==


In 1980 and 1981, the [[United States Agency for International Development]] and the [[Overseas Private Investment Corporation]] (OPIC) were linked in the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA) – an "umbrella agency tasked with coordinating U.S. development assistance programs." RDP was carved out as a "separate part" of IDCA and re-named the Trade and Development Program (TDP) to "further underscore the link between private sector and U.S. development activities."<ref>Id (Emphasis supplied).</ref> Congress codified these actions in 1981.<ref>P.L. 97-113, Title III, § 312(b), 95 Stat. 1536.</ref>
USTDA receives its funding from the U.S. federal budget, allocated annually by Congress. The funding is aimed at supporting its mission to promote U.S. exports through infrastructure development in emerging markets.


In 1988, in the [[Omnibus Foreign Trade and Competitiveness Act]], Congress again reaffirmed its support of the TDP and its dual missions by making the program a separate component agency within the IDCA, headed by a presidential appointee.<ref>P.L. 100-418, Title II, Subtitle B, Part I, § 2204 (b), 102 Stat. 1329.</ref> The complete separation from USAID was underscored by transferring to TDP a tied aid credits program earlier administered by USAID that was meant to assist U.S. companies competing against subsidized foreign competition. Congress also made clear its intention that "The Trade and Development Program should serve as the primary Federal agency to provide information to persons in the private sector concerning trade and development and export promotion related to bilateral development projects."
==Services provided==


===USTDA as an independent agency===
USTDA provides services focused on linking U.S. businesses to international project opportunities, including funding for feasibility studies, technical assistance, and organizing reverse trade missions where foreign delegates visit the U.S. to explore American technologies and services.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/what-we-do "What We Do"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>


The 1992 Jobs Through Exports Act renamed TDP as the Trade and Development Agency and revised and expanded its mission, charter and authorities.<ref>P.L. 102-549, Title II, § 201, 106 Stat. 3655.</ref> In taking these actions, Congress described USTDA as "one of the most successful government export promotion programs," and increased USTDA’s budget authorization, saying "by increasing the amount of funding available, [Congress] is not only demonstrating its support for the program, but acknowledging the increased need for its services."<ref>House Report No. 102-551, reprinted in [1992] U.S. Code Cong. and Ad. News 3255, 3263 (Emphasis supplied).</ref> USTDA’s independence and character were again reaffirmed when Congress said it "would expect that the increase in TDA’s authorization will discourage attempts by other agencies and departments within the executive branch to duplicate the work of the TDA."<ref>Id. At 3264 (Emphasis supplied).</ref>
==Regulations overseen==


USTDA’s charter has not changed much since its establishment in 1992, with the exception of a 1999 Congressional designation of energy, transportation, telecommunications and environment as "special emphasis…economic sectors with significant United States export potential".<ref>P.L. 106-158, § 5, 113 Stat. 1746.</ref>
USTDA does not oversee regulations but is governed by federal laws and regulations pertaining to U.S. foreign assistance and trade promotion.


==Programs==
==Headquarters address==
The agency's legal basis is section 661 of the [[Foreign Assistance Act]] of 1961, as amended (22 USC 2421).<ref>Section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. See 22 USC 2421.</ref> USTDA's mission is to "promote economic growth in developing and middle income countries, while simultaneously helping American businesses to export their products and services, thereby creating U.S. jobs".


USTDA's programs are designed to help countries establish a favorable trading environment and a modern infrastructure that promotes sustainable economic development. According to USTDA, the agency's development assistance has always involved building partnerships between U.S. companies and overseas project sponsors to bring proven private-sector solutions to developmental challenges.
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
As part of its programs, USTDA funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits, and business workshops in the areas of trade capacity building and sector development, and project definition and investment analysis.<ref>[http://www.ustda.gov/program/ USTDA: Program & Activities]. Ustda.gov. Retrieved on 2013-08-12.</ref>


USTDA works closely with other [[Federal agencies of the united states|federal agencies]] to advance host country development objectives, but unlike U.S. Agency for International Development ([[USAID]]), USTDA gives preference to projects that promote the export of U.S. goods and services. Most USTDA projects are located in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.<ref name="ustda1">{{Cite web |url=https://ustda.gov/sites/default/files/FY%202018%20Annual%20Report.pdf |title=2018 Annual Report | publisher=U.S. Trade and Development Agency |access-date=2019-11-07 |archive-date=2019-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522155554/https://ustda.gov/sites/default/files/FY%202018%20Annual%20Report.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The agency's activities span a wide variety of sectors, although projects in the transportation and energy and power sectors account for 43% of the funding in 2008.<ref name="ustda1"/> In 2008, USTDA obligated over a total of $46 million in support of projects in 66 host counties around the world, including 67 technical assistance activities, 41 feasibility studies, and 24 orientation visits.<ref>[http://www.ustda.gov/about/ataglance.asp USTDA: About USTDA: At-a-Glance]. Ustda.gov. Retrieved on 2013-08-12.</ref>
==History==


In 2010, President [[Barack Obama]] signed an executive order, the [[National Export Initiative]], in an attempt to double the amount of US exports through 2015. To support this project, the USTDA launched the International Business Partnership Program, a program that helped connect American manufacturers with international trade partners around the world.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Epstein|first=Susan B.|date=1993-08-05|title=The Trade and Development Agency|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs56/|journal=Digital Library|language=English}}</ref>
The USTDA traces its origins to the 1970s when it began as part of USAID's Reimbursable Development Program. It became an independent agency with the passage of the Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992, focusing on promoting U.S. exports and development projects in emerging markets.<ref>Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). [https://www.ustda.gov/about/history "USTDA History"]. United States Trade and Development Agency.</ref>


== References ==
==External links==
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
* [https://www.ustda.gov Official Website]
* {{official website|1=https://www.ustda.gov/|2=U.S. Trade and Development Agency}}
* [[wikipedia:United States Trade and Development Agency]]
* [https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/trade-and-development-agency U.S. Trade and Development Agency] in the [[Federal Register]]
* [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ustda Additional Resource]


{{Authority control}}
==References==


[[Category:Independent agencies of the United States government]]
<references />
[[Category:Investment promotion agencies]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1961]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Arlington County, Virginia]]

Latest revision as of 22:46, 21 January 2025

United States Trade and Development Agency
Type: Independent Agencies
Parent organization:
Employees: 50
Executive: Director
Budget: $79,000,000 (Fiscal Year 2023)
Address: 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Website: https://www.ustda.gov
Creation Legislation: Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992
Wikipedia: United States Trade and Development AgencyWikipedia Logo.png
United States Trade and Development Agency
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
Mission
The USTDA promotes economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries by funding various forms of technical assistance, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions. The agency's activities help U.S. businesses gain access to international markets while fostering sustainable infrastructure development abroad.
Services

Technical assistance; Feasibility studies; Pilot projects; Reverse trade missions

Regulations

United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent U.S. government agency focused on promoting economic development in emerging economies while advancing American commercial interests. It operates by facilitating U.S. business involvement in infrastructure projects abroad, aiming to increase U.S. exports and create jobs in the United States.

Official Site

Mission

The USTDA promotes economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries by funding various forms of technical assistance, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions. The agency's activities help U.S. businesses gain access to international markets while fostering sustainable infrastructure development abroad.[1]

Parent organization

USTDA does not have a parent organization as it is an independent federal agency.

Legislation

The agency was established by the Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992.[2]

Partners

  • Various U.S. government agencies including the Department of Commerce, Energy, State, and others for collaborative projects.
  • Private sector companies for partnership in project development.[3]

Number of employees

USTDA has approximately 50 employees.[4]

Organization structure

The USTDA is structured to carry out its mission through:

  • **Program Development Division** which identifies and develops project opportunities.
  • **Regional Offices** that manage activities in specific geographic areas.

Leader

USTDA is led by a **Director**.[5]

Divisions

The divisions include:

  • **Program Development** for identifying potential projects.
  • **Regional Operations** for managing programs in different parts of the world.

List of programs

  • Technical Assistance Grants
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Orientation Visits for Foreign Delegates[6]

Last total enacted budget

The last enacted budget for USTDA was approximately $79 million for Fiscal Year 2023.[7]

Staff

USTDA employs around 50 staff members who work on promoting U.S. business interests globally through infrastructure development initiatives.[8]

Funding

USTDA receives its funding from the U.S. federal budget, allocated annually by Congress. The funding is aimed at supporting its mission to promote U.S. exports through infrastructure development in emerging markets.

Services provided

USTDA provides services focused on linking U.S. businesses to international project opportunities, including funding for feasibility studies, technical assistance, and organizing reverse trade missions where foreign delegates visit the U.S. to explore American technologies and services.[9]

Regulations overseen

USTDA does not oversee regulations but is governed by federal laws and regulations pertaining to U.S. foreign assistance and trade promotion.

Headquarters address

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209, United States

History

The USTDA traces its origins to the 1970s when it began as part of USAID's Reimbursable Development Program. It became an independent agency with the passage of the Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992, focusing on promoting U.S. exports and development projects in emerging markets.[10]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "About USTDA - Mission". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  2. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "USTDA History". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  3. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "Partners". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  4. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "About USTDA". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  5. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "USTDA Leadership". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  6. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "USTDA Program Types". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  7. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "USTDA Budget". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  8. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "About USTDA". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  9. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "What We Do". United States Trade and Development Agency.
  10. ↑ Ebong, Enoh T. (January 1, 2025). "USTDA History". United States Trade and Development Agency.
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