USTDA assists Morocco achieve its goals for aviation infrastructure development


Rédigé le Wednesday, November 11th 2009 à 4:49 PM | Lu 22 fois



USTDA awarded a grant that demonstrates the Administration's strong commitment to supporting Morocco's long-term economic growth. The grant will support Royal Air Maroc's plans to modernize its airline operations. In supporting Morocco's long-term plan to increase tourism and international aviation traffic, USTDA awarded a $337,880 grant to Royal Air Maroc (RAM) to fund a feasibility study to assess how best to enhance the airline's operations at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport. The grant will also help RAM in meeting their business development goals.

"This feasibility study will provide substantial support to Royal Air Maroc, as it implements its ambitious development plans for the coming years," said U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Samuel L. Kaplan.
The grant was conferred during a signing ceremony by U.S. Ambassador Samuel L. Kaplan. Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc Driss Benhima signed the feasibility study grant which will provide a plan to help respond to future aviation demand and increased competition. The grant agreement was witnessed by Consul General Elisabeth Millards and Mr. Saad Azzioui, RAM's Vice President for Ground Operations, on behalf of the U.S. and Moroccan governments, respectively.

The opportunity to provide the USTDA-funded assistance under the grant awarded today will be competed on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. A link to the FBO announcement will be posted on USTDA's website at www.ustda.gov. Interested U.S. firms should submit proposals according to the instructions in the FBO announcement. RAM will select a U.S. firm to provide the assistance associated with their respective grant.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair, open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment 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.