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USTDA Grant Supports Secury at Lithuanian Airport

September 7, 2004

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will award a $415,000 grant to the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications to provide technical assistance on security measures at the Port of Klaipeda.  The grant will be conferred in a signing ceremony that will take place at the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport at 11.00 h on 7 September 2004.  

U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Stephen Mull will sign the grant on behalf of the U.S. Government.  Valerijus Ponomariovas, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, will sign on behalf of the Government of Lithuania.  

The Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania’s largest port is undergoing a major development effort as it is expanded in response to increased cargo traffic.  This expansion effort includes the building of a new container terminal in the Malku area.  As part of this process, increased security measures must be put in place that comply with the International Maritime Organization’s and European Union’s requirements.  Already, plans are underway to upgrade vessel tracking, port information and monitoring systems and physical security at the Port.  The USTDA-funded technical assistance will assess the Port’s current and future security needs and recommend improvements.  In addition, today’s grant will fund training for port security officers and other personnel.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development in developing and middle-income countries.  The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and 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.

Fore more information, please visit the U.S. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Website at www.USTDA.gov