The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is a foreign assistance agency pursuant to section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 USC 2421). The hallmark of the agency involves building partnerships between U.S. companies and overseas project sponsors to bring proven private sector solutions to developmental challenges. The agency delivers its program commitments through overseas grants, contracts with U.S. firms, and the use of trust funds at several multilateral development bank groups.

USTDA's program is designed to help countries establish a favorable trading environment and a modern infrastructure that promotes sustainable economic development. To this en d, the agency funds overseas project sponsor access to U.S. private sector expertise in the areas of: 1) trade capacity building and sector development; and 2) project definition and investment analysis.

• Trade Capacity Building and Sector Development - Trade capacity building and sector development supports the establishment of industry standards, rules and regulations, trade agreements, market liberalization and other policy reform.
• Project Definition and Investment Analysis - Project definition and investment analysis involves activities that support large capital investments that contribute to overseas infrastructure development.