COMMERCE SECRETARY LAUNCHES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
TO SPUR TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH IN DEVELOPING NATIONS
Initiative
to Be Pioneered in Democratic Secular Muslim Country
Today at the White House, Secretary Evans, USAID Administrator Natsios,
USA Freedom Corps Director Bridgeland and Peace Corps Director Vasquez
launched the Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI). The goal of the DFI
is to promote economic growth by transferring the benefits of information
and communication technology (ICT) to entrepreneurs and small businesses
in the developing world. The DFI will be piloted in Senegal, a democratic
secular country in which 94% of the population is Muslim.
"The
Digital Freedom Initiative represents an exciting new model of how
different parts of the federal government, the development community,
the private sector and developing nations can join forces for progress,"
said Commerce Secretary Don Evans.
The
approach is bold and innovative, leveraging the leadership of the
U.S. government, the creativity and resources of America's leading
companies, and the vision and energy of entrepreneurs in developing
countries. If the pilot project is successful, it could be rolled
out to 20 countries in the next five years.
"The
DFI reflects President Bush's determination to encourage innovative
foreign assistance policies that encourage wealth creation, economic
and political freedom, the rule of law and human rights,"said
Commerce Secretary Don Evans.
Key
Elements include: