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.

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