COMMERCE SECRETARY EVANS APPLAUDS EXPANSION OF BUSH ADMINISTRATION’S
DIGITAL FREEDOM INITIATIVE

Peru and Indonesia Join Global Effort to Expand Entrepreneurism through Information and Communications Technology

Commerce Secretary Don Evans today applauded the announcement by President Bush at the APEC Leaders Meeting of the expansion of the Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI) to Peru and Indonesia.

The DFI was launched in March 2003 at the White House by Secretary Evans. The goal of the DFI is to promote economic growth by transferring the benefits of information and communications technology (ICT) to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the developing world. The approach is innovative and leverages the leadership of the U.S. government, the creativity and resources of America’s leading companies, and the vision and energy of entrepreneurs throughout the developing world.

“We have learned that technology is the fuel that drives entrepreneurism,” said Evans. “The DFI will help build greater opportunities for growth around the world and provide a platform for U.S. technology companies to engage in promising new markets. I commend the President for this expansion and for promoting the DFI within the APEC region.”

The DFI is a public-private partnership that is led by the Commerce Department’s Technology Administration (TA) and the USAID in collaboration with the Department of State, Peace Corps and USA FreedomCorps. The DFI also is part of the global White House initiative platform, Volunteers for Prosperity. Since March 2003, a pilot program has been operating in Senegal. This effort has attracted the support of over 40 U.S. private sector companies and organizations. In Senegal, the DFI has developed a number of specific projects that enable more effective and efficient financial services through information and communications technology (ICT), improve the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises through ICT, and support a pro-competitive policy and regulatory environment.