ITA Supports National Export Initiative Through its Market Development Cooperator Program

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2010
Contact: Cory Churches (202) 482-3809

ITA SUPPORTS NATIONAL EXPORT INITIATIVE THROUGH ITS MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM

WASHINGTON –As part of the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI), the International Trade Administration (ITA) is accepting applications for the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) through April 19, 2010. The MDCP awards are cooperative agreements between ITA and organizations that foster global competitiveness and enhance export capability. In an average year, MDCP projects generate $238 million in exports.

“Our partnership with MDCP awardees supports the NEI and ultimately expands exports from a wide variety of U.S. industries,” said Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale, assistant secretary for manufacturing and services. “By partnering with our industry groups on innovative projects, ITA can help U.S. firms reach lucrative markets for their products and services while helping to support jobs in the United States.”

Since its inception in 1993, Commerce has made 102 awards under the MDCP initiative. An MDCP award establishes a partnership between ITA and non-profit industry groups such as trade associations and chambers of commerce. The non-profit groups compete for a limited number of MDCP award partnerships by proposing innovative projects that enhance the global competitive position of their industry with a special emphasis on small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

Industry groups pledge to pay a minimum of two-thirds of the project cost and to sustain the project after the MDCP award period ends. Additionally, the groups chosen are particularly effective in reaching SMEs, a goal of ITA and the NEI.

On average, MDCP projects generate more than $130,000 in exports for every $1,000 awarded.

For more information about the Market Development Cooperator Program, please visit www.trade.gov/mdcp.

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International Trade Administration

The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.