USTDA's program creates a win-win scenario by promoting U.S. exports to advance economic growth in developing and middle-income countries. Its' program has been a catalyst for opening new markets for U.S. companies, large and small, looking to expand sales overseas.

International Business Partnership Program: Connecting U.S. Firms with Foreign Buyers

In support of the National Export Initiative, USTDA launched the International Business Partnership Program (IBPP) to connect international buyers with U.S. manufacturers and service providers in order to open new export markets and commercial opportunities around the world for American companies. Key activities include:

• Reverse Trade Missions
• Conferences and Workshops
• Training

Visit our Events page to view a list of our current RTMs, Conferences and Workshops and Training.

Reverse Trade Missions bring foreign buyers to the United States, pending an upcoming procurement, in order to observe the design, manufacture, demonstration and operation of U.S. products and services that can help them achieve their development goals. These strategically planned missions also present excellent opportunities for U.S. businesses to establish or enhance relationships with prospective overseas customers.

USTDA organizes worldwide conferences and workshops to connect U.S. firms with foreign project sponsors. These sector or region-specific events are designed to showcase U.S. goods, services and technology to foreign buyers. U.S. firms also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with overseas project sponsors. These events also provide U.S. companies with an understanding of U.S. government programs and the role they can play in supporting increased exports, from advocacy support to export financing options.

In support of U.S. businesses, USTDA provides training for foreign decision makers to support the sale of U.S. equipment and services overseas. Training can take place in either the United States or host country and it typically focuses on technology or regulatory requirements in order to give project sponsors a better understanding of U.S. capabilities and expertise related to a procurement opportunity.

Project Development Program: Getting it right from the Start

USTDA provides grants directly to overseas sponsors who, in turn, select U.S. companies to perform Agency-funded project development activities. An overseas sponsor is a local entity, public or private, with the decision-making authority and ability to implement a project. While USTDA projects span a variety of sectors, many focus on clean energy and energy efficiency, transportation, information and communications technology, and the environment. Key activities include:

• Feasibility studies
• Pilot projects
• Technical assistance

USTDA-funded and U.S.-led feasibility studies link foreign project sponsors with U.S. businesses at the critical early stage when technology options and project requirements are being defined. These studies provide the comprehensive analysis required for major infrastructure investments to achieve financing and implementation.

In some cases, export opportunities depend on a demonstration of the U.S. seller's goods, services or technologies in the foreign buyer's setting. USTDA-funded pilot projects demonstrate the effectiveness of commercially proven U.S. solutions and provide the analysis, evaluation and empirical data needed for potential foreign projects to secure funding.

USTDA advances economic development in partner countries by funding technical assistance that supports legal and regulatory reform related to commercial activities and infrastructure development, the establishment of industry standards, and other market-opening activities. These technical assistance programs facilitate favorable business and trade environments for U.S. goods and services.