Improving communications infrastructure in South Asian nations will be the focus of a conference sponsored by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in New Delhi, India.
The event, to be held April 21-23, will bring communications ministry officials and private sector leaders from eight nations together with U.S. suppliers of telecommunications and Internet technologies.
“South Asian nations have made great progress in the last decade toward liberalizing their communications markets through deregulation,” said USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey in announcing the event.
“They are now seeking to meet their growing demand for telecommunications and network services. This conference is designed to help South Asian countries meet these needs, while providing U.S. companies with information about upcoming projects and access to key decision-makers.”
Under the theme, “A United States-South Asia Dialogue on Regulatory Change and Market Growth,” the South Asia Communications Infrastructure Conference will provide an opportunity for U.S. firms to learn about new projects in the areas of fixed-line infrastructure, mobile systems, wireless local loop, satellite services, data networking and Internet access.
The projects presented at the conference will range in value from $2 million to $200 million. The combined value of projects is expected to exceed $14 billion.
The agenda will also highlight issues critical to improving the communications infrastructure in the region, including managing competition, technology convergence, infrastructure solutions for low-cost networks, and private investment and project finance.
Speakers will include senior government officials and industry leaders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Also expected to participate in the conference are representatives of the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and representatives of South Asian companies interested in pursuing partnerships with U.S. firms.
Officials from international lending institutions, including the Export-Import Bank of the United States, will also be on hand to discuss financing available for communications projects in the region.
Several trade and industry organizations are providing support for the conference. They include the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Satellite Industry Association, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the U.S.-India Business Council and the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council.
Each U.S. participant will receive a conference resource guide and CD outlining the projects presented, including critical economic information, export potential, time lines, equipment needs and key contacts.
A series of pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, to be held during the conference, will also enable U.S. company participants to meet privately with the project representatives.
