USTDA and U.S. Industry Launch Gas Infrastructure Exports Initiative

Media Note
U.S. Embassy
Ankara, Turkey – November 17, 2017

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and U.S. industry will launch the U.S. Gas Infrastructure Exports Initiative to connect U.S. companies to export opportunities across the gas value chain in emerging economies.  As U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals are coming online, USTDA is expanding its partnership with the American gas industry to facilitate LNG exports through the development of gas-related infrastructure in key LNG receiving countries.  Under this project, USTDA will evaluate gas-related project proposals from U.S. companies that have identified project sponsors in key LNG-receiving countries, including Turkey.

“The U.S. gas sector has cutting-edge products and services that can support the infrastructure development goals of USTDA’s partner countries,” said USTDA Director (Acting) Thomas R. Hardy.  “We are pleased to partner with U.S. industry on launching this important initiative to connect overseas project sponsors with leading U.S. solutions.”

USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.  USTDA has funded 349 gas sector projects across 75 countries, facilitating over $7 billion in U.S. exports.

As a major consumer of natural gas, an important energy transit country, and a potential natural gas transit and trading hub, Turkey’s role in the global natural gas trade will be increasingly important in the coming years.  USTDA supports Turkey’s goal of increasing energy security through route and supply diversification, including through imports of LNG.

Recently, USTDA hosted the Turkey Gas Transit and Trading Hub Reverse Trade Mission (RTM).  The RTM brought senior public and private-sector officials from Turkey’s energy sector to the United States to connect with premier U.S. LNG export companies.  U.S. energy companies have the necessary expertise throughout the value chain to serve as effective partners as Turkey continues its consistent efforts to expand and develop its gas infrastructure.

Under the U.S. Gas Infrastructure Exports Initiative, USTDA plans to use its proven toolkit to support natural gas development in Turkey, providing early stage project preparation assistance that informs how gas projects will ultimately be designed and implemented.

Additional information concerning the U.S. Gas Infrastructure Exports Initiative permit can be found at https://www.ustda.gov.