Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.�The Rockford, Illinois-based firm internationally manufactures equipment and processes used in the biological treatment of wastewater. The firm will utilize the grant to market its products in the Republic of Korea beginning August 1, 1999.

The Antaeus Group�The Hunt Valley, Maryland-based firm manufactures infectious medical waste treatment products. The firm will utilize the grant to market its products in Thailand beginning August 1, 1999.

Clean Earth Technology, Inc.�The North Ferrisburgh, Vermont-based company develops, manufactures and sells its own line of products of groundwater remediation equipment. The firm will utilize the grant to market its products in Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia beginning September 1, 1999.

The Environmental Technology Fund, administered by NASDA under sponsorship of US-AEP, provides matching funds of up to $20,000 to generate business relationships that foster Asian and American economic development and help address the environmental challenges facing Asia. In six years of operation, the program has facilitated over 300 projects resulting in over $350 million in export sales of U.S. environmental products and technologies.

NASDA is a private, nonprofit trade association whose members include the cabinet-level economic development officials from state governments across the United States. NASDA was formed in 1946 to provide a forum for state economic development officials to exchange information, compare programs and establish an organizational base from which to approach the federal government concerning issues of mutual interest.

Launched as a presidential initiative in 1992, US-AEP is a public-private, interagency program led by the United States Agency for International Development and utilizes expertise from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program�s goal is to promote a "clean revolution" by the development and adoption of less-polluting and more-resource-efficient products, processes, and services in the Asian region. The program fosters environmentally sound economic growth in Asia by mobilizing American technologies, services, and experience, and promoting activities in one or more of four main component groups: Clean Technology and Environmental Management, Technology Transfer, Policy and Urban.