Under the sponsorship of the United States-Asia Environmental Partnerhsip (US-AEP), NASDA announced the award of the Environmental Technology Fund (ETF) grant to four environmental firms.

The companies include the following:

Global Energy Services (GES) � a Diamond Bar, California-based firm, GES will provide energy consulting services to firms and utilities in Nepal. Beginning May 2000, the company will conduct workshops to demonstrate energy conservation.

Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) � a Signal Hill, California-based firm, ATL will perform organic and inorganic substance evaluations in Bangkok, Thailand. The analyses will form the basis for hazardous waste site remediation efforts. A test facility will be established by September 2000.

Filtration Treatment Systems, Ltd (FTS) � a Seattle, Washington-based company, FTS, in collaberation with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), will market services and filtration equipment in Manila, Philippines. FTS is launching a demonstration project focused on wastewater technology that will operate until December 2000.

Water Systems International (WSI) � a Washington DC-based company, WSI will establish a test pilot program focusing on clean drinking water systems in Bangladesh by February 2000.

The ETF assists small- to medium-sized businesses --less than $50 million annual revenue -- in undertaking projects involving pollution prevention and control, clean technology and energy efficiency. The fund 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 more than 300 projects resulting in $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, the US-AEP is a public-private, interagency program led by the United States Agency for International Development. It 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 the main component groups: Clean Technology and Environmental Management, Technology Transfer, Policy and Urban.