US-AEP�s Clean Technology and Environmental Management (CTEM) program recently reached a milestone in its efforts to promote adoption of voluntary business standards (VBS) in Asia�s iron and steel industry. On July 17, CTEM and the South-East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purpose of supporting inclusion of environmental standards in the region�s steel industry. SEAISI is an ideal partner for US-AEP�s endeavors in this area, since the organization�s members include iron and steel manufacturers in many of US-AEP�s focus economies (Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea). US-AEP and SEAISI will work together to develop and promote endorsement of a SEAISI Policy Statement on the Environment; increase the level of environmental awareness within SEAISI member countries through regional outreach efforts; and share best practices and effective environmental management tools through SEAISI communication vehicles. This industry was targeted by CTEM because of the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase industrial efficiency.

FM Mark Electronics�a Phoenix, Arizona, manufacturer of ultraviolet water purification systems�is expanding to keep up with demand from its Filipino customers. The company received a US-AEP Environmental Technology Fund grant in 1996 to help market its O-SO PURE water purification products in the Philippines. When company representatives took their first trip to meet with potential buyers and partners there in 1997, they had no previous experience in Asia. Now, after a second trip in March 1998, their business in the Philippines has tripled�despite the financial crisis. Says company President Jerry Mark, "The key is consistency... It is almost mandatory to visit the Philippines more than once to prove manufacturer support." He adds, "Too many U.S. companies go over once and think they can capture the market." One of their Filipino customers, Floro International, recently purchased 200 skid-mounted UV purification systems to install in convenience stores across the country.

The company has used a number of innovative strategies to achieve sales success in Asia. For example, at the onset of the financial crisis, FM Mark offered prospective Filipino buyers a discounted rate for their products. And, to increase awareness of the O-SO PURE brand, the company has donated water purification systems to a number of Filipino charities. The donations will be formally acknowledged in an August 6 ceremony, which will be covered by the Filipino news media. FM Mark has also employed a Filipino representative to support the company�s products. Jerry Mark says that the Tech Fund grant was the origin of his success in Asia. Without the financial boost, he states, "I would never have thought of entering the Asian market."

Preparing to develop a livestock waste management and control strategy for Hong Kong, Environmental Protection Officer Wing Yiu Lam participated in a June 30-July 3 US-AEP Environmental Business Exchange in North Carolina. Mr. Lam, a representative of the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, visited North Carolina State University's Livestock Waste Center and nearby farms to study the latest waste-handling technologies used in intensive livestock farming, including anaerobic digestion, aeration facilities, and sludge digestion or disposal. He also investigated U.S. methods of alleviating nuisance odors originating from livestock farming and examined U.S. legislation on livestock waste control. Using knowledge gained during this exchange, Lam plans to review Hong Kong�s relevant legislation to determine what amendments, if any, should be proposed. The Environmental Exchange Program is implemented by the Institute of International Education.

The Philippine Center for Sustainable Development and Environmental Technologies (PCSDET) opened its doors in November 1997 with funding from US-AEP�s State Environmental Initiative. Since then, the center has initiated a number of activities. Some highlights:

• In collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, located in California, PCSDET sponsored demonstrations of energy-planning software and monitoring technologies for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in April 1998. The center conducted further discussions with ADB on clean coal technologies in early July, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
   
• PCSDET representatives explored potential cooperation with the administration of newly elected Philippines President Joseph Estrada. For example, since programs for the impoverished are high on Estrada�s agenda, discussions were held with the Secretary of Science and Technology on the possibility of using a solar-powered, community-based water purification system to provide clean water to the poor.
   
• In early July, PCSDET representatives met in Manila with the officials of the province of Palawan to discuss implementation of an "environmental estate" that would serve as a model sustainable development program for the rest of the country.

The center�s mission is to promote sustainable development by facilitating the transfer of environmental technologies, knowledge, and skills from the state of California to the Philippines. PCSDET is managed under the joint leadership of California State University-Hayward and De La Salle University in Manila. US-AEP�s State Environmental Initiative is managed by the Council of State Governments.

The services of US-AEP�s Environmental Technology Network for Asia (ETNA) were recently highlighted in "Emerging Technology" newsletter, a publication of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF). ETNA facilitates the transfer of U.S. environmental technologies to USAID-assisted countries by matching trade leads to potential suppliers. The service is managed by US-AEP and the U.S. Agency for International Development�s Global Technology Network.

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