The West Bengal medical community is now operating in a safer environment thanks to three Mark-Costello autoclave machines used to treat medical equipment and waste. These were acquired through the combined efforts of US-AEP Technical Representatives, the Environmental Exchange Program (EEP), and the Environmental Technology Network for Asia (ETNA), demonstrating that successful US-AEP projects require cooperation and teamwork.

For the past two years, US-AEP/Calcutta has worked closely with the senior management of a large health project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by The West Bengal Government in Calcutta, advising them on appropriate medical waste systems and technologies. US-AEP also worked to provide exposure for U.S. medical waste management firms to Indian officers and directors of the project. Three senior officers attended a US- AEP/EEP organized medical waste management training session in Malaysia in September 1999. In October 1999, US-AEP/Calcutta and EEP co- sponsored a day-long workshop on "Biomedical Waste Management" in Calcutta, hosted by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. Responding to a request for exploratory visits to evaluate alternative treatment technologies available in the U.S., US-AEP/Calcutta, IIE and the World Bank organized a study tour for the Project Director and his team in March 2000. The goal of the exchange was to meet a number of companies, including the Mark-Costello Co., who manufacture medical waste treatment equipment.

When the Bengal project announced plans to procure three autoclaves as a pilot project, the opportunity was circulated to U.S. companies through the ETNA trade lead system. Based on that announcement, Mark-Costello responded with an offer, which was accepted for the project. US-AEP's involvement is a demonstration of the importance each component plays in providing solutions to Asia's environmental concerns; identifying a serious problem, helping Asian officials find solutions that fit their requirements, and providing timely information on opportunities to U.S. firms with suitable technology.

US-AEP/Sri Lanka and the US-AEP office at the Asian Development Bank collaborated to assist Environmental Management Lanka (EML) win an "Integrate Cleaner Production in Industrial Development" technical assistance contract. The project's main objective is assisting the government of Sri Lanka's effort to reduce industrial pollution. The scope will involve three components: integrating cleaner production (CP) principles into industrial development, developing industrial estates with the CP approach, and promoting CP in industrial activities.

Project members worked closely with Mr. Asitha Senevirathne, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industrial Development, who is Sri Lanka's official in charge of technical assistance. Mr. Senevirathne is familiar with US- AEP- sponsored projects since his participation in an environmental exchange last year, observing U.S. hazardous waste management techniques. Given the tough competition on this technical assistance contract, everyone at US-AEP in Sri Lanka and at the ADB deserve well-earned thanks!

US-AEP brings programs to the Air and Waste Management Association Conference that support international technology cooperation and international technology transfer. For the 94th A&WMA Conference that took place June 25-27 in Orlando, Florida, US-AEP -- through the NASDA Overseas Program Fund and the Environmental Exchange Program -- brought 109 Asian buyers and decision-makers to meet with U.S. environmental companies and experts. US-AEP Technology Representatives delivered country-specific market opportunities presentations to A&WMA-exhibiting companies. US-AEP supported the Urban Air Forum; this forum was designed to foster environmental stewardship and communication between cities.

NASDA arranged for one-on-one meetings between US- AEP Asian delegates and Technology Representatives; more than 185 formal meetings took place through this channel. Highlights of the meetings include several agreements signed by U.S. companies to act as agents or distributors. Other companies indicated that they would reach similar agreements within the next few months.

[The Overseas Program Fund is administered by the National Association of State Development Agencies. The Environmental Exchange Program in administered by the Institute for International Education.]

US-AEP/Singapore co-organized the conference "Water : Recycling and Alternate Sources for the Wafer/PCB Industries" with the Environmental Technology Institute (ETI) and Public Utilities Board (PUB). The conference, held July 11-13, ended with a site visit to the Bedok Sewage Treatment Works.

The objective of the conference included updating local and regional participants on best practices, reuse and reclamation technologies, current trends and future directions of the semiconductor and PCB manufacturing industries. Conference sessions also featured various waste management schemes and the latest monitoring technologies.

Mr. Richard Sheppard, Deputy Executive Director of US- AEP, gave the welcoming remarks together with Dr. Raymond Brouzes, CEO (ETI) and Mr. CHAN Yoon Kum, PUB Director. The conference attracted more than 100 participants with approximately 17 overseas visitors recruited by US -AEP.

US-AEP/Singapore, with the assistance from the International Institute of Education (IIE), also recruited two U.S. speakers. Professor Farhang Shadman, University of Arizona, gave an overview for the event and Mr. John DeGenova of Texas Instruments Inc. presented relevant papers.

US-AEP welcomes Chris Allen to the US-AEP Policy Group. Chris's related professional experience includes work at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, England and teaching English at Heze Teacher's College in Shandong, China. He is currently pursuing an M.A. at Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies in China studies and international economics with a strong interest in East Asian environmental policy.

US-AEP bids congratulations and best wishes to Manoj Lakshmanan, who served as Commercial Clerk to US- AEP/Chennai for nearly two years. Manoj has departed US-AEP to work with the Office of U.S. Commercial Service in Bangalore as a Commercial Assistant. We wish Manoj the best.       

Congratulations to Karla Boreri, who is joining British Petroleum (BP) to head up their bio- diversity action plan design team. Karla has been the Director of Program Coordination and Policy for the Technical Services Support Contract in Indonesia. We wish her great success.

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