On October 19, 2021, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced 13 new grants designed to support the export success of U.S. businesses in key industries. The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), administered by Commerce’s International Trade Administration aimed to promote U.S. exports in international markets and remove, reduce, or prevent barriers to trade. “Forging partnerships that support U.S. jobs and Made in America goods and services is key to strengthening our economy, supporting our workforce, and increasing supply chain resiliency,” said Secretary Raimondo. “For more than 25 years, our Market Development Cooperator Program awards have a strong track record of creating multiplier effects and producing a significant return on investment for U.S. business. Congratulations to our new recipients; I look forward to working together on these projects that will help us build back better.” The MDCP competition awards non-profit industry groups in federal funding for innovative and sustainable projects that help U.S. businesses generate or expand exports and create or sustain jobs. The 13 awardees will collaborate with ITA staff around the world to overcome trade barriers and promote U.S. exports in their industries.
The Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET) is the only 2021 award recipient in the field of clean technology. This is also the second time that iCET has won the award. The 2021 project will focus on China’s climate technology and decarbonization cooperation. In the following four years, iCET, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, will vigorously promote the entry of U.S. decarbonized technologies and products into the Chinese market. The main tasks include: 1. Establishing a center in China to promote U.S. advanced climate technology; 2. Releasing research reports on China’s climate technology and decarbonization demands; 3. Organizing U.S. climate technology delegations to visit China; 4. Organizing online training on intellectual property protection and overcoming business barriers; 5. Promoting communication and bilateral cooperation between Chinese and American corporations in climate technology.
“I applaud iCET on the work they do to create a clean energy future for our country and the world and am delighted to present them with a 2021 Market Development Cooperator Program award. iCET’s efforts to increase the visibility of U.S. decarbonization products and services in China will help tackle the climate crisis while supporting our American economy,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.