WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah will travel to Busan, South Korea to attend the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF4). On December 1st, Administrator Shah will head to Seoul on his way to Taipei, Taiwan.

In Busan, Administrator Shah will be part of the official U.S. delegation to the High Level Forum. During his trip, Dr. Shah will attend bilateral meetings with development ministers, co-host an event with former Prime Minister Tony Blair on development in Africa, and participate in panel discussions. Dr. Shah is expected to highlight USAID's reform effort and to discuss the importance of strengthening local institutions to maximize development impact.

At the Korean Development Institute (KDI) in Seoul, Dr. Shah will address researchers as well as students from KDI's Graduate School of Public Policy. KDI has been recognized as a leading think tank of the Republic of Korea, significantly contributing to the country's economic and social development.

In Taipei, Dr. Shah will deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the "American Footsteps in Taiwan" International Forum at the National Library. The exhibit highlights the friendship between the people of the United States and Taiwan and the role played by the United States in Taiwan's rapid development. During his stay in Taiwan, Dr. Shah will also meet with President Ma Ying-jeou and other senior government officials and business leaders.

For more information about USAID's participation in the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, please visit: www.usaid.gov/busan

For press inquiries regarding the Administrator's travel, please contact Nicole Schiegg at nschiegg@usaid.gov.