WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Gayle Smith will make her first visit to Asia when she travels to China and Burma this week. Administrator Smith will lead the U.S. delegation to Beijing, China for a development dialogue between the United States and China on April 28, 2016. Administrator Smith and the U.S. delegation will engage in a conversation with the Chinese on opportunities to work together on development projects in third countries in areas of mutual interest. Discussions will focus on priorities outlined in the development cooperation memorandum signed in 2015 between the United States and China.

Joining the delegation will be USAID Assistant to the Administrator for the Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning Wade Warren; USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa Linda Etim; USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia Jonathan Stivers; Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs Mitch Wolfe; USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Global Health Jennifer Adams; USAID Deputy Assistant to the Administrator for the Bureau for Food Security Justin Finnegan; and Department of Treasury Deputy Financial Attaché Kelly Brendan.

During her visit to Beijing, Administrator Smith will also speak at the Beijing American Center with prominent Chinese academics as well as with Chinese university students and African students studying in China.

While in Burma, from April 29 to May 3, the Administrator will demonstrate the USG commitment to the people and new government of Burma. The Administrator's visit underscores the United States support for those who seek greater freedom, prosperity and dignity.

She will engage with a wide range of leaders from civil society, government, and the private sector to learn about the opportunities and challenges facing the country. Administrator Smith will tour the USAID-supported Emergency Operations Center in Naypyitaw; observe a rice harvest as part of a USAID agriculture program, and meet with farmers; hold discussions with Rakhine, Rohingya and other ethnic community leaders; and honor World Press Freedom Day with members of civil society and the media.