Stone Mountain-based Ashford International has won a $1.5 million computer systems integration contract from the World Bank to network offices of Algeria’s Agency for Social Development
Ashford’s president, Bernard van der Lande, told GlobalFax last week that his firm was awarded the contract despite bids from European companies because of the comprehensive solution it presented including competitive pricing.
He also said that he considers Algeria the “most promising” market in Africa for U.S. companies because of the wealth generated by its petroleum resources.
He added, however, that Algeria is “underserved” by U.S. companies that have avoided it because of a lack of awareness about the country and a fear of the violence it has experienced.
Algerians also have “a high anxiety about working with Americans,” he said, and are more comfortable with French and other European suppliers with whom they have worked historically.
Ashford is a global systems integrator that specializes in providing customized microtechnology support solutions to governments and multinational organizations.
To reach Mr. Van der Lande call (770) 879-6266 or send an e-mail to (770) 879-6265. For more information about Ashford go to www.ashfordint.com