Mission Statement; Afghanistan International Carpet Fair; August 26-28, 2007, 43622-43624 [E7-15202]
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43622
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 150 / Monday, August 6, 2007 / Notices
E. Law 908/55 Fondo di Rotazione
Iniziative Economiche (Revolving Fund
for Economic Initiatives) Loans.
F. Law 317/91 Benefits for Innovative
Investments.
G. Brescia Chamber of Commerce
Training Grants.
H. Ministerial Decree 87/02.
I. Law 10/91 Grants to Fund Energy
Conservation.
J. Export Restitution Payments.
K. Export Credits Under Law 227/77.
L. Capital Grants Under Law 675/77.
M. Retraining Grants Under Law 675/
77.
N. Interest Contributions on Bank
Loans Under Law 675/77.
O. Preferential Financing for Export
Promotion Under Law 394/81.
P. Urban Redevelopment Under Law
181.
Q. Industrial Development Grants
Under Law 183/76.
R. Interest Subsidies Under Law 598/
94.
S. Duty-Free Import Rights.
T. European Social Fund Grants.
U. Law 113/86 Training Grants.
V. European Agricultural Guidance
and Guarantee Fund.
W. Law 341/95 Interest Contributions
on Debt Consolidation Loans (Formerly
Debt Consolidation Law 341/95).
X. Interest Grants Financed by IRI
Bonds.
Y. Grant Received Pursuant to the
Community Initiative Concerning the
Preparation of Enterprises for the Single
Market (PRISMA).
Z. Article 44 of Law 448/01.
IV. Programs Preliminarily Determined
To Have Been Terminated
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
We examined the following programs
at verification during the 9th
Administrative Review and
preliminarily determine in this review
that they have been terminated prior to
the current POR and that there will be
no remaining subsidy benefits from
these programs after this POR. See
‘‘Verification of the Questionnaire
Responses of the Government of Italy in
the 9th Administrative Review’’ (March
31, 2006) which was placed on the
record of this proceeding on July 31,
2007.
A. Social Security Reductions and
Exemptions—Sgravi Article 44 of Law
448/01.
B. Social Security Reductions and
Exemptions—Sgravi Law 337/90.
Preliminary Results of Review
In accordance with 19 CFR
351.221(b)(4)(i), we calculated an
individual subsidy rate for Pallante and
De Matteis. Atar had no countervailable
subsidies. We did not calculate an
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:38 Aug 03, 2007
Jkt 211001
the proceeding any calculations
performed in connection with these
preliminary results within five days
after the date of the public
announcement of this notice.
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(ii),
interested parties may submit written
arguments in case briefs within 30 days
of the date of publication of this notice.
Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised
in case briefs, may be filed no later than
five days after the date of filing the case
briefs, in accordance with 19 CFR
351.309(d). Parties who submit briefs in
this proceeding should provide a
summary of the arguments not to exceed
Net subsidy five pages and a table of statutes,
Producer/exporter
rate
regulations, and cases cited. Copies of
(percent)
case briefs and rebuttal briefs must be
De Matteis Agroalimetare S.p.A
1.97 served on interested parties in
Pastificio Antonio Pallante S.r.L
2.02 accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f).
Atar S.r.l ....................................
0.00
Interested parties may request a
hearing within 30 days after the date of
The calculations will be disclosed to
publication of this notice, pursuant to
the interested parties in accordance
19 CFR 351.310(c). Any hearing, if
with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
requested, will be held two days after
If the final results of this review
the scheduled date for submission of
remain the same as these preliminary
rebuttal briefs.
results, the Department intends to
The Department will publish a notice
instruct Customs to assess
of the final results of this administrative
countervailing duties at these net
review within 120 days from the
subsidy rates. The Department will
publication of these preliminary results,
issue appropriate instructions directly
in accordance with section 751(a)(3) of
to Customs within 15 days of
the Act.
publication of the final results of this
We are issuing and publishing these
review.
results in accordance with sections
For all other companies that were not 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19
reviewed (except Barilla G. e R. F.lli
CFR 351.221(b)(4).
S.p.A. and Gruppo Agricoltura Sana
Dated: July 31, 2007.
S.r.l., which are excluded from the
Stephen J. Claeys,
order, and Pasta Lensi S.r.l. which was
revoked from the order), the Department Acting Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
has directed CBP to assess
[FR Doc. 07–3832 Filed 8–3–07; 8:45 am]
countervailing duties on all entries
between January 1, 2005, and December BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
31, 2005, at the rates in effect at the time
of entry. Agritalia has been reviewed
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
previously and has its own exporter
specific rate of 2.92 percent.
International Trade Administration
The Department also intends to
instruct CBP to collect cash deposits of
Mission Statement; Afghanistan
estimated countervailing duties.
International Carpet Fair; August 26–
For all non-reviewed firms (except
28, 2007
Barilla G. e R. F.lli S.p.A. and Gruppo
Agricoltura Sana S.r.l., which are
AGENCY: International Trade
excluded from the order, and Pasta
Administration, Department of
Lensi S.r.l. which was revoked from the Commerce.
order), we will instruct CBP to collect
ACTION: Notice.
cash deposits of estimated
countervailing duties at the most recent Mission Description
company-specific or ‘‘all others’’ rate
U.S. Secretary of Commerce
applicable to the company. These rates
Gutierrez’s priorities for Afghanistan
shall apply to all non-reviewed
include helping the country develop
companies until a review of a company
three sectors in which it has a
assigned these rates is requested.
comparative advantage: rugs, dried
Public Comment
fruits and nuts, and mining. The
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.224(b), the
International Trade Administration of
Department will disclose to parties to
the Department of Commerce is
individual rate for Agritalia because a
review was not requested for Agritalia.
Agritalia was only asked to participate
because of the possible effect of
subsidies it received on its suppliers
who are included in this review. We
have preliminarily found that Agritalia
did not receive any subsidies which
affected any suppliers’ rates. For the
period January 1, 2005, through
December 31, 2005, we preliminarily
find the net subsidy rates for the
producers/exporters under review to be
those specified in the chart shown
below:
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM
06AUN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 150 / Monday, August 6, 2007 / Notices
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
organizing a U.S. carpet trade mission to
Kabul, Afghanistan for the Afghanistan
International Carpet Fair on August 26–
28, 2007. The mission will assist U.S.
rug businesses exploring trade and
investment opportunities in
Afghanistan’s rug sector. Assistant
Secretary David Bohigian will lead a
delegation of U.S.-based executives of
U.S. firms interested in pursuing
business in Afghanistan’s rug sector.
The mission will include participation
in the Carpet Fair, matchmaking, and a
potential site visit to a rug production
facility. The mission will reaffirm the
U.S. Government’s support towards
bilateral relations and seek to expand
opportunities for U.S. companies in
Afghanistan.
Commercial Setting
Afghanistan has a comparative
advantage in producing hand woven
rugs, putting this sector on the cutting
edge of the Afghanistan’s reintegration
into the global economy. Afghanistan’s
rugs have a rich legacy of artistry and
craftsmanship, which has been handed
down through many generations. Each
type of rug is unique to the location in
which it was produced and inspired.
Afghanistan produces various types of
rugs woven out of wool, silk, and
cotton.
Due to the current lack of finishing
facilities, Afghanistan sends more than
eighty percent of its rugs to Pakistan,
where they are finished and labeled
‘‘made in Pakistan’’. This Trade Mission
will enable delegates to explore
opportunities for investing in rug
producing facilities and exporting
textile equipment to Afghanistan. As
such, the Mission could play a valuable
role in preserving the brand identity of
Afghan rugs, by helping producers to
finish and export their own rugs.
The Afghan Government is helping
Afghan rug producers connect their
craftsmanship to the world. In
conjunction with the U.S. Department of
Commerce, the Government of
Afghanistan organized two previous
delegations of Afghan rug producers to
visit the United States. In July 2006, a
delegation visited major retailers and
rug importers in New York, Atlanta, and
Washington, DC. In February 2007, a
second delegation attended the
AmericasMart International Area Rug
Market in Atlanta, where Afghanistan’s
rugs were part of a major cultural
showcase.
This first-ever Afghanistan
International Carpet Fair will provide an
opportunity for Afghan rug producers
and U.S. buyers to network, create
business relationships, and allow U.S.
buyers to explore investment
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:38 Aug 03, 2007
Jkt 211001
opportunities in the rug sector. The
Trade Mission presents a unique
opportunity for seasoned U.S. rug
professionals to partner with Afghan rug
producers as Afghanistan strives to reestablish its leadership position in the
global rug business.
Mission Goals: The mission aims to
further U.S. commercial policy
objectives and to advance specific U.S.
business interests in the U.S. and
Afghan rug sectors. The mission will:
• Create an opportunity for members
of the U.S. rug sector to meet and
network with Afghan rug producers;
• Allow U.S. rug business delegates
to visit Afghan rug producing facilities
and explore potential investment
opportunities;
• Assess the commercial climate of
Afghanistan’s rug sector as well as
export and investment opportunities in
Afghanistan;
• Encourage continued progress in
economic development in Afghanistan.
Mission Scenario: This mission will
enable participants to gain access to the
Afghan rug market on a large scale. The
mission will include VIP participation
in the rug show and a potential visit to
at least one rug producing facility.
Participants will be part of the carpet
fair’s opening night-VIP reception with
high-level Afghan government officials,
including President Karzai (to be
confirmed). The event will provide
opportunities to network with over 70
Afghan rug vendors at the show. The
show will feature a broad range of rugs
from Afghanistan’s diverse rug
producing provinces. Networking will
also include one-on-one meetings
between the U.S. rug business delegates
and Afghan rug producers.
Mission Timetable: The precise
schedule will depend on the availability
of local government and business
officials and the specific goals of the
mission participants. The tentative trip
itinerary will be as follows:
Sunday, August 26
Arrive in Kabul
Attend opening reception for the
Afghanistan International Carpet Fair,
Serena Hotel
Meet with high-level U.S. and Afghan
Government officials
Monday, August 27
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet
Fair
Networking between buyers and sellers
One-on-one meetings between buyers
and sellers
Potential site visit to rug producing
facilities
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
43623
Tuesday, August 28
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet
Fair
Networking between buyers and sellers
One-on-one meetings between buyers
and sellers
Potential site visit to rug producing
facilities
Wednesday, August 29
Depart Kabul
Criteria for Participation and
Selection: We are looking to recruit five
to ten delegates from the U.S. rug
industry to participate in this mission.
Recruitment and selection will be
conducted according to the ‘‘Statement
of Policy Governing Department of
Commerce-Overseas Trade Missions’’
established in March 1997.
Eligibility: Participating companies
must be incorporated or otherwise
organized in the United States.
Selection Criteria: Companies will be
selected for participation in the mission
on the basis of:
• Consistency of company’s goals
with the scope and desired outcome of
the mission;
• Relevance of a company’s business
and product line to the identified
growth sectors;
• Rank of the designated company
representative;
• Past, present, or prospective
relevant international business activity;
• Diversity of company size, type,
location, demographics, and traditional
under-representation in business; and
• Timely receipt of the company’s
signed and completed application,
participation agreement, and
participation fee.
Additionally, U.S. exporters applying
for this mission, such as rug finishing
machinery manufacturers or
distributors, must certify that the
company’s products or services are
either produced in the United States, or,
if not, are marketed under the name of
a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one
percent U.S. content. The production
and content requirements do not apply
to U.S. buyer and U.S. investor
applicants.
Recruitment will be conducted in an
open and public manner, including
publication in the Federal Register,
posting on the Commerce Department
trade missions calendar (https://
www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html), the
Afghanistan Investment and
Reconstruction Task Force Web site
(https://www.export.gov/afghanistan),
and press releases to the general and
trade media. Promotion of the mission
will also take place through the
involvement of U.S. Export Assistance
Centers and relevant trade associations.
E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM
06AUN1
43624
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 150 / Monday, August 6, 2007 / Notices
An applicant’s partisan, political
activities (including political
contribution) are entirely irrelevant to
the selection process. The fee to
participate in this mission is
approximately USD 1,500. The fee will
not cover travel expenses, meals or
lodging. Recruitment begins
immediately and will close on August 8,
2007. Applications received after that
date will be considered only if space
and scheduling constraints permit. The
mission Web site (https://
www.export.gov/afghanistan/events)
will share information as it becomes
available.
Disclaimer
Trade mission members participate in
the trade mission and undertake related
travel at their own risk and are advised
to obtain insurance accordingly. Any
question regarding insurance coverage
must be resolved by the participant and
its insurer of choice. The U.S.
Government does not make any
representations or guarantees as to the
safety or security of participants.
Companies should consult the State
Department’s travel warning for
Afghanistan: https://travel.state.gov/
travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html. The
Department of Commerce will
coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in
Kabul to arrange for all transportation of
the trade mission participants to and
from the hotel and on visits to rug
producing facilities. The Serena Hotel is
responsible for providing security for
the event venue. The Serena Hotel is a
luxury hotel and does have security
measures in place.
The U.S. Government does not make
any representations or guarantees as to
the success of the trade mission.
Noor Alam,
Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction
Task Force, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Washington, DC 20230, Tel: (202) 482–1812,
Fax: (202) 482–0980, E-mail:
AfghanInfo@ita.doc.gov.
[FR Doc. E7–15202 Filed 8–3–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
RIN 0648 XB46
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program;
Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and
Tanner Crabs
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration,
Commerce.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:38 Aug 03, 2007
Jkt 211001
ACTION:
Notice of fee rate adjustment.
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this notice to
increase the fee rates for the Bristol Bay
red king and Aleutian Islands brown
king crab reduction endorsement
fisheries to repay the $17,129,957.23
and $6,380,837.19 sub-loans,
respectively, of the $97,399,357.11
reduction loan to finance the Bering
Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and
Tanner Crab fishing capacity reduction
program.
DATES: The BSAI King and Tanner Crab
fishing capacity reduction program fee
rate increases will begin on September
5, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Send questions about this
notice to Leo Erwin, Chief, Financial
Services Division, National Marine
Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–
3282.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Leo
Erwin, (301) 713–2390.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Sections 312(b) through (e) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16
U.S.C. 1861a(b) through (e)) generally
authorizes fishing capacity reduction
programs. In particular, section 312(d)
authorizes industry fee systems for
repaying reduction loans which finance
reduction program costs.
Subpart L of 50 part 600 is the
framework rule generally implementing
section 312(b) through (e).
Sections 1111 and 1112 of the
Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App.
U.S.C. 1279f and 1279g) generally
authorized reduction loans.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act
of 2001 (Public Law 106–554) directed
the Secretary of Commerce to establish
the $100 million fishing capacity
reduction program in the BSAI king and
tanner crab fishery. Congress amended
the authorizing Act twice (Public Law
107 20 and Public Law 107 117), once
to change the crab reduction program’s
funding from a $50 million
appropriation and a $50 million loan to
a $100 million loan and once to clarify
provisions about crab fishery vessels.
NMFS adopted the program’s
implementation rule as § 600.1103 in a
subpart M of part 600.
NMFS published the BSAI crab
reduction program’s proposed
implementation rule on December 12,
2002 (67 FR 76329) and its final rule on
December 12, 2003 (68 FR 69331). On
November 24, 2004, NMFS published a
Federal Register notice (69 FR 68313)
advising the public that beginning on
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
December 27, 2004, NMFS would tender
the crab reduction program’s reduction
payments to 25 accepted bidders. NMFS
allocated the $97,399,357.11 million
reduction loan to six reduction
endorsement fisheries involved, as the
following subamounts:
1. Bristol Bay red king,
$17,129,957.23,
2. BSAI C. opilio and C. bairdi,
$66,410,767.20,
3. Aleutian Islands brown king,
$6,380,837.19,
4. Aleutian Islands red king,
$237,588.04,
5. Pribilof red king and blue king,
$1,571,216.35; and
6. St. Matthew blue king,
$5,668,991.10.
NMFS published a fee payment
collection system implementation rule
on September 16, 2005 (70 FR 54653).
Fee collection and payment began on
October 17, 2005. On May 10, 2006,
NMFS published a final rule to exempt
any crab landed under the Community
Development Quota (CDQ) Program
from the fee regulations for the BSAI
King and Tanner Crab Fishing Capacity
Reduction Program (71 FR 27209).
Anyone interested in the program’s full
implementation details should refer to
these documents.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to adjust,
in accordance with the framework rule’s
§ 600.1013(b), the fee rates for the BSAI
king and tanner crab fishery. Section
600.1013(b) directs NMFS to recalculate
the fee rate that will be reasonably
necessary to ensure reduction loan
repayment within the specified 30 year
term.
NMFS has determined that the
current fee rates for the Bristol Bay red
king and Aleutian Islands brown king
reduction endorsement fisheries, 1.9
percent and 2.6 percent respectively, are
inadequate to service these sub-loans.
Therefore, NMFS is increasing the fee
rates to 2.5 percent for the Bristol Bay
red king crab reduction endorsement
fishery, and to 5.0 percent for the
Aleutian Islands brown king crab
reduction endorsement fishery. NMFS
has determined this action for the
Bristol Bay red king crab reduction
endorsement fishery is necessary to
ensure timely loan repayment. NMFS
does not expect the Aleutian Island
brown king crab reduction endorsement
fishery to remain on a timely repayment
schedule even with this increase.
However, fee rates are capped at 5.0
percent by statute.
To provide more accessible services,
streamline collections, and save
taxpayer dollars, fish buyers may
E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM
06AUN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 150 (Monday, August 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43622-43624]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15202]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Mission Statement; Afghanistan International Carpet Fair; August
26-28, 2007
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Description
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez's priorities for Afghanistan
include helping the country develop three sectors in which it has a
comparative advantage: rugs, dried fruits and nuts, and mining. The
International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce is
[[Page 43623]]
organizing a U.S. carpet trade mission to Kabul, Afghanistan for the
Afghanistan International Carpet Fair on August 26-28, 2007. The
mission will assist U.S. rug businesses exploring trade and investment
opportunities in Afghanistan's rug sector. Assistant Secretary David
Bohigian will lead a delegation of U.S.-based executives of U.S. firms
interested in pursuing business in Afghanistan's rug sector. The
mission will include participation in the Carpet Fair, matchmaking, and
a potential site visit to a rug production facility. The mission will
reaffirm the U.S. Government's support towards bilateral relations and
seek to expand opportunities for U.S. companies in Afghanistan.
Commercial Setting
Afghanistan has a comparative advantage in producing hand woven
rugs, putting this sector on the cutting edge of the Afghanistan's
reintegration into the global economy. Afghanistan's rugs have a rich
legacy of artistry and craftsmanship, which has been handed down
through many generations. Each type of rug is unique to the location in
which it was produced and inspired. Afghanistan produces various types
of rugs woven out of wool, silk, and cotton.
Due to the current lack of finishing facilities, Afghanistan sends
more than eighty percent of its rugs to Pakistan, where they are
finished and labeled ``made in Pakistan''. This Trade Mission will
enable delegates to explore opportunities for investing in rug
producing facilities and exporting textile equipment to Afghanistan. As
such, the Mission could play a valuable role in preserving the brand
identity of Afghan rugs, by helping producers to finish and export
their own rugs.
The Afghan Government is helping Afghan rug producers connect their
craftsmanship to the world. In conjunction with the U.S. Department of
Commerce, the Government of Afghanistan organized two previous
delegations of Afghan rug producers to visit the United States. In July
2006, a delegation visited major retailers and rug importers in New
York, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. In February 2007, a second
delegation attended the AmericasMart International Area Rug Market in
Atlanta, where Afghanistan's rugs were part of a major cultural
showcase.
This first-ever Afghanistan International Carpet Fair will provide
an opportunity for Afghan rug producers and U.S. buyers to network,
create business relationships, and allow U.S. buyers to explore
investment opportunities in the rug sector. The Trade Mission presents
a unique opportunity for seasoned U.S. rug professionals to partner
with Afghan rug producers as Afghanistan strives to re-establish its
leadership position in the global rug business.
Mission Goals: The mission aims to further U.S. commercial policy
objectives and to advance specific U.S. business interests in the U.S.
and Afghan rug sectors. The mission will:
Create an opportunity for members of the U.S. rug sector
to meet and network with Afghan rug producers;
Allow U.S. rug business delegates to visit Afghan rug
producing facilities and explore potential investment opportunities;
Assess the commercial climate of Afghanistan's rug sector
as well as export and investment opportunities in Afghanistan;
Encourage continued progress in economic development in
Afghanistan.
Mission Scenario: This mission will enable participants to gain
access to the Afghan rug market on a large scale. The mission will
include VIP participation in the rug show and a potential visit to at
least one rug producing facility. Participants will be part of the
carpet fair's opening night-VIP reception with high-level Afghan
government officials, including President Karzai (to be confirmed). The
event will provide opportunities to network with over 70 Afghan rug
vendors at the show. The show will feature a broad range of rugs from
Afghanistan's diverse rug producing provinces. Networking will also
include one-on-one meetings between the U.S. rug business delegates and
Afghan rug producers.
Mission Timetable: The precise schedule will depend on the
availability of local government and business officials and the
specific goals of the mission participants. The tentative trip
itinerary will be as follows:
Sunday, August 26
Arrive in Kabul
Attend opening reception for the Afghanistan International Carpet Fair,
Serena Hotel
Meet with high-level U.S. and Afghan Government officials
Monday, August 27
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet Fair
Networking between buyers and sellers
One-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers
Potential site visit to rug producing facilities
Tuesday, August 28
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet Fair
Networking between buyers and sellers
One-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers
Potential site visit to rug producing facilities
Wednesday, August 29
Depart Kabul
Criteria for Participation and Selection: We are looking to recruit
five to ten delegates from the U.S. rug industry to participate in this
mission. Recruitment and selection will be conducted according to the
``Statement of Policy Governing Department of Commerce-Overseas Trade
Missions'' established in March 1997.
Eligibility: Participating companies must be incorporated or
otherwise organized in the United States.
Selection Criteria: Companies will be selected for participation in
the mission on the basis of:
Consistency of company's goals with the scope and desired
outcome of the mission;
Relevance of a company's business and product line to the
identified growth sectors;
Rank of the designated company representative;
Past, present, or prospective relevant international
business activity;
Diversity of company size, type, location, demographics,
and traditional under-representation in business; and
Timely receipt of the company's signed and completed
application, participation agreement, and participation fee.
Additionally, U.S. exporters applying for this mission, such as rug
finishing machinery manufacturers or distributors, must certify that
the company's products or services are either produced in the United
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. The production and content
requirements do not apply to U.S. buyer and U.S. investor applicants.
Recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner,
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce
Department trade missions calendar (https://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/
tmcal.html), the Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force
Web site (https://www.export.gov/afghanistan), and press releases to the
general and trade media. Promotion of the mission will also take place
through the involvement of U.S. Export Assistance Centers and relevant
trade associations.
[[Page 43624]]
An applicant's partisan, political activities (including political
contribution) are entirely irrelevant to the selection process. The fee
to participate in this mission is approximately USD 1,500. The fee will
not cover travel expenses, meals or lodging. Recruitment begins
immediately and will close on August 8, 2007. Applications received
after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit. The mission Web site (https://www.export.gov/
afghanistan/events) will share information as it becomes available.
Disclaimer
Trade mission members participate in the trade mission and
undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to obtain
insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage must
be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice. The U.S.
Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the
safety or security of participants. Companies should consult the State
Department's travel warning for Afghanistan: https://travel.state.gov/
travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html. The Department of Commerce will
coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to arrange for all
transportation of the trade mission participants to and from the hotel
and on visits to rug producing facilities. The Serena Hotel is
responsible for providing security for the event venue. The Serena
Hotel is a luxury hotel and does have security measures in place.
The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees
as to the success of the trade mission.
Noor Alam,
Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force, U.S. Department
of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, Tel: (202) 482-1812, Fax: (202) 482-
0980, E-mail: AfghanInfo@ita.doc.gov.
[FR Doc. E7-15202 Filed 8-3-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
