Trade Mission Statement: Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission to Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa; March 3-11, 2008, 55747-55750 [07-4835]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 189 / Monday, October 1, 2007 / Notices (OMB Control No. 0625–0151). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. John Klingelhut, Acting Program Manager, International Buyer Program, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. E7–19354 Filed 9–28–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–201–817] Oil Country Tubular Goods from Mexico: Notice of NAFTA Bi–National Panel’s Final Decision, Amended Final Results of Full Sunset Review and Revocation of Antidumping Duty Order Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On September 5, 2007, the North American Free Trade Agreement (‘‘NAFTA’’) Secretariat published in the Federal Register a notice of completion of panel review of the final remand redetermination made by the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department) concerning the full sunset review of the antidumping duty order on oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Mexico. See North American Free– Trade Agreement, Article 1904 NAFTA Panel Reviews; Completion of Panel Review, 72 FR 50934 (September 5, 2007). As there is now a final and conclusive decision in this case, we are amending the final results of the full sunset review and revoking the antidumping duty order on OCTG from Mexico. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Drury or Angelica Mendoza, AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–0195 or (202) 482– 3019, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This case arises out of the Department’s determination in the final results of the first sunset review covering entries for the five years following the publication mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:31 Sep 28, 2007 Jkt 214001 date of the antidumping duty order, August 11, 1995. See Oil Country Tubular Goods (‘‘OCTG’’) from Mexico: Final Results of Sunset Review of Antidumping Order, 66 FR 14131 (March 9, 2001) and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum (‘‘Final Results’’). In the Final Results, the Department determined that revocation of the antidumping duty order would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping. Subsequent to the completion of the sunset review, Tubos de Aceros de Mexico, S.A. (‘‘TAMSA’’) challenged the Department’s findings pursuant to article 1904 of the NAFTA and requested that a Bi–National Panel review the final determination. From 2005 to 2007, the Panel issued multiple decisions remanding various aspects of the Department’s decision to the agency. See NAFTA Panel decisions of February 11, 2005, February 8, 2006, July 28, 2006, January 17, 2007, and June 1, 2007. On June 11, 2007, consistent with the Panel’s order of June 1, 2007, the Department issued a remand redetermination where the Department ‘‘made a determination to the effect that the evidence on the record does not support a finding or likelihood of recurrence or continuation of dumping upon revocation of the antidumping duty order.’’ See Fifth Redetermination on Remand, Oil Country Tubular Goods from Mexico: Sunset Review, (June 11, 2007) at page 2. On July 19, 2007, the Panel affirmed the Department’s fifth remand redetermination. See NAFTA Final Decision. The Panel issued its Notice of Final Panel Action on July 30, 2007. Pursuant to Section 516A(g)(5)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and consistent with the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Timken Co. v. United States, 893 F.2d 337 (Fed. Cir. 1990) (‘‘Timken’’) regarding publication requirements, the Department published its notice of the NAFTA Panel decision that was not ‘‘in harmony’’ with the Department’s determination from the Final Results. See Oil Country Tubular Goods from Mexico: Notice of NAFTA Panel Decision Not in Harmony with Final Results of Sunset Administrative Review, 72 FR 49702 (August 29, 2007), with an effective date of August 9, 2007. The Department continued the suspension of liquidation of the subject merchandise pending the expiration of the period for requesting an Extraordinary Challenge Committee (‘‘ECC’’). We note that the period to request an ECC has expired and no ECC request has been filed. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55747 On September 5, 2007, the NAFTA Secretariat published in the Federal Register its Notice of Completion of Panel Review. Therefore, because there is a final Panel decision in this case, the Department is amending the final sunset review and revoking the antidumping duty order on OCTG from Mexico. Termination of Suspension of Liquidation The Department is revoking the antidumping duty order on OCTG from Mexico, pursuant to section 751(d) of the Act. Pursuant to sections 751(d)(2) and 751(d)(3) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.222(i)(2)(i), the effective date of revocation is August 11, 2000. The Department will notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection to discontinue suspension of liquidation and collection of cash deposits on entries of the subject merchandise entered or withdrawn from warehouse, on or after August 11, 2000, the effective date of revocation of this antidumping duty order. This notice also serves as the only reminder to parties subject to administrative protective order (‘‘APO’’) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305 of the Department’s regulations. Timely notification of return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation. This notice is in accordance with section 751(d)(2) and is published pursuant to section 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: September 21, 2007. Joseph A. Spetrini, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E7–19325 Filed 9–28–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Trade Mission Statement: Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission to Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa; March 3–11, 2008 Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Trade Mission to Sub-Saharan Africa March 3–11, 2008, to help U.S. firms find business partners and sell equipment and services in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. Targeted E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 55748 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 189 / Monday, October 1, 2007 / Notices sectors include, but are not limited to, energy, health care, information technology, safety and security, and telecommunications. The Director General for the U.S. Commercial Service will lead the mission, which will include business-to-business matchmaking with local companies, marketing briefings, and meetings with key government officials. Commercial Setting U.S. Total trade with Sub-Saharan Africa increased 10 percent in the first half of 2007 from the same period in 2006, as both exports and imports grew. U.S. exports increased by 30 percent to 46.7 billion, driven mainly by increases in parts for oil field equipment, vehicles and parts, aircraft, wheat, platforms for offshore oil drilling, non-crude oil, and medical equipment. Of the top five African destinations for U.S. products, exports to South Africa rose by 8 percent and to Nigeria by 42 percent. As the markets in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to show substantial growth and potential—encompassing a burgeoning consumer base of 650 million people—Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa stand out as particularly advantageous destinations for U.S. exporters seeking to leverage business opportunities in this exciting region. Market Overview mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Ghana A strong multiparty democracy, Ghana has long served as a model for other African nations due to its free and fair elections and rule of law. Accordingly, Ghana offers not only an increasingly sophisticated market of 22 million consumers but also a solid platform from which to access west Africa’s regional market of 250 million potential customers. Ghana has qualified for Millennium Challenge Account funds, available only to countries that have adopted good governance policies. In 2006 Ghana ranked among the top 10 reforming countries in the world. Its per capita output is among the highest in West Africa, and its steady economic growth over the past four years—6.2 percent in 2006—is expected to continue, driven by industry and services. Ghana is in the midst of an energy crisis, controlling an estimated 600megawatt (MW) demand deficit through load shedding. With upcoming completion of the West African Gas Pipeline, which will provide relatively inexpensive gas for industrial usage, the government plans to increase generating capacity to 2600MW, primarily through gas-fired plants financed by VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:31 Sep 28, 2007 Jkt 214001 independent power producers. Plans to restructure the electricity sector include the eventual privatization of Tema plant operations and allowing more privatesector thermal generation. The government is to spend $470 million in the next three years to improve energy generation and has signed purchase agreements with three U.S. suppliers for high-speed diesel generators totaling 90MW. The Volta River Authority, Ghana’s power-generating agency, has procured a 126MW plant soon to go on line. Various power generation projects under review include a 300MW thermal power plant in Tema and expansion of an existing plant in Takoradi to 110MW. In addition, a Chinese-funded dam project aims to add an additional 400MW generating capacity within the next five years. Ghana’s health care delivery system, among the best in the region, is constantly challenged to meet the needs of its growing population. Lacking the relevant manufacturing base, the country relies almost exclusively on imported medical devices. Equipment for diagnostics, intensive care, and surgery; ambulances and related equipment; and disposable supplies are in high demand. The United States is the major supplier to Ghana’s $28 million import market for computers and accessories, providing desktop personal computers, floppy diskettes, printers, and monitors. A growing number of firms serve the Ghanaian hardware and software markets. Local assembly is growing, while improved local servicing capacity, coupled with growth of offshoot activities such as shareware, software design, computer graphics, and systems consulting, drives demand for information technology. The government has removed the Value Added Tax on imported computers supplied to recognized educational institutions. In 2007, Ghana hosted the U.S.-SubSaharan Africa trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which focused on optimizing the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity act (AGOA). Growing recognition of Ghana as an advantageous venue for diplomatic, educational, and commercial activities suggests potential for opportunities in safety and security sectors. The government’s liberalization of its telecommunications sector spurred significant annual growth in recent years. There are 2 land providers, 4 cellular companies, 10 paging service providers, 128 Internet service providers, 106 VSAT data operators, and 61 public/corporate data operators. FM stations number 128, and TV PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 stations 24. Imports of telecommunications products are mainly for landline projects, private mobile telephone services, and broadband data transfer services. There has been a tremendous increase in the subscriber base of mobile operators as they attempted to out compete each other. The rapid increase in the market size of the telecommunications sector has resulted in a high volume of imports of telecommunications equipment, including switching and transmission equipment, telephone, and fax machines, radio and television equipment, and cellular radiotelephones. One mobile provider, Kasapa, upgraded from analogue equipment to digital CDMA, and Ghana Telecom installed a pre-paid platform for its landline service. Areeba, the leading mobile phone service provider, extended its service to rural areas. Countrywide, as landline density remains very low (2.9 lines per hundred people) cellular companies with prepaid cards have had made major gains in market share. While mobile penetration into rural areas has recently increased tremendously, the areas still remain largely under served by both landline and cellular companies. The national network operators have programs underway to meet the performance targets under their licenses. Ghana Telecom has been expanding to meet a 400,000-telephone line requirement. Nigeria Nigeria, the most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa at over 120 million people, continues to push forward economic reforms, while its $121 billion GDP is growing at around 10 percent. Pending development of its agricultural and non-oil industrial capacities, the country continues to depend heavily on imports. Last year Nigeria received a ‘‘BB-’’ rating from two international credit rating organizations, FitchRatings and Standard & Poor, which acknowledged the stability of the Nigerian currency and the government’s commitment to economic and social reforms. Nigeria holds tremendous potential for U.S. businesses willing to conduct due diligence and draw on Commercial Service assistance in screening prospective partners and customers. One of the world’s top ten oil producers, Nigeria holds oil reserves of about 36.24 billion barrels and gas reserves estimated at 187 trillion standard cubic feet. The life expectancy of Nigeria’s crude oil reserve is 35 years, and that of its gas reserves is more than 109 years. Natural gas, increasingly seen E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 189 / Monday, October 1, 2007 / Notices as an enormous income-generating resource, is now being captured for processing and sale both regionally and abroad. Nigeria’s oil and gas sector accounts for over 90 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, and U.S. equipment and technology account for at least 80 percent of imports in this sector. With increased movement of oil and gas activity into Nigeria’s deep offshore areas, American companies are expected to maintain a dominant market share of imports of high-end oilfield machinery. Like Ghana, Nigeria imports most of its medical equipment. Recent health care reforms have included introducing national health insurance, transforming eight teaching hospitals into centers of excellence for tertiary health care, and rehabilitating nearly 300 primary health centers. Plans to establish more HIV/ AIDS testing and treatment centers, and to combat AIDS generally, will cost the Nigerian government an estimated $63 million. Nigeria’s health care sector holds significant opportunities for professional training, given the dearth of expertise in many specialized fields and a near absence of cutting-edge technology. Factors spurring interest in high technology include the government’s plans for an information and communications technology park and the emerging success of the ‘‘Computers for All Nigerians Initiative (CANi)’’ program, for which Microsoft and Intel are supplying operating systems and processors respectively. Nigeria’s safety and security market offers potential in a wide range of sectors, with rising demand for products and services to protect its burgeoning financial and information technology sectors. Best prospects also include technologies for airport security; personal, residential, and industrial protection; and crime fighting. Nigeria is one of the world’s most profitable telecommunications markets, with monthly revenue from services averaging $615.4 million. Leading cellular mobile operators such as MTN Nigeria are said to generate as much as $138.5 million every month. Nigeria’s emergence into the consumer market era is driving demand for improved telecommunications and information technology. The country’s commercial centers are awash with ATMs as banks compete for customers, offering mobile banking and service delivery around the clock. South Africa South Africa’s market size of 47 million people, well-developed infrastructure, productive economy, and VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:31 Sep 28, 2007 Jkt 214001 pro-business environment make it a logical choice for many U.S. companies seeking to conduct business on the African continent. The country’s GDP reached $587.5 billion last year, marking 5-percent growth. South Africa boasts a sophisticated financial sector with a stock exchange (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) that ranks among the top exchanges in the world. Thanks to the commodity-driven export boom and surging retail demand, a medium-term growth rate of 6 percent is attainable. Preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in South Africa, are expected to increase demand for U.S. goods and services in a country that already ranks as one of the most popular destinations for U.S. exports on the African continent. South Africa’s rapid economic growth in recent years has resulted in demand for electricity rising faster than anticipated, creating the need for new power stations, pebble bed modular reactors, transmission and distribution equipment, systems control equipment, network upgrades, and refurbishment of turbines. Eskom, the state power company, estimates that up to $16 billion will be spent on new transmission and power generation infrastructure in the next five years. Eskom is investigating technological advances in the use of coal, its current fuel supply, and the use of alternative fuel sources (particularly gas and hydropower). Although most of South Africa’s medical equipment imports come from Europe, the United States leads in the supply of sophisticated high-tech medical equipment. U.S. companies are encouraged to consider a presence in the South African medical market. A number of large U.S. firms are already represented there, a situation that holds joint-venture potential for smaller and medium-sized U.S. companies offering specialized technologies that can be incorporated into existing operations. Rising crime rates in South Africa have created a market of opportunity for providers of safety and security equipment and services. Upgrading security has been identified as a top priority by businesses and homeowners, who are increasingly looking for external expertise and new digital technologies. Surveillance equipment, particularly CCTV, is the largest sector of South Africa’s security market, which is valued between $85 million and $165 million. South Africa’s $12 billion telecommunications equipment market relies heavily on imports, more than 50 percent of which come from the United States. As South Africa prepares to host PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55749 the 2010 FIFA World Cup, industry sources predict a growth rate in telecommunication equipment of over 20 percent, beginning in 2007, particularly in the area of Second Generation Network Solutions products and equipment. Mission Goal The goal of the Sub-Saharan Trade Mission is to provide U.S. participants with first-hand market information, access to government decision makers, and one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including potential agents, distributors and partners, so they can position themselves to enter or expand their presence in the African market. Mission Scenario The Sub-Saharan Trade Mission will include three stops: Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. In each city, participants will meet with new business contacts. Additional business meetings can be arranged in Johannesburg or Cape Town through the Gold Key Service for an additional cost of $400 per city. This fee is exclusive of interpreter and transportation costs, estimated at $200. Proposed Timetable Accra Monday, March 3, 2008: Market briefing. Meetings with government and industry officials, Reception. Tuesday, March 4, 2008: One-on-one business appointments. Wednesday, March 5, 2008: Morning departure to Lagos. Lagos Wednesday, March 5, 2008: Reception, Market briefing. Thursday, March 6, 2008: Meetings with government and industry officials, One-on-one business appointments. Friday, March 7, 2008: One-on-one business appointments. Weekend departure to Johannesburg. Johannesburg Sunday, March 10, 2008: Reception at the Ronald H. Brown Commercial Center. Monday, March 10, 2008: Market briefing, Meetings with government and industry officials, One-on-one business appointments. Tuesday, March 11, 2008: One-on-one business appointments. Mission concludes Tuesday evening. Participants may return to United States or remain in South Africa for additional appointments arranged separately under the Gold Key Service. E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 55750 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 189 / Monday, October 1, 2007 / Notices Criteria for Participants’ Selection • Relevance of a company’s business line to mission goals. • Timeliness of the company’s signed application and participation agreement (including the participation fees). • Minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15 participating companies on the mission. • Potential for business in SubSaharan Africa for the company. • Provision of adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, and the company’s primary market objectives, in order to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business partners. • Certification that the company meets Departmental guidelines for participation. Generally, a company’s products or services should be either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished product or service. The participation fee is $3,950 per firm, which includes one representative. The fee for each additional firm representative is $750. Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar—https:// www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html— and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin October 1, 2007, and conclude December 10, 2007. Applications will be vetted on a rolling basis. Applications received after December 10, 2007, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Any partisan political activities (including political contributions) of an applicant are entirely irrelevant to the selection process. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Contacts Jessica M. Arnold, International Trade Specialist, Global Trade Programs, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202–482–2026/ jessica.arnold@mail.doc.gov. Diane Jones, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Services, Accra, Ghana, Tel: 221–823–4296/Fax: 221–822–1371, Diane.Jones@mail.doc.gov. Larry Farris, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, Lagos, VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:31 Sep 28, 2007 Jkt 214001 Nigeria, Tel.: 234–1–261–0050/Fax: 234–1–261–9856, Larry.Farris@mail.doc.gov. Craig Allen, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, Tel.: 27– 11–778–4800 Fax: 27–11–268–6100, Craig.Allen@mail.doc.gov. Nancy Hesser, Manager, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program. [FR Doc. 07–4835 Filed 9–28–07; 8:45 am] letter to allocation owners in these fisheries from NMFS within the next several weeks. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 26, 2007. James P. Burgess, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–19353 Filed 9–28–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S BILLING CODE 3510–25–M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC79 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Notice that Vendor Will Provide Year 2008 Cage Tags National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of vendor to provide year 2008 cage tags. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS informs surfclam and ocean quahog allocation owners that they will be required to purchase their year 2008 cage tags from the National Band and Tag Company. The intent of this notice is to comply with regulations for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries and to promote efficient distribution of cage tags. ADDRESSES: Written inquiries may be sent to Timothy Cardiasmenos, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Cardiasmenos, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281–9204; fax (978) 281–9135. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries regulations at 50 CFR 648.75(b) authorize the Regional Administrator of the Northeast Region, NMFS, to specify in the Federal Register a vendor from whom cage tags, required under the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (FMP), shall be purchased. Notice is hereby given that National Band and Tag Company of Newport, Kentucky, is the authorized vendor of cage tags required for the year 2008 Federal surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Detailed instructions for purchasing these cage tags will be provided in a PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 RIN: 0648–XC97 Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold a meeting that is open to the public. DATES: The HC meeting will be held Monday, October 15, 2007, from 10:30 a.m. until business for the day is completed. The HC meeting will be held at the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Large Conference Room, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384; telephone: (503) 820–2280. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Jennifer Gilden, Habitat Coordinator; telephone: (503) 820–2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the HC meeting is to discuss habitat-related issues relevant to upcoming Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 189 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55747-55750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-4835]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Trade Mission Statement: Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission to 
Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa; March 3-11, 2008

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Trade Mission 
to Sub-Saharan Africa March 3-11, 2008, to help U.S. firms find 
business partners and sell equipment and services in Accra, Ghana; 
Lagos, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. Targeted

[[Page 55748]]

sectors include, but are not limited to, energy, health care, 
information technology, safety and security, and telecommunications. 
The Director General for the U.S. Commercial Service will lead the 
mission, which will include business-to-business matchmaking with local 
companies, marketing briefings, and meetings with key government 
officials.

Commercial Setting

    U.S. Total trade with Sub-Saharan Africa increased 10 percent in 
the first half of 2007 from the same period in 2006, as both exports 
and imports grew. U.S. exports increased by 30 percent to 46.7 billion, 
driven mainly by increases in parts for oil field equipment, vehicles 
and parts, aircraft, wheat, platforms for offshore oil drilling, non-
crude oil, and medical equipment. Of the top five African destinations 
for U.S. products, exports to South Africa rose by 8 percent and to 
Nigeria by 42 percent. As the markets in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to 
show substantial growth and potential--encompassing a burgeoning 
consumer base of 650 million people--Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa 
stand out as particularly advantageous destinations for U.S. exporters 
seeking to leverage business opportunities in this exciting region.

Market Overview

Ghana

    A strong multiparty democracy, Ghana has long served as a model for 
other African nations due to its free and fair elections and rule of 
law. Accordingly, Ghana offers not only an increasingly sophisticated 
market of 22 million consumers but also a solid platform from which to 
access west Africa's regional market of 250 million potential 
customers. Ghana has qualified for Millennium Challenge Account funds, 
available only to countries that have adopted good governance policies. 
In 2006 Ghana ranked among the top 10 reforming countries in the world. 
Its per capita output is among the highest in West Africa, and its 
steady economic growth over the past four years--6.2 percent in 2006--
is expected to continue, driven by industry and services.
    Ghana is in the midst of an energy crisis, controlling an estimated 
600-megawatt (MW) demand deficit through load shedding. With upcoming 
completion of the West African Gas Pipeline, which will provide 
relatively inexpensive gas for industrial usage, the government plans 
to increase generating capacity to 2600MW, primarily through gas-fired 
plants financed by independent power producers. Plans to restructure 
the electricity sector include the eventual privatization of Tema plant 
operations and allowing more private-sector thermal generation. The 
government is to spend $470 million in the next three years to improve 
energy generation and has signed purchase agreements with three U.S. 
suppliers for high-speed diesel generators totaling 90MW. The Volta 
River Authority, Ghana's power-generating agency, has procured a 126MW 
plant soon to go on line. Various power generation projects under 
review include a 300MW thermal power plant in Tema and expansion of an 
existing plant in Takoradi to 110MW. In addition, a Chinese-funded dam 
project aims to add an additional 400MW generating capacity within the 
next five years.
    Ghana's health care delivery system, among the best in the region, 
is constantly challenged to meet the needs of its growing population. 
Lacking the relevant manufacturing base, the country relies almost 
exclusively on imported medical devices. Equipment for diagnostics, 
intensive care, and surgery; ambulances and related equipment; and 
disposable supplies are in high demand.
    The United States is the major supplier to Ghana's $28 million 
import market for computers and accessories, providing desktop personal 
computers, floppy diskettes, printers, and monitors. A growing number 
of firms serve the Ghanaian hardware and software markets. Local 
assembly is growing, while improved local servicing capacity, coupled 
with growth of offshoot activities such as shareware, software design, 
computer graphics, and systems consulting, drives demand for 
information technology. The government has removed the Value Added Tax 
on imported computers supplied to recognized educational institutions.
    In 2007, Ghana hosted the U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa trade and 
Economic Cooperation Forum, which focused on optimizing the benefits of 
the African Growth and Opportunity act (AGOA). Growing recognition of 
Ghana as an advantageous venue for diplomatic, educational, and 
commercial activities suggests potential for opportunities in safety 
and security sectors.
    The government's liberalization of its telecommunications sector 
spurred significant annual growth in recent years. There are 2 land 
providers, 4 cellular companies, 10 paging service providers, 128 
Internet service providers, 106 VSAT data operators, and 61 public/
corporate data operators. FM stations number 128, and TV stations 24. 
Imports of telecommunications products are mainly for landline 
projects, private mobile telephone services, and broadband data 
transfer services. There has been a tremendous increase in the 
subscriber base of mobile operators as they attempted to out compete 
each other.
    The rapid increase in the market size of the telecommunications 
sector has resulted in a high volume of imports of telecommunications 
equipment, including switching and transmission equipment, telephone, 
and fax machines, radio and television equipment, and cellular 
radiotelephones. One mobile provider, Kasapa, upgraded from analogue 
equipment to digital CDMA, and Ghana Telecom installed a pre-paid 
platform for its landline service. Areeba, the leading mobile phone 
service provider, extended its service to rural areas. Countrywide, as 
landline density remains very low (2.9 lines per hundred people) 
cellular companies with prepaid cards have had made major gains in 
market share. While mobile penetration into rural areas has recently 
increased tremendously, the areas still remain largely under served by 
both landline and cellular companies. The national network operators 
have programs underway to meet the performance targets under their 
licenses. Ghana Telecom has been expanding to meet a 400,000-telephone 
line requirement.

Nigeria

    Nigeria, the most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa at over 
120 million people, continues to push forward economic reforms, while 
its $121 billion GDP is growing at around 10 percent. Pending 
development of its agricultural and non-oil industrial capacities, the 
country continues to depend heavily on imports. Last year Nigeria 
received a ``BB-'' rating from two international credit rating 
organizations, Fitch-Ratings and Standard & Poor, which acknowledged 
the stability of the Nigerian currency and the government's commitment 
to economic and social reforms. Nigeria holds tremendous potential for 
U.S. businesses willing to conduct due diligence and draw on Commercial 
Service assistance in screening prospective partners and customers.
    One of the world's top ten oil producers, Nigeria holds oil 
reserves of about 36.24 billion barrels and gas reserves estimated at 
187 trillion standard cubic feet. The life expectancy of Nigeria's 
crude oil reserve is 35 years, and that of its gas reserves is more 
than 109 years. Natural gas, increasingly seen

[[Page 55749]]

as an enormous income-generating resource, is now being captured for 
processing and sale both regionally and abroad. Nigeria's oil and gas 
sector accounts for over 90 percent of the country's foreign exchange 
earnings, and U.S. equipment and technology account for at least 80 
percent of imports in this sector. With increased movement of oil and 
gas activity into Nigeria's deep offshore areas, American companies are 
expected to maintain a dominant market share of imports of high-end 
oilfield machinery.
    Like Ghana, Nigeria imports most of its medical equipment. Recent 
health care reforms have included introducing national health 
insurance, transforming eight teaching hospitals into centers of 
excellence for tertiary health care, and rehabilitating nearly 300 
primary health centers. Plans to establish more HIV/AIDS testing and 
treatment centers, and to combat AIDS generally, will cost the Nigerian 
government an estimated $63 million. Nigeria's health care sector holds 
significant opportunities for professional training, given the dearth 
of expertise in many specialized fields and a near absence of cutting-
edge technology.
    Factors spurring interest in high technology include the 
government's plans for an information and communications technology 
park and the emerging success of the ``Computers for All Nigerians 
Initiative (CANi)'' program, for which Microsoft and Intel are 
supplying operating systems and processors respectively.
    Nigeria's safety and security market offers potential in a wide 
range of sectors, with rising demand for products and services to 
protect its burgeoning financial and information technology sectors. 
Best prospects also include technologies for airport security; 
personal, residential, and industrial protection; and crime fighting.
    Nigeria is one of the world's most profitable telecommunications 
markets, with monthly revenue from services averaging $615.4 million. 
Leading cellular mobile operators such as MTN Nigeria are said to 
generate as much as $138.5 million every month. Nigeria's emergence 
into the consumer market era is driving demand for improved 
telecommunications and information technology. The country's commercial 
centers are awash with ATMs as banks compete for customers, offering 
mobile banking and service delivery around the clock.

South Africa

    South Africa's market size of 47 million people, well-developed 
infrastructure, productive economy, and pro-business environment make 
it a logical choice for many U.S. companies seeking to conduct business 
on the African continent. The country's GDP reached $587.5 billion last 
year, marking 5-percent growth. South Africa boasts a sophisticated 
financial sector with a stock exchange (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) 
that ranks among the top exchanges in the world. Thanks to the 
commodity-driven export boom and surging retail demand, a medium-term 
growth rate of 6 percent is attainable. Preparations for the 2010 FIFA 
World Cup, scheduled to take place in South Africa, are expected to 
increase demand for U.S. goods and services in a country that already 
ranks as one of the most popular destinations for U.S. exports on the 
African continent.
    South Africa's rapid economic growth in recent years has resulted 
in demand for electricity rising faster than anticipated, creating the 
need for new power stations, pebble bed modular reactors, transmission 
and distribution equipment, systems control equipment, network 
upgrades, and refurbishment of turbines. Eskom, the state power 
company, estimates that up to $16 billion will be spent on new 
transmission and power generation infrastructure in the next five 
years. Eskom is investigating technological advances in the use of 
coal, its current fuel supply, and the use of alternative fuel sources 
(particularly gas and hydropower).
    Although most of South Africa's medical equipment imports come from 
Europe, the United States leads in the supply of sophisticated high-
tech medical equipment. U.S. companies are encouraged to consider a 
presence in the South African medical market. A number of large U.S. 
firms are already represented there, a situation that holds joint-
venture potential for smaller and medium-sized U.S. companies offering 
specialized technologies that can be incorporated into existing 
operations. Rising crime rates in South Africa have created a market of 
opportunity for providers of safety and security equipment and 
services. Upgrading security has been identified as a top priority by 
businesses and homeowners, who are increasingly looking for external 
expertise and new digital technologies. Surveillance equipment, 
particularly CCTV, is the largest sector of South Africa's security 
market, which is valued between $85 million and $165 million.
    South Africa's $12 billion telecommunications equipment market 
relies heavily on imports, more than 50 percent of which come from the 
United States. As South Africa prepares to host the 2010 FIFA World 
Cup, industry sources predict a growth rate in telecommunication 
equipment of over 20 percent, beginning in 2007, particularly in the 
area of Second Generation Network Solutions products and equipment.

Mission Goal

    The goal of the Sub-Saharan Trade Mission is to provide U.S. 
participants with first-hand market information, access to government 
decision makers, and one-on-one meetings with business contacts, 
including potential agents, distributors and partners, so they can 
position themselves to enter or expand their presence in the African 
market.

Mission Scenario

    The Sub-Saharan Trade Mission will include three stops: Accra, 
Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. In each city, 
participants will meet with new business contacts. Additional business 
meetings can be arranged in Johannesburg or Cape Town through the Gold 
Key Service for an additional cost of $400 per city. This fee is 
exclusive of interpreter and transportation costs, estimated at $200.

Proposed Timetable

Accra

    Monday, March 3, 2008: Market briefing. Meetings with government 
and industry officials, Reception.
    Tuesday, March 4, 2008: One-on-one business appointments.
    Wednesday, March 5, 2008: Morning departure to Lagos.

Lagos

    Wednesday, March 5, 2008: Reception, Market briefing.
    Thursday, March 6, 2008: Meetings with government and industry 
officials, One-on-one business appointments.
    Friday, March 7, 2008: One-on-one business appointments.
    Weekend departure to Johannesburg.

Johannesburg

    Sunday, March 10, 2008: Reception at the Ronald H. Brown Commercial 
Center.
    Monday, March 10, 2008: Market briefing, Meetings with government 
and industry officials, One-on-one business appointments.
    Tuesday, March 11, 2008: One-on-one business appointments.
    Mission concludes Tuesday evening. Participants may return to 
United States or remain in South Africa for additional appointments 
arranged separately under the Gold Key Service.

[[Page 55750]]

Criteria for Participants' Selection

     Relevance of a company's business line to mission goals.
     Timeliness of the company's signed application and 
participation agreement (including the participation fees).
     Minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15 participating companies 
on the mission.
     Potential for business in Sub-Saharan Africa for the 
company.
     Provision of adequate information on the company's 
products and/or services, and the company's primary market objectives, 
in order to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business 
partners.
     Certification that the company meets Departmental 
guidelines for participation. Generally, a company's products or 
services should be either produced in the United States, or, if not, 
marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51 percent 
U.S. content of the value of the finished product or service.
    The participation fee is $3,950 per firm, which includes one 
representative. The fee for each additional firm representative is 
$750. Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public 
manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the 
Commerce Department trade mission calendar--https://www.ita.doc.gov/
doctm/tmcal.html_and other Internet Web sites, press releases to 
general and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by 
industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity 
at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. 
Recruitment for the mission will begin October 1, 2007, and conclude 
December 10, 2007. Applications will be vetted on a rolling basis. 
Applications received after December 10, 2007, will be considered only 
if space and scheduling constraints permit. Any partisan political 
activities (including political contributions) of an applicant are 
entirely irrelevant to the selection process.

Contacts

    Jessica M. Arnold, International Trade Specialist, Global Trade 
Programs, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202-482-
2026/jessica.arnold@mail.doc.gov.
    Diane Jones, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Services, 
Accra, Ghana, Tel: 221-823-4296/Fax: 221-822-1371, 
Diane.Jones@mail.doc.gov.
    Larry Farris, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, 
Lagos, Nigeria, Tel.: 234-1-261-0050/Fax: 234-1-261-9856, 
Larry.Farris@mail.doc.gov.
    Craig Allen, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, 
Johannesburg, South Africa, Tel.: 27-11-778-4800 Fax: 27-11-268-6100, 
Craig.Allen@mail.doc.gov.

Nancy Hesser,
Manager, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program.
[FR Doc. 07-4835 Filed 9-28-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-M

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