Mission Statement; Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia; March 8-13, 2009, 6267-6268 [E9-2489]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 24 / Friday, February 6, 2009 / Notices person, firm, corporation, or business organization related to any of the Respondents by affiliation, ownership, control, or position of responsibility in the conduct of trade or related services may also be made subject to the provisions of this Order. Fourth, that this Order does not prohibit any export, reexport, or other transaction subject to the EAR where the only items involved that are subject to the EAR are the foreign-produced direct product of U.S.-origin technology. In accordance with the provisions of Section 766.24(e) of the EAR, the Respondents may, at any time, appeal this Order by filing a full written statement in support of the appeal with the Office of the Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Coast Guard ALJ Docketing Center, 40 South Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202–4022. In accordance with the provisions of Section 766.24(d) of the EAR, BIS may seek renewal of this Order by filing a written request not later than 20 days before the expiration date. The Respondents may oppose a request to renew this Order by filing a written submission with the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, which must be received not later than seven days before the expiration date of the Order. A copy of this Order shall be served on the Respondents and shall be published in the Federal Register. This Order is effective upon issuance and shall remain in effect for 180 days. Entered this 22nd day of January 2009. Kevin A. Delli-Colli, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement. [FR Doc. E9–2540 Filed 2–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DT–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Mission Statement; Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia; March 8–13, 2009 Department of Commerce. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Sunday, March 8, 2009 .................. Monday, March 9, 2009 ................. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 .............. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 ......... Thursday, March 12, 2009 ............ Friday, March 13, 2009 ................. Saturday, March 14, 2009 ............. VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Feb 05, 2009 Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service are organizing a Trade Mission to Bogota, Cartagena, and Barranquilla, Colombia from March 8 to March 13, 2009. The mission will focus on helping U.S. companies launch or increase their export business in the Colombian market. The mission will help participating firms gain market information, make business and government contacts, solidify business strategies and advance specific projects, towards the goal of increasing U.S. exports to Colombia. The mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments with local companies, site visits and meetings with the Chambers of Commerce, including ColAmCham. The delegation will be comprised of U.S. firms representing a cross section of U.S. industries with growing potential in Colombia. Commercial Setting Colombia is the fifth largest market for U.S. exports in Latin America and is ranked 29th as a market for U.S. exports globally. Since the election of President Alvaro Uribe in May 2002, Colombia has become one of the most stable economies in the region. Improved security and government policies, steady growth, moderate inflation and a wide range of opportunities combined with a relatively stable political environment make it an excellent market for U.S. exporters. In recent years, Colombia has demonstrated its commitment to furthering economic growth and to increasing trade between the United States and Colombia. The United States and Colombia signed the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement on November 22, 2006 and President Bush sent the implementing legislation to Congress on April 8, 2008. The Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) will go into effect upon Congressional approval and once Colombia has taken the necessary steps to ensure implementation of its obligations. The TPA offers tremendous opportunities for exporters. When the Agreement enters into force, 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Colombia will be duty-free immediately. The remaining tariffs will be phased out over the next 10 years. Colombia’s increasingly democratic and 6267 transparent government and the impending Trade Promotion Agreement provide a solid foundation for U.S. businesses interested in exporting to Colombia. Industry sectors currently representing best prospects for U.S. exporters are listed below. U.S. firms in other sectors may also apply to take part in the mission. • Oil and Gas Machinery and Services. • Plastic Materials and Resins. • Automotive Parts and Accessories. • Computers and Components. • Telecommunications Equipment and Services. • Travel and Tourism. • Construction and Mining Equipment. • Air Cargo Services. • Electrical Power Systems. • Pollution Control Equipment. • Safety and Security. • Building Materials. • Beverage Processing & Packaging Equipment. Mission Goals The Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia will help U.S. firms initiate or expand their exports to Colombia by providing business-tobusiness introductions and market access information. Mission Scenario The mission will stop in Bogota, Barranquilla and Cartagena. A special site visit Santa Marta and the Drummond Mine, Las Lomas, in Cesar is being arranged. At each stop, except for Santa Marta and Las Lomas, delegation members will participate in one-on-one business meetings with potential buyers, agents, distributors, and partners. Delegates will also attend briefings in Bogota by U.S. Embassy officials on business opportunities in Colombia and the pending U.S.Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. They will attend networking events with the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia in Bogota and the American Chamber of Commerce in Barranquilla. These events will offer additional opportunities to speak with local business and government representatives. Proposed Mission Timetable Mission begins in Bogota, Colombia; Welcome briefing. Market and Security briefing; Business matchmaking. Opportunity for follow-up and/or site visits; Networking reception. Transfer by plane to Cartagena, Colombia; Business matchmaking; Networking reception (TBC). Opportunity for follow-up and/or site visits; Departure to Barranquilla, Colombia (by bus). Business matchmaking; Networking luncheon; Departure to Santa Marta, Colombia (by bus); Overnight at Drummond Guest House. Travel to Las Lomas Mine; Briefing and tour of Las Lomas Mine; Return to Cartagena; Mission ends. Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1 6268 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 24 / Friday, February 6, 2009 / Notices Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 6 and maximum of 11 companies with up to two participants per company will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies already doing business with Colombia, as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter the Colombian market for the first time may apply. Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $2,500 for a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) * and $3,250 for large firms. The fee for the additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $450. This entitles the company to one appointment schedule. Expenses for travel to and from Colombia, airfare between Bogota and Cartagena, lodging, incidentals and most meals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Bus transportation from Cartagena to Barranquilla is included in the above cost. Bus transportation to Santa Marta is not included in the cost and will be at the participant’s expense. Participants have the option of returning to the United States from Barranquilla or, if they participate in the mine site visit, from Cartagena. dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of * An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations (see https:// www.sba.gov/services/contracting_opportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional information see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/ march2008/initiatives.html). VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Feb 05, 2009 Jkt 217001 information into account when evaluating the applications. • Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are 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. Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the Colombian market. • Applicant’s potential for business in Colombia, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner. Outreach will include 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. The International Trade Administration will explore and welcome outreach assistance from other interested organizations, including other U.S. Government agencies. The mission is open on a first come first served basis. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and close as soon as 10 applicants have been selected and registered, and no later than February 16, 2009. Late applications will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Applications will be available from the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center. They can also be obtained by contacting the mission contact listed below. Contacts Brie Knox, New Orleans Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commerce, Tel: 504–589–6703, E-mail: Brie.Knox@mail.doc.gov. Sean Timmins, Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program. [FR Doc. E9–2489 Filed 2–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 7, 2009. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 7845, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Patsy A. Bearden, (907) 586– 7008 or patsy.bearden@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract In Section 802 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004, the United States (U.S.) Congress included a directive to the Secretary of Commerce to establish, in consultation with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, a pilot program for management of three rockfish fisheries in the Central Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) in the exclusive economic zone off the coast of Alaska. The Rockfish Pilot Program provides exclusive harvesting and processing privileges for a specific set of rockfish species and associated species harvested incidentally to those CGOA rockfish; an area from 140° W. long. to 168° W. long. E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 24 (Friday, February 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6267-6268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-2489]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Mission Statement; Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia; 
March 8-13, 2009

AGENCY: Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service are organizing a 
Trade Mission to Bogota, Cartagena, and Barranquilla, Colombia from 
March 8 to March 13, 2009.
    The mission will focus on helping U.S. companies launch or increase 
their export business in the Colombian market. The mission will help 
participating firms gain market information, make business and 
government contacts, solidify business strategies and advance specific 
projects, towards the goal of increasing U.S. exports to Colombia. The 
mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments with 
local companies, site visits and meetings with the Chambers of 
Commerce, including ColAmCham. The delegation will be comprised of U.S. 
firms representing a cross section of U.S. industries with growing 
potential in Colombia.

Commercial Setting

    Colombia is the fifth largest market for U.S. exports in Latin 
America and is ranked 29th as a market for U.S. exports globally. Since 
the election of President Alvaro Uribe in May 2002, Colombia has become 
one of the most stable economies in the region. Improved security and 
government policies, steady growth, moderate inflation and a wide range 
of opportunities combined with a relatively stable political 
environment make it an excellent market for U.S. exporters. In recent 
years, Colombia has demonstrated its commitment to furthering economic 
growth and to increasing trade between the United States and Colombia.
    The United States and Colombia signed the U.S.-Colombia Trade 
Promotion Agreement on November 22, 2006 and President Bush sent the 
implementing legislation to Congress on April 8, 2008. The Trade 
Promotion Agreement (TPA) will go into effect upon Congressional 
approval and once Colombia has taken the necessary steps to ensure 
implementation of its obligations. The TPA offers tremendous 
opportunities for exporters. When the Agreement enters into force, 80 
percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Colombia will be 
duty-free immediately. The remaining tariffs will be phased out over 
the next 10 years. Colombia's increasingly democratic and transparent 
government and the impending Trade Promotion Agreement provide a solid 
foundation for U.S. businesses interested in exporting to Colombia.
    Industry sectors currently representing best prospects for U.S. 
exporters are listed below. U.S. firms in other sectors may also apply 
to take part in the mission.
     Oil and Gas Machinery and Services.
     Plastic Materials and Resins.
     Automotive Parts and Accessories.
     Computers and Components.
     Telecommunications Equipment and Services.
     Travel and Tourism.
     Construction and Mining Equipment.
     Air Cargo Services.
     Electrical Power Systems.
     Pollution Control Equipment.
     Safety and Security.
     Building Materials.
     Beverage Processing & Packaging Equipment.

Mission Goals

    The Commercial Service Trade Mission to Colombia will help U.S. 
firms initiate or expand their exports to Colombia by providing 
business-to-business introductions and market access information.

Mission Scenario

    The mission will stop in Bogota, Barranquilla and Cartagena. A 
special site visit Santa Marta and the Drummond Mine, Las Lomas, in 
Cesar is being arranged. At each stop, except for Santa Marta and Las 
Lomas, delegation members will participate in one-on-one business 
meetings with potential buyers, agents, distributors, and partners. 
Delegates will also attend briefings in Bogota by U.S. Embassy 
officials on business opportunities in Colombia and the pending U.S.-
Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. They will attend networking events 
with the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia in Bogota and the American Chamber 
of Commerce in Barranquilla. These events will offer additional 
opportunities to speak with local business and government 
representatives.

Proposed Mission Timetable

 
 
 
Sunday, March 8, 2009.............  Mission begins in Bogota, Colombia;
                                     Welcome briefing.
Monday, March 9, 2009.............  Market and Security briefing;
                                     Business matchmaking.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009...........  Opportunity for follow-up and/or
                                     site visits; Networking reception.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009.........  Transfer by plane to Cartagena,
                                     Colombia; Business matchmaking;
                                     Networking reception (TBC).
Thursday, March 12, 2009..........  Opportunity for follow-up and/or
                                     site visits; Departure to
                                     Barranquilla, Colombia (by bus).
Friday, March 13, 2009............  Business matchmaking; Networking
                                     luncheon; Departure to Santa Marta,
                                     Colombia (by bus); Overnight at
                                     Drummond Guest House.
Saturday, March 14, 2009..........  Travel to Las Lomas Mine; Briefing
                                     and tour of Las Lomas Mine; Return
                                     to Cartagena; Mission ends.
 


[[Page 6268]]

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Commercial Service 
Trade Mission to Colombia must complete and submit an application 
package for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants 
will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best 
satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 6 and 
maximum of 11 companies with up to two participants per company will be 
selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. 
companies already doing business with Colombia, as well as U.S. 
companies seeking to enter the Colombian market for the first time may 
apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required. The participation fee will be $2,500 for a small- or 
medium-sized enterprise (SME) \*\ and $3,250 for large firms. The fee 
for the additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $450. 
This entitles the company to one appointment schedule. Expenses for 
travel to and from Colombia, airfare between Bogota and Cartagena, 
lodging, incidentals and most meals will be the responsibility of each 
mission participant. Bus transportation from Cartagena to Barranquilla 
is included in the above cost. Bus transportation to Santa Marta is not 
included in the cost and will be at the participant's expense. 
Participants have the option of returning to the United States from 
Barranquilla or, if they participate in the mine site visit, from 
Cartagena.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \*\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see https://www.sba.gov/services/contracting_opportunities/
sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional information see 
https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conditions for Participation

     An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission 
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate 
information on the company's products and/or services, primary market 
objectives, and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce 
receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the 
application, request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the applications.
     Each applicant must also certify that the products and 
services it seeks to export through the mission are 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.
    Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on the following 
criteria:
     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
Colombian market.
     Applicant's potential for business in Colombia, including 
likelihood of exports resulting from the mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner. 
Outreach will include 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. The International Trade Administration 
will explore and welcome outreach assistance from other interested 
organizations, including other U.S. Government agencies.
    The mission is open on a first come first served basis. Recruitment 
for the mission will begin immediately and close as soon as 10 
applicants have been selected and registered, and no later than 
February 16, 2009. Late applications will be considered only if space 
and scheduling constraints permit. Applications will be available from 
the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center. They can also be 
obtained by contacting the mission contact listed below.

Contacts

    Brie Knox, New Orleans Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Tel: 504-589-6703, E-mail: Brie.Knox@mail.doc.gov.

Sean Timmins,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program.
[FR Doc. E9-2489 Filed 2-5-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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