Notice and Call for Applications for the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece, March 30 to April 4, 2009, 8503-8506 [E9-3953]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices sorted and organized into an aggregate report of national offsets data, and therefore does not identify companyspecific information. Required information must be submitted to BIS no later than June 15, 2009. Dated: February 19, 2009. Matthew S. Borman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Administration. [FR Doc. E9–3876 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JT–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments Pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials Importation Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89–651, as amended by Pub. L. 106– 36; 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR part 301), we invite comments on the question of whether instruments of equivalent scientific value, for the purposes for which the instruments shown below are intended to be used, are being manufactured in the United States. Comments must comply with 15 CFR 301.5(a)(3) and (4) of the regulations and be postmarked on or before March 17, 2009. Address written comments to Statutory Import Programs Staff, Room 3720, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Applications may be examined between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Room 3720. Docket Number: 09–001. Applicant: Childrens Hospital, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Instrument: Transmission Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Company, Czech Republic. Intended Use: The instrument will be used for the study of ultrastructural changes in human and animal tissue and tissue culture samples in various disease processes and experimental conditions. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: Instrument is not manufactured by any company in the United States. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: January 30, 2009. Docket Number: 09–002. Applicant: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Acquisition Management Unit, TMS, R8, 1595 Winkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202. Instrument: Transmission Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd., Japan. Intended Use: The instrument will be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of asbestos in air, dust, soil, water and biological VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:09 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 sample matrices. Justification for DutyFree Entry: No instruments available domestically with the capabilities required for the intended use. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: February 5, 2009. Docket Number: 09–003. Applicant: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, 8301 MuirKirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708. Instrument: Transmission Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd., Japan. Intended Use: The instrument will be used for evaluation of biological specimens for the expression of microbial structures important in the causation of disease. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: No domestic suppliers of transmission electron microscopes. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: February 5, 2009. Dated: February 20, 2009. Chris Cassel, Acting Director, IA Subsidies Enforcement Office. [FR Doc. E9–4029 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Notice and Call for Applications for the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece, March 30 to April 4, 2009 AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice and Call for Applications for the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece, March 30 to April 4, 2009. Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) is organizing an Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Zagreb, Croatia; Milan, Italy; and Athens, Greece, from March 30 to April 4, 2009. All three fast growing markets hold promising potential for U.S. firms offering equipment, services, and technologies in the target sectors. The mission will introduce participating U.S. firms to prospective representatives, distributors, end-users, and partners through one-on-one appointments in all three cities and will include participation in the EcoTec PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8503 Environmental Tradeshow (EcoTec 2009) in Athens, where the USFCS will provide entry to the trade show, manage a booth, and organize meetings with business and industry contacts for each of the mission participants. Commercial Setting Greece Environmental protection is a priority issue in Greece, where the market for environmental equipment and services is expected to far outstrip local capacity in the future. The Greek Ministry of Environment estimates the country’s environmental market to be about US$2.2 billion, or 1.5 percent of GDP. Investment in environmental infrastructure through European Union (EU) and national programs has been the centerpiece of environmental progress in Greece. These investments have been used to construct numerous wastewater and solid waste treatment facilities, as well as new recycling plants, composting facilities, and treatment plants for industrial and hazardous waste materials. The implementation of EU environmental legislation in national laws has created the institutional basis for successfully facing environmental protection challenges. In January 2007, the Minister of Environment announced a US$6.3 billion investment plan for 2007–2013 for the upgrading, modernization and maintenance of environmental projects in waste management, recycling, and water treatment, to be implemented under the ‘‘Environment and Sustainable Development’’ program. Following EU directives and practices, Greece is committed to introducing the necessary legislative framework for promoting the use of ‘‘clean’’ or ‘‘green’’ technologies. Renewable energy will play a major role in these initiatives. Furthermore, in an effort to catch up with commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, Greece’s Minister of Environment has approved a National Allocation Plan for Emission Trading for 2008–2012, which aims to bring about a 16.6 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Areas holding the greatest potential for U.S. firms in the Greek environmental market include waste management, recycling and biomass facilities; hazardous waste treatment and disposal; water treatment; air and sea pollution control; clean coal plants; ‘‘green’’ building materials; emissions monitoring and reduction; and photovoltaic plants. At the EcoTec Environmental Tradeshow, to be held April 3–6, 2009, E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 8504 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES mission members will have opportunities to meet with business and industry contacts in a range of sectors, including renewable energy, recycling, ecoconstruction, waste management, wastewater treatment, environmental restoration, energy conservation, and alternative fuels. EcoTec 2009 is expected to attract technical experts, local and national management councils, large commercial entities, construction companies, government procurement executives, investors, researchers, and various business representatives from all over Greece and neighboring countries (for details, see: https://www.EcoTec.gr/ Site%20EcoTec%20final/ Hekthesh_eng.html). Italy Italy’s US$6 billion environmental market—of which machinery and equipment account for approximately US$1 billion—offers significant opportunities to U.S. firms providing innovative technologies. Waste management is a major issue driving Italy’s environmental policy. While the practices of waste minimization and separate waste collection, waste re-use, recycling, and recovery are growing, urban and industrial waste disposal in Italy still depends largely on landfills. Investments of several billion dollars are expected over the next few years to adopt innovative recycling technologies and to build near-to-zero emission waste-to-energy plants. Recent implementation of the EU directive on waste and electronic equipment recycling is expected to expand opportunities for U.S. firms offering technological innovation. Italy’s water collection and distribution systems, as well as its urban wastewater sewage and purification systems, are also inadequate. Measures to encourage more sustainable use of water resources include new legislation for water reuse and investments in innovative technologies to prevent and detect water losses. The total investment to implement an integrated water system comprising aqueducts, sewage systems and treatment services could reach US$55 billion countrywide in the next ten years. With regard to soil remediation, specific legislation has established the criteria, procedures, and methods for safety and clean-up actions for environmental restoration of contaminated sites. The Italian Government has identified 40 Italian sites of ‘‘National Interest’’ in need of urgent clean up. It is estimated that at least 15,000 areas in Italy are currently subject to environmental investigation VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:09 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 and/or remediation actions. Innovative technologies in this sector are in high demand. Italy has implemented restrictive air pollution control legislation in compliance with stringent EU regulations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. The environmental impact of private and public transportation remains a major problem. Italy’s major municipalities have implemented a large number of projects, and the Italian Government is offering incentives to substitute older vehicles with new vehicles with lower environmental impact, but there is still much to be done. As far as energy is concerned, Italy depends on foreign suppliers for about 80 percent of its needs. Interest in renewable energy has become an important issue on the Italian Government’s agenda, and there is substantial effort in research and development to expand the use of alternative sources of energy, especially biomass, geothermal, solar (both photovoltaic and solar thermal), and wind energy. Green building also represents an increasingly promising market, as European and local norms steer builders in that direction. Italy lags behind other European countries, but the trend is positive, and green building represents a very dynamic market niche. While competition in Italy is fierce, U.S. environmental and energy technologies are highly regarded there. Moreover, Italy’s strategic Mediterranean location makes it an ideal gateway to the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Several Italian firms specializing in turn-key operations have strengthened their position in foreign markets. The right Italian partner could assist U.S. firms not only in penetrating the Italian market, but also in effectively entering other foreign markets. Croatia EU accession is the primary force affecting planning and procurement in the Croatian environmental sector. Croatia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction and the World Bank estimate that Croatia needs to invest more than US$10 billion in the environmental sector prior to accession, including about US$2.2 billion for waste management, US$5 billion for wastewater treatment, and US$56 million for air protection. So far, less than US$35 million has been directly invested in environmental protection in Croatia. Expected increases in these investments, in addition to over US$186 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 million from EU Pre-Accession Funds delivered over the next three years, make Croatia an attractive market for U.S. suppliers of environmental equipment and services. Four primary environmental subsectors—waste management, wastewater treatment, air protection and renewable energy—hold opportunities for U.S. firms. Waste management is currently the largest challenge in Croatia’s environmental sector. Key issues are increases in solid waste, very limited recycling, unreliable data on waste flows and quantities, and lack of organized disposal sites. According to plans, by 2025 most of the population will be included in an organized municipal waste collection system; recycling and waste treatment will grow significantly; and municipal and biodegradable waste will be significantly reduced. To meet these goals, Croatia is organizing four regional and 21 county waste management centers with treatment plants and landfills. Remediation of 176 landfills is also underway, and two upcoming tenders offer possibilities for U.S. firms. The first, the Zagreb Waste Management Center, will include an incinerator, recycling yard, and heat and electricity generating plants at an approximate cost of US$580 million. The incinerator will be constructed next to the central wastewater treatment plant, and the resultant sewage sludge, together with municipal waste, will be used for energy generation. The second, a hazardous waste incinerator, is estimated to cost US$22 million. Wastewater management is a key concern in Croatia, particularly in coastal municipalities. While water supply coverage, 73 percent, is high compared to other countries in the region, coverage for sewage is only about 40 percent, and less than 12 percent of all collected wastewater is being treated. Objectives for bringing Croatian water management in line with EU regulations include creating a Water Information System; extending public water supply to 90 percent of the population; providing wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems for 10.5 million people; and implementing flood control and multipurpose projects. Other opportunities include three large wastewater projects currently underway: The US$250 million Coastal Cities Pollution Control project, sponsored by the World Bank; the US$38 million Karlovac Wastewater Management Project, financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and the US$18 million Inland Waters Project, financed by the World Bank. E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices The Air Protection Act (2005) governs air quality management in line with the EU Framework Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management. Although Croatia ratified the Kyoto Protocol in May 2007, efforts are still needed to limit the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in order to meet Croatia’s Kyoto target for the period of 2008 through 2012. Another priority is reduction of acid and other polluting gaseous emissions from major industrial premises such as refineries, petrochemical plants, cement factories, and large combustion plants. In 2007, Croatia adopted important regulations to support development of renewable energy projects required to meet the goal of the minimal 5.8 percent renewable energy share in the total electric energy supply by 2010. The overall size of the renewable electric energy projects is about 330 Megawatts of new capacity in the next three years, estimated to cost approximately US$700 million. Numerous private sector investors have submitted over a hundred projects for preliminary Monday, March 30 ............................................. Tuesday, March 31 ............................................ Wednesday, April 1 ........................................... Thursday, April 2 .............................................. Friday, April 3 ................................................... Saturday, April 4 ............................................... Sunday, April 5 ................................................. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Italy, Croatia and Greece must complete and submit an application 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. The mission will open on a first come first served basis to minimum of seven and maximum of 10 qualified U.S. companies. 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 fee for participation in the entire mission will be US$5,400 for large firms and US$3,975 for a small or mediumsized enterprise (SME), which includes one principal representative.* The fee * 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/contractingopportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:09 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 approval to the Ministry of Economy, 90 percent of which are for wind farms. Other renewable energy best prospects include biomass cogeneration plants, solar thermal collectors, and bio-fuel plants. While the Croatian environmental and clean energy markets are relatively small on the global scale, EU accession has strengthened emphasis on these sectors, pointing to opportunities for U.S. firms that are able to offer specialized equipment and services in the near term to help alleviate Croatia’s existing environmental challenges and thereby position themselves for longterm market access. Mission Goals The goals of the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Italy, Croatia, and Greece are threefold: (1) To help U.S. firms explore supplier opportunities under various environmental programs; (2) to help U.S. firms initiate or expand their exports to these markets by providing business-to-business introductions and 8505 market access information; and (3) to facilitate an effective U.S. presence at EcoTec in Athens. Mission Scenario The mission will stop in Zagreb, proceed to Milan, and conclude in Athens, at EcoTec 2009. The USFCS in Athens will provide entry to the trade show, manage a booth, and organize meetings with business and industry contacts for each of the mission participants. Activities at all stops will include market briefings; pre-scheduled appointments with potential partners, distributors, representatives, and end users; networking receptions; and meetings with USFCS environmental technology specialists. The USFCS in Athens will continue to maintain a presence at EcoTec Sunday, April 5, and will assist any mission members wishing to remain to take advantage of visitor traffic at the show, expected to be highest that day. This assistance is offered to the delegation at no additional cost. Proposed Timetable Zagreb: Briefing, one-on-one appointments, evening reception. Morning, conclude appointments/Depart for Milan. Milan: Briefing, appointments, evening reception. Appointments, site visits/Depart for Athens. Athens: Briefing, appointments, trade show opening, late afternoon reception. Appointments, show activities/Mission concludes. Bonus day. for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $450. Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and travel (except for in-country arrangements previously noted) will be the responsibility of each mission participant. While priority will be given to firms applying to take part in all three cities on the mission itinerary, firms may opt to visit only one or two markets on the itinerary for the following fees: products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. • Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of the company’s Large SME Option company products or services to the three target (US$) (US$) markets and sectors. • Applicant’s potential for business One stop ................... 2,000 3,000 Two stops ................. 3,000 4,000 in the target markets, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission. Conditions for Participation • Consistency of the applicant’s goals • An applicant must submit a and objectives with the stated scope of completed and signed mission the mission. application and supplemental • Applicant’s stated intent to application materials, including participate in all three markets on the adequate information on the company’s mission itinerary. Referrals from political organizations schedule reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee and any documents containing schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (for references to partisan political activities additional information see https://www.export.gov/ newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html). (including political contributions) will PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 8506 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications [A–570–890] Recruitment for this trade mission 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, e-mail blasts, 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 immediately and conclude no later than February 27, 2009. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Contacts in the United States: Bill Cline, Director, U.S. Commercial Service, Reno, Team Leader, Global Environmental Team, U.S. Department of Commerce, Tel: 775.784.5203/Fax: 775.784.5343, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov. Jessica Arnold, Global Environmental Team Project Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20004, Tel: (202) 482–2026/Fax: (202) 482– 9000, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov. Contacts in Europe: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Milan, Italy: Nicoletta Postiglione, American Consulate General, Tel: 011–39–02–626–8851, Fax: 011–39– 02–659–6561, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov. Zagreb, Croatia: Pamela Ward, American Embassy/Zagreb, Tel: 011–385–1– 661–2224, Fax: 011–385–1–661–2446, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov. Athens, Greece: William Kutson, U.S. Embassy/Athens, Tel: 30/210/720– 2303/720–2302, Fax: 30/210/721– 8660, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov. Dated: February 18, 2009. Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. E9–3953 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:09 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 International Trade Administration Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review and Determination to Revoke Order in Part AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2007 SUMMARY: On January 9, 2009, the Department of Commerce (the ‘‘Department’’) published a notice of initiation and preliminary results of antidumping duty (‘‘AD’’) changed circumstances review with intent to revoke, in part, the AD order on wooden bedroom furniture from the People’s Republic of China (‘‘PRC’’). See Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Initiation and Preliminary Results of Changed Circumstances Review, and Intent to Revoke Order in Part, 74 FR 886 (January 9, 2009) (‘‘Initiation and Preliminary Results’’). We are now revoking this order in part, with regard to the following product: toy boxes, as described in the relevant footnote (footnote 15 in this document) of the ‘‘Scope of the Order’’ section of this notice, based on the fact that domestic parties have expressed no further interest in the relief provided by the order with respect to the imports of these toy boxes, as so described. In its November 25, 2008, submission, the American Furniture Manufacturers Committee for Legal Trade and its individual members (the ‘‘AFMC’’ or ‘‘petitioners’’) stated that they no longer have any interest in seeking antidumping relief from imports of such toy boxes as defined in the ‘‘Scope of the Order’’ section below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Stolz or Robert Bolling, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–4474 and (202)482–3434, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On November 25, 2008, the Department received a request on behalf of the petitioners, for revocation in part of the AD order on wooden bedroom furniture from the PRC pursuant to sections 751(b)(1) and 782(h) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (‘‘the PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Act’’), with respect to toy boxes. In their November 25, 2008, submission, Petitioners stated that they no longer have any interest in antidumping relief from imports of such toy boxes. Scope of Changed Circumstances Review The merchandise covered by this changed circumstances review are toy boxes from the PRC meeting the following criteria. The toy box must: 1) be wider than it is tall; (2) have dimensions within 16 27 inches in height, 15 18 inches in depth, and 21 30 inches in width; (3) have a hinged lid that encompasses the entire top of the box; (4) not incorporate any doors or drawers; (5) have slow–closing safety hinges; (6) have air vents; (7) have no locking mechanism; and (8) comply with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F963–03. Toy boxes are boxes generally designed for the purpose of storing children’s items such as toys, books, and playthings. Effective upon publication of this final results of changed circumstances review in the Federal Register, the amended scope of the order will read as follows. Scope of the Amended Order The product covered by the order is wooden bedroom furniture. Wooden bedroom furniture is generally, but not exclusively, designed, manufactured, and offered for sale in coordinated groups, or bedrooms, in which all of the individual pieces are of approximately the same style and approximately the same material and/or finish. The subject merchandise is made substantially of wood products, including both solid wood and also engineered wood products made from wood particles, fibers, or other wooden materials such as plywood, oriented strand board, particle board, and fiberboard, with or without wood veneers, wood overlays, or laminates, with or without non–wood components or trim such as metal, marble, leather, glass, plastic, or other resins, and whether or not assembled, completed, or finished. The subject merchandise includes the following items: (1) wooden beds such as loft beds, bunk beds, and other beds; (2) wooden headboards for beds (whether stand–alone or attached to side rails), wooden footboards for beds, wooden side rails for beds, and wooden canopies for beds; (3) night tables, night stands, dressers, commodes, bureaus, mule chests, gentlemen’s chests, bachelor’s chests, lingerie chests, wardrobes, vanities, chessers, chifforobes, and wardrobe–type cabinets; (4) dressers with framed glass E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8503-8506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3953]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Notice and Call for Applications for the Environmental and Clean 
Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece, March 
30 to April 4, 2009

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and Call for Applications for the Environmental and 
Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece, 
March 30 to April 4, 2009.

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

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) is 
organizing an Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission 
to Zagreb, Croatia; Milan, Italy; and Athens, Greece, from March 30 to 
April 4, 2009. All three fast growing markets hold promising potential 
for U.S. firms offering equipment, services, and technologies in the 
target sectors. The mission will introduce participating U.S. firms to 
prospective representatives, distributors, end-users, and partners 
through one-on-one appointments in all three cities and will include 
participation in the EcoTec Environmental Tradeshow (EcoTec 2009) in 
Athens, where the USFCS will provide entry to the trade show, manage a 
booth, and organize meetings with business and industry contacts for 
each of the mission participants.

Commercial Setting

Greece

    Environmental protection is a priority issue in Greece, where the 
market for environmental equipment and services is expected to far 
outstrip local capacity in the future. The Greek Ministry of 
Environment estimates the country's environmental market to be about 
US$2.2 billion, or 1.5 percent of GDP. Investment in environmental 
infrastructure through European Union (EU) and national programs has 
been the centerpiece of environmental progress in Greece. These 
investments have been used to construct numerous wastewater and solid 
waste treatment facilities, as well as new recycling plants, composting 
facilities, and treatment plants for industrial and hazardous waste 
materials.
    The implementation of EU environmental legislation in national laws 
has created the institutional basis for successfully facing 
environmental protection challenges. In January 2007, the Minister of 
Environment announced a US$6.3 billion investment plan for 2007-2013 
for the upgrading, modernization and maintenance of environmental 
projects in waste management, recycling, and water treatment, to be 
implemented under the ``Environment and Sustainable Development'' 
program.
    Following EU directives and practices, Greece is committed to 
introducing the necessary legislative framework for promoting the use 
of ``clean'' or ``green'' technologies. Renewable energy will play a 
major role in these initiatives. Furthermore, in an effort to catch up 
with commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, Greece's Minister of 
Environment has approved a National Allocation Plan for Emission 
Trading for 2008-2012, which aims to bring about a 16.6 percent 
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
    Areas holding the greatest potential for U.S. firms in the Greek 
environmental market include waste management, recycling and biomass 
facilities; hazardous waste treatment and disposal; water treatment; 
air and sea pollution control; clean coal plants; ``green'' building 
materials; emissions monitoring and reduction; and photovoltaic plants.
    At the EcoTec Environmental Tradeshow, to be held April 3-6, 2009,

[[Page 8504]]

mission members will have opportunities to meet with business and 
industry contacts in a range of sectors, including renewable energy, 
recycling, ecoconstruction, waste management, wastewater treatment, 
environmental restoration, energy conservation, and alternative fuels. 
EcoTec 2009 is expected to attract technical experts, local and 
national management councils, large commercial entities, construction 
companies, government procurement executives, investors, researchers, 
and various business representatives from all over Greece and 
neighboring countries (for details, see: https://www.EcoTec.gr/
Site%20EcoTec%20final/Hekthesh_eng.html).

Italy

    Italy's US$6 billion environmental market--of which machinery and 
equipment account for approximately US$1 billion--offers significant 
opportunities to U.S. firms providing innovative technologies. Waste 
management is a major issue driving Italy's environmental policy. While 
the practices of waste minimization and separate waste collection, 
waste re-use, recycling, and recovery are growing, urban and industrial 
waste disposal in Italy still depends largely on landfills. Investments 
of several billion dollars are expected over the next few years to 
adopt innovative recycling technologies and to build near-to-zero 
emission waste-to-energy plants. Recent implementation of the EU 
directive on waste and electronic equipment recycling is expected to 
expand opportunities for U.S. firms offering technological innovation.
    Italy's water collection and distribution systems, as well as its 
urban wastewater sewage and purification systems, are also inadequate. 
Measures to encourage more sustainable use of water resources include 
new legislation for water reuse and investments in innovative 
technologies to prevent and detect water losses. The total investment 
to implement an integrated water system comprising aqueducts, sewage 
systems and treatment services could reach US$55 billion countrywide in 
the next ten years.
    With regard to soil remediation, specific legislation has 
established the criteria, procedures, and methods for safety and clean-
up actions for environmental restoration of contaminated sites. The 
Italian Government has identified 40 Italian sites of ``National 
Interest'' in need of urgent clean up. It is estimated that at least 
15,000 areas in Italy are currently subject to environmental 
investigation and/or remediation actions. Innovative technologies in 
this sector are in high demand.
    Italy has implemented restrictive air pollution control legislation 
in compliance with stringent EU regulations to cut greenhouse gas 
emissions by 20 percent. The environmental impact of private and public 
transportation remains a major problem. Italy's major municipalities 
have implemented a large number of projects, and the Italian Government 
is offering incentives to substitute older vehicles with new vehicles 
with lower environmental impact, but there is still much to be done.
    As far as energy is concerned, Italy depends on foreign suppliers 
for about 80 percent of its needs. Interest in renewable energy has 
become an important issue on the Italian Government's agenda, and there 
is substantial effort in research and development to expand the use of 
alternative sources of energy, especially biomass, geothermal, solar 
(both photovoltaic and solar thermal), and wind energy.
    Green building also represents an increasingly promising market, as 
European and local norms steer builders in that direction. Italy lags 
behind other European countries, but the trend is positive, and green 
building represents a very dynamic market niche.
    While competition in Italy is fierce, U.S. environmental and energy 
technologies are highly regarded there. Moreover, Italy's strategic 
Mediterranean location makes it an ideal gateway to the emerging 
markets of Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Several 
Italian firms specializing in turn-key operations have strengthened 
their position in foreign markets. The right Italian partner could 
assist U.S. firms not only in penetrating the Italian market, but also 
in effectively entering other foreign markets.

Croatia

    EU accession is the primary force affecting planning and 
procurement in the Croatian environmental sector. Croatia's Ministry of 
Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction and the 
World Bank estimate that Croatia needs to invest more than US$10 
billion in the environmental sector prior to accession, including about 
US$2.2 billion for waste management, US$5 billion for wastewater 
treatment, and US$56 million for air protection. So far, less than 
US$35 million has been directly invested in environmental protection in 
Croatia. Expected increases in these investments, in addition to over 
US$186 million from EU Pre-Accession Funds delivered over the next 
three years, make Croatia an attractive market for U.S. suppliers of 
environmental equipment and services.
    Four primary environmental subsectors--waste management, wastewater 
treatment, air protection and renewable energy--hold opportunities for 
U.S. firms. Waste management is currently the largest challenge in 
Croatia's environmental sector. Key issues are increases in solid 
waste, very limited recycling, unreliable data on waste flows and 
quantities, and lack of organized disposal sites. According to plans, 
by 2025 most of the population will be included in an organized 
municipal waste collection system; recycling and waste treatment will 
grow significantly; and municipal and bio-degradable waste will be 
significantly reduced. To meet these goals, Croatia is organizing four 
regional and 21 county waste management centers with treatment plants 
and landfills. Remediation of 176 landfills is also underway, and two 
upcoming tenders offer possibilities for U.S. firms. The first, the 
Zagreb Waste Management Center, will include an incinerator, recycling 
yard, and heat and electricity generating plants at an approximate cost 
of US$580 million. The incinerator will be constructed next to the 
central wastewater treatment plant, and the resultant sewage sludge, 
together with municipal waste, will be used for energy generation. The 
second, a hazardous waste incinerator, is estimated to cost US$22 
million.
    Wastewater management is a key concern in Croatia, particularly in 
coastal municipalities. While water supply coverage, 73 percent, is 
high compared to other countries in the region, coverage for sewage is 
only about 40 percent, and less than 12 percent of all collected 
wastewater is being treated. Objectives for bringing Croatian water 
management in line with EU regulations include creating a Water 
Information System; extending public water supply to 90 percent of the 
population; providing wastewater collection, treatment and disposal 
systems for 10.5 million people; and implementing flood control and 
multi-purpose projects. Other opportunities include three large 
wastewater projects currently underway: The US$250 million Coastal 
Cities Pollution Control project, sponsored by the World Bank; the 
US$38 million Karlovac Wastewater Management Project, financed by the 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and the US$18 million 
Inland Waters Project, financed by the World Bank.

[[Page 8505]]

    The Air Protection Act (2005) governs air quality management in 
line with the EU Framework Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality 
assessment and management. Although Croatia ratified the Kyoto Protocol 
in May 2007, efforts are still needed to limit the growth of greenhouse 
gas emissions in order to meet Croatia's Kyoto target for the period of 
2008 through 2012. Another priority is reduction of acid and other 
polluting gaseous emissions from major industrial premises such as 
refineries, petrochemical plants, cement factories, and large 
combustion plants.
    In 2007, Croatia adopted important regulations to support 
development of renewable energy projects required to meet the goal of 
the minimal 5.8 percent renewable energy share in the total electric 
energy supply by 2010. The overall size of the renewable electric 
energy projects is about 330 Megawatts of new capacity in the next 
three years, estimated to cost approximately US$700 million. Numerous 
private sector investors have submitted over a hundred projects for 
preliminary approval to the Ministry of Economy, 90 percent of which 
are for wind farms. Other renewable energy best prospects include 
biomass cogeneration plants, solar thermal collectors, and bio-fuel 
plants.
    While the Croatian environmental and clean energy markets are 
relatively small on the global scale, EU accession has strengthened 
emphasis on these sectors, pointing to opportunities for U.S. firms 
that are able to offer specialized equipment and services in the near 
term to help alleviate Croatia's existing environmental challenges and 
thereby position themselves for long-term market access.

Mission Goals

    The goals of the Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies Trade 
Mission to Italy, Croatia, and Greece are threefold: (1) To help U.S. 
firms explore supplier opportunities under various environmental 
programs; (2) to help U.S. firms initiate or expand their exports to 
these markets by providing business-to-business introductions and 
market access information; and (3) to facilitate an effective U.S. 
presence at EcoTec in Athens.

Mission Scenario

    The mission will stop in Zagreb, proceed to Milan, and conclude in 
Athens, at EcoTec 2009. The USFCS in Athens will provide entry to the 
trade show, manage a booth, and organize meetings with business and 
industry contacts for each of the mission participants. Activities at 
all stops will include market briefings; pre-scheduled appointments 
with potential partners, distributors, representatives, and end users; 
networking receptions; and meetings with USFCS environmental technology 
specialists. The USFCS in Athens will continue to maintain a presence 
at EcoTec Sunday, April 5, and will assist any mission members wishing 
to remain to take advantage of visitor traffic at the show, expected to 
be highest that day. This assistance is offered to the delegation at no 
additional cost.

Proposed Timetable

Monday, March 30.............  Zagreb: Briefing, one-on-one
                                appointments, evening reception.
Tuesday, March 31............  Morning, conclude appointments/Depart for
                                Milan.
Wednesday, April 1...........  Milan: Briefing, appointments, evening
                                reception.
Thursday, April 2............  Appointments, site visits/Depart for
                                Athens.
Friday, April 3..............  Athens: Briefing, appointments, trade
                                show opening, late afternoon reception.
Saturday, April 4............  Appointments, show activities/Mission
                                concludes.
Sunday, April 5..............  Bonus day.
 

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Environmental and 
Clean Energy Technologies Trade Mission to Italy, Croatia and Greece 
must complete and submit an application 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. The mission will open on a first come first 
served basis to minimum of seven and maximum of 10 qualified U.S. 
companies.
    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 fee for participation in the entire mission will 
be US$5,400 for large firms and US$3,975 for a small or medium-sized 
enterprise (SME), which includes one principal representative.\*\ The 
fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is 
$450. Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and travel (except 
for in-country arrangements previously noted) will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * 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/contractingopportunities/
sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing schedule 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While priority will be given to firms applying to take part in all 
three cities on the mission itinerary, firms may opt to visit only one 
or two markets on the itinerary for the following fees:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Large
                      Option                        SME (US$)   company
                                                                 (US$)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
One stop..........................................      2,000      3,000
Two stops.........................................      3,000      4,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
     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 fifty-one percent U.S. content.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
three target markets and sectors.
     Applicant's potential for business in the target markets, 
including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
     Applicant's stated intent to participate in all three 
markets on the mission itinerary.
    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will

[[Page 8506]]

be removed from an applicant's submission and not considered during the 
selection process.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Recruitment for this trade mission 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, e-mail blasts, 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 immediately and conclude no later than 
February 27, 2009. Applications received after that date will be 
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
    Contacts in the United States:

Bill Cline, Director, U.S. Commercial Service, Reno, Team Leader, 
Global Environmental Team, U.S. Department of Commerce, Tel: 
775.784.5203/Fax: 775.784.5343, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov.
Jessica Arnold, Global Environmental Team Project Officer, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20004, Tel: (202) 482-2026/Fax: 
(202) 482-9000, Email: envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov.
    Contacts in Europe:

Milan, Italy: Nicoletta Postiglione, American Consulate General, Tel: 
011-39-02-626-8851, Fax: 011-39-02-659-6561, Email: 
envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov.
Zagreb, Croatia: Pamela Ward, American Embassy/Zagreb, Tel: 011-385-1-
661-2224, Fax: 011-385-1-661-2446, Email: 
envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov.
Athens, Greece: William Kutson, U.S. Embassy/Athens, Tel: 30/210/720-
2303/720-2302, Fax: 30/210/721-8660, Email: 
envirotechmission@mail.doc.gov.

    Dated: February 18, 2009.
Jessica Arnold,
International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. 
Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. E9-3953 Filed 2-24-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.