Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria, 56509-56511 [2010-23028]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 179 / Thursday, September 16, 2010 / Notices National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration D. SSC Recommendations E. Public Comment F. Council Discussion and Action 13. Pelagic & International Fisheries A. Action Items 1. Hawaii Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit Management (Final) 2. Hawaii Longline Catch Shares (Ongoing) 3. American Samoa Longline LargeVessel Closed Area Options (Initial) 4. American Samoa Longline Limited Entry Modification (Ongoing) B. Pacific Tuna Stock Assessments C. International Fisheries 1. 5th International Fishers Forum (IFF5) 2. Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission a. Science Committee b. Northern Committee c. Technical & Compliance Committee 3. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission D. SSC Recommendations E. Public Hearing F. Council Discussion and Action 14. Administrative Matters A. Financial Reports B. Administrative Reports C. Standard Operating Practices and Procedures (SOPP) Review and Changes D. Council Family Changes 1. Advisory Panels E. Meetings and Workshops F. Other Business G. Executive and Budget Standing Committee Recommendations H. Public Comment I. Council Discussion and Action 15. Other Business A. Election of Council Officers mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– 8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 13, 2010. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. BILLING CODE 3510–22–S VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:19 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 Dated: September 13, 2010 Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. RIN 0648–XZ09 [FR Doc. 2010–23133 Filed 9–15–10; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Thursday, October 14, 2010 8:30 a.m. 1 p.m. [FR Doc. 2010–23091 Filed 9–15–10; 8:45 am] 56509 BILLING CODE 3510–22–S Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (MAFMC) Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee will hold a public meeting. DATES: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153; (telephone: 215–365–4500). Council Address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674–2331. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 526–5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee meeting is to begin the development of Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 14 will be focused on monitoring, bycatch, and management integration issues, especially as related to alewife, blueback herring, American shad, and hickory shad in terms of their interactions with the directed Atlantic mackerel and Loligo fisheries. The meeting will generally be nondecisional and informational in nature, with the Committee receiving a variety of presentations on topics relevant to Amendment 14. An agenda, list of speakers, and any briefing documents will be posted to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish section of the MidAtlantic Council’s website, https:// www.mafmc.org/fmp/msb.htm, by September 29, 2010. SUMMARY: Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to M. Jan Saunders at the Mid-Atlantic Council Office (302) 526–5251 at least five days prior to the meeting date. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Mission Statement: Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria, March 8–10, 2011 I. Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Trade Mission to Nigeria March 8–10, 2011, to help U.S. firms find business partners and sell equipment and services in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Targeted sectors include, but are not limited to, energy and power generation, health care, information technology, transportation and construction. This mission will be led by a senior official and will include business-to-business matchmaking with local companies, market briefings, and meetings with key government officials. II. Commercial Setting In 2009, the Nigerian economy was among the top 20 fastest growing in the world at 6+%, and is one of the two largest economies in Africa. The International Monetary Fund projects Nigeria’s economy to continue to grow at 6+% for the next 4 years. With a population of 150 million people, the largest in Africa and 8th largest in the world, Nigeria has a thriving consumer market. Total U.S.-Nigeria trade did fall from $3.4 trillion to $2.6 trillion in 2008 and 2009 but is expected to surge in conjunction with Nigeria’s growing economy. U.S. exports to Nigeria in 2009 consisted mostly of cereals, vehicles, machinery, fuel and aircraft. There is significant business potential for U.S. businesses willing to conduct due diligence and draw on Commercial Service assistance in screening prospective partners and customers in Nigeria. Nigerians prefer U.S. products due to quality, name brand recognition and seek competitive pricing. The business culture relies heavily on the strength of personal contacts to consummate deals. This trade mission offers U.S. company E:\FR\FM\16SEN1.SGM 16SEN1 56510 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 179 / Thursday, September 16, 2010 / Notices representatives an excellent introduction to a broad range of credible Nigerian business partners and Nigerian officials. Best Prospects Energy: At 20% of GDP, the oil and gas industry continues to dominate the Nigerian economy. With an estimated 36.24 billion barrels of oil, Nigeria has the 10th largest proven oil reserves in the world. It also has the 8th largest proven gas reserves with an estimated 187 trillion standard cubic feet. In addition, Nigeria is the 12th largest market for U.S. oil and gas equipment sales. A recent Government of Nigeria (GON) directive will require the end of gas flaring on December 31, 2010. Compliance with this GON directive potentially could create a lucrative market for U.S. industry. The estimated life expectancy of Nigeria’s proven crude oil reserve is 35 years, while that of gas is over 100, ensuring that the oil and gas industry will continue to offer lucrative opportunities in oil and natural gas equipment and services. The President and Minister for Power have unveiled a roadmap for reform of the power sector (https:// www.nigeriapowerreform.org) which will provide concrete opportunities for U.S. suppliers over the next two-three years in the power generation and distribution sectors. Note: Companies interested in this sector of the Nigerian economy should take into account ongoing security issues in and around the oil fields in the Niger delta for pricing and delivery purposes. Healthcare: In 2006, the GON spent $1.2 billion per year on health care and plans to increase spending as it reforms Nigeria’s healthcare policies and rebuilds health care infrastructure. Industry watchers and analysts indicate potential opportunities for U.S. suppliers and manufacturers of cuttingedge medical equipment used especially for medical examination, on-line training and telemedicine, particularly for complex and difficult operations where international expertise is needed. Information Technology: The success of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry subsector is fueling demand for computers, software, peripherals and professional services such as electronic banking, internet services, e-learning, egovernment, e-health and digital security services. Current bandwidth in Nigeria is provided through the SAT–3 cable of 350 gigabits. Two additional broadband cables are expected to increase the broadband capacity by 2.6 terabits for a total of almost 3.0 terabits for the entire country in the coming year. With over 1,800 licenses managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the market generated about $10 billion in telecommunications services revenue in 2009 and recorded an average annual growth rate of about 30 percent. Transportation: The United States currently accounts for more than 70% of all categories of automobiles supplied to Nigeria, most of which are used cars and trucks. The government of Nigeria continues to fund efficiency efforts for the aeronautics and aviation industries. The transport ministry (aviation division) is planning to fix, purchase and install additional navigation and landing aids for the airports across the country within a short period of time, as there has been an increase in air transportation in the country with more aviation companies joining the sector. In addition, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated recently that five new terminals are to be built in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. The United States Federal Aviation Administration granted Nigeria Category 1 status under the international aviation safety assessment program, which means a country has the March 7, Lagos ............................................ March 8, Lagos ............................................ Wednesday ................................................... March 9, Lagos/Abuja .................................. Thursday ....................................................... March 10, Abuja ........................................... III. Mission Goals The goal of the Nigeria Trade Mission is to provide U.S. participants with firsthand market information, access to government decision makers, and oneon-one meetings with business contacts, including potential agents, distributors and partners, so they can position themselves to enter or expand their presence in the Nigerian market. A presence in Nigeria can be used to enter other West African markets, allowing for better market penetration/saturation. IV. Mission Scenario The Nigeria Trade Mission will visit both the commercial center and political capital of Nigeria: Lagos and Abuja, to give participants access to decision makers in Nigeria. In each city, participants will meet with new business contacts. Proposed Timetable Date Monday ......................................................... Tuesday ........................................................ mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Day of week laws and regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and that its civil aviation authority— equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters—meets international standards for technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping and inspection procedures. Construction: There are also plans to construct or reconstruct existing expressways as well as over 40 separate dredging and related projects scattered in the Niger-Delta region. State governments have also awarded major contracts to provide infrastructure, including railroad and housing in major cities as well as creating new settlements in urban areas. It is also expected that the GON will upgrade the major seaports in Nigeria as well as set up Free Trade Zones where importation of equipment and heavy machinery can easily be undertaken. *Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of local government and business officials, specific goals of mission participants, and air travel schedules. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:19 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 Activity Arrive in Lagos, Nigeria. Mission Meetings Officially Start. Breakfast briefing from Lagos Consulate staff. One-on-one business appointments. Evening business reception. One-on-one business appointments continue. Afternoon departure for Abuja. Briefing by Abuja Embassy Staff. One-on-one business and government meetings. Trade Mission Officially Ends. V. Participation Requirements All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 outlined below. The mission is designed for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies E:\FR\FM\16SEN1.SGM 16SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 179 / Thursday, September 16, 2010 / Notices already doing business in the target markets as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter these markets for the first time are encouraged to apply. Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a participation fee to the U.S. Department of Commerce is required. The participation fee for one representative is $2,975 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) 1 and $3,515 for large firms. The fee for each additional firm representative (SME or large) is $450. Expenses for travel, lodging, some meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. 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 U.S. 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. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Selection Criteria for Participation • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the mission goals. • Applicant’s potential for business in Nigeria, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Diversity of company size, sector or subsector, and location may also be considered during the review process. Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 1 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/contractingopportunities/owners/ basics/whatismallbusiness/. 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. See https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/ initiatives.html. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:19 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. VI. Selection Timeline 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 immediately, and conclude January 18, 2011. Applications received after January 18, 2011, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Contacts: Ryan Kane, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202–482– 5740, Fax: 202–482–9000, E-mail: ryan.kane@trade.gov. Rebecca Armand, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria, Tel: 234–1–460–358, E-mail: Rebecca.Armand@trade.gov. Ryan Kane, Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program. [FR Doc. 2010–23028 Filed 9–15–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Part 41, Relating to Security Futures Products Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the CFTC is planning to submit the following proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Part 41, Relating to Security Futures Products; OMB Control Number 3038– 0059. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, the CFTC is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56511 Comments must be submitted on or before November 15, 2010. ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to David Steinberg, Special Counsel, Division of Market Oversight, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Steinberg (202) 418–5102; FAX: (202) 418–5527; email: dsteinberg@cftc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are businesses and other for-profit institutions. Title: Part 41, Relating to Security Futures Products. Abstract: Section 4d(c) of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), 7 U.S.C. 6d(c), requires the CFTC to consult with the SEC and issue such rules, regulations, or orders as are necessary to avoid duplicative or conflicting regulations applicable to firms that are fully registered with the SEC as brokers or dealers (brokerdealers) and the CFTC as futures commission merchants (FCMs) involving provisions of the CEA that pertain to the treatment of customer funds. The CFTC, jointly with the SEC, issued regulations requiring such dually registered firms to make choices as to how its customers’ transactions in security futures products (SFP) will be treated, either as securities transactions held in a securities account or as futures transactions held in a futures account. How an account is treated is important in the unlikely event of the insolvency of the firm. Securities accounts receive insurance protection under provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act. By contrast, futures accounts are subject to the protections provided by the segregation requirements of the CEA. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for the CFTC’s regulations were published on December 30, 1981. See 46 FR 63035 (Dec. 30, 1981). The Commission would like to solicit comments to: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have a practical use; • Evaluate the accuracy of the Commission’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; DATES: E:\FR\FM\16SEN1.SGM 16SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 179 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56509-56511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23028]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Statement: Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria, March 8-10, 
2011

I. Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Trade Mission 
to Nigeria March 8-10, 2011, to help U.S. firms find business partners 
and sell equipment and services in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Targeted 
sectors include, but are not limited to, energy and power generation, 
health care, information technology, transportation and construction. 
This mission will be led by a senior official and will include 
business-to-business matchmaking with local companies, market 
briefings, and meetings with key government officials.

II. Commercial Setting

    In 2009, the Nigerian economy was among the top 20 fastest growing 
in the world at 6+%, and is one of the two largest economies in Africa. 
The International Monetary Fund projects Nigeria's economy to continue 
to grow at 6+% for the next 4 years. With a population of 150 million 
people, the largest in Africa and 8th largest in the world, Nigeria has 
a thriving consumer market. Total U.S.-Nigeria trade did fall from $3.4 
trillion to $2.6 trillion in 2008 and 2009 but is expected to surge in 
conjunction with Nigeria's growing economy. U.S. exports to Nigeria in 
2009 consisted mostly of cereals, vehicles, machinery, fuel and 
aircraft.
    There is significant business potential for U.S. businesses willing 
to conduct due diligence and draw on Commercial Service assistance in 
screening prospective partners and customers in Nigeria.
    Nigerians prefer U.S. products due to quality, name brand 
recognition and seek competitive pricing. The business culture relies 
heavily on the strength of personal contacts to consummate deals. This 
trade mission offers U.S. company

[[Page 56510]]

representatives an excellent introduction to a broad range of credible 
Nigerian business partners and Nigerian officials.

Best Prospects

    Energy: At 20% of GDP, the oil and gas industry continues to 
dominate the Nigerian economy. With an estimated 36.24 billion barrels 
of oil, Nigeria has the 10th largest proven oil reserves in the world. 
It also has the 8th largest proven gas reserves with an estimated 187 
trillion standard cubic feet. In addition, Nigeria is the 12th largest 
market for U.S. oil and gas equipment sales. A recent Government of 
Nigeria (GON) directive will require the end of gas flaring on December 
31, 2010. Compliance with this GON directive potentially could create a 
lucrative market for U.S. industry. The estimated life expectancy of 
Nigeria's proven crude oil reserve is 35 years, while that of gas is 
over 100, ensuring that the oil and gas industry will continue to offer 
lucrative opportunities in oil and natural gas equipment and services. 
The President and Minister for Power have unveiled a roadmap for reform 
of the power sector (https://www.nigeriapowerreform.org) which will 
provide concrete opportunities for U.S. suppliers over the next two-
three years in the power generation and distribution sectors. Note: 
Companies interested in this sector of the Nigerian economy should take 
into account ongoing security issues in and around the oil fields in 
the Niger delta for pricing and delivery purposes.
    Healthcare: In 2006, the GON spent $1.2 billion per year on health 
care and plans to increase spending as it reforms Nigeria's healthcare 
policies and rebuilds health care infrastructure. Industry watchers and 
analysts indicate potential opportunities for U.S. suppliers and 
manufacturers of cutting-edge medical equipment used especially for 
medical examination, on-line training and telemedicine, particularly 
for complex and difficult operations where international expertise is 
needed.
    Information Technology: The success of Nigeria's telecommunications 
industry subsector is fueling demand for computers, software, 
peripherals and professional services such as electronic banking, 
internet services, e-learning, e-government, e-health and digital 
security services. Current bandwidth in Nigeria is provided through the 
SAT-3 cable of 350 gigabits. Two additional broadband cables are 
expected to increase the broadband capacity by 2.6 terabits for a total 
of almost 3.0 terabits for the entire country in the coming year. With 
over 1,800 licenses managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission 
(NCC), the market generated about $10 billion in telecommunications 
services revenue in 2009 and recorded an average annual growth rate of 
about 30 percent.
    Transportation: The United States currently accounts for more than 
70% of all categories of automobiles supplied to Nigeria, most of which 
are used cars and trucks. The government of Nigeria continues to fund 
efficiency efforts for the aeronautics and aviation industries. The 
transport ministry (aviation division) is planning to fix, purchase and 
install additional navigation and landing aids for the airports across 
the country within a short period of time, as there has been an 
increase in air transportation in the country with more aviation 
companies joining the sector. In addition, the Federal Airport 
Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated recently that five new terminals are 
to be built in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. The United 
States Federal Aviation Administration granted Nigeria Category 1 
status under the international aviation safety assessment program, 
which means a country has the laws and regulations necessary to oversee 
air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and 
that its civil aviation authority--equivalent to the FAA for aviation 
safety matters--meets international standards for technical expertise, 
trained personnel, recordkeeping and inspection procedures.
    Construction: There are also plans to construct or reconstruct 
existing expressways as well as over 40 separate dredging and related 
projects scattered in the Niger-Delta region. State governments have 
also awarded major contracts to provide infrastructure, including 
railroad and housing in major cities as well as creating new 
settlements in urban areas. It is also expected that the GON will 
upgrade the major seaports in Nigeria as well as set up Free Trade 
Zones where importation of equipment and heavy machinery can easily be 
undertaken.

III. Mission Goals

    The goal of the Nigeria 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 Nigerian 
market. A presence in Nigeria can be used to enter other West African 
markets, allowing for better market penetration/saturation.

IV. Mission Scenario

    The Nigeria Trade Mission will visit both the commercial center and 
political capital of Nigeria: Lagos and Abuja, to give participants 
access to decision makers in Nigeria. In each city, participants will 
meet with new business contacts.

Proposed Timetable

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Day of week                 Date                                    Activity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday.......................  March 7, Lagos..  Arrive in Lagos, Nigeria.
Tuesday......................  March 8, Lagos..  Mission Meetings Officially Start.
                                                 Breakfast briefing from Lagos Consulate staff.
                                                 One-on-one business appointments.
                                                 Evening business reception.
Wednesday....................  March 9, Lagos/   One-on-one business appointments continue.
                                Abuja.           Afternoon departure for Abuja.
Thursday.....................  March 10, Abuja.  Briefing by Abuja Embassy Staff.
                                                 One-on-one business and government meetings.
                                                 Trade Mission Officially Ends.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    *Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend 
on the availability of local government and business officials, 
specific goals of mission participants, and air travel schedules.

V. Participation Requirements

    All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain 
conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. 
The mission is designed for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 to 
participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies

[[Page 56511]]

already doing business in the target markets as well as U.S. companies 
seeking to enter these markets for the first time are encouraged to 
apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a 
participation fee to the U.S. Department of Commerce is required. The 
participation fee for one representative is $2,975 for a small or 
medium-sized enterprise (SME) \1\ and $3,515 for large firms. The fee 
for each additional firm representative (SME or large) is $450. 
Expenses for travel, lodging, some meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 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/contractingopportunities/owners/basics/whatismallbusiness/. 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. 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 U.S. 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 for Participation

     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
mission goals.
     Applicant's potential for business in Nigeria, including 
likelihood of exports resulting from the mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
    Diversity of company size, sector or subsector, and location may 
also be considered during the review process.
    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.

VI. Selection Timeline

    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 immediately, and conclude 
January 18, 2011. Applications received after January 18, 2011, will be 
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
    Contacts:

Ryan Kane, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, 
Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202-482-5740, Fax: 202-482-9000, E-mail: 
ryan.kane@trade.gov.
Rebecca Armand, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate, Lagos, 
Nigeria, Tel: 234-1-460-358, E-mail: Rebecca.Armand@trade.gov.

Ryan Kane,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program.
[FR Doc. 2010-23028 Filed 9-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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