Business Development Mission to Egypt and Morocco, 58353-58356 [2010-23967]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 185 / Friday, September 24, 2010 / Notices
minimum mesh size for the Loligo
fishery. This exemption was requested
to allow completion of the project’s
remaining four research trips using the
previous minimum mesh size of 1 7/8
in. (48 mm). A change to the nets used
to conduct field sampling at this stage
of the project would undermine data
analysis in support of the project’s
objectives. Therefore, NMFS is reissuing
the EFP in support of the drop chain
study to facilitate the completion of the
research project.
The revised EFP includes an
exemption from the Loligo Trimester III
minimum mesh size of 2 1/8 in. (54
mm) at § 648.23(3). An exemption from
the Loligo mesh size restriction will
allow the completion of the project’s
remaining research trips, using the
previous minimum mesh size of 1 7/8
in. (48 mm). The exemption is within
the scope and scale of the original
approved EFP, and the overall impacts
of research operations are unchanged
from the initial review.
The applicants may request minor
modifications and extensions to the EFP
throughout the course of research. EFP
modifications and extensions may be
granted without further public notice if
they are deemed essential to facilitate
completion of the proposed research
and result in only a minimal change in
the scope or impacts of the initially
approved EFP request.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 21, 2010.
Carrie Selberg,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–24022 Filed 9–23–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census
2010 Census Advisory Committee
Bureau of the Census,
Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of the Census
(Census Bureau) is giving notice of a
meeting of the 2010 Census Advisory
Committee. The Committee will address
policy, research, and technical issues
related to 2010 Decennial Census
Programs and the American Community
Survey. Last-minute changes to the
agenda are possible, which could
prevent giving advance notification of
schedule changes.
DATES: October 21–22, 2010. On October
21, the meeting will begin at
approximately 8:30 a.m. and end at
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SUMMARY:
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approximately 5 p.m. On October 22,
the meeting will begin at approximately
8:30 a.m. and end at approximately
12:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held at
the U.S. Census Bureau Auditorium and
Conference Center, 4600 Silver Hill
Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746.
ADDRESSES:
Jeri
Green, Committee Liaison Officer,
Department of Commerce, U.S. Census
Bureau, Room 8H182, 4600 Silver Hill
Road, Suitland, MD 20746, telephone
301–763–6590. For TTY callers, please
use the Federal Relay Service 1–800–
877–8339.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The 2010
Census Advisory Committee is
composed of a Chair, Vice-Chair, and
20-member organizations—all
appointed by the Secretary of
Commerce. The Committee considers
the goals of the Decennial Census,
including the American Community
Survey and related programs, and users’
needs for information provided by the
Decennial Census from the perspective
of outside data users and other
organizations having a substantial
interest and expertise in the conduct
and outcome of the Decennial Census.
The Committee has been established in
accordance with the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (Title 5, United States
Code, Appendix 2, Section10(a)(b)).
The meeting is open to the public,
and a brief period is set aside for public
comments and questions. However,
individuals with extensive statements
for the record must submit them in
writing to the Census Bureau Committee
Liaison Officer named above at least
three working days prior to the meeting.
Seating is available to the public on a
first-come, first-served basis.
The meeting is physically accessible
to people with disabilities. Requests for
sign language interpretation or other
auxiliary aids should be directed to the
Census Bureau Committee Liaison
Officer as soon as known, and
preferably two weeks prior to the
meeting.
Due to increased security and for
access to the meeting, please call 301–
763–9906 upon arrival at the Census
Bureau on the day of the meeting. A
photo ID must be presented in order to
receive your visitor’s badge. Visitors are
not allowed beyond the first floor.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: September 20, 2010.
Robert M. Groves,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 2010–23925 Filed 9–23–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–07–P
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58353
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Business Development Mission to
Egypt and Morocco
Mission Description
The U.S. Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration, and
U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a
Business Development Mission to
explore ports and infrastructure
development opportunities in Egypt
(Cairo and Alexandria) and Morocco
(Casablanca and Tangier), March 25—
April 1, 2011. This mission, led by a
Senior Official of the Department of
Commerce or other U.S. agency, will
focus on the opportunities in port
logistics, infrastructure projects, safety
and security, and energy infrastructure.
The mission will include one-on-one
business appointments with prescreened potential buyers, agents,
distributors and joint venture partners;
site visits to ports and free trade zones,
meetings with government officials, and
networking receptions for companies
interested in expansion into the North
African, Middle Eastern and Southern
European markets.
Commercial Setting
Egypt
Egypt is strategically located at the
gateway of trade and commerce for
Southern Europe as well as North Africa
and the Middle East. It is a prime
location for the transit of goods, as well
as a key destination for American
companies seeking to do business in
Egypt and the region. With a population
of over 80 million Egypt is the largest
Arab country, and the fourth largest
export market for U.S. products and
services in the Middle East. The U.S. is
Egypt’s largest bilateral trading partner,
and the second largest investor. In 2010,
bilateral trade is expected to exceed $7
billion. The Egyptian gross domestic
product (GDP) grew over five percent
from 2009 to 2010. The financial sector
escaped many negative impacts of the
global financial crisis, due to Egypt’s
improved banking supervision,
conservative lending practices and
central bank guarantee of all bank
deposits.
In 2010 the Egyptian Ministry of
Investment announced major plans for
infrastructure development with 46
different projects valued at over $16
billion. The majority of these projects
are available to be awarded based on the
Egyptian Government’s ‘‘Public Private
Partnership’’ (PPP) measures. The PPP is
a multi-faceted initiative to attract
private sector investment for
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 185 / Friday, September 24, 2010 / Notices
infrastructure projects and U.S.
companies are eligible to bid on them.
Trade Mission participants will be
briefed by Egyptian Government
officials on these projects and the PPP
program. In addition, meetings will be
arranged with companies that have
already been awarded the designated
infrastructure projects in order to
identify supplier contacts.
Morocco
Morocco is the only African country
to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
with the U.S. Since the FTA went into
effect in 2006, U.S. exports to Morocco
have tripled to $1.6 billion. Morocco has
aggressively developed the
infrastructure to become a gateway to
North Africa and the European Union.
The Port of Tanger-Med, soon to be
Africa’s largest port, is located only
eight miles from Europe, at the northern
tip of Africa where the Mediterranean
Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. TangerMed already offers direct shipping from
Houston, Mobile, Jacksonville, Miami,
Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk. This
strategically located port offers free
trade zones, including the Auto Zone
dedicated to auto parts, and direct
distribution systems onward to the
European Union, the Middle East, and
North Africa.
The Trade Mission coincides with the
Tanger Mediterranean Special Agency’s
(TMSA) fourth annual MedLog
Conference (Conference), March 31—
April 1, 2011. TMSA is responsible for
all Tanger-Med building projects, port
operations, and management of the free
trade zones. Mission participants will
meet buyers of safety and security, and
vessel management equipment, and
conduct one-on-one business
appointments with officials who
purchase products and services for the
port facilities. In addition, meetings will
be arranged with companies that have
already been awarded the designated
infrastructure projects in order to
identify supplier contacts.
tons per year, which represents about 60
percent of Egypt’s trade. Port projects
will include a new container terminal
and container-handling piers, new
storage facilities and handling
equipment and improvements to wharfs
and marinas.
To address overall port efficiency,
there is a growing demand for improved
Management Information Systems and
Terminal Operating Systems. These
include systems for financial
management, port engineering, cargo
tracking, cargo and container tracking
and transfer, gate control, and
procurement. U.S. companies can also
participate as providers for shipping
agents, warehousing, stevedoring,
container handling, port management
and consulting. Additionally, there is a
need for heavy equipment to handle
bulk cargo for loading large shipments
of minerals and other commodities.
Morocco
Construction of Tanger-Med II, an
additional set of cargo terminals and
storage, is currently underway and the
port will begin issuing tenders for
equipment and services in the next
12–18 months. As part of a national
logistics program, the Moroccan
government recently announced a
20-year, $13 billion project to build
port, rail, highway, and airport logistics
centers, with port management, vessel
tracking and management, cold storage,
warehousing, railways, bridges, and
distribution centers. Government
tenders are now being issued for these
projects, and the plans are to spend
$7 billion on the project by 2015.
Examples of planned port projects
include:
• A $69 million project to convert the
old port, located near the City of
Tangier, into a tourist center and
passenger terminal.
• Nador West Med, a new industrial
port for the coastal city of Nador.
Infrastructure Projects
Egypt
Port Logistics
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Best Sector Prospects
The Government of Egypt directed
$2.6 billion to Egypt’s infrastructure in
2008, $1.4 billion in 2009, and $1.9
billion in 2010. With a growing number
of tourists, there has been increased
pressure on Egypt’s roads, bridges,
railroads, power stations, water and
sewage, hospitals, and schools. As a
result, construction is one of the most
active sectors of the Egyptian economy,
contributing about six percent of GDP
and accounting for eight percent of
employment in 2009.
Examples of planned infrastructure
projects include:
Egypt
The mission will include briefings in
Cairo by representatives of the major
firms involved in port activities in
Egypt, and a visit to the port of
Alexandria. Egypt has 3,500 kilometers
of navigable waterways and the
Government considers the maintenance
and expansion of its ports a top priority.
The port of Alexandria, the largest of the
country’s nine ports, was recently
revamped, resulting in an increased
cargo handling capacity of 44 million
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• The Rod El Farag-6th of October
Highway, at $545 million.
• The Cairo-10th of Ramadan City
Railway Line, at $727 million.
• A special economic zone in the Gulf
of Suez, at $1.45 billion.
• A water treatment station in the Red
Sea, at $400 million.
Morocco
Morocco has multi-billion-dollar
construction projects in many sectors.
Opportunities exist in port construction
and logistics facilities, hotels and
resorts, road construction and
equipment, airports, hospitals and
clinics, municipal buildings, renewable
power plants (particularly solar and
wind), waste management plants,
schools and universities, water
management plants, and architecture.
Examples of upcoming infrastructure
projects include design and
construction of:
• A high-speed rail line from Tangier
to Casablanca, with $4.5 billion to be
spent by 2015.
• An $830 million light rail line
around Casablanca.
• 60 dams at $1.47 billion.
• Water desalination plants at $1.22
billion.
• Highway systems in Rabat, Tit
Mellil-Berrechid and El Jadida-Safi at
$1.7 billion.
• Low-cost housing of 130,000 units
at $1.9 billion.
• New passenger and cargo rail
stations for Marrakesh and Casablanca.
Safety/Security
Egypt
In addition to Alexandria, Egypt has
eight major ports and three crosscountry borders that require significant
security measures. In its fight against
drug smuggling and counterfeit
products, Egypt requires container
scanning and shipment tracking
devices. Egypt is also looking at
container scanning upgrades and
seafarer identification cards for more
secure identification and synchronizing
systems to coordinate security measures
and responses. Accordingly,
opportunities exist for U.S firms
providing short-range radar systems,
surveillance cameras, infrared and
radiological detectors, and vessel
tracking maritime information systems,
biometric scanners, personnel
databases, computer peripherals, and
systems integration equipment.
Morocco
Tangier is the closest land access
point between Africa and Europe,
creating a need for cargo and passenger
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control/tracking systems, surveillance
equipment including sonar and radar,
biometric passport technologies, and
other equipment used in the fight
against drug trafficking, smuggling and
counter terrorism. The military and
police agencies are purchasing safety
and security equipment for protecting
Morocco’s two vast coastlines and
remote national borders.
Energy Infrastructure
Egypt
Egypt is one of the largest electrical
energy producing countries in the
Middle East. Over the next ten years,
Egypt plans to expand its electricity
capacity to 40,000 megawatts through a
combination of traditional, renewable,
and nuclear energy production to
diversify energy resources and preserve
the country’s limited oil and gas
reserves. Opportunities exist for U.S.
providers of wind turbines, blades, and
other equipment, as well as
development and project management.
Best prospects in the energy sector
include circuit breakers of more than
66kv, nuclear-related consultation and
generation equipment and peripherals;
power transformers of more than
25MVA–66kva; power transmission
lines; turbine generator units with
associated equipment; and vibration
dampers.
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26
27
28
29
30
Morocco
As industry grows in Morocco, there
is an increasing need for coal and gasfired energy plants.
A $2.7 billion coal-fired power plant
(1320 megawatts) is planned for the
coastal city of Safi and $450 million will
be used specifically for clean coal
technology. Opportunities also exist for
equipment and services in solar and
wind energy. Five new wind farms will
be built by 2020 to supply 2000
megawatts of electricity. In late 2009,
Morocco announced a $9 billion solar
energy program and established a Solar
Energy Agency. Engineering,
construction, procurement and, and
management opportunities also exist.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to
provide U.S. participants with firsthand market information, access to
government decision makers as
appropriate 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 Egyptian and Moroccan
markets.
Mission Scenario
The Trade Mission will include four
stops: Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt,
Friday ...........................
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Wednesday ..................
March
March
March
March
March
March
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March 31 .....................
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April 1 ..........................
April 2 ..........................
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating
in the Trade Mission to Egypt and
Morocco must complete and submit an
application package for consideration by
the U.S. Department of Commerce. All
applicants will be evaluated on their
ability to meet certain conditions and
best satisfy the selection criteria as
outlined below. This mission is
designed for a minimum of 12 and a
maximum of 25 companies to
participate in the mission from the
applicant pool. U.S. companies already
doing business in the target markets as
well as U.S. companies seeking to enter
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Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to
participate on the mission, a payment to
the U.S. Department of Commerce in the
form of a participation fee is required.
The participation fee will be $2,950 for
a small or medium-sized enterprise
(SME) * and $3,850 for large firms. The
* 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
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March 25–28, and Casablanca and
Tangier, Morocco, March 29–April 1.
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the
largest city in Africa. A majority of the
nation’s commerce is generated in Cairo
and regional headquarters of numerous
businesses and organizations are located
in the city.
Alexandria is the second largest city
and the largest port in Egypt as well as
an important industrial center. The
majority of Egypt’s trade goes through
the port, with a cargo handling capacity
of 44 million tons per year.
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city,
the commercial center of Morocco and
the headquarters and industrial facilities
location for the leading Moroccan and
international companies based in
Morocco.
Tangier is home to the Tanger-Med
Port. In addition, Tangier is undergoing
rapid development and modernization.
Plans for the city include five-star hotels
along the bay, a modern business
district, an airport terminal and a soccer
stadium.
In each city, participants will meet
with new business contacts, learn about
the markets by participating in Embassy
briefings, and explore additional
opportunities at networking receptions.
Activities will include one-on-one
business appointments with prescreened business prospects.
Proposed Timetable
Arrival in Cairo.
Visit to Alexandria to meet with port officials and return to Cairo.
Orientation and market briefings in Cairo.
One-on-one business appointments in Cairo.
One-on-one business appointments; evening departure for Casablanca, Morocco.
Orientation and market briefings, one-on-one business appointments, Evening transfer to
Tangier.
Attend the MedLog Conference, meetings with port and Moroccan Government officials and
Ambassador’s reception.
One-on-one business appointments.
Depart Morocco for U.S.
these markets for the first time are
encouraged to apply.
End of Mission
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fee for each additional firm
representative (SME or large firm) is
$700. Expenses for travel, lodging, most
meals, interpreters, and incidentals will
be the responsibility of each mission
participant. Delegation members will be
able to take advantage of Embassy rates
for hotel rooms.
Conditions for Participation
• An applicant must submit a
completed and signed mission
application and supplemental
application materials, including
adequate information on the company’s
became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional
information see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/
march2008/initiatives.html).
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 185 / Friday, September 24, 2010 / Notices
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.
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Selection Criteria for Participation
Selection will be based on the
following criteria:
• Suitability of the company’s
products or services to the targeted
markets.
• 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.
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.
Timeframe for Recruitment and
Applications
Mission recruitment will be
conducted in an open and public
manner, including posting on the U.S.
Department of Commerce trade missions
calendar—https://www.ita.doc.gov/
doctm/tmcal.html—and other Internet
Web sites, publication in domestic trade
publications and association
newsletters, direct outreach to the
Department’s clients and distribution
lists, posting in the Federal Register,
and announcements at industry
meetings, symposia, conferences, and
trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will
begin September 20, 2010 and conclude
no later than January 21, 2011.
Applications received after January 21,
2011 will be considered only if space
and scheduling constraints permit. We
will inform applicants of selection
decisions as soon as possible after
January 21, 2011. Applications received
after that date will be considered only
if space and scheduling constraints
permit.
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Contacts
U.S. Commercial Service Domestic
Contacts
Trade Promotion Programs
Anne Novak, Tel: 202–482–8178, Fax:
202–482–9000, E-mail:
EgyptMoroccoTM@trade.gov.
Africa, Near East and South Asia
Sal Tauhidi, Tel: 202–482–1322, Fax:
202–482–5179, E-mail:
EgyptMoroccoTM@trade.gov.
Dated: September 21, 2010.
Anne Novak,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–23967 Filed 9–23–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
ADMINISTRATION
Mission Statement for Executive-Led
Trade Mission to Jordan and Israel
I. Mission Description
The United States Department of
Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. and Foreign
Commercial Service is organizing a
Trade Mission to Amman, Jordan, and
Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, Israel. A stop in
Eilat, Israel, for companies involved in
the renewable energies sector, is also
scheduled. The mission will take place
February 20–24, 2011. The delegation
will be comprised of U.S. firms from a
cross section of industries with market
potential including, but not limited to,
products, services, and technologies in
the following sectors: healthcare
technologies, and cleantech, (i.e.
technologies that support increased
productivity or profitability while also
reducing resource consumption or
pollution, otherwise referred to as clean
technologies).
The goal of the mission is to help U.S.
companies launch or increase their
export business in the markets of
Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.
Participating firms will gain market
information, make business and
government contacts, solidify exporting
strategies, and advance specific projects,
towards the outcome of increasing U.S.
exports. The mission, to be led by an
executive level U.S. Department of
Commerce official, will include
business-to-business matchmaking
appointments with local companies,
networking events, and meetings and
briefings with government and industry
officials. The mission delegation will be
comprised of U.S. firms that design,
manufacture, supply, and/or integrate
products, services, and technologies in
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the targeted sectors and in other
appropriate industries.
II. Commercial Setting
Jordan
Jordan, with a 2009 GDP of $33
billion, and a per capita GDP of $5,300
continues to transform itself into an
internationally competitive marketbased economy. Education and literacy
rates, and measures of social well-being
are relatively high compared to other
countries with similar incomes.
Regarding Jordan’s international trade
position with the U.S., our exports to
Jordan in 2009 were valued at $1.19
billion, representing nearly 16 percent
of all Jordanian imports. Exports from
Jordan to the U.S. for that same period
were valued at $924 million, with twoway trade reaching $2.11 billion.
Currently, under King Abdullah, Jordan
has undertaken a major program of
economic change, including the
elimination of most fuel and agricultural
subsidies, the passage of legislation
targeting corruption, and the initiation
of tax reforms. Key reforms have been
undertaken in the information
technology, pharmaceutical, tourism,
and service sectors. In working toward
trade liberalization, Jordan has also
joined the World Trade Organization
and, in 2001, it co-signed the first
bilateral free trade agreement between
the U.S. and an Arab country. In 2007
the United States and Jordan signed a
Science and Technology Cooperation
Agreement, bolstering efforts to help
diversify Jordan’s economy and promote
growth. To date, duties on nearly all our
goods and services have been
eliminated, providing for more open
markets in communications,
construction, finance, health,
transportation, and services. In addition,
Jordan maintains a strict application of
international standards for the
protection of intellectual property.
These changes and agreements facilitate
good trading conditions between the
U.S. and Jordan.
In the political arena, Jordan’s
constitutional monarchy has
consistently followed a pro-Western
foreign policy, maintaining close
relations with the United States. The
U.S. has participated with Jordan and
Israel in trilateral development
discussions, key issues being watersharing and security; cooperation on
Jordan Rift Valley development;
infrastructure projects; and trade,
finance, and banking issues. U. S.
development efforts continue to address
Jordan’s health indicators, road and
water networks, education levels,
resource conservation, and provide
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[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 185 (Friday, September 24, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58353-58356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23967]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Business Development Mission to Egypt and Morocco
Mission Description
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, and U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Business
Development Mission to explore ports and infrastructure development
opportunities in Egypt (Cairo and Alexandria) and Morocco (Casablanca
and Tangier), March 25--April 1, 2011. This mission, led by a Senior
Official of the Department of Commerce or other U.S. agency, will focus
on the opportunities in port logistics, infrastructure projects, safety
and security, and energy infrastructure. The mission will include one-
on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers,
agents, distributors and joint venture partners; site visits to ports
and free trade zones, meetings with government officials, and
networking receptions for companies interested in expansion into the
North African, Middle Eastern and Southern European markets.
Commercial Setting
Egypt
Egypt is strategically located at the gateway of trade and commerce
for Southern Europe as well as North Africa and the Middle East. It is
a prime location for the transit of goods, as well as a key destination
for American companies seeking to do business in Egypt and the region.
With a population of over 80 million Egypt is the largest Arab country,
and the fourth largest export market for U.S. products and services in
the Middle East. The U.S. is Egypt's largest bilateral trading partner,
and the second largest investor. In 2010, bilateral trade is expected
to exceed $7 billion. The Egyptian gross domestic product (GDP) grew
over five percent from 2009 to 2010. The financial sector escaped many
negative impacts of the global financial crisis, due to Egypt's
improved banking supervision, conservative lending practices and
central bank guarantee of all bank deposits.
In 2010 the Egyptian Ministry of Investment announced major plans
for infrastructure development with 46 different projects valued at
over $16 billion. The majority of these projects are available to be
awarded based on the Egyptian Government's ``Public Private
Partnership'' (PPP) measures. The PPP is a multi-faceted initiative to
attract private sector investment for
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infrastructure projects and U.S. companies are eligible to bid on them.
Trade Mission participants will be briefed by Egyptian Government
officials on these projects and the PPP program. In addition, meetings
will be arranged with companies that have already been awarded the
designated infrastructure projects in order to identify supplier
contacts.
Morocco
Morocco is the only African country to have a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with the U.S. Since the FTA went into effect in 2006, U.S.
exports to Morocco have tripled to $1.6 billion. Morocco has
aggressively developed the infrastructure to become a gateway to North
Africa and the European Union. The Port of Tanger-Med, soon to be
Africa's largest port, is located only eight miles from Europe, at the
northern tip of Africa where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic
Ocean. Tanger-Med already offers direct shipping from Houston, Mobile,
Jacksonville, Miami, Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk. This
strategically located port offers free trade zones, including the Auto
Zone dedicated to auto parts, and direct distribution systems onward to
the European Union, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The Trade Mission coincides with the Tanger Mediterranean Special
Agency's (TMSA) fourth annual MedLog Conference (Conference), March
31--April 1, 2011. TMSA is responsible for all Tanger-Med building
projects, port operations, and management of the free trade zones.
Mission participants will meet buyers of safety and security, and
vessel management equipment, and conduct one-on-one business
appointments with officials who purchase products and services for the
port facilities. In addition, meetings will be arranged with companies
that have already been awarded the designated infrastructure projects
in order to identify supplier contacts.
Best Sector Prospects
Port Logistics
Egypt
The mission will include briefings in Cairo by representatives of
the major firms involved in port activities in Egypt, and a visit to
the port of Alexandria. Egypt has 3,500 kilometers of navigable
waterways and the Government considers the maintenance and expansion of
its ports a top priority. The port of Alexandria, the largest of the
country's nine ports, was recently revamped, resulting in an increased
cargo handling capacity of 44 million tons per year, which represents
about 60 percent of Egypt's trade. Port projects will include a new
container terminal and container-handling piers, new storage facilities
and handling equipment and improvements to wharfs and marinas.
To address overall port efficiency, there is a growing demand for
improved Management Information Systems and Terminal Operating Systems.
These include systems for financial management, port engineering, cargo
tracking, cargo and container tracking and transfer, gate control, and
procurement. U.S. companies can also participate as providers for
shipping agents, warehousing, stevedoring, container handling, port
management and consulting. Additionally, there is a need for heavy
equipment to handle bulk cargo for loading large shipments of minerals
and other commodities.
Morocco
Construction of Tanger-Med II, an additional set of cargo terminals
and storage, is currently underway and the port will begin issuing
tenders for equipment and services in the next 12-18 months. As part of
a national logistics program, the Moroccan government recently
announced a 20-year, $13 billion project to build port, rail, highway,
and airport logistics centers, with port management, vessel tracking
and management, cold storage, warehousing, railways, bridges, and
distribution centers. Government tenders are now being issued for these
projects, and the plans are to spend $7 billion on the project by 2015.
Examples of planned port projects include:
A $69 million project to convert the old port, located
near the City of Tangier, into a tourist center and passenger terminal.
Nador West Med, a new industrial port for the coastal city
of Nador.
Infrastructure Projects
Egypt
The Government of Egypt directed $2.6 billion to Egypt's
infrastructure in 2008, $1.4 billion in 2009, and $1.9 billion in 2010.
With a growing number of tourists, there has been increased pressure on
Egypt's roads, bridges, railroads, power stations, water and sewage,
hospitals, and schools. As a result, construction is one of the most
active sectors of the Egyptian economy, contributing about six percent
of GDP and accounting for eight percent of employment in 2009.
Examples of planned infrastructure projects include:
The Rod El Farag-6th of October Highway, at $545 million.
The Cairo-10th of Ramadan City Railway Line, at $727
million.
A special economic zone in the Gulf of Suez, at $1.45
billion.
A water treatment station in the Red Sea, at $400 million.
Morocco
Morocco has multi-billion-dollar construction projects in many
sectors. Opportunities exist in port construction and logistics
facilities, hotels and resorts, road construction and equipment,
airports, hospitals and clinics, municipal buildings, renewable power
plants (particularly solar and wind), waste management plants, schools
and universities, water management plants, and architecture.
Examples of upcoming infrastructure projects include design and
construction of:
A high-speed rail line from Tangier to Casablanca, with
$4.5 billion to be spent by 2015.
An $830 million light rail line around Casablanca.
60 dams at $1.47 billion.
Water desalination plants at $1.22 billion.
Highway systems in Rabat, Tit Mellil-Berrechid and El
Jadida-Safi at $1.7 billion.
Low-cost housing of 130,000 units at $1.9 billion.
New passenger and cargo rail stations for Marrakesh and
Casablanca.
Safety/Security
Egypt
In addition to Alexandria, Egypt has eight major ports and three
cross-country borders that require significant security measures. In
its fight against drug smuggling and counterfeit products, Egypt
requires container scanning and shipment tracking devices. Egypt is
also looking at container scanning upgrades and seafarer identification
cards for more secure identification and synchronizing systems to
coordinate security measures and responses. Accordingly, opportunities
exist for U.S firms providing short-range radar systems, surveillance
cameras, infrared and radiological detectors, and vessel tracking
maritime information systems, biometric scanners, personnel databases,
computer peripherals, and systems integration equipment.
Morocco
Tangier is the closest land access point between Africa and Europe,
creating a need for cargo and passenger
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control/tracking systems, surveillance equipment including sonar and
radar, biometric passport technologies, and other equipment used in the
fight against drug trafficking, smuggling and counter terrorism. The
military and police agencies are purchasing safety and security
equipment for protecting Morocco's two vast coastlines and remote
national borders.
Energy Infrastructure
Egypt
Egypt is one of the largest electrical energy producing countries
in the Middle East. Over the next ten years, Egypt plans to expand its
electricity capacity to 40,000 megawatts through a combination of
traditional, renewable, and nuclear energy production to diversify
energy resources and preserve the country's limited oil and gas
reserves. Opportunities exist for U.S. providers of wind turbines,
blades, and other equipment, as well as development and project
management. Best prospects in the energy sector include circuit
breakers of more than 66kv, nuclear-related consultation and generation
equipment and peripherals; power transformers of more than 25MVA-66kva;
power transmission lines; turbine generator units with associated
equipment; and vibration dampers.
Morocco
As industry grows in Morocco, there is an increasing need for coal
and gas-fired energy plants.
A $2.7 billion coal-fired power plant (1320 megawatts) is planned
for the coastal city of Safi and $450 million will be used specifically
for clean coal technology. Opportunities also exist for equipment and
services in solar and wind energy. Five new wind farms will be built by
2020 to supply 2000 megawatts of electricity. In late 2009, Morocco
announced a $9 billion solar energy program and established a Solar
Energy Agency. Engineering, construction, procurement and, and
management opportunities also exist.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to provide U.S. participants with
first-hand market information, access to government decision makers as
appropriate 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 Egyptian and
Moroccan markets.
Mission Scenario
The Trade Mission will include four stops: Cairo and Alexandria,
Egypt, March 25-28, and Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco, March 29-April
1.
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. A
majority of the nation's commerce is generated in Cairo and regional
headquarters of numerous businesses and organizations are located in
the city.
Alexandria is the second largest city and the largest port in Egypt
as well as an important industrial center. The majority of Egypt's
trade goes through the port, with a cargo handling capacity of 44
million tons per year.
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, the commercial center of
Morocco and the headquarters and industrial facilities location for the
leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco.
Tangier is home to the Tanger-Med Port. In addition, Tangier is
undergoing rapid development and modernization. Plans for the city
include five-star hotels along the bay, a modern business district, an
airport terminal and a soccer stadium.
In each city, participants will meet with new business contacts,
learn about the markets by participating in Embassy briefings, and
explore additional opportunities at networking receptions. Activities
will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened
business prospects.
Proposed Timetable
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday........................ March 25......... Arrival in Cairo.
Saturday...................... March 26......... Visit to Alexandria
to meet with port
officials and return
to Cairo.
Sunday........................ March 27......... Orientation and
market briefings in
Cairo.
Monday........................ March 28......... One-on-one business
appointments in
Cairo.
Tuesday....................... March 29......... One-on-one business
appointments;
evening departure
for Casablanca,
Morocco.
Wednesday..................... March 30......... Orientation and
market briefings,
one-on-one business
appointments,
Evening transfer to
Tangier.
Thursday...................... March 31......... Attend the MedLog
Conference, meetings
with port and
Moroccan Government
officials and
Ambassador's
reception.
Friday........................ April 1.......... One-on-one business
appointments.
Saturday...................... April 2.......... Depart Morocco for
U.S.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Mission
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the Trade Mission to
Egypt and Morocco must complete and submit an application package for
consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will
be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best
satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. This mission is
designed for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 25 companies to
participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies
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
payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a
participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $2,950 for
a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) \*\ and $3,850 for large
firms. The fee for each additional firm representative (SME or large
firm) is $700. Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, interpreters,
and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
Delegation members will be able to take advantage of Embassy rates for
hotel rooms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ 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
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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.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
Suitability of the company's products or services to the
targeted markets.
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.
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.
Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications
Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner,
including posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions
calendar--https://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html--and other Internet
Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association
newsletters, direct outreach to the Department's clients and
distribution lists, posting in the Federal Register, and announcements
at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin September 20, 2010 and
conclude no later than January 21, 2011. Applications received after
January 21, 2011 will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit. We will inform applicants of selection decisions as
soon as possible after January 21, 2011. Applications received after
that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints
permit.
Contacts
U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contacts
Trade Promotion Programs
Anne Novak, Tel: 202-482-8178, Fax: 202-482-9000, E-mail:
EgyptMoroccoTM@trade.gov.
Africa, Near East and South Asia
Sal Tauhidi, Tel: 202-482-1322, Fax: 202-482-5179, E-mail:
EgyptMoroccoTM@trade.gov.
Dated: September 21, 2010.
Anne Novak,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23967 Filed 9-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
