Executive-Led Eurasian Trade Mission, 25302-25306 [2011-10784]

Download as PDF 25302 DATES: Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 86 / Wesnesday, May 4, 2011 / Notices Effective Date: May 4, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael J. Heaney or Robert James, AD/CVD Operations Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4475 or (202) 482– 0649, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Background On September 29, 2010, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published in the Federal Register the initiation of administrative review of the antidumping duty order on floor-standing, metal top ironing tables and certain parts thereof from the People’s Republic of China, covering the period of August 1, 2009, through July 31, 2010. See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Request for Revocation in Part, 75 FR 60076 (September 29, 2010). The current deadline for the preliminary results of this review is May 3, 2011. Extension of Time Limits for Preliminary Results of Review Section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), requires that the Department complete the preliminary results of an administrative review within 245 days after the last day of the anniversary month of an order for which a review is requested. However, if it is not practicable to complete the review within this time period, section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act allows the Department to extend the time limit for the preliminary results to a maximum of 365 days after the last day of the anniversary month of an order for which a review is requested. The Department finds that it is not practicable to complete the preliminary results of this review within the original time frame because we require additional time to solicit and analyze complex data regarding steel inputs, factors of production and surrogate values. Thus, the Department finds it is not practicable to complete this review within the original time limit (i.e., May 3, 2011). Accordingly, the Department is extending the time limit for completion of the preliminary results of this administrative review by 120 days (i.e., until August 31, 2011, in accordance with section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2)). We intend to issue the final results no later than 120 days after publication of the preliminary results notice. This extension is issued and published in accordance with sections 751(a)(3)(A) and 777(i) of the Act. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:45 May 03, 2011 Jkt 223001 Dated: April 27, 2011. Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–10890 Filed 5–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Executive-Led Eurasian Trade Mission International Trade Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Update. AGENCY: Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing a Trade Mission to from June 20–24, 2011. This Executive led mission will include representatives from a variety of U.S. firms specializing in, but not limited to the following Industries: • Oil and Gas • Medical and Health Care • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) • Environmental Technologies • Shipping Transportation and Freight Forwarding Mission participants will be introduced to international agents, distributors, and end-users whose capabilities and services are targeted to each participant’s needs. This mission will contribute to National Export Initiative goals through increased sales of oil and gas equipment/services; information and communication technologies, medical and health care, environmental technologies, shipping transportation and freight forwarding, etc. in Turkey and Kazakhstan. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with major international companies, integrated service providers, potential agents and distributors as well as potential public and private buyers in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The mission will include matchmaking meetings in different cities including site visits of commercial interest. We are targeting 15 U.S. company representatives responsible for their corporate activity in Eurasia. Commercial Setting—Turkey Turkey, the world’s 17th largest economy, is a major consumer of oil and gas. Although oil and gas produced in Turkey currently meets only a small fraction of the country’s demand, there are significant prospects offshore in the PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Black Sea, and onshore in the Thrace region of western Turkey, and the East and Southeast. Between 2002 and 2009, 747 wells were drilled. In 2009 alone, $716 million was spent for oil and gas exploration and production in Turkey. As of today, only 20% of onshore prospects and 1% of offshore prospects have been explored. Chevron and ExxonMobil announced important exploration efforts in 2009 and 2010 in the Western Black Sea Region. Companies offering technologies and services for exploration and production can also find a market in the geothermal sector: Turkey ranks No.1 in Europe and 7 in the world in terms of geothermal power potential. Turkey is a crucial corridor between the energy-rich Caspian and Middle East and Europe. The planned 3,300 km NABUCCO natural gas pipeline will link Caspian and Middle Eastern suppliers through Turkey to Central Europe, and will create major opportunities for U.S. companies. The total capacity of the pipeline will be 25 to 31 BCMA. Estimated investment costs including financing costs for the entire pipeline system will be well over $10 billion. Other potential pipeline projects include Italy—Greece—Turkey Interconnector (ITGI) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). In addition to oil and gas exploration and production activities and pipelines, new refinery and petrochemical plants are planned over the next decade, with a projected increase of over 90% in refining capacity by 2019, to over 1.3 million BPD. Turkey’s oil and gas market provides excellent opportunities for U.S. companies within the following product areas: 1. Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration and production equipment and services, 2. 2–D and 3–D Seismic equipment and engineering services, 3. Shale gas exploration and production equipment and services, 4. Horizontal Drilling equipment and services, 5. Petrochemical processing equipment and services, 6. Geothermal energy exploration and drilling equipment and engineering services, 7. Coal-bed methane production equipment and services, 8. Compressors, turbines, measuring meters, SCADA systems, and pumps for pipelines, 9. Pipeline construction equipment and engineering services, 10. Refinery processing equipment and refinery auxiliary units, 11. Oil and Gas Storage Systems. E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 86 / Wesnesday, May 4, 2011 / Notices Turkey has a population of approximately 75 million people and is a growing market for the medical products and services sectors. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the largest provider of healthcare and the only public provider of preventive services in Turkey. At a national level, MOH is responsible for the country’s health policy and health services. In fiscal year (FY) 2011, approximately $11.5 billion was allocated to the Turkish Ministry of Health (MOH) by the Government of Turkey (GOT). The MOH budget showed an increase of 40% year over year. A key driver behind Turkey’s continued double-digit growth in health expenditure is the country’s improved health insurance coverage. The implementation of state-funded health insurance for the lowest earners is expected to make a significant contribution to continued health expenditure growth over the next five years. The construction of many private hospitals offers increased sales opportunities and less complicated procurement requirements compared to the confusing tender requirements used by government agencies. The Ministry of Health is also pursuing a number of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects with Turkish and foreign companies to establish healthcare campuses, large medical complexes with several hospitals, labs and recreational areas, in large cities. These projects are also business opportunities for U.S. medical companies and healthcare service providers. The Republic of Turkey has a number of private care facilities focused on cardiovascular care, OBGYN, orthopedics and minimally invasive outpatient ambulatory procedures. A number of private hospitals are procuring angio-cath, radiological equipment and advanced surgical and life support technologies. The procurement of air ambulances and diagnostic medical devices is also being considered. The MOH is working to establish a Council of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, which will be independent from the MOH with the authority to regulate and control the medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics market in Turkey. Medical tourism is a new sector developing in Turkey. Increasingly, patients from Europe and the Middle East go to Turkey for medical treatment, as private healthcare is becoming more affordable. Turkey has become a popular destination for health care among these countries because most of the patients have already vacationed in VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:45 May 03, 2011 Jkt 223001 Turkey and are comfortable with the country’s infrastructure. Currently, medical procedures in demand vary from simple procedures to fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery, and laser surgery. The most popular procedures are cosmetic and dental procedures, yet Turkey also has a good reputation in cardiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, oncology, neurology, dermatology, gynecology/obstetrics, orthopedics, organ transplantation, and otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat). Some of these surgeries have long waiting lists in European countries, which is another reason why Turkey is an attractive country for medical procedures. Turkey’s health care market provides excellent opportunities for U.S. companies within the following product areas: • Disposable products • Advanced med/surgery equipment including angio-cath facilities • Radiology and pathology • Advanced diagnostics systems • Optical devices • Parts and components of medical devices • Electronic instruments and appliances for physical and chemical analysis • Vaccines • Orthotic and prosthetic equipment • OR/ER systems • Dental equipment and devices Turkey’s Information Communication Technologies (ICT) market size is estimated to have reached $27.3 billion in 2010, with a breakdown of $20 billion in Telecommunications and 7.3 billion USD in Information Technologies. The Turkish ICT market continues its rise as one of the key growth markets in Turkey with an estimated growth of 8–10% for 2011, despite the economic global crisis. Current PC penetration levels are estimated at 15%, but the Government aims for computer ownership at 51% and Internet usage at 48% by 2013. Meanwhile, a survey of Turkish primary and secondary schools showed that in 40% of schools, computers are still not integrated into education. This is expected to significantly increase as the Ministry of Education plans to increase the number of computers and Internet connection. Schools in remote areas are to be connected to the net through satellite with the cooperation of the Turkish satellite company Turksat. The consumer electronics market has significantly increased its share in the market. The consumer electronics market in Turkey is estimated at 3 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25303 billion USD. While the rest of the world averaged an increase of 10% in the consumer electronics market, Turkey averaged 35% annual growth in 2010. In the Telecommunications market, Turk Telekom has 17.3 million fixed line subscribers, 6 million ADSL lines and 12.4 million GSM mobile subscribers through AVEA. Turk Telekom owns 99.9% of TTnet, Argela, Innova, Sebit, Sobee ve AssisTT companies. It also owns 81% of AVEA, one of the three GSM mobile operators in Turkey. Turk Telekom is the minority share of ALBtelecom in Albania. 55% of the shares of Turk Telekom belong to Ojer Telecom Inc. and 30% belongs to the Turkish Treasury. The remaining 15% is floated in the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). The value of Turk Telekom was over US $15 billion in 2010. Turk Telekom will invest $3.42 billion thru 2010 for its Next Generation Network (NGN) project and will also replace its rural area switches with small telephone switches over 10,200 switch centers. Turk Telekom is in the process of introducing IP TV. Fixed line subscribers can now change their operators without changing their phone numbers as a result of the fixed line number portability regulation, which came into force in September 2009. The three GSM cellular operators, Turkcell, Vodafone and AVEA and the fixed line operator Turk Telekom invested in equipment and services at a total value of $2–3 billion to expand their services. Turkcell has almost 36 million subscribers (56.6% of the total GSM cellular subscribers), Vodafone has 15 million (24.5% of the subscribers) and AVEA has 12 million almost 18.9% of the subscribers. The total number of GSM cellular service subscribers reached almost to 64 million with an approximate penetration rate of almost 89%. The total telecom equipment and service market grew to $19.3 billion and is expected to expand in 2010 as the GSM sector is the driving force and the subscribers are expected to use more and more 3G services. Total number of 3G subscribers reached to almost 6 million while 2G subscribers decreased to 58 million. Fixed line subscribers are almost 17 million, reaching almost 100% penetration per house basis. Subscriber penetration for fix line is 23.5% and is not expected to increase anymore due to hard competition from the GSM cellular operators. With the introduction of 3G last year; IPTV, online services, content and media services, E-business, personalized services, music download, games, multiplay, video services, and other mobile E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 25304 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 86 / Wesnesday, May 4, 2011 / Notices jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES entertainment, has been developing rapidly, creating new business areas and revenues. BTK (Turkish Telecom Authority) is expected to conduct tenders for WiMax licenses in 2011. Over 40 private long distance telephone companies have been also operating over the last 5 years, mostly using VoIP via an interconnection agreement with Turk Telekom. Some of these companies have established or continue to establish their own network. This attractive consumer electronics trend has lured many international and national electronic retail supermarkets. German Mediamarkt, British Electro World, Turkish Teknosa, Vatanbilgisayar and Gold Bilgisayar have been competing for a number of years in Turkey. Turkey’s ICT market provides excellent opportunities for U.S. companies within the following product areas: • Consumer Electronics • Notebook PC’s • Audio Visual Equipment • Wireless equipment/services • IPTV • WiMax (awaiting law) • VDSL • 3G & 4G related technologies/services Commercial Setting—Kazakhstan Kazakhstan has the Caspian Sea region’s largest recoverable crude oil reserves and accounts for approximately two-thirds of the roughly 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) currently being produced in the region. The Government of Kazakhstan and foreign investors continue to focus heavily on the hydrocarbons sector, which so far has received approximately 60% of the estimated $58 billion in foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan since 1991, and makes up approximately 53% of its export revenue. Existing oil extraction sites offshore in the North Caspian, combined with onshore fields currently under development, mark Kazakhstan as a potentially major near-term oil exporter. Already its oil production has reached 1.4 million bpd, with daily output expected to total 2.6 million bpd by 2015. As a result, foreign investors are increasing their focus in its energy infrastructure, including oil transportation routes such as the BakuTbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Oil industry sources estimate that Kazakhstan could eventually attract up to $140 billion of foreign investment in its oil infrastructure. Industry experts and the U.S. Commercial Service in Almaty estimate that the current market for oil and gas field equipment and services will grow to $7.5 billion in 2010, and will continue growing at VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:45 May 03, 2011 Jkt 223001 15–20% annually over the next three years. Kazakhstan as yet has no experience in offshore production and operations. This experience gap offers many opportunities for U.S. service companies in rig work, support infrastructure, and environmentally sensitive technologies. The Caspian Basin’s oil-bearing formations are generally quite deep (15,000 feet), under considerable pressure, and often contain a high degree of sulfur and other contaminants, making special drilling and processing equipment necessary. Additionally, U.S. oil and gas field equipment suppliers have the potential for solid growth over the next decade as new fields are brought on-stream and secondary recovery methods are introduced to existing deposits. Kazakhstan’s oil and gas market provides excellent opportunities for U.S. companies within the following product areas: 1. Oil and Gas Well Development; 2. Field Operation; 3. Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration/ Exploitation Equipment; 4. Gathering, Treatment, Transportation and Storage of Oil, Petrochemical Products and Natural Gas; 5. Pumps, Fittings and Valves; 6. Gas Detection and Monitoring Systems; 7. Oil and Gas Field Chemicals; 8. Pipeline Construction Equipment; and 9. Pipeline Corrosion Controls. Healthcare Sector The sustainable growth of Kazakhstan’s economy during the past years is reflected in all sectors of the country’s economy, including healthcare. Providing the population with quality healthcare services is one of the government’s priority tasks. Around USD2.8 and USD2.5 billion were allocated for healthcare sector from the state budget in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Role of the government is very significant, 80% of healthcare institutions in Kazakhstan are stateowned thus the principal end-users of medical equipment are state-owned healthcare institutions. Every year the government spends approximately USD170–200 million for purchasing medical equipment. Local production is relatively insignificant. Local manufacturers produce basic medical equipment that do not require innovative technologies. Market demand for specific complex medical equipment is met entirely by imports which makes up 90% of total market. The most demanded medical equipment and services include: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Diagnostic equipment; • Medical lasers; • Endoscope; • Surgery equipment. The pharmaceutical market is one of the most stable markets in Kazakhstan and has not been significantly affected by the economic crisis. In 2009, its volume amounted to approximately $800 million with a 2% market growth. Local production is estimated as 12% of the total pharmaceutical market. According to statistics, government purchases in Kazakhstan in 2009 are estimated at $368.2 million. The share of local manufacturers in government purchases is estimated at 11.8%. State procurement in 2009 can be broken down into three categories as follows: Hospital purchases at 49%, ambulatory purchases at 30%, and centralized purchases made by the Ministry of Health at 21%. The population of Kazakhstan in 2009 was estimated at 16.2 million with 70.2% of the population aged between 15 and 65 years. Approximately 7.9% of the population is over 65 and 21.8% is under 15 years of age. Based on market statistics, U.S. companies producing the following pharmaceutical products have strong prospects: • Systemic antibacterials, • Oncology medications, • Antihemorrhagics, • Anti-diabetic medications, and/or • Vaccines, • Blood substitutes and perfusion solutions. Telecommunication Market The telecommunications sector remains one of the most dynamic and fastest developing sectors in Kazakhstan’s economy. The country’s telecom revenues in 2009 amounted to $2.8 billion, a 8.3% increase from 2008. The following segments make up the telecommunication market in Kazakhstan: Mobile communications, fixed line communications, Internet and Data Transmission, Radio and TV broadcasting. The market breakdown in 2009: Mobile Communications—52.8% Fixed Line Communications—20.1% Internet—8.5% Data Transmission—2.2% TV Broadcasting—3.1% Other—13.4% In 2005, the government of Kazakhstan adopted a law that sought to demonopolize and liberalize the telecommunications market. The program was aimed at decreasing the monopoly of Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan’s leading telecom operator (and over 50% government owned). Its E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 86 / Wesnesday, May 4, 2011 / Notices main provision was to provide all operators equal access to the country’s telecommunications network and to initiate a system of alternative operators of international and long-distance services (by abolishing Kazakhtelecom’s exclusive license). In reality, the program has had little impact on Kazakhtelecom’s dominance, as the firm still has a monopoly on telecommunication services, which has resulted in high tariffs for long distance and international phone communications and Internet access. There is a hope that Kazakhstan’s goal to enter the World Trade Organization will positively impact the current situation in regards to market liberalization, as it will require the government to reexamine its regulatory oversight, which is currently fragmented. Based on the government program on Development of the Telecommunication Sector, the best prospects for U.S. suppliers of the telecommunication equipment are: • 3G telecommunication equipment (WiMAX); • TV digital broadcasting equipment; • Satellite telecommunication systems for providing Internet access and phone communication in remote areas; • Equipment for digitization of the existing telecommunication networks including digital and/or interactive TV systems working on a frequency of 40 GHz and more. • Equipment for DWDM technologies. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Mission Goals The trade mission will assist representatives of American companies responsible for business activity in Eurasia with their efforts to identify profitable opportunities and new markets for their respective U.S. companies and to increase their export potential. The summary of results expected from the mission includes finding potential partners, agents and distributors, joint venture partners, and provide market knowledge for future expansion. Mission Scenario In Kazakhstan, mission members will be presented with a briefing by the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Officer, the sector specialists and other key Kazakh government and corporate officials. Participants will also take part in business matchmaking appointments with Kazakhstani private sector companies. In Turkey, mission members will also be presented with a briefing by the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Officer, the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:45 May 03, 2011 Jkt 223001 Commercial Specialist for the various sectors represented and other key Turkish government and corporate officials. Participants will take part in business matchmaking appointments with Turkish private sector companies, which would be potential candidates for agent/representative or distributor. Depending on the availability, potential buyers may also be scheduled for meetings. The venue will be Ankara, the capital of Turkey where the public sector is headquartered and Istanbul where headquarters of most of the private sector is located. U.S. participants will be counseled before and after the mission by the domestic mission coordinator. Participation in the mission will include the following: • Pre-travel Webinars on subjects ranging from industry briefings to business practices in Turkey and Kazakhstan. • Pre-scheduled meetings with potential partners, distributors, end users, or local industry contacts in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey; • Transportation to and from all airports and all mission-organized meetings, excluding air transport; • Meetings with key Kazakh and Turkish Government decision makers and private sector firms; • Participation in networking receptions in Turkey and Kazakhstan; and • Meetings with CS Turkey’s and CS Kazakhstan’s sector specialists in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey and Almaty, Kazakhstan. Mission Timetable Mission participants will arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Sunday, June 19, 2011 and the mission program will take place from June 20–24, 2011. Departure to the United States or other onward destinations will be on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Sunday, June 19, 2011 Almaty, Kazakhstan • Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan Day 1 Monday, June 20, 2011 Almaty, Kazakhstan • Agenda Review and Market briefings by U.S. Embassy officials • Matchmaking Meetings • Networking Reception Day 2 Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Almaty, Kazakhstan • Possible Site Visit • Matchmaking Meetings PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25305 Day 3 Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Istanbul, Turkey • Morning departure to Istanbul • Arrive Istanbul at noon • Afternoon Embassy Briefing • Industry Briefing • Evening reception hosted by Consul General Day 4 Thursday, June 23, 2011 Istanbul-Ankara, Turkey • One-on-one matchmaking meetings with potential agents, distributors or partners • Evening Departure to Ankara Day 5 Friday, June 24, 2011 Ankara, Turkey • 1–1 matchmaking meetings (afternoon) • Sector briefings • Evening Networking Reception at Ambassador’s Residence Day 6 Saturday, June 25, 2011 Ankara-Istanbul, Turkey • Departure to Istanbul or to Europe for U.S. flights or weekend touristic site visits in Istanbul Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the Commercial Service Eurasian Trade Mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies already doing business with Turkey and Kazakhstan as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter these markets for the first time may apply. Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. Participation fee will be as follows: SME 1 all stop cost: $3,160. 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/services/contractingopportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects Continued E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 25306 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 86 / Wesnesday, May 4, 2011 / Notices Large company all stop cost: $4,585. One country cost: At actual rate only upon request. Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of Embassy rates for hotel rooms. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products • And/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, • Request additional information, or take the lack of 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: Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the Eurasian Region equipment and services market; • Diversity of company size, type, location, demographics and traditional under representation in business in Turkey and Kazakhstan, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including posting on the Commerce Department trade missions calendar—https://www.ita.doc.gov/ doctm/tmcal.html—and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (see https:// www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/ initiatives.html for additional information). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:45 May 03, 2011 Jkt 223001 newsletters, direct outreach to internal clients and distribution lists, posting in the Federal Register, and announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. The Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) is amending the January 5, 2011 Federal Register Notice (76 FR 537, Jan. 5, 2011) announcing the executive-led Oil & Gas Equipment and Services Mission to Kazakhstan and Turkey from June 20–24, 2011 to extend the deadline from April 29, 2011 to May 7, 2011 for applications for representatives of U.S. firms to participate in the mission. Because of the need for participants to make flight arrangements and obtain visas, ITA will review applications and making participation decisions on a rolling basis starting April 29th. We will inform applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after April 29, 2011. Applications received after May 6, 2011 will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 companies. Contact Information U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact Brendan Kelly, Tel: 713–209–3113, Email: brendan.kelly@trade.gov. Jessica Arnold, Tel: 202–482–1841, Email: jessica.arnold@trade.gov. U.S. Commercial Service Almaty, Kazakhstan Jennifer Kane, Senior Commercial Officer or Azhar Kadrzhanova, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate General—Almaty, 41 Kazybek bi Street, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan, Tel.: +7 (727) 250–7612, Fax: +7 (727) 250–0777, E-mail: Jennifer.Kane@trade.gov . U.S. Commercial Service Ankara, Turkey Michael Lally, Senior Commercial Officer or Serdar Cetinkaya, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy— Ankara, Tel: +90 (312) 457–7203, Fax: +90 (312) 457–7302, E-mail: Michael.Lally@trade.gov. U.S. Commercial Service Istanbul, Turkey Gregory Taevs, Principal Commercial Officer, Tel: +90 (212) 335– 9302, Fax: +90 (212) 335–9103, E-mail: Gregory.Taevs@trade.gov. Elnora Moye, Commercial Service Trade Mission Program, U.S. Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. 2011–10784 Filed 5–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Vessel Logbooks and CoastEarnings Data Reports National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 5, 2011. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Steve Durkee (202) 670–6637 (Steve.Durkee@noaa.gov), Jennifer Cudney (301) 713–2347 (Jennifer.Cudney@noaa.gov), or Margo Schulze-Haugen (301) 713–2347 (Margo.Schulze-Haugen@noaa.gov), Highly Migratory Species Management Division (F/SF1), Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for renewal of a current information collection. Under the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for management of the nation’s marine fisheries. In addition, NMFS must comply with the United States’ obligations under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.), which implements the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recommendations. NMFS collects information via vessel logbooks to monitor the U.S. catch of Atlantic E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25302-25306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10784]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Executive-Led Eurasian Trade Mission

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Update.

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Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing 
a Trade Mission to from June 20-24, 2011. This Executive led mission 
will include representatives from a variety of U.S. firms specializing 
in, but not limited to the following Industries:
 Oil and Gas
 Medical and Health Care
 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
 Environmental Technologies
 Shipping Transportation and Freight Forwarding
    Mission participants will be introduced to international agents, 
distributors, and end-users whose capabilities and services are 
targeted to each participant's needs. This mission will contribute to 
National Export Initiative goals through increased sales of oil and gas 
equipment/services; information and communication technologies, medical 
and health care, environmental technologies, shipping transportation 
and freight forwarding, etc. in Turkey and Kazakhstan.
    Participants will have an opportunity to meet with major 
international companies, integrated service providers, potential agents 
and distributors as well as potential public and private buyers in 
Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The mission will 
include matchmaking meetings in different cities including site visits 
of commercial interest. We are targeting 15 U.S. company 
representatives responsible for their corporate activity in Eurasia.

Commercial Setting--Turkey

    Turkey, the world's 17th largest economy, is a major consumer of 
oil and gas. Although oil and gas produced in Turkey currently meets 
only a small fraction of the country's demand, there are significant 
prospects offshore in the Black Sea, and onshore in the Thrace region 
of western Turkey, and the East and Southeast. Between 2002 and 2009, 
747 wells were drilled. In 2009 alone, $716 million was spent for oil 
and gas exploration and production in Turkey. As of today, only 20% of 
onshore prospects and 1% of offshore prospects have been explored. 
Chevron and ExxonMobil announced important exploration efforts in 2009 
and 2010 in the Western Black Sea Region. Companies offering 
technologies and services for exploration and production can also find 
a market in the geothermal sector: Turkey ranks No.1 in Europe and 7 in 
the world in terms of geothermal power potential.
    Turkey is a crucial corridor between the energy-rich Caspian and 
Middle East and Europe. The planned 3,300 km NABUCCO natural gas 
pipeline will link Caspian and Middle Eastern suppliers through Turkey 
to Central Europe, and will create major opportunities for U.S. 
companies. The total capacity of the pipeline will be 25 to 31 BCMA. 
Estimated investment costs including financing costs for the entire 
pipeline system will be well over $10 billion. Other potential pipeline 
projects include Italy--Greece--Turkey Interconnector (ITGI) and Trans 
Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
    In addition to oil and gas exploration and production activities 
and pipelines, new refinery and petrochemical plants are planned over 
the next decade, with a projected increase of over 90% in refining 
capacity by 2019, to over 1.3 million BPD.
    Turkey's oil and gas market provides excellent opportunities for 
U.S. companies within the following product areas:
    1. Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration and production 
equipment and services,
    2. 2-D and 3-D Seismic equipment and engineering services,
    3. Shale gas exploration and production equipment and services,
    4. Horizontal Drilling equipment and services,
    5. Petrochemical processing equipment and services,
    6. Geothermal energy exploration and drilling equipment and 
engineering services,
    7. Coal-bed methane production equipment and services,
    8. Compressors, turbines, measuring meters, SCADA systems, and 
pumps for pipelines,
    9. Pipeline construction equipment and engineering services,
    10. Refinery processing equipment and refinery auxiliary units,
    11. Oil and Gas Storage Systems.

[[Page 25303]]

    Turkey has a population of approximately 75 million people and is a 
growing market for the medical products and services sectors. The 
Ministry of Health (MOH) is the largest provider of healthcare and the 
only public provider of preventive services in Turkey. At a national 
level, MOH is responsible for the country's health policy and health 
services. In fiscal year (FY) 2011, approximately $11.5 billion was 
allocated to the Turkish Ministry of Health (MOH) by the Government of 
Turkey (GOT). The MOH budget showed an increase of 40% year over year. 
A key driver behind Turkey's continued double-digit growth in health 
expenditure is the country's improved health insurance coverage. The 
implementation of state-funded health insurance for the lowest earners 
is expected to make a significant contribution to continued health 
expenditure growth over the next five years.
    The construction of many private hospitals offers increased sales 
opportunities and less complicated procurement requirements compared to 
the confusing tender requirements used by government agencies. The 
Ministry of Health is also pursuing a number of Public Private 
Partnership (PPP) projects with Turkish and foreign companies to 
establish healthcare campuses, large medical complexes with several 
hospitals, labs and recreational areas, in large cities. These projects 
are also business opportunities for U.S. medical companies and 
healthcare service providers.
    The Republic of Turkey has a number of private care facilities 
focused on cardiovascular care, OBGYN, orthopedics and minimally 
invasive outpatient ambulatory procedures. A number of private 
hospitals are procuring angio-cath, radiological equipment and advanced 
surgical and life support technologies. The procurement of air 
ambulances and diagnostic medical devices is also being considered. The 
MOH is working to establish a Council of Pharmaceuticals and Medical 
Devices, which will be independent from the MOH with the authority to 
regulate and control the medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics 
market in Turkey.
    Medical tourism is a new sector developing in Turkey. Increasingly, 
patients from Europe and the Middle East go to Turkey for medical 
treatment, as private healthcare is becoming more affordable. Turkey 
has become a popular destination for health care among these countries 
because most of the patients have already vacationed in Turkey and are 
comfortable with the country's infrastructure.
    Currently, medical procedures in demand vary from simple procedures 
to fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery, and laser surgery. The most 
popular procedures are cosmetic and dental procedures, yet Turkey also 
has a good reputation in cardiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, 
gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, oncology, neurology, 
dermatology, gynecology/obstetrics, orthopedics, organ transplantation, 
and otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat). Some of these surgeries have 
long waiting lists in European countries, which is another reason why 
Turkey is an attractive country for medical procedures.
    Turkey's health care market provides excellent opportunities for 
U.S. companies within the following product areas:
 Disposable products
 Advanced med/surgery equipment including angio-cath facilities
 Radiology and pathology
 Advanced diagnostics systems
 Optical devices
 Parts and components of medical devices
 Electronic instruments and appliances for physical and 
chemical analysis
 Vaccines
 Orthotic and prosthetic equipment
 OR/ER systems
 Dental equipment and devices
    Turkey's Information Communication Technologies (ICT) market size 
is estimated to have reached $27.3 billion in 2010, with a breakdown of 
$20 billion in Telecommunications and 7.3 billion USD in Information 
Technologies. The Turkish ICT market continues its rise as one of the 
key growth markets in Turkey with an estimated growth of 8-10% for 
2011, despite the economic global crisis.
    Current PC penetration levels are estimated at 15%, but the 
Government aims for computer ownership at 51% and Internet usage at 48% 
by 2013. Meanwhile, a survey of Turkish primary and secondary schools 
showed that in 40% of schools, computers are still not integrated into 
education.
    This is expected to significantly increase as the Ministry of 
Education plans to increase the number of computers and Internet 
connection. Schools in remote areas are to be connected to the net 
through satellite with the cooperation of the Turkish satellite company 
Turksat.
    The consumer electronics market has significantly increased its 
share in the market. The consumer electronics market in Turkey is 
estimated at 3 billion USD. While the rest of the world averaged an 
increase of 10% in the consumer electronics market, Turkey averaged 35% 
annual growth in 2010.
    In the Telecommunications market, Turk Telekom has 17.3 million 
fixed line subscribers, 6 million ADSL lines and 12.4 million GSM 
mobile subscribers through AVEA. Turk Telekom owns 99.9% of TTnet, 
Argela, Innova, Sebit, Sobee ve AssisTT companies. It also owns 81% of 
AVEA, one of the three GSM mobile operators in Turkey. Turk Telekom is 
the minority share of ALBtelecom in Albania. 55% of the shares of Turk 
Telekom belong to Ojer Telecom Inc. and 30% belongs to the Turkish 
Treasury. The remaining 15% is floated in the Istanbul Stock Exchange 
(IMKB). The value of Turk Telekom was over US $15 billion in 2010.
    Turk Telekom will invest $3.42 billion thru 2010 for its Next 
Generation Network (NGN) project and will also replace its rural area 
switches with small telephone switches over 10,200 switch centers. Turk 
Telekom is in the process of introducing IP TV. Fixed line subscribers 
can now change their operators without changing their phone numbers as 
a result of the fixed line number portability regulation, which came 
into force in September 2009.
    The three GSM cellular operators, Turkcell, Vodafone and AVEA and 
the fixed line operator Turk Telekom invested in equipment and services 
at a total value of $2-3 billion to expand their services. Turkcell has 
almost 36 million subscribers (56.6% of the total GSM cellular 
subscribers), Vodafone has 15 million (24.5% of the subscribers) and 
AVEA has 12 million almost 18.9% of the subscribers.
    The total number of GSM cellular service subscribers reached almost 
to 64 million with an approximate penetration rate of almost 89%. The 
total telecom equipment and service market grew to $19.3 billion and is 
expected to expand in 2010 as the GSM sector is the driving force and 
the subscribers are expected to use more and more 3G services. Total 
number of 3G subscribers reached to almost 6 million while 2G 
subscribers decreased to 58 million. Fixed line subscribers are almost 
17 million, reaching almost 100% penetration per house basis. 
Subscriber penetration for fix line is 23.5% and is not expected to 
increase anymore due to hard competition from the GSM cellular 
operators.
    With the introduction of 3G last year; IPTV, online services, 
content and media services, E-business, personalized services, music 
download, games, multi-play, video services, and other mobile

[[Page 25304]]

entertainment, has been developing rapidly, creating new business areas 
and revenues. BTK (Turkish Telecom Authority) is expected to conduct 
tenders for WiMax licenses in 2011.
    Over 40 private long distance telephone companies have been also 
operating over the last 5 years, mostly using VoIP via an 
interconnection agreement with Turk Telekom. Some of these companies 
have established or continue to establish their own network.
    This attractive consumer electronics trend has lured many 
international and national electronic retail supermarkets. German 
Mediamarkt, British Electro World, Turkish Teknosa, Vatanbilgisayar and 
Gold Bilgisayar have been competing for a number of years in Turkey.
    Turkey's ICT market provides excellent opportunities for U.S. 
companies within the following product areas:
 Consumer Electronics
 Notebook PC's
 Audio Visual Equipment
 Wireless equipment/services
 IPTV
 WiMax (awaiting law)
 VDSL
 3G & 4G related technologies/services

Commercial Setting--Kazakhstan

    Kazakhstan has the Caspian Sea region's largest recoverable crude 
oil reserves and accounts for approximately two-thirds of the roughly 
1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) currently being produced in the 
region. The Government of Kazakhstan and foreign investors continue to 
focus heavily on the hydrocarbons sector, which so far has received 
approximately 60% of the estimated $58 billion in foreign direct 
investment in Kazakhstan since 1991, and makes up approximately 53% of 
its export revenue. Existing oil extraction sites offshore in the North 
Caspian, combined with onshore fields currently under development, mark 
Kazakhstan as a potentially major near-term oil exporter. Already its 
oil production has reached 1.4 million bpd, with daily output expected 
to total 2.6 million bpd by 2015. As a result, foreign investors are 
increasing their focus in its energy infrastructure, including oil 
transportation routes such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
    Oil industry sources estimate that Kazakhstan could eventually 
attract up to $140 billion of foreign investment in its oil 
infrastructure. Industry experts and the U.S. Commercial Service in 
Almaty estimate that the current market for oil and gas field equipment 
and services will grow to $7.5 billion in 2010, and will continue 
growing at 15-20% annually over the next three years. Kazakhstan as yet 
has no experience in offshore production and operations. This 
experience gap offers many opportunities for U.S. service companies in 
rig work, support infrastructure, and environmentally sensitive 
technologies. The Caspian Basin's oil-bearing formations are generally 
quite deep (15,000 feet), under considerable pressure, and often 
contain a high degree of sulfur and other contaminants, making special 
drilling and processing equipment necessary. Additionally, U.S. oil and 
gas field equipment suppliers have the potential for solid growth over 
the next decade as new fields are brought on-stream and secondary 
recovery methods are introduced to existing deposits.
    Kazakhstan's oil and gas market provides excellent opportunities 
for U.S. companies within the following product areas:
    1. Oil and Gas Well Development;
    2. Field Operation;
    3. Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration/Exploitation Equipment;
    4. Gathering, Treatment, Transportation and Storage of Oil, 
Petrochemical Products and Natural Gas;
    5. Pumps, Fittings and Valves;
    6. Gas Detection and Monitoring Systems;
    7. Oil and Gas Field Chemicals;
    8. Pipeline Construction Equipment; and
    9. Pipeline Corrosion Controls.

Healthcare Sector

    The sustainable growth of Kazakhstan's economy during the past 
years is reflected in all sectors of the country's economy, including 
healthcare. Providing the population with quality healthcare services 
is one of the government's priority tasks. Around USD2.8 and USD2.5 
billion were allocated for healthcare sector from the state budget in 
2010 and 2011 respectively. Role of the government is very significant, 
80% of healthcare institutions in Kazakhstan are state-owned thus the 
principal end-users of medical equipment are state-owned healthcare 
institutions. Every year the government spends approximately USD170-200 
million for purchasing medical equipment. Local production is 
relatively insignificant. Local manufacturers produce basic medical 
equipment that do not require innovative technologies. Market demand 
for specific complex medical equipment is met entirely by imports which 
makes up 90% of total market.
    The most demanded medical equipment and services include:
     Diagnostic equipment;
     Medical lasers;
     Endoscope;
     Surgery equipment.
    The pharmaceutical market is one of the most stable markets in 
Kazakhstan and has not been significantly affected by the economic 
crisis. In 2009, its volume amounted to approximately $800 million with 
a 2% market growth. Local production is estimated as 12% of the total 
pharmaceutical market. According to statistics, government purchases in 
Kazakhstan in 2009 are estimated at $368.2 million. The share of local 
manufacturers in government purchases is estimated at 11.8%. State 
procurement in 2009 can be broken down into three categories as 
follows: Hospital purchases at 49%, ambulatory purchases at 30%, and 
centralized purchases made by the Ministry of Health at 21%. The 
population of Kazakhstan in 2009 was estimated at 16.2 million with 
70.2% of the population aged between 15 and 65 years. Approximately 
7.9% of the population is over 65 and 21.8% is under 15 years of age.
    Based on market statistics, U.S. companies producing the following 
pharmaceutical products have strong prospects:
     Systemic antibacterials,
     Oncology medications,
     Antihemorrhagics,
     Anti-diabetic medications, and/or
     Vaccines,
     Blood substitutes and perfusion solutions.

Telecommunication Market

    The telecommunications sector remains one of the most dynamic and 
fastest developing sectors in Kazakhstan's economy. The country's 
telecom revenues in 2009 amounted to $2.8 billion, a 8.3% increase from 
2008.
    The following segments make up the telecommunication market in 
Kazakhstan: Mobile communications, fixed line communications, Internet 
and Data Transmission, Radio and TV broadcasting.
    The market breakdown in 2009:
    Mobile Communications--52.8%
    Fixed Line Communications--20.1%
    Internet--8.5%
    Data Transmission--2.2%
    TV Broadcasting--3.1%
    Other--13.4%
    In 2005, the government of Kazakhstan adopted a law that sought to 
demonopolize and liberalize the telecommunications market. The program 
was aimed at decreasing the monopoly of Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan's 
leading telecom operator (and over 50% government owned). Its

[[Page 25305]]

main provision was to provide all operators equal access to the 
country's telecommunications network and to initiate a system of 
alternative operators of international and long-distance services (by 
abolishing Kazakhtelecom's exclusive license). In reality, the program 
has had little impact on Kazakhtelecom's dominance, as the firm still 
has a monopoly on telecommunication services, which has resulted in 
high tariffs for long distance and international phone communications 
and Internet access. There is a hope that Kazakhstan's goal to enter 
the World Trade Organization will positively impact the current 
situation in regards to market liberalization, as it will require the 
government to reexamine its regulatory oversight, which is currently 
fragmented.
    Based on the government program on Development of the 
Telecommunication Sector, the best prospects for U.S. suppliers of the 
telecommunication equipment are:
     3G telecommunication equipment (WiMAX);
     TV digital broadcasting equipment;
     Satellite telecommunication systems for providing Internet 
access and phone communication in remote areas;
     Equipment for digitization of the existing 
telecommunication networks including digital and/or interactive TV 
systems working on a frequency of 40 GHz and more.
     Equipment for DWDM technologies.

Mission Goals

    The trade mission will assist representatives of American companies 
responsible for business activity in Eurasia with their efforts to 
identify profitable opportunities and new markets for their respective 
U.S. companies and to increase their export potential. The summary of 
results expected from the mission includes finding potential partners, 
agents and distributors, joint venture partners, and provide market 
knowledge for future expansion.

Mission Scenario

    In Kazakhstan, mission members will be presented with a briefing by 
the U.S. Embassy's Commercial Officer, the sector specialists and other 
key Kazakh government and corporate officials. Participants will also 
take part in business matchmaking appointments with Kazakhstani private 
sector companies.
    In Turkey, mission members will also be presented with a briefing 
by the U.S. Embassy's Commercial Officer, the Commercial Specialist for 
the various sectors represented and other key Turkish government and 
corporate officials. Participants will take part in business 
matchmaking appointments with Turkish private sector companies, which 
would be potential candidates for agent/representative or distributor. 
Depending on the availability, potential buyers may also be scheduled 
for meetings. The venue will be Ankara, the capital of Turkey where the 
public sector is headquartered and Istanbul where headquarters of most 
of the private sector is located.
    U.S. participants will be counseled before and after the mission by 
the domestic mission coordinator. Participation in the mission will 
include the following:
     Pre-travel Webinars on subjects ranging from industry 
briefings to business practices in Turkey and Kazakhstan.
     Pre-scheduled meetings with potential partners, 
distributors, end users, or local industry contacts in Istanbul and 
Ankara, Turkey;
     Transportation to and from all airports and all mission-
organized meetings, excluding air transport;
     Meetings with key Kazakh and Turkish Government decision 
makers and private sector firms;
     Participation in networking receptions in Turkey and 
Kazakhstan; and
     Meetings with CS Turkey's and CS Kazakhstan's sector 
specialists in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey and Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Mission Timetable

    Mission participants will arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Sunday, 
June 19, 2011 and the mission program will take place from June 20-24, 
2011. Departure to the United States or other onward destinations will 
be on Saturday, June 25, 2011.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Almaty, Kazakhstan
     Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 1

Monday, June 20, 2011

Almaty, Kazakhstan
     Agenda Review and Market briefings by U.S. Embassy 
officials
     Matchmaking Meetings
     Networking Reception

Day 2

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Almaty, Kazakhstan
     Possible Site Visit
     Matchmaking Meetings

Day 3

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Istanbul, Turkey
     Morning departure to Istanbul
     Arrive Istanbul at noon
     Afternoon Embassy Briefing
     Industry Briefing
     Evening reception hosted by Consul General

Day 4

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Istanbul-Ankara, Turkey
     One-on-one matchmaking meetings with potential agents, 
distributors or partners
     Evening Departure to Ankara

Day 5

Friday, June 24, 2011

Ankara, Turkey
     1-1 matchmaking meetings (afternoon)
     Sector briefings
     Evening Networking Reception at Ambassador's Residence

Day 6

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Ankara-Istanbul, Turkey
     Departure to Istanbul or to Europe for U.S. flights or 
weekend touristic site visits in Istanbul

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Commercial Service 
Eurasian Trade Mission must complete and submit an application package 
for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be 
evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy 
the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 and a maximum 
of 20 companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the 
applicant pool. U.S. companies already doing business with Turkey and 
Kazakhstan as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter these markets for 
the first time may apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required. Participation fee will be as follows:
    SME \1\ all stop cost: $3,160.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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/services/contractingopportunities/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 (see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).

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

[[Page 25306]]

    Large company all stop cost: $4,585.
    One country cost: At actual rate only upon request.
    Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, 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 products
     And/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for 
participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete 
application, the Department may reject the application,
     Request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the applications.
     Each applicant must also certify that the products and 
services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in 
the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm 
and have at least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished 
product or service.
    Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on 
the following criteria:
     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
Eurasian Region equipment and services market;
     Diversity of company size, type, location, demographics 
and traditional under representation in business in Turkey and 
Kazakhstan, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission;
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission. Referrals from political organizations 
and any documents containing references to partisan political 
activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an 
applicant's submission and not considered during the selection process.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including posting on the Commerce Department 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 internal clients and distribution lists, posting in 
the Federal Register, and announcements at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows.
    The Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) 
is amending the January 5, 2011 Federal Register Notice (76 FR 537, 
Jan. 5, 2011) announcing the executive-led Oil & Gas Equipment and 
Services Mission to Kazakhstan and Turkey from June 20-24, 2011 to 
extend the deadline from April 29, 2011 to May 7, 2011 for applications 
for representatives of U.S. firms to participate in the mission. 
Because of the need for participants to make flight arrangements and 
obtain visas, ITA will review applications and making participation 
decisions on a rolling basis starting April 29th. We will inform 
applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after April 29, 
2011. Applications received after May 6, 2011 will be considered only 
if space and scheduling constraints permit.
    Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 
Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 companies.

Contact Information

U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact

    Brendan Kelly, Tel: 713-209-3113, E-mail: brendan.kelly@trade.gov.
    Jessica Arnold, Tel: 202-482-1841, E-mail: 
jessica.arnold@trade.gov.

U.S. Commercial Service Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Jennifer Kane, Senior Commercial Officer or Azhar Kadrzhanova, 
Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate General--Almaty, 41 Kazybek bi 
Street, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan, Tel.: +7 (727) 250-7612, Fax: +7 
(727) 250-0777, E-mail: Jennifer.Kane@trade.gov .

U.S. Commercial Service Ankara, Turkey

    Michael Lally, Senior Commercial Officer or Serdar Cetinkaya, 
Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy--Ankara, Tel: +90 (312) 457-
7203, Fax: +90 (312) 457-7302, E-mail: Michael.Lally@trade.gov.

U.S. Commercial Service Istanbul, Turkey Gregory Taevs, Principal 
Commercial Officer, Tel: +90 (212) 335-9302, Fax: +90 (212) 335-9103, 
E-mail: Gregory.Taevs@trade.gov.

Elnora Moye,
Commercial Service Trade Mission Program, U.S. Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. 2011-10784 Filed 5-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
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