Executive-led Business Development Mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, September 2011 (Dates Are Withheld), 67416-67418 [2011-28258]

Download as PDF 67416 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 211 / Tuesday, November 1, 2011 / Notices Countervailing Duty Proceedings ACTION: No Sunset Review of countervailing duty orders is scheduled from initiation in December 2011. Suspended Investigations No Sunset Review of suspended investigations is scheduled from initiation in December 2011. The Department’s procedures for the conduct of Sunset Reviews are set forth in 19 CFR 351.218. Guidance on methodological or analytical issues relevant to the Department’s conduct of Sunset Reviews is set forth in the Department’s Policy Bulletin 98.3— Policies Regarding the Conduct of Fiveyear (‘‘Sunset’’) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders; Policy Bulletin, 63 FR 18871 (April 16, 1998) . The Notice of Initiation of Five-Year (‘‘Sunset’’) Reviews provides further information regarding what is required of all parties to participate in Sunset Reviews. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.103(c), the Department will maintain and make available a service list for these proceedings. To facilitate the timely preparation of the service list(s), it is requested that those seeking recognition as interested parties to a proceeding contact the Department in writing within 10 days of the publication of the Notice of Initiation. Please note that if the Department receives a Notice of Intent to Participate from a member of the domestic industry within 15 days of the date of initiation, the review will continue. Thereafter, any interested party wishing to participate in the Sunset Review must provide substantive comments in response to the notice of initiation no later than 30 days after the date of initiation. This notice is not required by statute but is published as a service to the international trading community. Dated: October 18, 2011. Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–28311 Filed 10–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Executive-led Business Development Mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, September 2011 (Dates Are Withheld) International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:04 Oct 31, 2011 Jkt 226001 Notice. Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is organizing a business development trade mission to Kabul, Afghanistan in September 2011. This mission will be led by a Senior Commerce Department official. Targeted sectors include: construction (including engineering, architecture, transportation and logistics, and infrastructure); mining (including equipment, technology, and services); agribusiness; and information and communications technology. The mission’s goal is to help U.S. companies explore long-term business opportunities in Afghanistan and enhance U.S.—Afghan commercial relations by providing U.S. participants with first-hand market information, access to government decision makers as well as one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including potential agents, distributors, and partners, to position themselves to enter or expand their presence in the targeted sectors. Commercial Setting The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) is taking steps to develop its market economy and increase both domestic and foreign private investment. GIRoA continues to develop legal and administrative regulatory frameworks that will lead to a market more conducive to trade, investment and private sector development. For example, Afghanistan adopted an investment law that allows investments to be 100% foreign-owned. Additionally, on October 28, 2010, Afghanistan and Pakistan signed the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), allowing Afghan container trucks to drive through Pakistan to the Indian border, and also to port cities such as Karachi. After 30 years of war reconstruction and development efforts are required to grow and stabilize Afghanistan’s economy. The GIRoA is committed to promoting economic development, increasing production and earnings, promoting technology transfer, improving national prosperity and advancing Afghans’ standard of living in partnership with international donor agencies. GIRoA recognizes that U.S. services, equipment and technology would enhance development of Afghanistan’s industrial sector and lead to increased productivity and greater technical skills for Afghan citizens. International donors continue to support Afghanistan’s development; PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 however, long-term sustainable growth will take place through private sector development. To support Afghanistan’s private sector and promote reconstruction efforts, GIRoA has identified domestic priority sectors needing investment and development in both equipment and services. These priority sectors are: construction and infrastructure, logistics and transportation, mining, agribusiness, and information and communications technology providers. The economy is beginning to move from one based on state owned enterprises and the informal economy to a more formal market economy. A notable sign of this transition for the U.S. business community is the establishment of an American Chamber of Commerce in Kabul in 2010. Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan, situated in Kabul Province. With a total metropolitan population of 2.6 million, it is also the largest city in Afghanistan. It is the commercial center for the country, with national Afghan businesses, associations, and GIRoA ministries maintaining a presence in Kabul. Afghanistan’s GDP per capita is approximately $500, and has experienced double digit growth in recent years. The Commerce Department has supported commercial and private sector development in Afghanistan since 2002, and posted a Senior Commercial Officer in Kabul in June 2010. Mission Goals The goal of the mission is to provide U.S. participants with first-hand market information, access to government decision makers and one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including potential agents, distributors, and partners, so that they can position themselves to enter the Afghan market or expand their business presence in Afghanistan. Thus, the mission seeks to: • Improve U.S. companies’ understanding of commercial opportunities in Afghanistan. • Facilitate business meetings between U.S. and Afghan businesses to promote the development of U.S. commercial opportunities in Afghanistan. • Introduce U.S. industry to the Afghan business community and government leaders. • Provide GIRoA policymakers with U.S. industry feedback on the direction of its commercial reforms. Mission Scenario The business development mission will take place in Kabul, Afghanistan. E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 211 / Tuesday, November 1, 2011 / Notices Participants will meet with Afghan leaders in the public and private sector, learn about the market by participating in Embassy briefings, and explore additional opportunities at networking receptions. Activities will include oneon-one meetings with pre-screened business prospects. (Note that the 67417 regular workweek in Afghanistan is Sunday through Thursday.) PROPOSED TIMETABLE [The State Department will follow RSO procedure in reference to security within and around the mission event] Day Day Day Day Day One (weekend) ........... Two ............................. Three ........................... Four ............................. Five ............................. Day Six ............................... Day Seven .......................... Travel Day—Depart U.S. on evening flight. Travel Day—Participants arrive in transit city (tbd) and overnight in pre-arranged departure from transit city. Travel Day, Arrive in Kabul, Afghanistan (afternoon), Evening Event. Security Briefing, Market Briefing, One-on-One Business Appointments, Reception. Market Briefing, Industry Sector Briefing, Meetings with Government and Industry Officials, One-on-One Business Appointments, Reception. One-on-One Business Appointments (optional) Travel Day—Depart for the U.S. (evening). Travel Day—Arrive in U.S. (morning). Participation Requirements This business development mission is designed for a minimum of 10 qualified companies and can accommodate a maximum of 20 participants from the companies accepted. All parties interested in participating in this business development mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, must submit a completed application package for consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and to best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. U.S. companies already doing business in the target sectors as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter this market for the first time are encouraged to apply. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee is $4,800 for a single participant for a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) 1 and $5,245 for a single participant for a large firm. Participants per company will be limited due to space constraints. The fee for each additional participant is $1,500. Applicants are encouraged to provide a clear business purpose and clarification of role of any additional participants proposed to participate in the mission. Interpretation services for official activities are included in the fee. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Lodging and 1 An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations. See https:// www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/owners/ basics/whatismallbusiness/. Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008. See https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/ initiatives.html. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:00 Oct 31, 2011 Jkt 226001 meals for each participant will cost approximately $150 USD per day. Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. • Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the mission goals. • Applicant’s potential for business in Afghanistan. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. (Additional factors, such as diversity of company, size, type and location, may be considered during the selection 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 will not be considered during the selection process. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 manner, including posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions calendar—https://www.trade.gov/trademissions/—and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association newsletters, direct outreach to the Department’s clients and distribution lists, publication in the Federal Register, and announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than January 3, 2012, by the close of business. Applications received after January 3, 2012, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Disclaimer, Security, and Transportation Business development mission members participate in the mission and undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to obtain insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. Companies should consult the State Department’s travel warning for Afghanistan: https://travel.state.gov/ travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html. https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ tw/tw_2121.html. ITA will coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to arrange for transportation of the mission participants to and from the airport and lodging facilities. The primary venue for the mission has security measures in place. For More Information and an Application Packet Contact: U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact: Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC, Tel.: (202) E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 67418 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 211 / Tuesday, November 1, 2011 / Notices 482–2026, afghanmission2011@trade.gov. Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force Contact: Ariana Marshall, International Trade Specialist, Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force, Tel: (202) 482–3754, afghanmission2011@trade.gov. Elnora Moye, Trade Program Assistant. [FR Doc. 2011–28258 Filed 10–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P NSR request from Thong Thuan Company Limited and its subsidiary company, Thong Thuan Seafood Company Limited (collectively, ‘‘Thong Thuan’’). Thong Thuan certified that it is a producer and exporter of the subject merchandise upon which the request was based. The notice initiating the NSR was published on March 23, 2011.2 The Department extended the time limit for the preliminary results by 60 days on September 7, 2011.3 The preliminary results are currently due no later than October 9, 2011. Statutory Time Limits DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–552–802] Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Extension of Time Limit for the Preliminary Results of the New Shipper Review Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. DATES: Effective Date: November 1, 2011. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (the ‘‘Department’’) has decided to extend the time limit for the preliminary results of the new shipper review (‘‘NSR’’) of the antidumping duty order on certain frozen warmwater shrimp (‘‘shrimp’’) from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (‘‘Vietnam’’) to December 9, 2011. The period of review (‘‘POR’’) for this NSR is February 1, 2010, through January 31, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pulongbarit or Seth Isenberg, AD/ CVD Operations, Office 9, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4031 and (202) 482–0588, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Background The notice announcing the antidumping duty order on shrimp from Vietnam was published in the Federal Register on February 1, 2005.1 On February 28, 2011, pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), and section 351.214(c) of the Department’s regulations, the Department received a 1 See Notice of Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Antidumping Duty Order: Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 70 FR 5152 (February 1, 2005). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:04 Oct 31, 2011 Jkt 226001 Section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), provides that the Department will issue the preliminary results of a new shipper review of an antidumping duty order within 180 days after the day on which the review was initiated. See also 19 CFR 351.214(i)(1). The Act further provides that the Department may extend that 180-day period to 300 days if it determines that the case is extraordinarily complicated. See also 19 CFR 351.214(i)(2). Extension of Time Limit of Preliminary Results The Department determines that this new shipper review involves extraordinarily complicated methodological issues, including Thong Thuan’s multiple production stages for subject merchandise and the need to evaluate the bona fide nature of Thong Thuan’s sales. The Department finds that these extraordinarily complicated issues require additional time to evaluate. Therefore, in accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.214(i)(2), the Department is extending the time limit for the preliminary results by an additional 30 days, until no later than December 9, 2011. The final results continue to be due 90 days after the publication of the preliminary results. We are issuing and publishing this notice in accordance with sections 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) and 777(i) of the Act. Dated: October 26, 2011. Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–28324 Filed 10–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P 2 See Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Antidumping Duty New Shipper Review, 76 FR 16384 (March 23, 2011). 3 See Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Extension of Time Limit for the Preliminary Results of the New Shipper Review, 76 FR 55350 (September 7, 2011). PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket Number 111027658–1659–01] Request for Comments on NIST Special Publication 500–293, US Government Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap, Release 1.0 (Draft) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes this notice to seek public comments on the first draft of Special Publication 500–293, US Government Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap, Release 1.0 (Draft). This document is intended to be the mechanism to define and communicate interoperability, portability, and security requirement priorities that must be met in terms of standards, guidance and technology for U.S. Government (USG) agencies to accelerate their adoption of cloud computing. The roadmap has been developed through a transparent working group process, which included five NIST Cloud Computing Working Groups that were established in November 2010. DATES: Comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. Eastern time on December 2, 2011. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to: Robert Bohn, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 2000, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2000. Electronic comments may be sent to: ccroadmap.comments@nist.gov. The report will be available at: https://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud/index.cfm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Bohn, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 2000, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2000, telephone (301) 975–4731. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a technology leadership role in support of a secure and effectively adopted Cloud Computing model 1 to reduce costs and improve services. This role is described SUMMARY: 1 NIST defines Cloud Computing as,’’a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.’’ Special Publication 800–145 (Draft). E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67416-67418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28258]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Executive-led Business Development Mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, 
September 2011 (Dates Are Withheld)

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce's International Trade 
Administration is organizing a business development trade mission to 
Kabul, Afghanistan in September 2011. This mission will be led by a 
Senior Commerce Department official. Targeted sectors include: 
construction (including engineering, architecture, transportation and 
logistics, and infrastructure); mining (including equipment, 
technology, and services); agribusiness; and information and 
communications technology. The mission's goal is to help U.S. companies 
explore long-term business opportunities in Afghanistan and enhance 
U.S.--Afghan commercial relations by providing U.S. participants with 
first-hand market information, access to government decision makers as 
well as one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including potential 
agents, distributors, and partners, to position themselves to enter or 
expand their presence in the targeted sectors.

Commercial Setting

    The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) is 
taking steps to develop its market economy and increase both domestic 
and foreign private investment. GIRoA continues to develop legal and 
administrative regulatory frameworks that will lead to a market more 
conducive to trade, investment and private sector development. For 
example, Afghanistan adopted an investment law that allows investments 
to be 100% foreign-owned. Additionally, on October 28, 2010, 
Afghanistan and Pakistan signed the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade 
Agreement (APTTA), allowing Afghan container trucks to drive through 
Pakistan to the Indian border, and also to port cities such as Karachi.
    After 30 years of war reconstruction and development efforts are 
required to grow and stabilize Afghanistan's economy. The GIRoA is 
committed to promoting economic development, increasing production and 
earnings, promoting technology transfer, improving national prosperity 
and advancing Afghans' standard of living in partnership with 
international donor agencies. GIRoA recognizes that U.S. services, 
equipment and technology would enhance development of Afghanistan's 
industrial sector and lead to increased productivity and greater 
technical skills for Afghan citizens. International donors continue to 
support Afghanistan's development; however, long-term sustainable 
growth will take place through private sector development.
    To support Afghanistan's private sector and promote reconstruction 
efforts, GIRoA has identified domestic priority sectors needing 
investment and development in both equipment and services. These 
priority sectors are: construction and infrastructure, logistics and 
transportation, mining, agribusiness, and information and 
communications technology providers.
    The economy is beginning to move from one based on state owned 
enterprises and the informal economy to a more formal market economy. A 
notable sign of this transition for the U.S. business community is the 
establishment of an American Chamber of Commerce in Kabul in 2010.
    Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan, situated in Kabul Province. 
With a total metropolitan population of 2.6 million, it is also the 
largest city in Afghanistan. It is the commercial center for the 
country, with national Afghan businesses, associations, and GIRoA 
ministries maintaining a presence in Kabul. Afghanistan's GDP per 
capita is approximately $500, and has experienced double digit growth 
in recent years.
    The Commerce Department has supported commercial and private sector 
development in Afghanistan since 2002, and posted a Senior Commercial 
Officer in Kabul in June 2010.

Mission Goals

    The goal of the mission is to provide U.S. participants with first-
hand market information, access to government decision makers and one-
on-one meetings with business contacts, including potential agents, 
distributors, and partners, so that they can position themselves to 
enter the Afghan market or expand their business presence in 
Afghanistan. Thus, the mission seeks to:
     Improve U.S. companies' understanding of commercial 
opportunities in Afghanistan.
     Facilitate business meetings between U.S. and Afghan 
businesses to promote the development of U.S. commercial opportunities 
in Afghanistan.
     Introduce U.S. industry to the Afghan business community 
and government leaders.
     Provide GIRoA policymakers with U.S. industry feedback on 
the direction of its commercial reforms.

Mission Scenario

    The business development mission will take place in Kabul, 
Afghanistan.

[[Page 67417]]

Participants will meet with Afghan leaders in the public and private 
sector, learn about the market by participating in Embassy briefings, 
and explore additional opportunities at networking receptions. 
Activities will include one-on-one meetings with pre-screened business 
prospects. (Note that the regular workweek in Afghanistan is Sunday 
through Thursday.)

                                               Proposed Timetable
  [The State Department will follow RSO procedure in reference to security within and around the mission event]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day One (weekend)...................................  Travel Day--Depart U.S. on evening flight.
Day Two.............................................  Travel Day--Participants arrive in transit city (tbd) and
                                                       overnight in pre-arranged departure from transit city.
Day Three...........................................  Travel Day, Arrive in Kabul, Afghanistan (afternoon),
                                                       Evening Event.
Day Four............................................  Security Briefing, Market Briefing, One-on-One Business
                                                       Appointments, Reception.
Day Five............................................  Market Briefing, Industry Sector Briefing, Meetings with
                                                       Government and Industry Officials, One-on-One Business
                                                       Appointments, Reception.
Day Six.............................................  One-on-One Business Appointments (optional) Travel Day--
                                                       Depart for the U.S. (evening).
Day Seven...........................................  Travel Day--Arrive in U.S. (morning).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    This business development mission is designed for a minimum of 10 
qualified companies and can accommodate a maximum of 20 participants 
from the companies accepted. All parties interested in participating in 
this business development mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, must submit a 
completed application package for consideration by the U.S. Department 
of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet 
certain conditions and to best satisfy the selection criteria as 
outlined below. U.S. companies already doing business in the target 
sectors as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter this market for the 
first time are encouraged to apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a 
payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a 
participation fee is required. The participation fee is $4,800 for a 
single participant for a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) \1\ 
and $5,245 for a single participant for a large firm. Participants per 
company will be limited due to space constraints. The fee for each 
additional participant is $1,500. Applicants are encouraged to provide 
a clear business purpose and clarification of role of any additional 
participants proposed to participate in the mission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    Interpretation services for official activities are included in the 
fee. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant. Lodging and meals for each 
participant will cost approximately $150 USD per day.

Conditions for Participation

     An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission 
application and supplemental application materials, including 
information on the company's products and/or services, primary market 
objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of 
Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject 
the application, request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the application.
     Each applicant must also certify that the products and 
services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in 
the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm 
and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
mission goals.
     Applicant's potential for business in Afghanistan.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
    (Additional factors, such as diversity of company, size, type and 
location, may be considered during the selection 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 will 
not be 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.trade.gov/trade-missions/--and other Internet Web 
sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association 
newsletters, direct outreach to the Department's clients and 
distribution lists, publication in the Federal Register, and 
announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade 
shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than January 3, 2012, by the close of business. Applications 
received after January 3, 2012, will be considered only if space and 
scheduling constraints permit.

Disclaimer, Security, and Transportation

    Business development mission members participate in the mission and 
undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to obtain 
insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage must 
be resolved by the participant. The U.S. Government does not make any 
representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of 
participants. Companies should consult the State Department's travel 
warning for Afghanistan: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html. https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html.
    ITA will coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to arrange for 
transportation of the mission participants to and from the airport and 
lodging facilities. The primary venue for the mission has security 
measures in place.
    For More Information and an Application Packet Contact:
    U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact: Jessica Arnold, 
International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, 
DC, Tel.: (202)

[[Page 67418]]

482-2026, afghanmission2011@trade.gov.
    Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force Contact: 
Ariana Marshall, International Trade Specialist, Afghanistan Investment 
and Reconstruction Task Force, Tel: (202) 482-3754, 
afghanmission2011@trade.gov.

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2011-28258 Filed 10-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
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