Trade Mission to Egypt and Kuwait, 7752-7755 [2013-02262]
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7752
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Notices
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE COMPONENT OF 2013 REIMBURSEMENT RATES
All states except Alaska
and Hawaii
Administrative rates in U.S. dollars, adjusted, up or
down, to the nearest quarter-cent
Rural or
self-prep
sites
Breakfast ..........................................................................
Lunch or Supper ..............................................................
Snack ...............................................................................
Authority: Sections 9, 13, and 14, Richard
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42
U.S.C. 1758, 1761, and 1762a, respectively.
Dated: January 29, 2013.
Audrey Rowe,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013–02231 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–30–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[C–570–955]
Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks From
the People’s Republic of China:
Rescission of Countervailing Duty
Administrative Review; 2011
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
DATES: Effective Date: February 4, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hilary Sadler or Dana Mermelstein,
Import Administration, International
Trade Administration, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 14th Street and
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4340 or
(202) 482–1391, respectively.
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AGENCY:
Background
On September 4, 2012, the
Department of Commerce (the
Department) published a notice of
opportunity to request an administrative
review of the countervailing duty (CVD)
order on certain magnesia carbon bricks
(MCBs) from the People’s Republic of
China (PRC) covering the period January
1, 2011, through December 31, 2011.1
The Department received a timely
request for review of Yingkou Bayuquan
Refractories Co., Ltd. (BRC) from
Vesuvius USA Corporation (Vesuvius), a
U.S. importer of MCBs from the PRC.2
1 See
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order,
Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity
To Request Administrative Review, 77 FR 53863,
53864 (September 4, 2012).
2 See Letter to the Department from Fengchi
‘‘Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China, Case No. C–
570–955: Request for Countervailing Duty
Administrative Review,’’ dated October 1, 2012.
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19:26 Feb 01, 2013
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0.1800
0.3300
0.0900
Alaska
Rural or
self-prep
sites
All other
types of
sites
0.1425
0.2725
0.0700
Hawaii
All other
types of
sites
0.2900
0.5325
0.1450
Rural or
self-prep
sites
0.2300
0.4425
0.1150
All other
types of
sites
0.2100
0.3850
0.1050
0.1650
0.3200
0.0825
Fengchi Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. of
Haicheng City and Fengchi Refractories
Co., of Haicheng City (together, Fengchi)
also timely requested a review of itself.3
On October 31, 2012, the Department
published a notice of initiation of an
administrative review of the CVD order
on MCBs from the PRC with respect to
Fengchi and BRC.4 On December 21,
2012, Fengchi timely withdrew its
request for review of itself.5 On January
7, 2013, Vesuvius timely withdrew its
request for review of BRC.6
shall be assessed countervailing duties
at rates equal to the cash deposit of
estimated countervailing duties required
at the time of entry, or withdrawal from
warehouse, for consumption, during the
period January 1, 2011, through
December 31, 2011, in accordance with
19 CFR 351.212(c)(1)(i). The Department
intends to issue appropriate assessment
instructions to CBP 15 days after
publication of this notice.
Rescission
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), the
Department will rescind an
administrative review, in whole or in
part, if a party that requested the review
withdraws the request within 90 days of
the date of publication of the notice of
initiation of the requested review. Both
parties timely submitted withdrawal
requests within the 90-day period (i.e.,
before January 29, 2013). Because we
received no other requests for review of
Fengchi and BRC and no other requests
for review of the CVD order on MCBs
from the PRC with respect to other
companies subject to the order, we are
rescinding this administrative review of
the CVD order on MCBs from the PRC
in full, consistent with 19 CFR
351.213(d)(1).
This notice also serves as a final
reminder to parties subject to the
administrative protective order (APO) of
their responsibility concerning the
disposition of proprietary information
disclosed under an APO in accordance
with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which
continues to govern business
proprietary information in this segment
of the proceeding. Timely written
notification of the return or destruction
of APO materials, or conversion to
judicial protective order, is hereby
requested. Failure to comply with the
regulations and terms of an APO is a
violation which is subject to sanction.
This notice is issued and published in
accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and
777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended, and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4).
Assessment
The Department will instruct U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to
assess countervailing duties on all
appropriate entries. Fengchi and BRC
Dated: January 25, 2013.
Christian Marsh,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping
and Countervailing Duty Operations.
Notification Regarding Administrative
Protective Orders
[FR Doc. 2013–02213 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
3 See
Letter to the Department from Fengchi
‘‘Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China, Case No. C–
570–955: Request for Countervailing Duty
Administrative Review,’’ dated October 1, 2012.
4 See Initiation of Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and
Requests for Revocation in Part, 77 FR 65858
(October 31, 2012).
5 See Letter to the Department from Fengchi
‘‘Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China, Case No. C–
570–955: Withdrawal of Request for Countervailing
Duty Administrative Review’’ dated December 21,
2012.
6 See Letter to the Department from Vesuvius
‘‘Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China, Case No. C–
570–955: Withdrawal of Request for Countervailing
Duty Administrative Review’’ dated January 7,
2013.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission to Egypt and Kuwait
International Trade
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Replacement Notice.
AGENCY:
The United States Department
of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. and Foreign
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Notices
Commercial Service is replacing the
Notice regarding the Trade Mission to
Egypt and Kuwait March 10–14, 2013,
published at 77 FR 71777, December 4,
2012, to cancel the Kuwait portion of
the mission, and reschedule the Egypt
portion to April 14 to 16, and the
application deadline to March 14.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In June
2012 the Department of Commerce
initiated recruitment for participation in
the U.S. Trade Mission to Egypt and
Kuwait March 10–14, 2013, published at
77 FR 33439, June 6, 2012. In 77 FR
71777, December 4, 2012, the
Department of Commerce announced
that the application deadline for the
mission was extended until January 18,
2013. Since then, due to unforeseen
circumstances, the Kuwait portion of
the mission has been cancelled, and
Trade Mission to Egypt will be April 14
to 16 and the application deadline
March 14. Interested firms that have not
already submitted an application are
encouraged to apply. Applications will
be accepted after the deadline only to
the extent that space remains and
scheduling constraints permit.
Replacement
The Trade Mission to Egypt and
Kuwait is replaced to read as follows:
Business Development Mission to Trade
Mission to Cairo, Egypt
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April 14–16, 2013.
Mission Description
The U.S. Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is
organizing a Trade Mission to Cairo,
Egypt to explore opportunities in the
following sectors: electric power
infrastructure, building products and
design and construction, and safety and
security.
Led by a senior executive of the
Department of Commerce or other U.S.
Government agency, the trade mission
will include one-on-one business
appointments with pre-screened
potential buyers, agents, distributors
and joint venture partners; meetings
with national and regional government
officials, chambers of commerce, and
business groups; and networking
receptions for companies and trade
associations representing companies
interested in expansion into the North
African and Middle Eastern markets.
Meetings will be offered with
government authorities that can address
questions about policies, tariff rates,
incentives, grid interconnection,
regulation, etc.
The mission will help participating
firms and trade associations gain market
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insights, make industry contacts,
solidify business strategies, and advance
specific projects, with the goal of
increasing U.S. exports to Egypt.
Participating in an official U.S. industry
delegation, rather than traveling to
Egypt on their own, will enhance the
companies’ ability to secure meetings in
Egypt.
Commercial Setting
Egypt is strategically located at the
gateway of trade for Africa and the
Middle East. It is a prime location for
the transit of goods, as well as a key
destination for American companies
seeking to do business in the region.
Egypt has experienced profound
political changes over the past year. On
February 11, 2011, President Hosni
Mubarak’s 30-year rule came to an end.
In January 2012, Egypt seated its first
freely and fairly elected parliament, and
has held a Presidential election. In the
meantime, the United States remains
committed to a strong partnership with
Egypt.
As the largest Arab country with a
population of 90 million, Egypt is the
fourth largest export market for U.S.
products and services in the Middle
East. The United States is Egypt’s largest
bilateral trading partner, and the second
largest investor. In 2011, bilateral trade
reached $8.2 billion. The gross domestic
product (GDP) grew over five percent
from 2009 to 2010. According to
Business Monitor International’s
forecasts, Egypt’s real GDP is expanding
2.1% in FY2011/12 and projected to
grow 4.9% in FY2012/13 (Egypt’s fiscal
year is July through June). Egyptian law
requires that foreign companies retain
Egyptian commercial agents for public
tenders, but they may work directly
with private companies. Most foreign
companies have found it beneficial,
however, to engage a local agent for
private sector transactions as well
because of their familiarity of the
language, law and general business
practices. Based on geographical
location or product basis, a firm can
appoint multiple agents in Egypt to
further enhance its success.
Best Sector Prospects
Electric Power Infrastructure
Egypt is one of the largest electrical
energy producing countries in the
Middle East. Over the next ten years,
Egypt plans to expand its electricity
capacity to 60,000 megawatts through a
combination of traditional, renewable,
and energy production to diversify
energy resources and preserve the
country’s limited oil and gas reserves.
Opportunities exist for U.S. providers of
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gas turbines, steam turbines, hydro and
wind turbines, blades, and other
equipment, as well as development and
project management. Best prospects in
the energy sector include circuit
breakers of more than 66kv, power
transformers of more than 25MVA–
66kva, power transmission lines,
turbine generator units with associated
equipment, and vibration dampers.
The US&FCS will organize meetings
for the mission delegates with the
Ministry of Electricity and Energy, and
the New and Renewable Energy
Authority government officials who can
address questions about policies, tariff
rates, incentives, grid interconnection,
price subsidy, and regulations.
Building Products and Design and
Construction
The Government of Egypt (GOE)
directed $1.9 billion to Egypt’s
infrastructure in 2010. With over 50
percent of the population under the age
of 25 and a strong tourism market, there
has been increased pressure on Egypt’s
roads, bridges, railroads, power stations,
water and sewage, hospitals, and
schools. According to the GOE, growth
in the construction sector reached
4.25% in 2010 and will rise to 5.63% in
2014. It is expected to grow by a robust
4.91% year-on-year from 2010 to 2014,
reaching a total value of $15.8 billion.
Such growth is expected to attract
investments of around $7.3 billion by
2015. Demand in the sector is on the
rise mainly because of rapid
demographic growth and housing
shortages, particularly in the low- and
middle-income segments. Construction
accounts for around 8% of total
employment, with a workforce of 1.2
million people in the sector.
As an active importing and exporting
country with a trade volume reaching
$19.5 billion in 2011, there is an
ongoing need for state-of-the-art
logistics centers, intermodal connecting
systems, cold storage, and river
transportation. Logistics centers are
considered critical to the global supply
chain and will affect logistics decisions
ranging from shipping routes to
warehouse locations.
In 2012, the Egyptian government’s
General Authority for Investment
announced the following major plans
for infrastructure development:
• The 6th of October Wastewater
Treatment Plant: design, construction
operation and maintenance of a new
150,000 m3/day plant, valued at $15–29
million
• Abu Rawash Wastewater Treatment
Plant: upgrading of the plant, valued at
$990 million
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Notices
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• East Port Said Port: includes a duty
free zone area, road and rail networks,
a power station, communication center,
value-added services, valued at $1.5
billion
• Alexandria Medical City: a medical
center project for which the Egyptian
government seeks private investment for
financing, designing, constructing,
equipping, furnishing, maintenance,
operating and providing non-clinical
facility services for two University
Hospitals and a blood bank, valued at
$1.45 billion
Some projects will be awarded based
on the Egyptian government’s ‘‘Public
Private Partnership’’ (PPP) program, a
multi-faceted initiative to attract private
sector investment for infrastructure
projects.
Safety and Security
The safety and security industry is
booming throughout Egypt as the
country deals with increased security
issues ranging from private citizen
safety to transaction fraud. Safety and
security imports to Egypt have increased
10–15% annually for the past few years
and U.S. brands are well received. This
is primarily a government market,
dominated by the Ministry of Interior
and Ministry of Defense.
As the country works to increase
tourism over the next few years (a
government priority post-revolution),
airports and seaports will need
upgraded security systems. Police and
customs authorities will also have an
increased need for such systems. Egypt
has eight major ports and three crosscountry borders that require significant
security measures. In its fight against
drug smuggling and counterfeit
products, Egypt requires container
scanning and shipment tracking
devices. Egypt is also looking at
container scanning upgrades and
seafarer identification cards for more
secure identification and synchronizing
systems to coordinate security measures
and responses. Accordingly,
opportunities exist for U.S firms
providing short-range radar systems,
surveillance cameras, infrared and
radiological detectors, vessel tracking
MIS, biometric scanners, personnel
databases, computer peripherals, and
systems integration equipment.
Companies that can provide proven,
cutting-edge technologies will have an
advantage in these export opportunities.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to
provide U.S. participants with firsthand market information, access to
government decision makers as
appropriate and one-on-one meetings
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with business contacts, including
potential agents, distributors and
partners, so they can position
themselves to enter or expand their
presence in the Egypt.
Mission Scenario
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the
largest city in Africa. The business week
runs from Sunday through Thursday.
Proposed Timetable
Saturday, 13 April, Arrival in Cairo.
Sunday, 14 April, Orientation and
market briefings, business luncheon
with American Chamber of Commerce
and U.S. Ambassador’s networking
reception.
Monday, 15 April, One-on-one
business appointments; business
lunch—General Authority For
Investment and Free Zones presentation
on major public-private partnership
projects; group dinner.
Tuesday, 16 April, One-on-one
business appointments.
End of Mission
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating
in the Trade Mission to Egypt must
complete and submit an application
package for consideration by the U.S.
Department of Commerce. All
applicants will be evaluated on their
ability to meet certain conditions and
best satisfy the selection criteria as
outlined below. A minimum of 15 U.S.
companies and/or trade associations
and maximum of 20 companies and/or
trade associations will be selected to
participate in the mission from the
applicant pool. U.S. companies or trade
associations already doing business
with Egypt, as well as U.S. companies
or trade associations seeking to enter
these countries for the first time may
apply.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to
participate on the mission, a payment to
the U.S. Department of Commerce in the
form of a participation fee is required.
The fee for one representative to
participate in the mission is $1400 for
an SME and $2100 for large firms or
trade associations. The fee for each
additional company or association
representative (SME or large firm) is
$400. Expenses for travel, lodging, most
meals, interpreters, and incidentals are
the responsibility of each mission
participant. Participants may be able to
take advantage of Embassy rates for
hotel rooms.
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Conditions for Participation
• An applicant must submit a
completed and signed mission
application and supplemental
application materials, including
adequate information on the company’s
products and/or services, primary
market objectives, and goals for
participation. If the U.S. Department of
Commerce receives an incomplete
application, the Department may reject
the application, request additional
information, or take the lack of
information into account when
evaluating the applications.
• Each applicant must also certify
that the products and services it seeks
to export through the mission are either
produced in the United States, or, if not,
marketed under the name of a U.S. firm
and have at least 51 percent U.S.
content. In the case of a trade
association or trade organization, the
applicant must certify that, for each
company to be represented by the trade
association or trade organization, the
products and services the represented
company seeks to export 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 (or, in
the case of a trade association or trade
organization, represented companies’)
products or services to the targeted
markets
• Applicant’s (or, in the case of a
trade association or trade organization,
represented companies’) potential for
business in the target markets, including
likelihood of exports resulting from the
mission
• Consistency of the applicant’s goals
and objectives with the stated scope of
the mission
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 Export.gov—
and other Internet Web sites;
publication in trade publications and
association newsletters; direct outreach
to the Department’s clients; posting in
the Federal Register; and
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Notices
announcements at industry meetings,
symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will
begin January 28, 2013 and conclude no
later than March 14, 2013. The U.S.
Department of Commerce will review
applications and make selection
decisions on a rolling basis until the
maximum of twenty participants is
reached. We will inform all applicants
of selection decisions as soon as
possible after the applications are
U.S. Commercial Service Cairo, Egypt
Dennis Simmons, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer
U.S. Commercial Service
Embassy of the United States of America
Email: Dennis.Simmons@trade.gov
Tel: (202) 2797–2610
Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013–02262 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XC477
Marine Mammals; File No. 17754
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
Sea World, Inc., 9205 South Park Circle,
Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819, has
applied in due form for a permit to
import one female, captive-born Pacific
white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus
obliquidens) for the purposes of public
display.
DATES: Written or telefaxed comments
must be received on or before March 6,
2013.
ADDRESSES: The application and related
documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment
in the following offices:
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,
1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705,
Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
(301)427–8401; fax (301)713–0376; and
Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th
Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL
33701; phone (727) 824–5312; fax (727)
824–5309.
Written comments on this application
should be submitted to the Chief,
Permits and Conservation Division, at
the address listed above. Comments may
also be submitted by facsimile to
(301)713–0376, or by email to
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please
include the File No. 17754 in the subject
line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public
hearing should submit a written request
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SUMMARY:
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21:04 Feb 01, 2013
Jkt 229001
reviewed. Applications received after
the March 14 deadline will be
considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Commercial Service Washington, DC
Anne Novak
U.S. Commercial Service
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 482–8178
Email: Anne.Novak@trade.gov
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division at the address listed above. The
request should set forth the specific
reasons why a hearing on this
application would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Skidmore or Kristy Beard,
(301)427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations
governing the taking and importing of
marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
The applicant requests authorization
to import one female captive-born
Pacific white-sided dolphin from
Kamogawa SeaWorld 1404–18 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan to Sea
World San Antonio. The applicant
requests this import for the purpose of
public display. The receiving facility,
Sea World San Antonio, 10500
SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX
78251, is: (1) Open to the public on
regularly scheduled basis with access
that is not limited or restricted other
than by charging for an admission fee;
(2) offers an educational program based
on professionally accepted standards of
the AZA and the Alliance for Marine
Mammal Parks and Aquariums; and (3)
holds an Exhibitor’s License, number
74–C–0180, issued by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture under the
Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131—
59).
In addition to determining whether
the applicant meets the three public
display criteria, NMFS must determine
whether the applicant has demonstrated
that the proposed activity is humane
and does not represent any unnecessary
risks to the health and welfare of marine
mammals; that the proposed activity by
itself, or in combination with other
activities, will not likely have a
significant adverse impact on the
species or stock; and that the applicant’s
expertise, facilities and resources are
adequate to accomplish successfully the
objectives and activities stated in the
application.
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In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial
determination has been made that the
activity proposed is categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Concurrent with the publication of
this notice in the Federal Register,
NMFS is forwarding copies of this
application to the Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors.
Dated: January 29, 2013.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–02235 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XC476
Endangered and Threatened Species;
Take of Anadromous Fish
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Receipt of two permit
applications and one permit
modification request for scientific
research and enhancement.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
NMFS has received two scientific
research and enhancement permit
applications and one permit
modification request relating to
anadromous species listed under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). The
proposed research activities are
intended to increase knowledge of the
species and to help guide management
and conservation efforts. The
applications and related documents may
be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 23 (Monday, February 4, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7752-7755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02262]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission to Egypt and Kuwait
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Replacement Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. and Foreign
[[Page 7753]]
Commercial Service is replacing the Notice regarding the Trade Mission
to Egypt and Kuwait March 10-14, 2013, published at 77 FR 71777,
December 4, 2012, to cancel the Kuwait portion of the mission, and
reschedule the Egypt portion to April 14 to 16, and the application
deadline to March 14.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In June 2012 the Department of Commerce
initiated recruitment for participation in the U.S. Trade Mission to
Egypt and Kuwait March 10-14, 2013, published at 77 FR 33439, June 6,
2012. In 77 FR 71777, December 4, 2012, the Department of Commerce
announced that the application deadline for the mission was extended
until January 18, 2013. Since then, due to unforeseen circumstances,
the Kuwait portion of the mission has been cancelled, and Trade Mission
to Egypt will be April 14 to 16 and the application deadline March 14.
Interested firms that have not already submitted an application are
encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted after the deadline
only to the extent that space remains and scheduling constraints
permit.
Replacement
The Trade Mission to Egypt and Kuwait is replaced to read as
follows:
Business Development Mission to Trade Mission to Cairo, Egypt
April 14-16, 2013.
Mission Description
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is organizing a
Trade Mission to Cairo, Egypt to explore opportunities in the following
sectors: electric power infrastructure, building products and design
and construction, and safety and security.
Led by a senior executive of the Department of Commerce or other
U.S. Government agency, the trade mission will include one-on-one
business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents,
distributors and joint venture partners; meetings with national and
regional government officials, chambers of commerce, and business
groups; and networking receptions for companies and trade associations
representing companies interested in expansion into the North African
and Middle Eastern markets. Meetings will be offered with government
authorities that can address questions about policies, tariff rates,
incentives, grid interconnection, regulation, etc.
The mission will help participating firms and trade associations
gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business
strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing
U.S. exports to Egypt. Participating in an official U.S. industry
delegation, rather than traveling to Egypt on their own, will enhance
the companies' ability to secure meetings in Egypt.
Commercial Setting
Egypt is strategically located at the gateway of trade for Africa
and the Middle East. It is a prime location for the transit of goods,
as well as a key destination for American companies seeking to do
business in the region. Egypt has experienced profound political
changes over the past year. On February 11, 2011, President Hosni
Mubarak's 30-year rule came to an end. In January 2012, Egypt seated
its first freely and fairly elected parliament, and has held a
Presidential election. In the meantime, the United States remains
committed to a strong partnership with Egypt.
As the largest Arab country with a population of 90 million, Egypt
is the fourth largest export market for U.S. products and services in
the Middle East. The United States is Egypt's largest bilateral trading
partner, and the second largest investor. In 2011, bilateral trade
reached $8.2 billion. The gross domestic product (GDP) grew over five
percent from 2009 to 2010. According to Business Monitor
International's forecasts, Egypt's real GDP is expanding 2.1% in
FY2011/12 and projected to grow 4.9% in FY2012/13 (Egypt's fiscal year
is July through June). Egyptian law requires that foreign companies
retain Egyptian commercial agents for public tenders, but they may work
directly with private companies. Most foreign companies have found it
beneficial, however, to engage a local agent for private sector
transactions as well because of their familiarity of the language, law
and general business practices. Based on geographical location or
product basis, a firm can appoint multiple agents in Egypt to further
enhance its success.
Best Sector Prospects
Electric Power Infrastructure
Egypt is one of the largest electrical energy producing countries
in the Middle East. Over the next ten years, Egypt plans to expand its
electricity capacity to 60,000 megawatts through a combination of
traditional, renewable, and energy production to diversify energy
resources and preserve the country's limited oil and gas reserves.
Opportunities exist for U.S. providers of gas turbines, steam turbines,
hydro and wind turbines, blades, and other equipment, as well as
development and project management. Best prospects in the energy sector
include circuit breakers of more than 66kv, power transformers of more
than 25MVA-66kva, power transmission lines, turbine generator units
with associated equipment, and vibration dampers.
The US&FCS will organize meetings for the mission delegates with
the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, and the New and Renewable
Energy Authority government officials who can address questions about
policies, tariff rates, incentives, grid interconnection, price
subsidy, and regulations.
Building Products and Design and Construction
The Government of Egypt (GOE) directed $1.9 billion to Egypt's
infrastructure in 2010. With over 50 percent of the population under
the age of 25 and a strong tourism market, there has been increased
pressure on Egypt's roads, bridges, railroads, power stations, water
and sewage, hospitals, and schools. According to the GOE, growth in the
construction sector reached 4.25% in 2010 and will rise to 5.63% in
2014. It is expected to grow by a robust 4.91% year-on-year from 2010
to 2014, reaching a total value of $15.8 billion. Such growth is
expected to attract investments of around $7.3 billion by 2015. Demand
in the sector is on the rise mainly because of rapid demographic growth
and housing shortages, particularly in the low- and middle-income
segments. Construction accounts for around 8% of total employment, with
a workforce of 1.2 million people in the sector.
As an active importing and exporting country with a trade volume
reaching $19.5 billion in 2011, there is an ongoing need for state-of-
the-art logistics centers, intermodal connecting systems, cold storage,
and river transportation. Logistics centers are considered critical to
the global supply chain and will affect logistics decisions ranging
from shipping routes to warehouse locations.
In 2012, the Egyptian government's General Authority for Investment
announced the following major plans for infrastructure development:
The 6th of October Wastewater Treatment Plant: design,
construction operation and maintenance of a new 150,000 m3/day plant,
valued at $15-29 million
Abu Rawash Wastewater Treatment Plant: upgrading of the
plant, valued at $990 million
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East Port Said Port: includes a duty free zone area, road
and rail networks, a power station, communication center, value-added
services, valued at $1.5 billion
Alexandria Medical City: a medical center project for
which the Egyptian government seeks private investment for financing,
designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing, maintenance, operating
and providing non-clinical facility services for two University
Hospitals and a blood bank, valued at $1.45 billion
Some projects will be awarded based on the Egyptian government's
``Public Private Partnership'' (PPP) program, a multi-faceted
initiative to attract private sector investment for infrastructure
projects.
Safety and Security
The safety and security industry is booming throughout Egypt as the
country deals with increased security issues ranging from private
citizen safety to transaction fraud. Safety and security imports to
Egypt have increased 10-15% annually for the past few years and U.S.
brands are well received. This is primarily a government market,
dominated by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense.
As the country works to increase tourism over the next few years (a
government priority post-revolution), airports and seaports will need
upgraded security systems. Police and customs authorities will also
have an increased need for such systems. Egypt has eight major ports
and three cross-country borders that require significant security
measures. In its fight against drug smuggling and counterfeit products,
Egypt requires container scanning and shipment tracking devices. Egypt
is also looking at container scanning upgrades and seafarer
identification cards for more secure identification and synchronizing
systems to coordinate security measures and responses. Accordingly,
opportunities exist for U.S firms providing short-range radar systems,
surveillance cameras, infrared and radiological detectors, vessel
tracking MIS, biometric scanners, personnel databases, computer
peripherals, and systems integration equipment. Companies that can
provide proven, cutting-edge technologies will have an advantage in
these export opportunities.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to provide U.S. participants with
first-hand market information, access to government decision makers as
appropriate and one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including
potential agents, distributors and partners, so they can position
themselves to enter or expand their presence in the Egypt.
Mission Scenario
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. The
business week runs from Sunday through Thursday.
Proposed Timetable
Saturday, 13 April, Arrival in Cairo.
Sunday, 14 April, Orientation and market briefings, business
luncheon with American Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Ambassador's
networking reception.
Monday, 15 April, One-on-one business appointments; business
lunch--General Authority For Investment and Free Zones presentation on
major public-private partnership projects; group dinner.
Tuesday, 16 April, One-on-one business appointments.
End of Mission
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the Trade Mission to
Egypt must complete and submit an application package for consideration
by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on
their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection
criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 U.S. companies and/or trade
associations and maximum of 20 companies and/or trade associations will
be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S.
companies or trade associations already doing business with Egypt, as
well as U.S. companies or trade associations seeking to enter these
countries for the first time may apply.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a
payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a
participation fee is required. The fee for one representative to
participate in the mission is $1400 for an SME and $2100 for large
firms or trade associations. The fee for each additional company or
association representative (SME or large firm) is $400. Expenses for
travel, lodging, most meals, interpreters, and incidentals are the
responsibility of each mission participant. Participants may 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 U.S. Department of
Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject
the application, request additional information, or take the lack of
information into account when evaluating the applications.
Each applicant must also certify that the products and
services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in
the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm
and have at least 51 percent U.S. content. In the case of a trade
association or trade organization, the applicant must certify that, for
each company to be represented by the trade association or trade
organization, the products and services the represented company seeks
to export 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 (or, in the case of a trade
association or trade organization, represented companies') products or
services to the targeted markets
Applicant's (or, in the case of a trade association or
trade organization, represented companies') potential for business in
the target markets, including likelihood of exports resulting from the
mission
Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with
the stated scope of the mission
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 Export.gov--and other Internet Web sites; publication
in trade publications and association newsletters; direct outreach to
the Department's clients; posting in the Federal Register; and
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announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade
shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin January 28, 2013 and
conclude no later than March 14, 2013. The U.S. Department of Commerce
will review applications and make selection decisions on a rolling
basis until the maximum of twenty participants is reached. We will
inform all applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after
the applications are reviewed. Applications received after the March 14
deadline will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints
permit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Commercial Service Cairo, Egypt U.S. Commercial Service
Washington, DC
Dennis Simmons, Deputy Senior Commercial Anne Novak
Officer
U.S. Commercial Service U.S. Commercial Service
Embassy of the United States of America Washington, DC
Email: Dennis.Simmons@trade.gov Tel: (202) 482-8178
Tel: (202) 2797-2610 Email: Anne.Novak@trade.gov
Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-02262 Filed 2-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
