Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico; September 23-26, 2013, 15341-15343 [2013-05522]

Download as PDF 15341 Notices Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 47 Monday, March 11, 2013 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico; September 23–26, 2013 International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration’s, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing an auto supply chain trade mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico, September 23–26, 2013. This mission is intended to focus on a variety of U.S. industry and service providers, particularly those suppliers of spare parts, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and components, hybrid vehicle components, precision assembly devices and systems that enhance efficiency in the OEM manufacturing process. The mission will introduce participants to end-users and prospective partners whose needs and capabilities are targeted to the respective U.S. participants’ strengths. Participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to Mexico independently, will enhance the companies’ abilities to secure meetings with potential partners and buyers. Commercial Setting The $500 billion in annual bilateral trade between the United States and Mexico is fueled in large part by industrial manufacturing centers located throughout northern and central Mexico, which is also supported by an ever-growing national cargo transportation industry. Mexico’s automotive industry ranks as the 8th largest vehicle producer in VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Mar 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 the world and the second-largest in Latin America. The automotive sector accounts for 17.6 percent of Mexico’s manufacturing sector and 3 percent of its national GDP contribution. There are currently nine manufacturers in Mexico: General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Fiat, Renault, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. This manufacturing base produces 42 brands in 20 manufacturing plants. Nissan, GM, Volkswagen, and Honda plan to increase their production in Mexico while Fiat, Audi and Mazda are currently opening up new plants for vehicle manufacturing in Mexico. Vehicle production in Mexico has almost doubled in the past three years. The northern state of Nuevo Leon represents 27 percent of the national auto parts industry and it is the world leader in the production of aluminum components such as cylinder heads, engine blocks and transmission parts. Exports from this state represented 11.8 percent of Mexico’s automotive exports and automotive manufacturing grew 83 percent in the last five years. In 2012, Mexico produced more than 2.8 million cars– and the projection for 2013 is 3 million cars. 83 percent of its production is devoted to exports and the remaining 17 percent go to the domestic market. The National Auto parts Industry Association (INA) reported significant growth of the auto parts industry from 2011 to 2012. In 2012, the Mexican automotive industry experienced a 12.4 percent growth of local vehicle production due to higher demand, domestically as well as in the United States and other markets. The countries to which Mexico exports include: United States (63.9 percent); Canada (6.8 percent); Latin America (15.5 percent); Asia (2 percent), Europe (9 percent) and others (1.3 percent). Mexican vehicle sales in 2012 increased 9 percent compared with 2011. Market realities have led to new trends in car manufacturing, including smaller car sizes and increased fuel efficiency. The aftermarket is expected to increase, as Mexico imposed new duties and requirements on the importation of used vehicles since 2009. As a result, repair and maintenance of used vehicles in Mexico will require varied parts. In addition, other opportunities exist for U.S. exporters of spare parts, equipment and new technologies oriented to reduce PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 costs and time spent on maintenance and repairs. Best Prospects The greatest opportunities include: Spare and replacement parts for gasoline and diesel engines; electrical parts, collision repair parts; gear boxes; drive axles; catalytic converters; and steering wheels. In the first and secondtier supply chain sector, opportunities include: OEM parts and components; precision assembly devices; machined parts; hybrid vehicle components; suspension systems; and pre-assembly components such as small and progressive stampings. Other products in demand include: Electronic components; specialized tooling; systems that eliminate waste and green technologies such as new combustion systems to reduce gas emission and oil consumption. In addition, identified needs include: Injection molding (small and large components), aluminum extrusion and post fabrication (anodizing, machining, punching, assembly); steel stamping for sunroof components, aluminum die casting for sun roof components; rubber parts for sunroof or fuel tank cushion; compression molding; glass for sunroof; fuel tank components (plastic tubes), fuel tank components (valves e.g. ORVR/VSF, joints); fuel tank components (pump O-ring); cold forging; plastic molding; rubber molding; die casting; and machining equipment. Mission Goals The short term goals of the Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico are (1) to introduce U.S. companies to potential end-users, distributors and representatives in Mexico City, Monterrey, and their surrounding areas, and (2) to introduce U.S. companies to industry leaders and government officials in Mexico City and Monterrey to learn about various opportunities in the automotive industry. Mission Scenario September 23/Mexico City Mission participants have a breakfast briefing including an overview of the auto industry, doing business in Mexico, and a review of the mission itinerary. The delegation then tours an automotive manufacturer’s facility (Chrysler) in Toluca, Mexico and E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1 15342 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 47 / Monday, March 11, 2013 / Notices attends a presentation on the purchasing process for Mexican automotive companies. The day will close with a reception with local industry leaders and government officials. September 24/Mexico City Companies have a full day of matchmaking appointments with Mexico City companies. OR Presentations from General Motors and Ford on their purchasing process for suppliers Mission participants depart the evening of September 24 to Monterrey. September 25/Monterrey Mission participants have a short briefing and review the mission itinerary. The delegation then tours an automotive plant in Monterrey and receives a presentation on the purchasing process for Mexican automotive companies. The tour will be followed by the inauguration of the new automotive parts trade show at Cintermex (a U.S. Department of Commerce strategic partner) with time to tour the show and talk to exhibitors. The day will close with a reception with local industry leaders and government officials. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES September 26/Monterrey Companies have a full day of matchmaking appointments with Monterrey companies. The mission ends that afternoon and mission participants can depart that night or the following morning. The following items are included in the price of the trade mission: • Pre-travel Webinar briefing, covering Mexican business practices and security; • National promotion within Mexico of trade mission, including wide circulation of printed company directory; • Welcome receptions in Mexico City and Monterrey with industry representatives; • Commercial breakfast briefings in Mexico City and Monterrey; • Group transportation to all receptions and plant tours; • Discounted hotel rates in Mexico City and Monterrey; • One day of pre-scheduled meetings (4–5 meetings each stop) with potential partners, distributors, end users, or local industry contacts in both Mexico City and Monterrey; • A designated escort/translator to provide assistance during scheduled matchmaking meetings. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Mar 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 Proposed Mission Agenda The mission program will begin in the morning of Monday, September 23, 2013, and continue through the afternoon of September 26, 2013. September 22 Mexico City Arrival/Hotel check-in September 23 Mexico City Breakfast briefing Chrysler Plant tour Welcome reception September 24 Mexico City Breakfast on your own Matchmaking meetings with potential clients, distributors/representatives; or Headquarters visits to: GM—company presentation and purchasing process Ford—company presentation and purchasing process Depart Mexico City en route to Monterrey Arrival/Hotel check-in Monterrey September 25 Monterrey Breakfast briefing Plant tour Inauguration and tour of automotive trade show Evening Reception September 26 Monterrey Breakfast on your own Matchmaking meetings with potential clients, distributors/representatives Depart Monterrey that night or the following morning Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico must complete and submit an application for consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and to satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. This mission has a goal of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 companies to be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies already doing business in Mexico as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter the market for the first time are encouraged to apply. Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee will be US $3450 for large firms and $2900 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).1 The 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, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $300. Expenses for air travel (to Mexico City, Monterrey and return), lodging, meals and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the applications. • Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of a company’s products or services to the mission’s goals • Applicant’s potential for business in Mexico, including likelihood of exports resulting from the trade mission • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the trade mission (i.e., the sectors indicated in the mission description) 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 publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (https://export.gov/ trademissions/) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, industry trade associations and other multiplier 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). E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 47 / Monday, March 11, 2013 / Notices groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than July 12, 2013. CS Mexico will review all applications on a rolling basis and will inform applicants as they are accepted. Applications received after the July 12, 2013 date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Contacts U.S. Commercial Service—Mexico Ms. Monica Martinez, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Mexico—Mexico City, Tel: +52 55 5140–2628, monica.martinez@trade.gov Mr. John Howell, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service Mexico—Monterrey, Tel: + 52 81 8047–3223, john.howell@trade.gov Ms. Yazmin Rojas, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Mexico—Monterrey, Tel: +52 81 8047–3118, yazmin.rojas@trade.gov U.S. Commercial Service—United States Ms. Eve Lerman, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service—East Michigan, Tel: +1 248 975–9605, eve.lerman@trade.gov Elnora Moye, Trade Program Assistant. [FR Doc. 2013–05522 Filed 3–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Multi-State, Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Colombia; September 9–12, 2013 International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS), in collaboration with the American ´ Chamber of Commerce in Bogota, is ´ organizing a Trade Mission to Bogota, Colombia from September 9–12, 2013. The purpose of this mission is to assist U.S. companies in launching or increasing exports of U.S. goods or services to Colombia. The mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments with local VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Mar 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 companies, as well as market briefings and networking events. The mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of industries with growing potential in Colombia, including, but not limited to safety and security equipment and services, medical equipment, cosmetics, agricultural machinery, and information technology. Commercial Setting Why Colombia? The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), which entered into force on May 15, 2012, creates market opportunities for U.S. firms in a number of sectors. The U.S.-Colombia TPA provides duty-free entry for over 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Colombia, with remaining tariffs to be phased out over the next 10 years. The U.S.-Colombia TPA also opens the market for remanufactured goods and provides greater protection for intellectual property rights (IPR). Colombia’s traditional acceptance of U.S. brands as well as U.S. and international standards provide a solid foundation for U.S. firms seeking to do business there. Colombia is the third largest market in Latin America, after Mexico and Brazil, and is ranked 22nd globally as a market for U.S. exports. Over the past 10 years, Colombia has become one of the most stable economies in the region. Improved security, sound government policies, steady economic growth, moderate inflation and a wide range of opportunities make it worthwhile for U.S. exporters to consider Colombia as an export destination. With more than 45 million people, an improved security environment, an abundance of natural resources, and an educated and growing middle-class, business opportunities are booming in Colombia. The country’s last two governments implemented policies that took Colombia on the path to global competitiveness, opening it up to global trade and investment for 10 consecutive years. Colombia’s strong economic growth, moderate inflation rates, and sound fiscal policies have made it a haven of stability in a time of economic uncertainty. Over the last decade, the country’s economy is estimated to have grown over 4% on average; inflation was kept in the single digits and is expected to remain well within the Central Bank of Colombia’s 2% to 4% range. Furthermore, the Government’s strict fiscal discipline led many international credit agencies to improve Colombia’s credit rating to investment grade for the first time in over 10 years. Increasing Foreign Direct Investment PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15343 (FDI) in Colombia demonstrates Colombia’s rise as a business destination. In 2011, FDI into Colombia reached a historic US$13.4 billion from only US$2.4 billion in 2000, a fivefold increase in just ten years, with forecasts of continued growth through the next five years. By 2011, Colombia’s total international trade surpassed US$111 billion, exports reached US$56 billion while imports reached a historic US$55 billion. After implementing free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States and with Canada, Colombia continues to move aggressively in opening up to trade, seeking to quickly implement FTAs negotiated with the European Union and South Korea, as well as moving ahead in negotiations with countries such as Japan, Turkey, Costa Rica and Israel. Best Prospects for U.S. Companies Safety and Security Industry The safety and security market in Colombia is a very dynamic sector, growing at an estimated rate of 5 to 10% per year. It is also estimated that the total Colombian budget for defense is US$10 billion in 2012 (close to 6% of GDP). The Colombian government is investing heavily in intelligence equipment and services. Market opportunities exist for safety and security industry products such as CCTV cameras, telephones for security, reproduction and record devices for security, data processing equipment, radio transmission, biometric equipment, and communication jammers, among others. Opportunities exist in the defense sector for helicopters and fixed wing parts and maintenance services, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and mine detectors, modern communication systems (MCS), IT-structure platforms, marine and coastal surveillance systems and logistics software solutions and applications, among others. The U.S.Colombia TPA reduced tariffs for a wide variety of products and services in the safety and security industries. Medical Equipment Strong opportunities exist for exports of medical equipment and other health industry-related products and services to Colombia. Following the entry into force of the U.S.-Colombia TPA, approximately 98% of all U.S. medical equipment imports into Colombia are subject to zero tariffs. U.S. imports enjoy the largest share of the local market, accounting for around a third of all medical equipment imports. Currently, E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 47 (Monday, March 11, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15341-15343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05522]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 47 / Monday, March 11, 2013 / 
Notices

[[Page 15341]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, 
Mexico; September 23-26, 2013

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration's, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is 
organizing an auto supply chain trade mission to Mexico City and 
Monterrey, Mexico, September 23-26, 2013. This mission is intended to 
focus on a variety of U.S. industry and service providers, particularly 
those suppliers of spare parts, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) 
parts and components, hybrid vehicle components, precision assembly 
devices and systems that enhance efficiency in the OEM manufacturing 
process.
    The mission will introduce participants to end-users and 
prospective partners whose needs and capabilities are targeted to the 
respective U.S. participants' strengths. Participating in an official 
U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to Mexico 
independently, will enhance the companies' abilities to secure meetings 
with potential partners and buyers.

Commercial Setting

    The $500 billion in annual bilateral trade between the United 
States and Mexico is fueled in large part by industrial manufacturing 
centers located throughout northern and central Mexico, which is also 
supported by an ever-growing national cargo transportation industry.
    Mexico's automotive industry ranks as the 8th largest vehicle 
producer in the world and the second-largest in Latin America. The 
automotive sector accounts for 17.6 percent of Mexico's manufacturing 
sector and 3 percent of its national GDP contribution. There are 
currently nine manufacturers in Mexico: General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, 
Nissan, Fiat, Renault, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. This 
manufacturing base produces 42 brands in 20 manufacturing plants. 
Nissan, GM, Volkswagen, and Honda plan to increase their production in 
Mexico while Fiat, Audi and Mazda are currently opening up new plants 
for vehicle manufacturing in Mexico. Vehicle production in Mexico has 
almost doubled in the past three years.
    The northern state of Nuevo Leon represents 27 percent of the 
national auto parts industry and it is the world leader in the 
production of aluminum components such as cylinder heads, engine blocks 
and transmission parts. Exports from this state represented 11.8 
percent of Mexico's automotive exports and automotive manufacturing 
grew 83 percent in the last five years.
    In 2012, Mexico produced more than 2.8 million cars- and the 
projection for 2013 is 3 million cars. 83 percent of its production is 
devoted to exports and the remaining 17 percent go to the domestic 
market. The National Auto parts Industry Association (INA) reported 
significant growth of the auto parts industry from 2011 to 2012.
    In 2012, the Mexican automotive industry experienced a 12.4 percent 
growth of local vehicle production due to higher demand, domestically 
as well as in the United States and other markets. The countries to 
which Mexico exports include: United States (63.9 percent); Canada (6.8 
percent); Latin America (15.5 percent); Asia (2 percent), Europe (9 
percent) and others (1.3 percent). Mexican vehicle sales in 2012 
increased 9 percent compared with 2011. Market realities have led to 
new trends in car manufacturing, including smaller car sizes and 
increased fuel efficiency.
    The aftermarket is expected to increase, as Mexico imposed new 
duties and requirements on the importation of used vehicles since 2009. 
As a result, repair and maintenance of used vehicles in Mexico will 
require varied parts. In addition, other opportunities exist for U.S. 
exporters of spare parts, equipment and new technologies oriented to 
reduce costs and time spent on maintenance and repairs.

Best Prospects

    The greatest opportunities include: Spare and replacement parts for 
gasoline and diesel engines; electrical parts, collision repair parts; 
gear boxes; drive axles; catalytic converters; and steering wheels. In 
the first and second-tier supply chain sector, opportunities include: 
OEM parts and components; precision assembly devices; machined parts; 
hybrid vehicle components; suspension systems; and pre-assembly 
components such as small and progressive stampings. Other products in 
demand include: Electronic components; specialized tooling; systems 
that eliminate waste and green technologies such as new combustion 
systems to reduce gas emission and oil consumption.
    In addition, identified needs include: Injection molding (small and 
large components), aluminum extrusion and post fabrication (anodizing, 
machining, punching, assembly); steel stamping for sunroof components, 
aluminum die casting for sun roof components; rubber parts for sunroof 
or fuel tank cushion; compression molding; glass for sunroof; fuel tank 
components (plastic tubes), fuel tank components (valves e.g. ORVR/VSF, 
joints); fuel tank components (pump O-ring); cold forging; plastic 
molding; rubber molding; die casting; and machining equipment.

Mission Goals

    The short term goals of the Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to 
Mexico are (1) to introduce U.S. companies to potential end-users, 
distributors and representatives in Mexico City, Monterrey, and their 
surrounding areas, and (2) to introduce U.S. companies to industry 
leaders and government officials in Mexico City and Monterrey to learn 
about various opportunities in the automotive industry.

Mission Scenario

September 23/Mexico City

    Mission participants have a breakfast briefing including an 
overview of the auto industry, doing business in Mexico, and a review 
of the mission itinerary. The delegation then tours an automotive 
manufacturer's facility (Chrysler) in Toluca, Mexico and

[[Page 15342]]

attends a presentation on the purchasing process for Mexican automotive 
companies. The day will close with a reception with local industry 
leaders and government officials.

September 24/Mexico City

    Companies have a full day of matchmaking appointments with Mexico 
City companies.

OR

    Presentations from General Motors and Ford on their purchasing 
process for suppliers
    Mission participants depart the evening of September 24 to 
Monterrey.

September 25/Monterrey

    Mission participants have a short briefing and review the mission 
itinerary. The delegation then tours an automotive plant in Monterrey 
and receives a presentation on the purchasing process for Mexican 
automotive companies.
    The tour will be followed by the inauguration of the new automotive 
parts trade show at Cintermex (a U.S. Department of Commerce strategic 
partner) with time to tour the show and talk to exhibitors. The day 
will close with a reception with local industry leaders and government 
officials.

September 26/Monterrey

    Companies have a full day of matchmaking appointments with 
Monterrey companies. The mission ends that afternoon and mission 
participants can depart that night or the following morning.
    The following items are included in the price of the trade mission:
     Pre-travel Webinar briefing, covering Mexican business 
practices and security;
     National promotion within Mexico of trade mission, 
including wide circulation of printed company directory;
     Welcome receptions in Mexico City and Monterrey with 
industry representatives;
     Commercial breakfast briefings in Mexico City and 
Monterrey;
     Group transportation to all receptions and plant tours;
     Discounted hotel rates in Mexico City and Monterrey;
     One day of pre-scheduled meetings (4-5 meetings each stop) 
with potential partners, distributors, end users, or local industry 
contacts in both Mexico City and Monterrey;
     A designated escort/translator to provide assistance 
during scheduled matchmaking meetings.

Proposed Mission Agenda

    The mission program will begin in the morning of Monday, September 
23, 2013, and continue through the afternoon of September 26, 2013.

September 22 Mexico City
    Arrival/Hotel check-in
September 23 Mexico City
    Breakfast briefing
    Chrysler Plant tour
    Welcome reception
September 24 Mexico City
    Breakfast on your own
    Matchmaking meetings with potential clients, distributors/
representatives; or
    Headquarters visits to:
    GM--company presentation and purchasing process
    Ford--company presentation and purchasing process
    Depart Mexico City en route to Monterrey
    Arrival/Hotel check-in Monterrey
September 25 Monterrey
    Breakfast briefing
    Plant tour
    Inauguration and tour of automotive trade show
    Evening Reception
September 26 Monterrey
    Breakfast on your own
    Matchmaking meetings with potential clients, distributors/
representatives
    Depart Monterrey that night or the following morning

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Auto Supply Chain 
Trade Mission to Mexico must complete and submit an application for 
consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will 
be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and to satisfy 
the selection criteria as outlined below. This mission has a goal of a 
minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 companies to be selected to 
participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies 
already doing business in Mexico as well as U.S. companies seeking to 
enter the market for the first time are encouraged to apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a 
payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a 
participation fee is required. The participation fee will be US $3450 
for large firms and $2900 for a small or medium-sized enterprise 
(SME).\1\ The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm 
or SME) is $300. Expenses for air travel (to Mexico City, Monterrey and 
return), lodging, meals and incidentals will be the responsibility of 
each mission participant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see https://www.sba.gov/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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 fifty-one percent U.S. content.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Suitability of a company's products or services to the 
mission's goals
     Applicant's potential for business in Mexico, including 
likelihood of exports resulting from the trade mission
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the trade mission (i.e., the sectors indicated in 
the mission description)
    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 publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar (https://export.gov/trademissions/) 
and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade 
media, direct mail, industry trade associations and other multiplier

[[Page 15343]]

groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and 
trade shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than July 12, 2013. CS Mexico will review all applications on a 
rolling basis and will inform applicants as they are accepted. 
Applications received after the July 12, 2013 date will be considered 
only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

U.S. Commercial Service--Mexico

Ms. Monica Martinez, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service 
Mexico--Mexico City, Tel: +52 55 5140-2628, monica.martinez@trade.gov
Mr. John Howell, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service 
Mexico--Monterrey, Tel: + 52 81 8047-3223, john.howell@trade.gov
Ms. Yazmin Rojas, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service 
Mexico--Monterrey, Tel: +52 81 8047-3118, yazmin.rojas@trade.gov

U.S. Commercial Service--United States

Ms. Eve Lerman, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial 
Service--East Michigan, Tel: +1 248 975-9605, eve.lerman@trade.gov

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-05522 Filed 3-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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