Infrastructure Business Development Mission to Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan December 3-11, 2014, 23933-23940 [2014-09774]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• International Trade Administration

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23933-23940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09774]


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 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Infrastructure Business Development Mission to Morocco, Egypt, 
and Jordan December 3-11, 2014

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration is organizing an Executive-led Infrastructure Business 
Development Mission to Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan from December 3-11, 
2014.
    The purpose of the mission is to introduce U.S. firms and trade 
associations to Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan's rapidly expanding 
infrastructure markets and to assist U.S. companies to pursue export 
opportunities in these markets. The mission is intended to include 
representatives from U.S. companies and U.S. trade associations with 
members that provide infrastructure-related technologies, project 
managers and implementers, as well as companies with efficient energy 
equipment and technologies. The mission will visit three countries, 
Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, where the delegates will receive market 
briefings and participate in customized meetings with key port 
officials and prospective partners. Participants may also opt to 
receive briefings on opportunities and have meetings in the efficient 
energy infrastructure market in the West Bank for an additional cost.
    Targeted sectors include:

 Efficient Energy Technologies, Equipment and Services

[cir] Electrical generating equipment
[cir] Gas and steam turbine units
[cir] Clean coal technology
[cir] Transmission and distribution equipment and services
[cir] Wind and solar energy technology and equipment
[cir] Products and services related to power industries and electricity 
grid
[cir] Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
technologies and peripherals

 Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment

[cir] New and refurbished locomotives
[cir] New bulk car and other dedicated rolling fleets
[cir] Smart Signaling and operations' automation
[cir] Business model analysis
[cir] Strategic route design and network planning
[cir] Road/Freight Transport
[cir] Public Transport/Public Transit link

 Water and Waste Treatment

[cir] Water Demand Projects
[cir] Water Supply Projects
[cir] Wastewater technology
[cir] Sanitation equipment
[cir] Water desalination

 Marine and Ports Infrastructure

[cir] Dredging equipment
[cir] Conveyors
[cir] Freight handling equipment
[cir] Storage equipment
[cir] Cranes
[cir] Navigation equipment
[cir] Stevedoring
[cir] Warehousing
[cir] Cold storage facilities

 Tourism and Building Construction

[cir] Entertainment technology (Resorts and parks)
[cir] Pipeline equipment
[cir] Green Building Technologies
[cir] Utilities and Infrastructure

    Although focused on the sectors above, the mission also will 
consider participation from companies in other appropriate sectors as 
space permits.

Commercial Setting

    Governments across the Middle East and North Africa are 
increasingly aware that continual change is needed to meet the growing 
demand of a total population of 124.5 million (33m Morocco, 85m Egypt, 
6.5m Jordan) for infrastructure expansion and upgrade. Infrastructure 
expansion in the region is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5-7% 
in 2014. Many of the region's governments have issued aggressive 
targets for infrastructure development in energy, transportation, 
aviation, ports, and water treatment, construction of housing, and 
roads & bridges, which could mean great opportunities for U.S. 
exporters.
    Over the next few years, the private sector can play a big role in 
further realizing the potential in infrastructure projects throughout 
North Africa and the Levant. U.S. companies will benefit from exploring 
the market at early stages and introducing their advanced technologies. 
The governments of Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan are in various stages of 
tendering infrastructure projects. Several financial institutions have 
noted the growing appetite for investments in infrastructure and have 
developed tailored programs to meet the demand. The European Bank for 
Reconstruction and Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation 
and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency are all exploring 
opportunities to invest in infrastructure projects in North Africa and 
the Levant.

Morocco

    Morocco is solidifying its age-old position as a commercial bridge 
between Europe and West Africa, and modern infrastructure in the form 
of world-class ports, airports, and rail links are key to realizing 
this goal. Strategically located along the Strait of Gibraltar just a 
seven-hour flight from New York, NY and three hours from Paris, Morocco 
is seen more and more as a regional hub in North West Africa for 
transportation and business. Morocco's moderate Mediterranean climate 
on 2,750 miles (3,500 kilometers (km)) of coastline and its developing 
infrastructure make it an attractive location for business and leisure. 
To meet the domestic demand for infrastructure, the Moroccan government 
plans to invest, by 2015, more than $15 billion to upgrade its basic 
infrastructure. In addition, given Morocco's growing population and the 
economic importance of agriculture, a plethora of projects are underway 
in water technologies including

[[Page 23934]]

wastewater treatment, water distribution and irrigation. In addition, 
Morocco has announced plans to generate 47% of all power from efficient 
energy sources by 2020 including a national solar plan to generate 2 
gigawatts (GW) by 2020.
    The U.S.-Morocco FTA is one of the most comprehensive free trade 
agreements that the U.S. has ever negotiated. Morocco is the second 
Arab and first African nation to have an FTA with the U.S. The FTA 
provides U.S. exporters increased access to the Moroccan market by 
eliminating tariffs on more than 95 percent of consumer and industrial 
goods. It helps to level the playing field with European competition 
and provide enhanced protection for U.S. intellectual property. 
Moroccan officials have stated their view that the FTA is a catalyst to 
accelerate and reinforce the country's economic reform process by 
allowing greater competition and the formation of international 
partnerships in key sectors such as insurance and banking, and by 
greatly liberalizing the Moroccan textile and agricultural tariff 
structures.

Egypt

    With a population of over 85 million and a GDP of $219 billion the 
Egyptian economy is one of the largest in the Arab World, and the 
second largest in the Middle East and North Africa region. The United 
States is Egypt's second largest bilateral trading partner, and Egypt 
is the fourth largest export market for U.S. products and services in 
the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2013, bilateral trade 
dropped to $6.8 billion as a result of a decline in Egyptian exports. 
Egypt continues to be a significant importer of American agricultural 
commodities, machinery, and equipment. Both foreign and Egyptian 
investors will find business opportunities in infrastructure 
development that will create demand for U.S. goods and technologies in 
the energy, transportation, and construction industries.
    At the end of 2013, the Government of Egypt announced a $3.5 
billion economic stimulus package targeting its infrastructure 
projects. Egypt's transitional government has been moving key 
infrastructure projects along in housing, transportation including the 
Suez Canal Regional Development Project, and energy. The Suez Canal 
Regional development is a mega project that is planned to transform the 
Suez Canal area into an international economic hub that will contribute 
to long term development. Project implementation is expected in late 
2014/2015. Egypt plans to build over a million housing units and invest 
in roads, bridges, and airport projects. Egypt has also set an 
aggressive target of generating 20 percent of all power from wind, 
hydro and solar by 2020. Egypt is just one of 34 countries with 
significant enough solar and wind resources to develop atlases for both 
efficient energy sources. The Government of Egypt has also announced 
the construction of new water plants in Upper Egypt as part of the 
upgrading of this region.
    Egypt possesses the fundamentals to become a business hub in North 
Africa and the Middle East region: great geographic location linking 
two continents, and abundance in young skilled human resources. In 
January 2014, Egypt's constitution was ratified by a majority vote 
through a referendum. Presidential elections are expected by early 
summer 2014 and parliamentary elections will follow shortly thereafter.

Jordan

    The Jordanian Government continues to develop the country's 
infrastructure and spending on various projects to boost economic 
growth. The government developed a national transport strategy to 
upgrade the country's infrastructure and allow Jordan to capitalize on 
its natural geographical advantages. The transportation sector accounts 
for more than 10% of Jordan's gross domestic product (GDP) and is 
expected to grow at an annual rate of 6%. Jordan's $18 billion 
strategic energy plan is growing and developing rapidly. Jordan, with 
strong winds and sunny days, will invest $2.2 billion in efficient 
energy projects to increase its share in the energy mix to 10% by 2020.
    Jordan is a market of 6.5 million people located in the heart of 
the Levant region. The Hashemite Kingdom is the first Arab country to 
sign an FTA with the United States. The friendship between Jordan and 
the U.S. is symbolized by the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, which 
was fully implemented on January 1, 2010 eliminating the tariffs on 
virtually all products traded between the two countries. FTA benefits 
have resulted in increased trade between the U.S. and Jordan of 600 
percent over ten years. In 2013, bilateral trade between the two 
countries was $3.1 billion.
    Regionally, and particularly during the Arab Spring, Jordan has 
been very stable for business and international investment. Jordan has 
strong, cooperative relations with its neighbors and the wider 
international business community. Increasingly Jordan is becoming a 
regional hub for trade and business investment to neighboring countries 
including Iraq. U.S. companies are developing models for entry into the 
Iraq market using Jordan as a platform.
    Jordan's modern infrastructure helps businesses navigate the world 
more quickly and comfortably and even though Jordan continues to face 
multiple exogenous shocks due to high import prices for oil and food 
and heightened regional political tensions, the Jordanian government 
intends to continue developing the country's infrastructure and spend 
on various projects to boost economic growth.

Best Prospects in Mission Targeted Sectors

Energy Technologies, Equipment and Services

Morocco
    Morocco's energy development plan relies on a strategy where new 
energy technology updates play a key role and the Moroccan government 
has announced many initiatives dedicated to enhance their energy plan. 
Diversification and the reduction of the country's reliance on fuel oil 
led the Moroccan government to plan for the establishment of a re-
gasification (LNG) terminal using natural gas. Morocco's natural gas 
plan aims at increasing the contribution of natural gas in its energy 
supply to 23% by the year 2020 (currently 0.36%). Once the natural gas 
plan is implemented, the independent power producers (IPPs) of 
Tahaddart, Al Wahda and Ain Beni Mathar, which use combined cycle 
technology, will be able to enhance their competitiveness by reducing 
their production costs. The regulatory framework, which is pending 
approval by the government, is the major barrier for any project in 
this sector. Biomass in Morocco has the potential of 950 megawatts (MW) 
based on abundant agricultural resources, including wide areas for 
livestock breeding (2.6 million cattle, 16.3 million sheep and 5.3 
million goats). The Green Morocco Plan to boost agricultural production 
and new regulations for waste management represents an additional 
potential of 400MW by the year 2030. In 2002, the U.S. consortium 
(GESI-Edgeboro-SADAT) won a government tender for the management of the 
first controlled landfill in Fez. It plans to convert methane gas from 
the landfill into electricity to power all Fez public lighting.
    While Morocco's wind power potential capacity is estimated at 6,000 
MW, the existing installed capacity of Morocco's eight wind farms is 
limited to 487 MW. Four wind projects under construction are expected 
to provide an

[[Page 23935]]

installed capacity of 720 MW by 2015. Six wind farms of a total 
installed capacity of 1,000MW are in the tendering phase and expected 
to be implemented by 2020. In addition to the 2 gigawatt (GW) solar 
plant managed by the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN) to be 
completed by 2020, Morocco's Office of Electricity and Water launched 3 
photovoltaic (PV) plants in the east of Morocco with capacities ranging 
between 10 and 25MW. MASEN's solar plan will require $9 billion in 
investment and will create a significant Moroccan solar industry, as 
well as establish leading research and development infrastructure for 
Africa. The current hydroelectric power capacity amounts to 1,770 MW. 
Among the 580 MW that is under construction, 12 hydroelectric plants 
will start producing 92 MW in 2016.
    Furthermore, existing independent power producers (IPPs) are slated 
for extensions of their capacities. The capacity of the Ain Beni Mathar 
thermo-solar plant will be augmented from 230 MW to 450 MW. This 
project will optimize the consumption of gas proceeds of the Algerian 
pipelines. The Jorf Lasfar generation plant is also expected to add 
two-generation units to its existing four units.
Egypt
    Egypt currently has an energy generation capacity of 3.1 gigawatts 
(GW) and requires 10% annual growth in energy generation to keep up 
with a growing population and demand. 96% of Egypt's current energy 
generation is supplied by oil and gas. Although Egypt must expand its' 
energy generation it is also exploring energy conservation and 
efficiency as well as seeking to diversify its' energy sources. In 
2008, the Egyptian Supreme Energy Council approved the Egyptian 
Renewable Energy National Strategy to satisfy 20% of the generated 
electricity by 2020 using energy efficient technologies (Wind 12%, 
Hydro power 5.8%, and Solar 2.2%). In July 2012, the Egyptian Cabinet 
approved the Solar Energy plan to create a capacity of 3.5 GW by 2027. 
The plan includes 2.8 GW CSP and 700 MW PV. The strategy also lays out 
plans to generate 7.2 GW (12% of generated electricity) from wind by 
2020. The plan suggests significant private sector involvement noting 
that the private sector will take the lead on 67% of the plan. Egypt 
has already begun issuing land grants for the development of wind and 
solar energy projects and project developers are identifying products 
and financing. Egypt must also explore energy efficiency technologies 
to promote rational use of their limited generation capacity.
Jordan
    The Government of Jordan (GOJ) faces challenges in the energy 
sector. These include rising demand due to population growth, increased 
per capita consumption and a reduction in the availability of market 
priced fuel. Jordan imports 96 percent of its oil and gas, which 
accounts for almost 20 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product 
(GDP). To resolve this crisis, the Jordanian Government approved in 
2007 an $18 billion energy strategic plan to guide the country until 
2020.
    Jordan's $18 billion strategic energy plan continues to be 
implemented and adapted at a rapid pace. The plan covers all aspects of 
the energy sector from generation to transmission, and from 
conventional power to renewable and nuclear energy. Various plans are 
in progress to remedy the challenges addressed by this strategy. The 
Government of Jordan is therefore actively seeking development of 
energy sources including the use of the country's uranium, oil shale 
deposits, and solar and wind power.

Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment

Morocco
    The Moroccan government continues to support spending on basic 
infrastructure where roads, railways, and airports have been among the 
assets to benefit from the stronger spending. Morocco values it high 
quality network of roads and aims to reach 1,800 km of highways in 2015 
(1,416 in 2012), 1,300 km in 2016 of expressways (700 km in 2012) and 
2,500 km of country roads by the end of 2014 (11,236 km in 2012). 
Moreover, improving transportation safety in some areas of Morocco will 
result in the implementation of tunnels and beltways, especially around 
the Atlas mountain areas. Currently, les Autoroutes du Maroc, a state 
owned company, has the monopoly of highway construction and operations. 
To enhance road expansion, the government is working on the 
liberalization of highway operations.
    Morocco's railway network comprises 2,110 km of track, with 120 
rail stations. Future development plans include the completion of the 
Tangier-Casablanca (370 Km) high-speed rail, to be implemented by 2015, 
and the studies for the Casablanca-Marrakesh high-speed line (230 km). 
This will require the creation of maintenance centers dedicated to 
high-speed rail activity. The Office National Des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) 
in charge of railway development and the sole railway operator intends 
to modernize rail lines and rail stations, as well as several regional 
rail networks around large urban centers, and is committed to 
developing logistics platforms close to its lines.
    In order to support Morocco's ``2020 Vision'' tourism strategy, 
Morocco's Ministry of Transports and the Office de National des 
Aeroports (ONDA--in charge of Airports management and air traffic 
control) engaged in a development strategy that aims at strengthening 
the status of the Casablanca airport as an international hub towards 
and from Central and West Africa, and developing Marrakesh airport as a 
hub towards Europe and sustaining the development of airport 
infrastructure through airports extensions, modernizations and new 
constructions.
    Current ONDA projects include: The extension of Nador airport ($40 
million), the construction of new terminals at Marrakesh airport ($132 
million) and Fes airport ($58 million), and the construction of new 
airports at Beni-Mellal ($20 million) and Zagora ($15 million). All 
projects are to be completed between September 2014 and December 2015. 
Future airport upgrades will include Essaoura, Oujda, and Al Hoceima.
Egypt
    The Ministry of Transport is devoting significant planning and 
resources in enhancing various modes and systems of transport. It is 
developing an effective master plan that takes into consideration the 
current and future land use in correlation with the increase of 
passenger and freight movement. It is striving to maintain and develop 
transport networks, services, and infrastructure through investing 
capital into areas such as railways and high-speed railways, road 
networks, logistic centers and transport, tunneling and urban 
transport, and maritime transport. The main objective is to facilitate 
the movement of people and goods in a secure manner while connecting 
industrial hubs with consumer markets.
    The Ministry of Transport has allocated $574.5 million for 
investments in roads and bridges in Upper Egypt as one of the top 
priorities for development of Upper Egypt. For example, a number of 
bridges will be built in Upper Egypt connecting the east and west sides 
of the Nile River at a total cost of $258.5 million.
    Egypt's Ministry of Aviation is expected to move forward on several 
airport expansion projects including the

[[Page 23936]]

Cairo airport among others. The Ministry is also evaluating the 
possibility of sourcing electricity needs from renewable sources at 
Egypt's airports. Under the Ministry's purview, the Egyptian Holding 
Company for Airports and Air Navigation (ECHAAN), Cairo Airport 
Company, is also expected to issue a tender for the development of the 
Cairo Airport City project to be erected on 10 million square meters on 
the north eastern and south western sides of the Cairo Airport. The new 
development would include retailing areas, commercial shopping malls, 
logistics and a cargo terminal, hotels, and medical and recreational 
activities. The bidding model for projects is based on the Public-
Private Partnerships, Build Operate Transfer, and Design-Build Operate 
Transfer arrangements. Total investment cost is $18 billion and 
opportunities for U.S. firms would include airport design, airport/
aviation equipment, and consulting services in related fields such as 
aviation security, cargo management services, construction management 
and project management.
Jordan
    The transportation sector in Jordan is comprised of passenger and 
cargo road transport, air transport, and sea transport. The 
transportation sector accounts for more than 10% of Jordan's GDP. It is 
growing at an annual rate of 6%.
    As part of the Government initiative to reform the economy, and in 
light of the importance of the transportation sector, the Ministry of 
Transport (MOT) launched the National Transport Strategy for 2014-2020 
that aims at making Jordan a regional hub for transport, upgrades 
railways to boost international trade, upgrades the country's 
infrastructure and regulatory reforms, and allows Jordan to capitalize 
on its natural geographical advantages.
    The MOT's 2014 allocated budget is about $62.28 million with 95.8% 
focused on completing the existing networks; making the best use of the 
existing facilities; pursuing a multimodal approach; combining 
infrastructure investments and policies; protecting the environment and 
reducing negative impacts; and emphasizing the regional dimension. 
Jordan has excellent road connections connecting Jordan with 
neighboring countries. It has around 80,000 km of paved roads and 
highways. Since 2002, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing started 
implementation of its 25-year plan that aims to complete an extensive 
road network around the country. This includes building ring roads 
around major cities and development areas such as the capital of Amman 
as well as Salt and Irbid. Investments on road improvement and 
development are expected to reach more than $1.8 billion within the 
coming 25 years.
    In addition, the Jordanian government prepared a railway master 
plan to build an entirely new standard-gauge railway network. A Light 
Railway project has been under study, which will connect Amman to 
Zarqa, totaling 26 km. The project is estimated to cost $330 million.

Water and Waste Treatment

Morocco
    There have been substantial improvements in access to water supply, 
and to a lesser extent to sanitation, over the past twenty years in 
Morocco. However, challenges remain in this sector concerning 
wastewater treatment and access to water utilities in rural areas and 
in the poorest urban neighborhoods. To counter some of these issues, 
Morocco's National Office of Water and Electricity (ONEE) will spend 
$2.6 billion over the period 2014-2016, on water and waste treatment 
projects. During this period $1.5 billion will be used to secure 
drinking water supply in urban areas and facilitate urban, industrial 
and tourism development with an additional supply of more than 18.6 
million cubic meters (m\3\) of water. $516 million is earmarked for 
rural water supply solutions and the development of 80 rural water 
distribution centers with the goal of advancing Morocco's access to 
drinking water to 96% of the population. Furthermore, $576 million will 
be allocated for sewerage treatment centers in 40 cities to increase 
treatment capacity to 118,000 m\3\ per day. External cooperation plays 
a major role in the Moroccan water and sanitation sector strategy and 
these projects provide an opportunity for U.S. firms to export their 
products and services to this market.
Egypt
    Egypt suffers from a water shortage of more than 23 billion m\3\ of 
water a year. Egypt receives 55.5 billion cubic meters of water from 
the Nile, which represents more than 95% of Egypt's water resources. It 
is forecasted that in 2025 the population of Egypt will increase to 
about 95 million from about 75 million in 2008, leading to a decrease 
in per capita water availability from 800 to 600 m\3\ per year assuming 
that total water availability remains constant. Water resources 
management in modern Egypt is a complex process that involves multiple 
stakeholders who use water for irrigation, municipal and industrial 
water supply, hydropower generation and navigation. Egypt is aiming to 
reduce this gap by implementing water saving, sanitation, irrigation, 
and recycling of wastewater projects. The Egyptian government is 
currently considering feasibility studies from the governorates to 
determine priority irrigation projects, specifically the construction 
of pumping stations and drilling ground wells. This will allow the 
governorates to obtain the necessary loans to implement irrigation 
projects in their respective areas. The Egyptian government also formed 
a technical committee to re-evaluate the necessary investments to 
execute the West Delta projects to establish an agriculture canal from 
the Al-Nasser water channel to the lower Bahiri water channel and the 
railroad. This project would irrigate lands west of the Cairo-
Alexandria desert road. Furthermore, Egypt will open bids to public and 
private sector companies for beautification projects along the western 
bank of the Nile. The projects include building sewage lines, public 
parks, cafeterias and recreation centers. As the Egyptian government is 
reestablished following Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 
mid-2014, U.S. firms will have the prime opportunity to present U.S. 
technologies and know-how during the early implementation phase of 
Egypt's water and waste treatment project operations.
Jordan
    Water scarcity in Jordan continuously triggers demand for water 
conservation technology and management at all levels of use. Given 
Jordan's high population growth, limited renewable water resources, and 
deteriorating water quality, the effective management and efficient use 
of water resources is critical both at the household and nationwide 
levels. Treated wastewater is an important component of the Kingdom's 
water resources. Jordan will continue investment in infrastructure, 
focusing on reducing water system losses and wastewater treatment and 
reuse. Approximately 114 million m\3\ of wastewater are treated each 
year in Jordan, and there are plans to double this to 240 million m\3\ 
by 2020.
    The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government 
entity helping to improve Jordan's water security and environment. U.S. 
companies may bid on tenders as they are issued for the MCC's $275 
million grant to the Government of Jordan. Furthermore, the government 
decided that the entire Jordan MCC Compact Agreement would

[[Page 23937]]

be in the water and wastewater sector. Those investments will 
concentrate on the areas of wastewater treatment and re-use, as well as 
leak reduction. Projects in the value of $400 million are expected to 
result from the Compact Agreement, which will create several sales 
opportunities for U.S. service providers.
    The MCC's focus is on three integrated infrastructure project in 
Zarqa Governorate:
     The Water Network Project will improve the overall 
drinking water system efficiency in the governorate through the 
construction and rehabilitation of pump stations, reservoirs and 
hundreds of kilometers of water transmission and delivery pipes.
     The Wastewater Network Project is rehabilitating and 
extending hundreds of kilometers of sewer lines to urban areas in the 
governorate.
     The As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project 
(building on USAID investment) is expanding the capacity for high 
quality treatment of nearly all wastewater generated in Amman and 
Zarqa, creating new supplies of water that can be used in agriculture 
in the fertile Jordan Valley.

Marine and Ports Infrastructure

Morocco
    Morocco has 15 commercial ports that generated 92.3 million tons in 
merchandise traffic in 2012. Major developers of ports are Agence 
National des Port (ANP) and Tangier-Med Special Agency (TMSA). Tangier-
Med Port terminals 1 and 2 are operational. It is expected to reach 
full capacity by 2015, and annually to operate 8 million containers, 7 
million passengers, 700,000 trucks, 2 million vehicles, and 10 million 
MT of oil products, becoming thus the largest transshipment port in 
Africa. After this successful project that transformed the economic 
conditions of the Tangier region, the government intends to develop six 
new fully integrated ports around Morocco (East/North-east/Kenitra-
Casablanca/Doukkala-Abda/Souss-Tensift/South).
Egypt
    The Suez Canal Area is located at the corridor between Asia and 
Europe playing a strategic role for world trade. The project is deemed 
as the first integrated and organized approach to utilize the economic 
potentials of this unique location. The government of Egypt is 
resolving to build on these opportunities presented by the Suez Canal 
history and work on transforming it into an international economic hub 
that shall contribute to long-term development. The Government of Egypt 
has allocated approximately $287 million to complete the feasibility 
studies for these infrastructure projects. These projects include the 
construction of four new seaports in the three provinces surrounding 
the canal, a new industrial zone west of the Gulf of Suez, and a 
``technology valley'' in Ismailia that will host several technology 
projects.
    The Egyptian government also has plans for infrastructure port 
projects, which will require heavy construction, freight handling 
equipment, dredging equipment, navigation systems, and safety measures. 
One example is the Red Sea Port Authority that is inviting foreign 
firms to participate in the construction, operation, and maintenance of 
marine jetty and a container terminal in Port of Safaga and Port of El 
Tor. In efforts to accommodate larger ships and upgrade the port 
through a dredging program, the Ministry of Transport has also 
allocated around $9 million to Damietta Port Authority. The East Port 
Said Port Authority is also seeking to expand and build new terminals.
Jordan
    Jordan has a single sea outlet on the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). 
Currently, the port is divided into three major areas under the 
government-owned Ports Corporation to complete the port transformation 
into a world-class business hub. The planned $3 billion investment in 
relocating the main port area, development of the area for commercial 
use, and the construction of a general cargo terminal in the southern 
zone is expected to finish in the year 2020.

Tourism and Building Construction

Morocco
    Morocco is one of the world's most attractive and well-established 
tourism destinations. Trip Advisor ranked Moroccan city Marrakesh among 
the world's top 25 destinations in April 2014. The American Association 
of Travel Agents will hold its annual conference in Marrakesh in 2015. 
Morocco is the most stable country in North Africa and is already a 
well-established tourism destination especially for Europeans. With 
ongoing and probably long-term unrest in competing tourism markets in 
North Africa, Morocco is expected to experience higher volume in the 
short and medium term. However, recent reports indicate that the 
quality of Moroccan hotels and resorts is slipping. Given the 
importance of the sector to the Moroccan economy, we expect enhanced 
tourism construction projects and cultural renovations throughout the 
country will increase demand for U.S. project management expertise, 
construction equipment, and building systems.
Egypt
    Tourism, as the largest earner of foreign exchange and employer of 
more than 10% of Egyptian workers, also offers strong possibilities. 
Expansions among the Red Sea resorts provide increasing opportunities 
for exporters of hotel equipment, environmental management services, 
and energy-efficiency technologies. Airports and other infrastructure 
being built to serve the new resorts also offer excellent prospects for 
U.S. exporters. Tourism along the Red Sea coast continues to grow, and 
the government is advocating development along the Mediterranean coast 
as well. These opportunities continue to attract U.S. project 
management expertise, building systems (including green building 
technologies) and equipment. There is a continuous need for U.S. 
products and services relevant to this sector. Some of the products 
include entertainment centers, hotel restaurant equipment, as well as 
maintenance systems and equipment.
    Real estate development and construction also offers strong 
possibilities in the Egyptian market as the Egyptian population has 
recently seen a significant growth rate, which has led to an increased 
demand for residential construction. There is a high urbanization rate 
with a growing middle class that demands retail and commercial real 
estate. The Egyptian Ministry of Housing and Development has pledged to 
provide 1 million affordable housing units over the next five years. 
Over the next five years the government plans to increase the number of 
new cities from 27 to 59. In addition, numerous shopping centers and 
office parks are under construction to meet the middle class market 
demands. These developments provide an opportunity for U.S. firms to 
export their products and services relevant to urbanization and project 
management.
Jordan
    The ``Green Building'' concept is growing in Jordan, which is 
poised to emerge as one of the region's leaders in ``Green Building'' 
design and construction. A significant shift in the developers' and 
customers' views towards ``green building'' design has been driven by 
massive media campaigns on environmental protection

[[Page 23938]]

spearheaded by both governments and private organization across the 
region. The real estate sector has witnessed various initiatives to 
support environmental compliance with local developers aggressively 
building properties designed to fulfill Leadership in Energy and 
Environmental Design (LEED) certification requirements. These 
developments provide an opportunity for U.S. firms to export their 
products and services relevant to ``Green Building''.

Optional West Bank Briefings and Meetings in Jordan

    The Palestinian Territory imports around 92% of its electricity 
from Israel, with a small amount coming from Jordan and Egypt.
    There is potential for the solar and wind energy sectors to make a 
systematic difference in the Palestinian economy. Research has been 
carried out on the ground in the West Bank, in consultation with the 
government, the private sector, academics, electricity distribution 
companies, and non-governmental organizations. Solar power is seen as 
having real potential in the West Bank in addition to wind power in 
some areas.
    The energy sector in the West Bank and Gaza (Palestinian 
Territories) is the main driver for Palestinian economic growth and 
development. The electricity system in the West Bank and Gaza requires 
substantial upgrading and expansion to meet current demand. Some 
isolated villages do not have access to electricity, and others receive 
only partial service through diesel generators. Insufficient power 
supply is a serious impediment to growth. By 2020, infrastructure 
development, including upgrading the electricity network and 
establishing a solar energy power plant, will be an area for growth and 
investment. Good opportunities exist for U.S. exports of on-ground and 
rooftop solar PV panels and systems, solar PV street lighting systems, 
and small- and large-scale wind turbines. Good opportunities exist for 
investing in a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant and biogas 
generation from landfills and animal waste.
    Currently, the total demand for electricity in the West Bank and 
Gaza is estimated at 802 MW. Israel supplies 87% (700 MW) of the 
electric power used in the West Bank and Gaza. The four Palestinian 
electricity distribution companies purchase electricity from the Israel 
Electric Corporation (IEC), which they transmit over a grid owned by 
the IEC. The Gaza Power Generating Company (GPGC) generates 8% (65 MW) 
in Gaza, and Jordan and Egypt supply approximately 5% (37 MW) of the 
total electricity demand.
    The Palestinian Authority encourages the development of solar and 
wind energies in the West Bank as alternative sources of energy. 
Accordingly, the Palestinian Energy Authority's efficient energy 
strategy is to generate 50% of power locally from gas-powered power 
plants, import 40% from neighboring countries (Israel, Egypt, and 
Jordan), and generate 10% from different efficient energy sources. 
During the first phase of the Palestinian energy strategy that will end 
in 2015, 25 MW of electricity will be generated from wind and solar 
energy sources. During the second phase; from 2016 until 2020, an 
additional 105 MW of energy will be generated from solar and wind 
energy sources. By 2020, 10% or 130 MW of efficient energy sources will 
depend 50% on solar energy (PV and CSP), 34% on wind energy (small 
scale wind projects and wind farms), and 17% on biogas (landfills and 
animal waste) energy.
    By 2020, total investment cost in efficient energy projects is 
estimated to amount to $370 million. The World Bank, France, the Czech 
Republic, and Japan have financed most of the existing efficient energy 
projects. So far, Japan has financed a small-scale solar energy power 
plant in Jericho that generates 300 KW and the Czech Republic has 
financed a smaller solar energy project that currently generates 120 
KW.
    The solar and wind energy sector in the West Bank and Gaza is still 
in its infancy stage and there is a good opportunity for U.S. exports 
of solar and wind energy products and technologies. Over the next few 
years, good opportunities exist for establishing a solar energy power 
plant, importing solar PV panels and CSP solar energy equipment, small-
scale and large-scale wind turbines, and biogas technologies to 
generate energy from solid waste landfills and animal waste. Funding 
for future efficient energy projects will come mainly from the EU, 
Japan and the World Bank.

Mission Goals

    The mission will help participating firms and trade associations to 
gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business 
strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing 
U.S. exports to Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. By participating in an 
official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to Morocco, 
Egypt and Jordan on their own, U.S. companies will enhance their 
ability to secure meetings in those countries and gain greater 
exposure.

Mission Scenario

    The business development 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, 
regulation, etc.

Timetable

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Day of week                  Date               Activity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, Rabat, Morocco.....  Dec. 3rd.........   Participants
                                                    arrive to Rabat,
                                                    Morocco.
                                                    Country
                                                    briefing by U.S.
                                                    Embassy staff on
                                                    programs and
                                                    opportunities in the
                                                    infrastructure
                                                    sector.
                                                    Evening
                                                    Reception at the
                                                    U.S. Ambassador's
                                                    Residence.
Thursday, Rabat/Casablanca,     Dec. 4th.........   Government
 Morocco.                                           meetings in Rabat,
                                                    Morocco.
                                                    Late
                                                    afternoon travel to
                                                    Casablanca, Morocco
                                                    (transportation cost
                                                    included).
                                                    Evening
                                                    Reception at the
                                                    U.S. Consul
                                                    General's Residence.
Friday, Casablanca, Morocco...  Dec. 5th.........   Business
                                                    Meetings in
                                                    Casablanca, Morocco.
Saturday, Cairo, Egypt........  Dec. 6th.........   Travel to
                                                    Cairo, Egypt (a
                                                    flight will be
                                                    recommended).
Sunday, Cairo, Egypt..........  Dec. 7th.........   Country
                                                    briefing by U.S.
                                                    Embassy staff on
                                                    programs and
                                                    opportunities in
                                                    infrastructure.
                                                    Government
                                                    meetings.

[[Page 23939]]

 
                                                    Evening
                                                    Reception at the
                                                    U.S. Ambassador's
                                                    Residence.
Monday, Cairo, Egypt..........  Dec. 8th.........   Business
                                                    Meetings.
                                                    Evening
                                                    travel to Jordan (a
                                                    flight will be
                                                    recommended).
Tuesday, Amman, Jordan........  Dec. 9th.........   Country
                                                    briefing by U.S.
                                                    Embassy staff on
                                                    programs and
                                                    opportunities in
                                                    infrastructure
                                                    sector.
                                                    Government
                                                    meetings.
                                                    Evening
                                                    Reception at the
                                                    U.S. Ambassador's
                                                    Residence.
Wednesday, Amman, Jordan......  Dec. 10th........   Business
                                                    meetings.
                                                    Evening; non-
                                                    West Bank
                                                    participants return
                                                    to United States on
                                                    own itinerary.
Thursday, (Optional), Amman,    Dec. 11th........   Briefing on
 Jordan.                                            opportunities on
                                                    efficient energy
                                                    infrastructure
                                                    projects in the West
                                                    Bank (in Amman,
                                                    Jordan).
                                                    West Bank
                                                    meetings (in Amman,
                                                    Jordan).
Friday, Amman, Jordan/U.S.....  Dec. 12th........   Return to
                                                    United States on own
                                                    itinerary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the
  availability of host government and business officials, specific goals
  of mission participants, and ground transportation.

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in this executive-led trade 
mission must complete and submit an application package for 
consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be 
evaluated, on a rolling basis, on their ability to meet certain 
conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A 
minimum of 15 and maximum of 20 firms and/or trade associations or 
organizations will be selected to participate in the mission from the 
applicant pool.

Fees And Expenses

    After a firm or trade association/organization has been selected to 
participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in 
the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for 
the business development mission will be $3,000.00 for a small or 
medium-sized enterprise (SME) \1\ and trade association/organization; 
and $5,000.00 for large firms. The fee for each additional firm 
representative (large firm or SME/trade association/trade organization) 
is $1,000. The cost for the West Bank optional meetings is not included 
and is $700 per SME and trade association/organization and $2,300 per 
large firm. The cost of transportation from Rabat, Morocco to 
Casablanca, Morocco has been included in the cost. Except as otherwise 
noted, expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter services have 
been included for government meetings in Rabat; however additional 
interpretation services can be arranged by the Department of Commerce 
for additional cost for one-on-one business meetings in Casablanca if 
required. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. 
Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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/contracting opportunities/
sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exclusions

    The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such 
as lodging, most meals, local ground transportation (except as stated 
in the proposed timetable), and air transportation from the U.S. to the 
mission sites, between mission cities, and return to the United States. 
Business visas may be required. Government fees and processing expenses 
to obtain such visas are also not included in the mission costs. 
However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to 
each participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary 
business visas.

Conditions for Participation

    Targeted mission participants are U.S. companies and trade 
associations/organizations providing infrastructure goods and services 
that have an interest in learning more about the North Africa and 
Middle East market. Target sectors holding high potential for U.S. 
exporters include firms with Efficient Energy Technologies, Equipment 
and Services; Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment; Water and 
Waste Treatment; Marine and Ports Infrastructure equipment and 
services; Tourism and Building Construction technologies and services.
    An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application 
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information 
on the company's products and/or services primary market objectives, 
and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an 
incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, 
request additional information, or take the lack of information into 
account when evaluating the applications.
    Companies must provide certification of products and/or services 
being manufactured or produced in the United States or if manufactured/
produced outside of the United States, the product/service is marketed 
under the name of a U.S. firm and have U.S. content representing at 
least 51 percent of the value of the finished good or service. 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.
    The following criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:
     Relevance of the company's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented companies') business to the 
mission goals;
     Company's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented companies') market potential for business in 
Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan; and
     Provision of adequate information on the company's 
products and/or services, and communication of the company's (or in the 
case of a trade association/organization, represented companies') 
primary objectives.
    Diversity of company size and location may also be considered 
during the review process.

[[Page 23940]]

    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.

Timeline 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, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin 
immediately and conclude no later than September 12, 2014. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce will review applications and make selection 
decisions on a rolling basis beginning June 16, 2014. Applications 
received after September 12, 2014, will be considered only if space and 
scheduling constraints permit.
    Contacts:

Gemal Brangman, International Trade Specialist, Trade Missions, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202-482-3773, Fax: 
202-482-9000, Gemal.Brangman@trade.gov.
Ann Bacher, Regional Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial 
Service, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya and Jordan, 
Tel: +20 2 2797-2298, Fax: +20 2 2797-2255, Ann.Bacher@trade.gov.
Assad Barsoum, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service--
Jerusalem, Tel: +972-2-625-4742, Assad.Barsoum@trade.gov.

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2014-09774 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P