Automotive Trade Mission to Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru, April 26-30, 2015, 68863-68865 [2014-27399]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 19, 2014 / Notices FR 24674, May 1, 2014, for the India Ports and Marine Technology Trade Mission to India, are amended as follows: • The fee for the optional stop to Vizag will be $700 per participant for the first representative and $200 for any additional representative, provided there are a number of 5 participants traveling to Vizag. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hector Rodriguez, Office of Industry and Analysis, Trade Promotion Programs, Phone: 202–482–0629; Fax: 202–482– 9000, Email: Hector.Rodriguez@trade.gov. Frank Spector, Acting Director—Trade Missions. [FR Doc. 2014–27401 Filed 11–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Automotive Trade Mission to Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru, April 26–30, 2015 International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mission Description The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) posts in Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru will organize a Business Development Mission April 26–30, 2015. The Business Development Mission supports the federal government’s Look South Initiative, which encourages U.S. companies to explore opportunities in the United States’ eleven Free Trade Agreement Partner (FTA) countries in Latin America. Automotive parts and services are in high demand in these high-growth and market-liberalizing countries. Export.gov/LookSouth includes ‘‘Best Prospect’’ market snapshots on automotive parts and services across eight FTA countries. The Business Development Mission will include representatives from a variety of U.S. automotive manufacturing companies, service providers and associations/ organizations. These mission participants will be introduced to international agents, distributors and end-users whose capabilities are targeted to each U.S. participants’ needs in that particular market. Mission VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Nov 18, 2014 Jkt 235001 participants will also meet with key local industry contacts that can advise on local market conditions and opportunities. In addition to the abovementioned services, the U.S. Commercial Service industry specialists will be on hand to discuss market trends and opportunities in Colombia and Peru. Commercial Setting The Republic of Colombia is the third largest economy in Latin America and has the third largest population with approximately 46 million inhabitants. Aided by major security improvements, steady economic growth, and moderate inflation, Colombia has become a free market economy with major commercial and investment ties to the United States, Europe, Asia and the rest of Latin America. Since the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on May 15, 2012, U.S. exports to Colombia have increased over twenty percent. The past ten years have brought extraordinary change to the country in terms of economic development due to improvements in the national safety and security situation. Strong political stability, a growing middle class (35.3 percent of the population), and improved security have created an economic boom in Colombia that, coupled with the government’s conservative fiscal policies, lessened the impact of the global economic crisis. Key economic indicators demonstrating the positive long-term effect of Colombia’s political and economic policies include: GDP growth of 4.3 percent in 2013; and foreign direct investment of US$ 16.8 billion in 2013, a record for Colombia, which is an increase over the previous record of US$ 15.3 billion in 2012. These are all signs of a strong and growing economy. Due to Colombia’s close ties to the United States and Colombians’ appreciation for the quality and reliability of U.S products, consumers in Colombia often favor U.S. products and services over those of our foreign competitors. Colombia is a major player in the regional automotive market. At the beginning of 2013 there were 9.3 million vehicle units in the country, according to data from the Ministry of Transportation. According to research conducted by the multinational banking group BBVA in 2013, Colombia’s vehicle stock will increase by 3.5 million between 2010 and 2020. The same study establishes that the automotive sector contributes to 4 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about 3.2 percent of the country’s population. Colombia PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 68863 currently ranks as the third largest automobile manufacturer in Latin America. In addition, after Brazil, Colombia is the second largest motorcycle producer in the region, with an annual output of 515,000 motorcycles. A number of international auto manufacturers currently produce vehicles in Colombia. 68 brands and 267 models are found in the market. The high import percentage represents good opportunities for all imported parts and accessories, especially those from the United States, which are very well known and regarded nationwide. The average lifespan of a vehicle in Colombia is fifteen years. Due to this, there are significant opportunities for replacement parts. In addition, with the implementation of the FTA, tariffs for most auto parts made in the United States have been reduced from thirteen to zero percent. Peru continues to be one of the fastest growing Latin American economies in the past eleven years, while keeping low inflation, as the International Monetary Fund noted in January 2014. The steady economic growth began with the promarket policies enacted by President Fujimori in the 1990s. All subsequent governments have continued these policies, including the current administration inaugurated in July 2011 for a five-year term. Although growth slowed down in the last three years, the Peruvian economy has grown at an average of 6.3% per year since 2002, reaching a $207 billion GDP in 2013. The trend is expected to continue with a projected GDP growth of 5.2% in 2014 and 5.7% to 6.0% in 2015. Private investment and consumption are anticipated to be the main driving forces of this growth. Projections for 2014 are that gross fixed investment growth will exceed 7% in real terms to reach US$55.3 billion. Public investment is increasingly important as in 2013 it was $11.6 billion (5.3% of GDP), while in 2001 it was $1.7 billion (3.1% of GDP). The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) foresees that public investment will increase 17% in dollar terms to US$13.4 billion. As the economy has grown, poverty in Peru has steadily decreased, to 23.9% in 2013. In its November 2012 Peru Handbook, HSBC states that Peru is ‘‘the third-fastest growing consumer market globally, and set to be a bigger economy than Chile, Colombia, or even South Africa in the long term’’. The Peruvian Government has encouraged integration with the global economy by signing a number of free trade agreements, including the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), which entered into force in E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1 68864 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 19, 2014 / Notices 2009. The strong economic growth in Peru has increased consumer buying power in the country and, as a result, the demand for automobiles. The establishment of free trade agreements and reduction on tariffs increased the automobile industry demand, which also boosted the demand for more auto parts. The auto parts industry grew 4.5 percent from 2012 to 2013—a total of over US$1.5 billion—with tires being the main import item for both light and heavy vehicles, followed by the segments for lubricants, engine parts, filters, transmission systems and body parts. The United States is a major exporter of auto parts to Peru, though increasing exports from Asian countries, particularly China, provide for a high level of competition. U.S. products are widely accepted and understood to be of high quality. Marketing strategies should emphasize product’s quality and valuable post-sale service provisions. Furthermore, formal and personal connections should be formed with potential partners in Peru to foster trust in the agreement. Peru’s automobile market has ample space to grow, as the number of cars is small compared with other countries in the region with similar income levels. Furthermore, the higher average age of vehicles creates a context which is envisioned to encourage vehicle renewal. Companies that intend to export Aftermarket Parts & Accessories; Chemicals and Lubricants; Parts and Components; Mobile Electronics and Components; Tools and Testing Equipment; and Services Consulting possess great potential for success. Other companies will be considered as well based on their market potential in both countries. Mission Goals The goal of the Automotive Trade Mission is to facilitate an effective presence for small and medium sized companies to export to companies in Colombia and Peru. The mission will enable U.S. companies and associations/ organizations to familiarize themselves with these important markets, to conduct market research, and to explore export opportunities through prearranged meetings with potential partners. The companies and associations/organizations will be able to network with government and industry professionals, providing them with an enhanced image and level of engagement. Knowledgeable Commercial Service Specialists who are familiar with the firms’ objectives will support the mission participants. Proposed Timetable Day of week Date Sunday ......................................................... Monday ......................................................... April 26, Bogota, Colombia ........................................... April 27, Bogota, Colombia ........................................... Tuesday ........................................................ April 28, Bogota, Colombia ........................................... Wednesday .................................................. April 29, Lima, Peru ...................................................... Thursday ...................................................... April 30, Lima, Peru ...................................................... Thursday/Friday ........................................... April 30/May 1, Lima, Peru ........................................... mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Participation Requirements All persons and associations/ organizations interested in participating in the Automotive Trade Mission to Colombia and Peru must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. Target recruitment for the Trade Mission is minimum 12 and maximum 20 companies. After an applicant has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked. Fees and Expenses SME Participation Fee VerDate Sep<11>2014 $3,124 16:16 Nov 18, 2014 Jkt 235001 Activity Large Company Participation Fee $4,477 Participation fee for third company representative $500 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. A company’s products or services must be either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. content of the value of the finished product/service. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Arrive in Bogota, Colombia. Business Breakfast Briefing. One-on-One Business Meetings. Luncheon. Evening Welcome Reception. One-on-One Business Meetings. or Follow-up meetings or site visits. Travel to and arrival in Lima, Peru. Business Breakfast Briefing. One-on-One Business Meetings. Luncheon. Evening Welcome Reception. One-on-One Business Meetings. Follow-up meetings or site visits. Check out hotel. Return to the United States. Criteria for Participant Selection: Each applicant to the program will be screened for the following: • Relevance of the company’s or association’s/organization’s business line to the mission’s goals. • Timeliness of company’s or association’s/organization’s signed application. • Timely and adequate provision of company and product/service information and literature, in order to enable communication of company’s objectives and scheduling of business appointments. * 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/contractingo opportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing schedule reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional information see https://www.export.gov/ newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html). E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 19, 2014 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES • Provision of adequate information on company’s or association’s/ organization’s products and/or services, and primary market objectives, in order to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business partners. 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. Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and travel (except for transportation to and from airport) will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications Recruitment for the mission is to begin immediately and conclude no later than March 1, 2015. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review all applications immediately after the deadline. We will inform applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after March 1, 2015. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. ITA Trade Specialists will promote the Trade Mission. This promotion will take place nation-wide and will largely be handled by the Global Automotive Team. Those interested in the mission will apply to the program, and once accepted will work with the mission leader(s) to develop their business goals in Colombia and Peru. If the participation fee is not paid within the designated timeframe, the offer to participate on the mission may be withdrawn. U.S. Export Assistance Center trade specialists and particularly members of the Global Automotive Team will recruit and counsel prospective participants for the trade mission. Company information and literature will be forwarded by the companies to CS Bogota and CS Lima. The two offices will then begin the partner search, and will provide management and logistical coordination of the program. Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade missions calendar—https://www.ita.doc.gov/ doctm/tmcal.html—and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association newsletters, mailings from internal mailing lists, emails to internal database of clients, email to sector distribution lists, through posting in the Federal VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Nov 18, 2014 Jkt 235001 Register, and at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, trade shows, etc. The Trade Mission will also be promoted by USCS and by team members of the Global Automotive Team. Contacts Lesa Forbes Miami U.S. Export Assistance Center, 5835 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 203, Miami, FL 33126, Tel: (305) 526–7425 ext 28, Fax: (305) 526–7434, Email: Lesa.Forbes@mail.doc.gov. U.S. Commercial Service in Peru: Rachel Kreissl, Commercial Officer, Gustavo Romero, Commercial Specialist, Avenida La Encalada Cuadro 17 s/n, Monterrico, Surco, Lima 33, Peru, Tel: 011 511–434– 3040, Fax: 011 511–434–3041, Email: Rachel.Kreissl@Trade.Gov, Gustavo.Romero@Trade.Gov. U.S. Commercial Service in Columbia: Jeff Hamilton, Commercial Officer, Norcia Ward-Marin, Commercial Specialist, American Embassy, Carrera 45, No 24B–27, Bogota, D.C. Colombia, Tel. 011 571–275–2519, Fax 011 571–275–4575, Email: Jeff.Hamilton@Trade.Gov, Norcia.WardMarin@Trade.Gov. Frank Spector, Acting Director—Trade Missions. [FR Doc. 2014–27399 Filed 11–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 68865 mission. Trade mission participants may also choose to participate in their choice of trade mission stops based on recommendations from the USFCS, including in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania. Each trade mission stop will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors or joint-venture partners. Trade mission participants participating in the Trade Winds—Sub-Sahara Africa business forum may attend regional and industryspecific sessions and consultations with USFCS Senior Commercial Officers and other government officials representing the Sub-Sahara Africa region during the business forum in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 16–18, 2015. This mission is open to U.S. companies and trade associations from a cross-section of industries with growth potential in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania, including, but not limited to the following industries: Power generation, transmission and distribution technology and equipment; oil and gas equipment and technology; mining and construction equipment; building products; agricultural equipment and technology; information communications technology and equipment; healthcare and medical products, equipment, and services; rail, air and port technology, products and services; environmental technologies; consumer products; and safety and security products and services. International Trade Administration Commercial Setting Trade Mission to Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania in Conjunction With Trade Winds—SubSahara Africa, September 14–21, 2015 Sub-Saharan Africa Economic Outlook Africa is the world’s fastest growing continent, with excellent ground-level business opportunities for U.S. exporters across an array of sectors. Macroeconomic indicators continue to strengthen, as poverty declines and education and health outcomes continue to improve. Economic growth on the sub-continent is now projected to rise from 4.9% in 2013 to about 5.5% this year. In fact, robust economic activity, underpinned by large investments in infrastructure and mining and an expanding agricultural segment, continues in all three subregions of East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa. Foreign investment has now fully recovered from the effects of the global crisis, and will reach a record US$80 billion in 2014, with manufacturing and services (vice oil and gas) attracting an increasing share of the continent’s greenfield-investment projects. An increasing number of U.S. multi-national companies have recently International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration is organizing a trade mission to Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania that will include the Trade Winds—Sub-Sahara Africa business forum in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 16–18, 2015. U.S. trade mission members will participate in the Trade Winds—Sub-Sahara Africa business forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is also open to U.S. companies not participating in the trade PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 223 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68863-68865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27399]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Automotive Trade Mission to Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru, 
April 26-30, 2015

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Description

    The Commerce Department's International Trade Administration (ITA) 
and the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) posts in Bogota, Colombia and 
Lima, Peru will organize a Business Development Mission April 26-30, 
2015.
    The Business Development Mission supports the federal government's 
Look South Initiative, which encourages U.S. companies to explore 
opportunities in the United States' eleven Free Trade Agreement Partner 
(FTA) countries in Latin America. Automotive parts and services are in 
high demand in these high-growth and market-liberalizing countries. 
Export.gov/LookSouth includes ``Best Prospect'' market snapshots on 
automotive parts and services across eight FTA countries.
    The Business Development Mission will include representatives from 
a variety of U.S. automotive manufacturing companies, service providers 
and associations/organizations. These mission participants will be 
introduced to international agents, distributors and end-users whose 
capabilities are targeted to each U.S. participants' needs in that 
particular market. Mission participants will also meet with key local 
industry contacts that can advise on local market conditions and 
opportunities. In addition to the above-mentioned services, the U.S. 
Commercial Service industry specialists will be on hand to discuss 
market trends and opportunities in Colombia and Peru.

Commercial Setting

    The Republic of Colombia is the third largest economy in Latin 
America and has the third largest population with approximately 46 
million inhabitants. Aided by major security improvements, steady 
economic growth, and moderate inflation, Colombia has become a free 
market economy with major commercial and investment ties to the United 
States, Europe, Asia and the rest of Latin America. Since the 
implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on May 
15, 2012, U.S. exports to Colombia have increased over twenty percent. 
The past ten years have brought extraordinary change to the country in 
terms of economic development due to improvements in the national 
safety and security situation. Strong political stability, a growing 
middle class (35.3 percent of the population), and improved security 
have created an economic boom in Colombia that, coupled with the 
government's conservative fiscal policies, lessened the impact of the 
global economic crisis. Key economic indicators demonstrating the 
positive long-term effect of Colombia's political and economic policies 
include: GDP growth of 4.3 percent in 2013; and foreign direct 
investment of US$ 16.8 billion in 2013, a record for Colombia, which is 
an increase over the previous record of US$ 15.3 billion in 2012. These 
are all signs of a strong and growing economy.
    Due to Colombia's close ties to the United States and Colombians' 
appreciation for the quality and reliability of U.S products, consumers 
in Colombia often favor U.S. products and services over those of our 
foreign competitors. Colombia is a major player in the regional 
automotive market. At the beginning of 2013 there were 9.3 million 
vehicle units in the country, according to data from the Ministry of 
Transportation. According to research conducted by the multinational 
banking group BBVA in 2013, Colombia's vehicle stock will increase by 
3.5 million between 2010 and 2020. The same study establishes that the 
automotive sector contributes to 4 percent of the country's GDP and 
employs about 3.2 percent of the country's population. Colombia 
currently ranks as the third largest automobile manufacturer in Latin 
America. In addition, after Brazil, Colombia is the second largest 
motorcycle producer in the region, with an annual output of 515,000 
motorcycles. A number of international auto manufacturers currently 
produce vehicles in Colombia. 68 brands and 267 models are found in the 
market. The high import percentage represents good opportunities for 
all imported parts and accessories, especially those from the United 
States, which are very well known and regarded nationwide. The average 
lifespan of a vehicle in Colombia is fifteen years. Due to this, there 
are significant opportunities for replacement parts. In addition, with 
the implementation of the FTA, tariffs for most auto parts made in the 
United States have been reduced from thirteen to zero percent.
    Peru continues to be one of the fastest growing Latin American 
economies in the past eleven years, while keeping low inflation, as the 
International Monetary Fund noted in January 2014. The steady economic 
growth began with the pro-market policies enacted by President Fujimori 
in the 1990s. All subsequent governments have continued these policies, 
including the current administration inaugurated in July 2011 for a 
five-year term.
    Although growth slowed down in the last three years, the Peruvian 
economy has grown at an average of 6.3% per year since 2002, reaching a 
$207 billion GDP in 2013. The trend is expected to continue with a 
projected GDP growth of 5.2% in 2014 and 5.7% to 6.0% in 2015. Private 
investment and consumption are anticipated to be the main driving 
forces of this growth. Projections for 2014 are that gross fixed 
investment growth will exceed 7% in real terms to reach US$55.3 
billion. Public investment is increasingly important as in 2013 it was 
$11.6 billion (5.3% of GDP), while in 2001 it was $1.7 billion (3.1% of 
GDP). The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) foresees that public 
investment will increase 17% in dollar terms to US$13.4 billion. As the 
economy has grown, poverty in Peru has steadily decreased, to 23.9% in 
2013. In its November 2012 Peru Handbook, HSBC states that Peru is 
``the third-fastest growing consumer market globally, and set to be a 
bigger economy than Chile, Colombia, or even South Africa in the long 
term''.
    The Peruvian Government has encouraged integration with the global 
economy by signing a number of free trade agreements, including the 
United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), which entered into 
force in

[[Page 68864]]

2009. The strong economic growth in Peru has increased consumer buying 
power in the country and, as a result, the demand for automobiles. The 
establishment of free trade agreements and reduction on tariffs 
increased the automobile industry demand, which also boosted the demand 
for more auto parts.
    The auto parts industry grew 4.5 percent from 2012 to 2013--a total 
of over US$1.5 billion--with tires being the main import item for both 
light and heavy vehicles, followed by the segments for lubricants, 
engine parts, filters, transmission systems and body parts. The United 
States is a major exporter of auto parts to Peru, though increasing 
exports from Asian countries, particularly China, provide for a high 
level of competition. U.S. products are widely accepted and understood 
to be of high quality. Marketing strategies should emphasize product's 
quality and valuable post-sale service provisions. Furthermore, formal 
and personal connections should be formed with potential partners in 
Peru to foster trust in the agreement. Peru's automobile market has 
ample space to grow, as the number of cars is small compared with other 
countries in the region with similar income levels. Furthermore, the 
higher average age of vehicles creates a context which is envisioned to 
encourage vehicle renewal.
    Companies that intend to export Aftermarket Parts & Accessories; 
Chemicals and Lubricants; Parts and Components; Mobile Electronics and 
Components; Tools and Testing Equipment; and Services Consulting 
possess great potential for success. Other companies will be considered 
as well based on their market potential in both countries.

Mission Goals

    The goal of the Automotive Trade Mission is to facilitate an 
effective presence for small and medium sized companies to export to 
companies in Colombia and Peru. The mission will enable U.S. companies 
and associations/organizations to familiarize themselves with these 
important markets, to conduct market research, and to explore export 
opportunities through pre-arranged meetings with potential partners. 
The companies and associations/organizations will be able to network 
with government and industry professionals, providing them with an 
enhanced image and level of engagement. Knowledgeable Commercial 
Service Specialists who are familiar with the firms' objectives will 
support the mission participants.

Proposed Timetable

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Day of week                      Date                                  Activity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday..........................  April 26, Bogota,        Arrive in Bogota, Colombia.
                                   Colombia.
Monday..........................  April 27, Bogota,        Business Breakfast Briefing.
                                   Colombia.               One-on-One Business Meetings.
                                                           Luncheon.
                                                           Evening Welcome Reception.
Tuesday.........................  April 28, Bogota,        One-on-One Business Meetings.
                                   Colombia.               or Follow-up meetings or site visits.
                                                           Travel to and arrival in Lima, Peru.
Wednesday.......................  April 29, Lima, Peru...  Business Breakfast Briefing.
                                                           One-on-One Business Meetings.
                                                           Luncheon.
                                                           Evening Welcome Reception.
Thursday........................  April 30, Lima, Peru...  One-on-One Business Meetings.
                                                           Follow-up meetings or site visits.
Thursday/Friday.................  April 30/May 1, Lima,    Check out hotel.
                                   Peru.                   Return to the United States.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All persons and associations/organizations interested in 
participating in the Automotive Trade Mission to Colombia and Peru must 
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the 
Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their 
ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection 
criteria as outlined below. Target recruitment for the Trade Mission is 
minimum 12 and maximum 20 companies. After an applicant has been 
selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of 
Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. Upon 
notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 
business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.

Fees and Expenses

SME Participation Fee $3,124
Large Company Participation Fee $4,477
Participation fee for third company representative $500

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.
    A company's products or services must be either produced in the 
United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and 
have at least 51% U.S. content of the value of the finished product/
service.
    Criteria for Participant Selection: Each applicant to the program 
will be screened for the following:
     Relevance of the company's or association's/organization's 
business line to the mission's goals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \*\ 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 schedule reflects the Commercial Service's user fee 
schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional 
information see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Timeliness of company's or association's/organization's 
signed application.
     Timely and adequate provision of company and product/
service information and literature, in order to enable communication of 
company's objectives and scheduling of business appointments.

[[Page 68865]]

     Provision of adequate information on company's or 
association's/organization's products and/or services, and primary 
market objectives, in order to facilitate appropriate matching with 
potential business partners.
    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.
    Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and travel (except 
for transportation to and from airport) will be the responsibility of 
each mission participant.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Recruitment for the mission is to begin immediately and conclude no 
later than March 1, 2015. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review 
all applications immediately after the deadline. We will inform 
applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after March 1, 
2015. Applications received after that date will be considered only if 
space and scheduling constraints permit.
    ITA Trade Specialists will promote the Trade Mission. This 
promotion will take place nation-wide and will largely be handled by 
the Global Automotive Team. Those interested in the mission will apply 
to the program, and once accepted will work with the mission leader(s) 
to develop their business goals in Colombia and Peru. If the 
participation fee is not paid within the designated timeframe, the 
offer to participate on the mission may be withdrawn.
    U.S. Export Assistance Center trade specialists and particularly 
members of the Global Automotive Team will recruit and counsel 
prospective participants for the trade mission. Company information and 
literature will be forwarded by the companies to CS Bogota and CS Lima. 
The two offices will then begin the partner search, and will provide 
management and logistical coordination of the program.
    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade missions calendar--https://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html--and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade 
publications and association newsletters, mailings from internal 
mailing lists, emails to internal database of clients, email to sector 
distribution lists, through posting in the Federal Register, and at 
industry meetings, symposia, conferences, trade shows, etc. The Trade 
Mission will also be promoted by USCS and by team members of the Global 
Automotive Team.

Contacts

Lesa Forbes
Miami U.S. Export Assistance Center, 5835 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 203, 
Miami, FL 33126, Tel: (305) 526-7425 ext 28, Fax: (305) 526-7434, 
Email: Lesa.Forbes@mail.doc.gov.
U.S. Commercial Service in Peru:
Rachel Kreissl, Commercial Officer, Gustavo Romero, Commercial 
Specialist, Avenida La Encalada Cuadro 17 s/n, Monterrico, Surco, Lima 
33, Peru, Tel: 011 511-434-3040, Fax: 011 511-434-3041, Email: 
Rachel.Kreissl@Trade.Gov, Gustavo.Romero@Trade.Gov.
U.S. Commercial Service in Columbia:
Jeff Hamilton, Commercial Officer, Norcia Ward-Marin, Commercial 
Specialist, American Embassy, Carrera 45, No 24B-27, Bogota, D.C. 
Colombia, Tel. 011 571-275-2519, Fax 011 571-275-4575, Email: 
Jeff.Hamilton@Trade.Gov, Norcia.WardMarin@Trade.Gov.

Frank Spector,
Acting Director--Trade Missions.
[FR Doc. 2014-27399 Filed 11-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P
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