Trade Mission to South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique, 10053-10058 [2015-03898]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices
disclosed under the APO in accordance
with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which
continues to govern business
proprietary information in this segment
of the proceeding. Timely written
notification of the return or destruction
of APO materials or conversion to
judicial protective order is hereby
requested. Failure to comply with the
regulations and the terms of an APO is
a sanctionable violation.
Notification to Importers
This notice also serves as a final
reminder to importers of their
responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of
antidumping duties prior to liquidation
of the relevant entries during this
review period. Failure to comply with
this requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
These final results of administrative
review and notice are published in
accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and
777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR
351.213(h).
Dated: February 18, 2015.
Paul Piquado,
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and
Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2015–03897 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[Application No. 99–8A005]
Export Trade Certificate of Review
Notice of Application to Amend
the Export Trade Certificate of Review
Issued to California Almond Export
Association, LLC (‘‘CAEA’’),
Application No. (99–8A005).
ACTION:
The Office of Trade and
Economic Analysis (‘‘OTEA’’) of the
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce, has received
an application to amend an Export
Trade Certificate of Review
(‘‘Certificate’’). This notice summarizes
the proposed amendment and requests
comments relevant to whether the
amended Certificate should be issued.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joseph Flynn, Director, Office of Trade
and Economic Analysis, International
Trade Administration, (202) 482–5131
(this is not a toll-free number) or email
at etca@trade.gov.
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SUMMARY:
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Title III of
the Export Trading Company Act of
1982 (15 U.S.C. Sections 4001–21) (‘‘the
Act’’) authorizes the Secretary of
Commerce to issue Export Trade
Certificates of Review. An Export Trade
Certificate of Review protects the holder
and the members identified in the
Certificate from State and Federal
government antitrust actions and from
private treble damage antitrust actions
for the export conduct specified in the
Certificate and carried out in
compliance with its terms and
conditions. The regulations
implementing Title III are found at 15
CFR part 325 (2014). Section 302(b)(1)
of the Export Trade Company Act of
1982 and 15 CFR 325.6(a) require the
Secretary to publish a notice in the
Federal Register identifying the
applicant and summarizing its
application. Under 15 CFR 325.6(a),
interested parties may, within twenty
days after the date of this notice, submit
written comments to the Secretary on
the application.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Public Comments
Interested parties may submit written
comments relevant to the determination
whether an amended Certificate should
be issued. If the comments include any
privileged or confidential business
information, it must be clearly marked
and a nonconfidential version of the
comments (identified as such) should be
included. Any comments not marked as
privileged or confidential business
information will be deemed to be
nonconfidential.
An original and five (5) copies, plus
two (2) copies of the nonconfidential
version, should be submitted no later
than 20 days after the date of this notice
to: Export Trading Company Affairs,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room
21028, Washington, DC 20230.
Information submitted by any person
is exempt from disclosure under the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
552). However, nonconfidential versions
of the comments will be made available
to the applicant if necessary for
determining whether or not to issue the
amended Certificate. Comments should
refer to this application as ‘‘Export
Trade Certificate of Review, application
number 99–8A005.’’
Summary of the Application
Applicant: California Almond Export
Association, LLC (‘‘CAEA’’), 4800 Sisk
Road Modesto, CA 95356.
Contact: Bill Morecraft, Chairman,
Telephone: (916) 446–8537.
Application No.: 99–8A005.
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Date Deemed Submitted: February 6,
2014.
Proposed Amendment: CAEA seeks to
amend its Certificate to delete the
following company as a Member of
CAEA’s Certificate: Minturn Nut
Company, Inc., Le Grand, CA.
CAEA’s proposed amendment of its
Export Trade Certificate of Review
would result in the following companies
as Members under the Certificate:
Almonds California Pride, Inc.,
Caruthers, CA, Baldwin-Minkler Farms,
Orland, CA, Blue Diamond Growers,
Sacramento, CA, Campos Brothers,
Caruthers, CA, Chico Nut Company,
Chico, CA, Del Rio Nut Company, Inc.,
Livingston, CA, Fair Trade Corner, Inc.,
Chico, CA, Fisher Nut Company,
Modesto, CA, Hilltop Ranch, Inc.,
Ballico, CA, Hughson Nut, Inc.,
Hughson, CA, Mariani Nut Company,
Winters, CA, Nutco, LLC d.b.a. Spycher
Brothers, Turlock, CA, Paramount
Farms, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, P–R
Farms, Inc., Clovis, CA, Roche Brothers
International Family Nut Co., Escalon,
CA, South Valley Almond Company,
LLC, Wasco, CA, Sunny Gem, LLC,
Wasco, CA, Western Nut Company,
Chico, CA.
Dated: February 19, 2015.
Joseph Flynn,
Director, Office of Trade and Economic
Analysis, International Trade Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015–03784 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission to South Africa, Kenya
and Mozambique
International Trade
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Replacement of Trade Mission
Statement.
AGENCY:
The United States Department
of Commerce, International Trade
Administration is replacing a notice
published June 14, 2014, at 79 FR
36290, for the Trade Mission to South
Africa and Mozambique, With an
Optional Stop in Kenya; February 23–
27, 2015.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Replacement of Trade Mission
Statement.
SUMMARY:
Background
The United States Department of
Commerce, International Trade
Administration is replacing its Trade
Mission to South Africa and
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Mozambique, With an Optional Stop in
Kenya; February 23–27, 2015 with a
new trade mission as notified herein.
Replacement.
Trade Mission to Mozambique, Kenya
and South Africa
June 18–26, 2015
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Mission Description
The U. S. Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration, is
organizing a Trade Mission to
Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa,
June 18–26, 2015, which will be led by
a senior executive of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. The
mission is designed to help U.S. firms
find business partners and sell
equipment and services. Target sectors
holding high potential for U.S exporters
include:
Transportation Infrastructure and
Equipment, such as: road, bridge and
dam construction and reconstruction;
automatic fare collection systems, new
and refurbished railroad locomotives,
new bulk car and other dedicated
rolling freight fleets, smart signaling and
rail operation automation, rolling stock
depot design, strategic route design and
network planning, port mobile,
weighbridges and quayside systems and
upgrading of existing port equipment
and oil and gas development
infrastructure.
Energy Equipment and Services, such
as: power generation (including
renewable energy); transmission and
distribution (including smart grid),
energy efficiency, oil and gas
exploration and production and project
development.
Agricultural Equipment, such as: crop
production equipment and machinery,
irrigation equipment and technology,
crop storage and handling, precision
farming technologies and fertilizers.
Although focused on the sectors
above, the mission also will consider
participation from companies in other
appropriate sectors as space permits.
This trade mission will include oneon-one business appointments with prescreened potential buyers, agents,
distributors and joint venture partners;
meetings with national and regional
government officials, chambers of
commerce, and business groups; and
networking receptions. The mission will
help participating firms and trade
associations gain market insights, make
industry contacts, solidify business
strategies, and advance specific projects,
with the goal of increasing U.S. exports
to Mozambique, Kenya and South
Africa.
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Commercial Setting
Mozambique, with a population of 23
million, grew its economy from 1994 to
2009 at an average rate of eight percent
per year—one of the fastest rates of
growth of any sub-Saharan African
economy over this period. In 2013, GDP
reached $15 billion. While the country
was devastated after the civil war ended
in 1992, it has since benefited from
macroeconomic reforms and large
foreign investment projects.
Though infrastructure remains weak
and the population is still largely rural,
the government is committed to
building a strong commercial
environment. The United States has
traditionally been a relatively minor
trading partner, but U.S. investment in
the energy sector, particularly off-shore
natural gas, is expected to grow
tremendously in the next several years.
External competition, local labor quotas,
periodic flooding, and an oftencontentious political situation present
some challenges to doing business in
Mozambique.
Kenya, with a population of 43
million, is the dominant economy in the
East African Community. Given its
position as the economic, commercial,
and logistical hub of East Africa, more
U.S. companies are investing in Kenya
and setting up local and regional
operations there. Kenya’s first election
under a new constitution with a
devolved government structure was
held in April 2013, and should position
it for further growth. Investor
confidence is high, as demonstrated by
Kenya’s record-breaking $2 billion
debut sovereign bond offering in 2014.
Kenya also boasts a large number of
well-educated English-speaking and
multi-lingual professionals, and a strong
entrepreneurial tradition. Doing
business in Kenya includes a number of
challenges, such as crime,
unemployment, limited infrastructure,
and corruption.
South Africa, a country of 52 million
people, has the most advanced, broadbased industrial economy in Africa,
enjoys relative macroeconomic stability
and boasts sound financial, legal and
accounting institutions; not to mention
an English-speaking workforce. It
remains the primary choice for U.S.
companies wishing to develop the
promising markets of sub-Saharan
Africa, although it suffers from large
disparities in income distribution and
over 25 percent unemployment. In 2014
South Africa’s GDP grew by less than
two percent to $357 billion. Doing
business in South Africa includes a
number of challenges including
corruption and power shortages, as well
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as a series of protectionist policies that
has precipitated a series of downgrades
by the major credit agencies.
Best Prospects in Targeted Sectors
Transportation Infrastructure and
Equipment
Mozambique
Transport networks and infrastructure
will be instrumental to developing
Mozambique’s growth potential in the
near and long term. The recently
concluded $500 million Millennium
Challenge Corporation compact funded
extensive rehabilitation of key roads, a
dam, and a water supply project in two
northern provinces. The Government of
Mozambique is investing heavily in
expanding rail and port capacity to
manage the rising production of mineral
resources. A rail line to the deepest
natural port on the East Coast of Africa
should significantly lower coal transport
costs, and two foreign companies have
recently been contracted to begin work
on a new rail line ending at Macuze
port. As total coal exports are projected
to reach 40 million tons per year by
2015 and long term estimates are in the
range of 100 million tons per year,
infrastructure around this sector
remains a priority. In addition, rapid
investment in infrastructure to support
planned liquefied natural gas (LNG)
projects in northern Mozambique, one
of its least developed regions, could
bring vast opportunities to U.S. firms.
Kenya
Kenya enjoys an extensive, but
uneven, infrastructure that is still
superior in many cases to that of its
neighbors. Nairobi is the undisputed
transportation hub of Eastern and
Central Africa and the largest city
between Cairo and Johannesburg. The
Port of Mombasa is the most important
deep-water port in the region, supplying
the shipping needs of more than a dozen
countries despite persistent deficiencies
in equipment, inefficiency and
corruption. As a result of these
deficiencies, the Port of Mombasa has
been earmarked for major expansion
and re-habilitation.
Kenya’s ‘‘Vision 2030’’ infrastructure
development plans call for significant
improvements to the provision of water,
renewable energy, ICT, housing, roads,
bridges, railways, seaports and airports
over the next 20 years. The construction
industry in Kenya is driven primarily by
two key infrastructure sectors:
Transportation and housing, given the
large housing deficit that exists in
Kenya. Construction and infrastructure
development will also present new
opportunities, especially with the
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passage of the new public-private
partnership (PPP) law which will make
government procurements more
transparent and less risky.
South Africa
South Africa’s Transnet, the largest
State Owned Enterprise (SOE) within
the Department of Public Enterprises
(DPE) has announced and allocated
funding for significant transportation
infrastructure capital investments. In
2012, the government announced the
allocation of funding for investments
estimated at over $90 billion over 15
years. Though there have been
complaints of slow implementation,
leading some contractors to re-focus
business elsewhere in the continent, in
late 2013 and early 2014 commitments
were made to procure passenger rolling
stock, locomotives, signaling and track
upgrades. Also, the development of the
significant Durban phase 2 port
extension (in the old Durban
International Airport precinct) has been
initiated.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South
Africa (Prasa) of the SA Department of
Transport (SADOT) in March 2012
announced a 20-year rail improvement
program estimated at more than $13.6
billion. Of this, $1.3 billion will be
invested in signaling, new depots,
modern stations and integrated
ticketing, while $1.1 billion is being
spent on new locomotives.
SOE Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and
others are expanding logistics projects
such as upgrading the Sishen-Saldanha
Bay ore line, the Richard Bay coal line
and other new coal line networks in the
northwest. Transnet’s rail and port
projects are reportedly set to cost
around $30 billion over seven years and
include augmenting the tractive and
bulk car fleet, signaling, maintenance,
advanced train management systems
and network expansion/concession
models. For the second large diesel
locomotive program of 465 units, one
U.S. and one Chinese manufacturer
were selected as preferred bidders in
February 2014.
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the
port operating SOE is set to invest $3.3
billion over the next seven years for the
expansion and improvement of its bulk
and container terminals. Significant
capacity-creating projects included the
expansion of the Durban Container
Terminal’s (DCT’s) Pier 1 that would
increase its capacity from 700,000
twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to
820,000 TEUs by 2013 and 1.2 million
TEUs by 2016/17. Other expansion
projects include the Ngqura Container
Terminal, Durban Ro-Ro and Maydon
Wharf terminal, the iron-ore bulk
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terminal at the Port of Saldanha and the
ageing Richards Bay Terminal where
$370 million is set aside for mobile and
quayside equipment, as well as
weighbridges.
Energy
Mozambique
Mozambique is set to become one of
the world’s largest new suppliers of
natural gas. The country’s massive
offshore discoveries have launched a
scramble among exploration and
production companies to develop these
new-found resources. In early 2014, the
Oil and Gas Journal raised
Mozambique’s proven reserves to 100
trillion cubic feet (Tcf), making it the
third-largest proved natural gas holder
in Africa. Although much of the
Mozambique’s offshore acreage still
remains underexplored, one U.S.
company already has announced
recoverable finds totaling some 45–65
Tcf. The country’s rich resources could
support up to ten LNG trains in one
province alone, and a floating LNG
facility is under consideration.
Developers focusing on Mozambique’s
LNG infrastructure expect to begin
exporting as early as 2018. Additionally,
although the United States exported
only $25 million of oil and gas field
equipment to Mozambique in 2013, this
is up from $1 million only five years
prior and comprises about 19 percent of
the country’s relatively small total of
$132 million for that year. More than 80
percent of U.S. exports to Mozambique
are in pipe products, indicating the
early stages of the industry.
Mozambique is a net exporter of
energy. But in order to support its
growing economy the country requires
significant investment to upgrade old
infrastructure and conclude new
generation projects. The majority of
power produced in the country comes
from the Cahora Bassa hydro-power
scheme in central Mozambique, where
the government plans a multi-million
dollar ‘‘North Bank’’ expansion. It will
add an additional 1,250 MW with
transmission lines to South Africa, the
South African Power Pool, Maputo, and
Northern Mozambique. Planning for a
second multi-billion dollar, 1,500-plus
MW hydropower dam 35 miles
downstream at Mphanda Nkuwa is well
underway, and the operators are
expected to finalize financing this year,
with commercial operations due to start
as early as 2017. The government of
Mozambique recently approved new
renewable feed-in tariffs as part of an
ongoing strategy to promote private
investment in renewable energy sources.
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Kenya
In response to strong economic
growth and increasing demand for
electricity, Kenya is focused on
developing its power generation and
transmission and distribution
infrastructure. Today, Kenya is faced
with brownouts, blackouts, and power
surges that damage equipment and
necessitate emergency power, driving
up the cost of electricity. The supply
deficit and costly short-term solutions
impede economic growth, and reduce
the competitiveness of Kenya’s private
sector in the region. With only 25
percent of the population connected to
the grid, the Kenyan government is
currently implementing a plan to
connect an additional 5,000MW to the
grid to meet growing demand and help
reduce electricity tariffs by 40 percent
by 2017, with a goal of achieving
universal access by 2030.
In ITA’s Renewable Energy Top
Markets for U.S.-Exports 2014–2015,
Kenya was ranked 13th most promising
export market for U.S. renewable energy
companies, and first in the geothermal
sector, which makes up about 22
percent of Kenya’s energy mix (about
583 MW). More than 40 wells per year
currently are being drilled, with a target
of developing over 5,000 MW,
approximately half of its capacity, in the
next two decades. Kenya has extensive
plans to increase other renewables as
well. The country is gradually
diversifying its energy mix and is keen
to wean off expensive thermal diesel
power, whose supply is impacted by
recurring droughts; and thermal power,
which is sensitive to global fuel prices.
Kenya is also an increasingly
promising player in the booming East
Africa oil and gas market. The multiple
onshore discoveries announced since
2012, largely in Turkana County, have
led exploration and production
companies to sound optimistic notes
about the country’s potential. The
greatest enthusiasm surrounds offshore
resources, where drillers hope to
replicate Mozambique and Tanzania’s
vast natural gas discoveries. To date,
Kenya’s oil resources are estimated to be
600 million barrels, with at least one
firm projecting that Kenya’s resource
base could amount to as much as 10
billion barrels, though exploration is
still in the early stages. While
movement on key planned
infrastructure projects, such as the $25
billion Lamu Port, South Sudan
Ethiopia, Transport (LAPSSET)
Corridor, has been slow, if all goes
smoothly, a Uganda-Kenya pipeline
could be completed by as early as 2019.
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South Africa
Electricity supply constraints are
significant and are expected to remain a
feature of South Africa’s social and
economic landscape for several years to
come. ESKOM, the government owned
power utility, with a virtual monopoly
on generation, transmission and
distribution (responsible for around 95
percent of local generation) is
experiencing budgetary and
infrastructure challenges. As a result of
these challenges, the government has
put a renewed focus on the increased
generation of power, increased energy
efficiency and decreased consumption.
ESKOM’s reserve of power has recently
become so low that it has been forced
to utilize its contractual rights with
large industrial users to require them to
reduce consumption at critical times,
and it has implemented scheduled
brownouts or ‘‘load-shedding’’ outages
for all users. It has also been forced to
use expensive diesel to power
generators at peak load periods. Though
there is current and planned
infrastructure investment to ensure
future supply, there have been
significant delays in bringing these
planned power generation facilities on
line.
ESKOM is currently investigating
smart grid as an option to manage peak
load demand. Renewable energy
programs have also been introduced in
order to facilitate clean renewable
independent energy production. The
government’s Renewable Energy
Independent Power Producer
Procurement program (REIPPP) has been
relatively successful and marks the first
time independent power producers have
been allowed to sell power back to the
grid. In ITA’s Renewable Energy Top
Markets for U.S.-Exports 2014–2015,
South Africa was ranked 12th; however,
local content requirements, which have
increased in recent months, may limit
potential U.S. exports.
Further capital expenditure is ongoing
with the two large scale coal-fired plants
under construction—Medupi Power
Station (4,800 MW) and Kusile Power
Station (4800 MW)—as well as a
pumped storage project (1,332 MW) and
a wind energy facility (1,00MW). With
on-going power outages, the government
of South Africa has also recently opened
bids to independent power producers
for the provision of 2,500 MW of baseload (coal) power.
South Africa boasts the world’s eighth
largest supply of technically recoverable
shale gas resources, according to the
U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy
Information Administration. In 2012,
the government lifted a moratorium on
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exploring the country’s estimated 390
trillion cubic feet (tcf) of
unconventional deposits. While licenses
have yet to be issued, President Zuma
announced in June 2014 that the
government would proceed with shale
gas development plans, indicating the
government’s willingness to move
forward with development in the sector.
South Africa has announced plans to
add 9,600 MW of nuclear power over
the next twenty years and the
government is in talks with multiple
countries about resources to develop
South Africa’s civil nuclear energy
program. The country currently has two
nuclear reactors that generate 5 percent
of its electricity.
Agricultural Equipment
Mozambique
Mozambique has vast needs and vast
opportunities in the agriculture sector.
Boasting a landmass about the size of
Texas and Louisiana combined, a
coastline longer than the eastern
seaboard of the United States, and a
geographic location well-positioned to
export to burgeoning Asian markets,
agriculture is still small-scale and
subsistence. Growth in agriculture has
lagged in relation to GDP growth, largely
due to the lack of mechanization and
irrigation. Opportunities for U.S.
companies vary from cold storage,
irrigation and food processing
equipment.
Mozambique recognizes agriculture as
the key to poverty reduction and
employment and is focused on policy
reforms to attract more private sector
investment. The Government of
Mozambique is committed to promoting
the use of technology, irrigation, and
improved methods to raise yields. This
commitment has resulted in plans by
U.S. and other foreign agribusiness
companies to establish commercial
farms.
Kenya
Agriculture remains the backbone of
Kenya’s economy. It accounts for about
24 percent of GDP directly and 75
percent of the labor force indirectly.
Cash crop (tea, coffee, and horticulture),
food crops (maize, wheat and rice), and
livestock dominate the agricultural
sector. Kenyan agriculture faces many
challenges. It is predominately rainfall
dependent and thus subject to wide
production variances. It is
undercapitalized, implying low
technological absorption resulting in
low productivity. Small-scale farmers
contribute about 75 percent to the
country’s total value of agricultural
output and account for nearly 85
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percent of total employment in the
agricultural sector. These attributes,
coupled with challenges arising from
limited institutional capacity, poor
infrastructure, and risks associated with
liberalized markets, explain the relative
stagnation of agricultural productivity
and incomes.
Kenya’s horticulture industry is a
major export success in Africa. It is
almost entirely dominated by the
private sector and provides many
opportunities for increased importation
of fertilizers, pesticides and equipment.
Similar opportunities lie in the
floriculture industry in Kenya, which is
the leading exporter of fresh cut flowers
to the flower auction in Holland. Other
important commodities include maize,
tea, coffee, sugarcane and wheat, which
will require additional use of fertilizers
as production grows. The government
has embarked on a mechanization
program to increase use of more modern
means of farming to increase output. In
addition, the government has set aside
1.2 million acres of land for irrigation
that for growing maize and wheat, and
livestock farming. Agricultural
equipment is tax exempt under the VAT
Act 2013 to provide support to the
sector.
Kenya imports virtually all of its
agricultural chemicals because local
production is insignificant. Kenya’s
fertilizer use has almost doubled since
the liberalization of the market in the
1990s and the removal of government
price controls and import licensing
quotas. The growth in use has been
noted especially among the smallholder
farmers in growth of both food crops
(maize, domestic horticulture) and
export crops (tea, coffee). Growth in the
industry is largely due to huge private
investment in both importation and
retailing of fertilizers. Fertilizer is also
tax exempted under the new VAT Act.
South Africa
South Africa has by far the most
modern, productive and diverse
agricultural economy in Sub Saharan
Africa. Agriculture in South Africa
remains an important sector despite its
relatively small contribution to the GDP.
The sector plays an important role in
terms of job creation, especially in rural
areas, but is also a foremost earner of
foreign exchange.
South Africa has a market-oriented
agricultural economy that is highly
diversified, including production of all
the major grains (except rice), oilseeds,
deciduous and subtropical fruits, sugar,
citrus, wine and most vegetables.
Livestock production includes cattle,
dairy, pigs, sheep, and a well-developed
broiler and egg industry. Value-added
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sector activities include slaughtering,
processing and preserving of meat;
processing and preserving of fruit and
vegetables; dairy products; grain mill
products; crushing of oilseeds; prepared
animal feeds; and sugar refining
amongst other food products. South
Africa also exports wine, corn, mohair,
groundnuts, karakul pelts, sugar, and
wool.
South Africa offers U.S. exporters in
the agricultural equipment and
technology sector a wide range of
opportunities. Five percent of all new
agriculture equipment is being
produced locally; 95 percent of all
agriculture equipment and parts are
being sourced from international
markets, and at least 20 percent of new
equipment and technologies are
currently being sourced from the U.S.
Mission Goals
The goal of this trade mission is to
provide U.S. participants with firsthand market information, and one-on-
10057
one meetings with business contacts,
including potential agents, distributors
and partners so they can position
themselves to enter or expand their
presence in these markets.
Mission Scenario
This mission will visit Maputo,
Mozambique, Nairobi, Kenya and
Johannesburg, South Africa allowing
participants to access the largest
markets and business centers in these
countries.
PROPOSED MISSION TIMETABLE
Day of Week
Location
Activity
Wednesday, June 17 .......
Maputo ...........................
Thursday, June 18 ...........
Maputo ...........................
Friday, June 19 ................
Saturday, June 20 ...........
Sunday, June 21 .............
Maputo ...........................
Maputo/Nairobi ..............
Maputo/Nairobi ..............
Monday, June 22 .............
Nairobi ...........................
Tuesday, June 23 ............
Wednesday, June 24 .......
Nairobi ...........................
Nairobi/Johannesburg ...
Thursday, June 25 ...........
Johannesburg ................
Friday, June 26 ................
Johannesburg ................
Companies arrive Maputo.
Welcome Breakfast.
Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
One-on-one business appointments continue.
Site visit or travel to Nairobi.
Remain in or travel to Nairobi.
Welcome Breakfast.
Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
One-on-one business appointments continue.
Travel to Johannesburg.
Welcome Breakfast.
Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
One-on-one business appointments continue.
Mission Ends.
*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of local government and business officials, specific goals of
mission participants, and air travel schedules.
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating
in the trade mission must complete and
submit an application package for
consideration by the U.S. Department of
Commerce. All applicants will be
evaluated on their ability to meet certain
conditions and best satisfy the selection
criteria as outlined below. A minimum
of 15 and maximum of 20 firms and/or
trade associations or organizations will
be selected from the applicant pool to
participate in the mission.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Fees and Expenses
After a company or trade association/
organization 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 for the mission is
$4,600 for small or medium-sized
enterprises (SME),1 and $6,200 for large
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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:36 Feb 24, 2015
Jkt 235001
firms and trade associations/
organizations. The fee for each
additional representative (large firm,
SME or trade association/organization)
is $750.
Exclusions
The mission fee does not include any
personal travel expenses such as
lodging, most meals, local ground
transportation and air transportation.
Delegate members will however, be able
to take advantage of U.S. Government
rates for hotel rooms. 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.
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).
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Conditions for Participation
Applicants must submit a completed
and signed mission application and
supplemental application materials,
including adequate information on the
company’s or association/organization’s
products and/or services, primary
market objectives, and goals for
participation by April 17, 2015. If the
Department of Commerce receives an
incomplete application, the Department
may either: reject the application,
request additional information/
clarification, 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 U.S., or, if not, are
marketed under the name of a U.S. firm
and have at least fifty-one percent U.S.
content. In the case of a trade
association or organization, the
applicant must certify that for each
company to be represented by the
association/organization, the products
and/or services the represented
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10058
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices
company seeks to export are either
produced in the U.S. or, if not, marketed
under the name of a U.S. firm and have
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content.
In addition, each applicant must:
Certify that the products and services
that it wishes to market through the
mission would be in compliance with
U.S. export controls and regulations;
Certify that it has identified to the
Department of Commerce for its
evaluation any business pending before
the Department that may present the
appearance of a conflict of interest;
Certify that it has identified any
pending litigation (including any
administrative proceedings) to which it
is a party that involves the Department
of Commerce; and
Sign and submit an agreement that it
and its affiliates (1) have not and will
not engage in the bribery of foreign
officials in connection with a
company’s/participant’s involvement in
this mission, and (2) maintain and
enforce a policy that prohibits the
bribery of foreign officials.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Selection Criteria for Participation
Targeted mission participants are U.S.
companies and trade associations/
organizations providing or promoting
products and services that have interest
in entering or expanding their business
in markets of Mozambique, Kenya and
South Africa. The following criteria will
be used in selecting participants:
Suitability of a company’s (or in the
case of a trade association/organization,
represented companies’) products or
services to these markets.
Company’s (or in the case of a trade
association/organization, represented
companies’) potential for business in the
markets, including likelihood of exports
resulting from the mission.
Consistency of the applicant
company’s (or in the case of a trade
association/organization, represented
companies’) goals and objectives with
the stated scope of the mission.
Referrals from political organizations
and any documents, including the
application, 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
Application
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://www.export.gov/
trademissions/) and other Internet Web
sites, press releases to general and trade
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:05 Feb 24, 2015
Jkt 235001
media, notices by industry trade
associations and other multiplier
groups, and publicity at industry
meetings, symposia, conferences, and
trade shows.
Recruitment for this mission will
begin immediately and conclude April
17, 2015. We will inform applicants of
selection decisions as soon as possible
after April 17, 2015. Applications
received after April 17, 2015 will be
considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Commercial Service, Johannesburg,
South Africa, Brent Omdahl, Deputy
Senior Commercial Officer, Phone:
27–11–290–3227, Email:
Brent.Omdahl@trade.gov.
Trade Missions Office, Washington, DC,
Anne Novak, Phone: (202) 482–8178,
Email: Anne.Novak@trade.gov.
Frank Spector,
International Trade Specialist.
[FR Doc. 2015–03898 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XD770
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
Meeting of the Atlantic Highly
Migratory Species Advisory Panel
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting and
webinar/conference call.
AGENCY:
NMFS will hold a 3-day
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
(HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in
March 2015. The intent of the meeting
is to consider options for the
conservation and management of
Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to
the public.
DATES: The AP meeting and webinar
will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on Tuesday, March 10, 2015; from 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11,
2015; and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on
Thursday, March 12, 2015. There will
be an introduction for new AP members
at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 8120
Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD
20814. The meeting presentations will
also be available via WebEx webinar/
conference call.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, the
conference call information is phone
number 1–800–857–6552; Participant
Code: 8099565; and the webinar event
address is: https://
noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/
onstage/g.php?d=393951018&t=a; event
password: NOAA.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2015, the
conference call information is phone
number 1–800–857–6552; Participant
Code: 8099565; and the webinar event
address is: https://
noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/
onstage/g.php?d=395887510&t=a ;
event password: NOAA.
On Thursday, March 12, 2015, the
conference call information is phone
number 1–800–857–6552; Participant
Code: 8099565; and the webinar event
address is: https://
noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/
onstage/g.php?d=394954698&t=a ;
event password: NOAA.
Participants are strongly encouraged
to log/dial in fifteen minutes prior to the
meeting. NMFS will show the
presentations via webinar and allow
public comment during identified times
on the agenda.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter Cooper or Margo Schulze-Haugen
at (301) 427–8503.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act, 16
U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as amended by the
Sustainable Fisheries Act, Public Law
104–297, provided for the establishment
of an AP to assist in the collection and
evaluation of information relevant to the
development of any Fishery
Management Plan (FMP) or FMP
amendment for Atlantic HMS. NMFS
consults with and considers the
comments and views of AP members
when preparing and implementing
FMPs or FMP amendments for Atlantic
tunas, swordfish, billfish, and sharks.
The AP has previously consulted with
NMFS on: Amendment 1 to the Billfish
FMP (April 1999); the HMS FMP (April
1999); Amendment 1 to the HMS FMP
(December 2003); the Consolidated HMS
FMP (October 2006); and Amendments
1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7, 8, and 9 to the
2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (April and
October 2008, February and September
2009, May and September 2010, April
and September 2011, March and
September 2012, January and September
2013, April and September 2014),
among other things.
The intent of this meeting is to
consider alternatives for the
conservation and management of all
Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfish, and
shark fisheries. We anticipate discussing
E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10053-10058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03898]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission to South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Replacement of Trade Mission Statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration is replacing a notice published June 14, 2014, at 79 FR
36290, for the Trade Mission to South Africa and Mozambique, With an
Optional Stop in Kenya; February 23-27, 2015.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Replacement of Trade Mission Statement.
Background
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration is replacing its Trade Mission to South Africa and
[[Page 10054]]
Mozambique, With an Optional Stop in Kenya; February 23-27, 2015 with a
new trade mission as notified herein. Replacement.
Trade Mission to Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa
June 18-26, 2015
Mission Description
The U. S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, is organizing a Trade Mission to Mozambique, Kenya and
South Africa, June 18-26, 2015, which will be led by a senior executive
of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The mission is designed to
help U.S. firms find business partners and sell equipment and services.
Target sectors holding high potential for U.S exporters include:
Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment, such as: road, bridge
and dam construction and reconstruction; automatic fare collection
systems, new and refurbished railroad locomotives, new bulk car and
other dedicated rolling freight fleets, smart signaling and rail
operation automation, rolling stock depot design, strategic route
design and network planning, port mobile, weighbridges and quayside
systems and upgrading of existing port equipment and oil and gas
development infrastructure.
Energy Equipment and Services, such as: power generation (including
renewable energy); transmission and distribution (including smart
grid), energy efficiency, oil and gas exploration and production and
project development.
Agricultural Equipment, such as: crop production equipment and
machinery, irrigation equipment and technology, crop storage and
handling, precision farming technologies and fertilizers.
Although focused on the sectors above, the mission also will
consider participation from companies in other appropriate sectors as
space permits.
This trade mission will include one-on-one business appointments
with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint
venture partners; meetings with national and regional government
officials, chambers of commerce, and business groups; and networking
receptions. The mission will help participating firms and trade
associations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify
business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of
increasing U.S. exports to Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa.
Commercial Setting
Mozambique, with a population of 23 million, grew its economy from
1994 to 2009 at an average rate of eight percent per year--one of the
fastest rates of growth of any sub-Saharan African economy over this
period. In 2013, GDP reached $15 billion. While the country was
devastated after the civil war ended in 1992, it has since benefited
from macroeconomic reforms and large foreign investment projects.
Though infrastructure remains weak and the population is still
largely rural, the government is committed to building a strong
commercial environment. The United States has traditionally been a
relatively minor trading partner, but U.S. investment in the energy
sector, particularly off-shore natural gas, is expected to grow
tremendously in the next several years. External competition, local
labor quotas, periodic flooding, and an often-contentious political
situation present some challenges to doing business in Mozambique.
Kenya, with a population of 43 million, is the dominant economy in
the East African Community. Given its position as the economic,
commercial, and logistical hub of East Africa, more U.S. companies are
investing in Kenya and setting up local and regional operations there.
Kenya's first election under a new constitution with a devolved
government structure was held in April 2013, and should position it for
further growth. Investor confidence is high, as demonstrated by Kenya's
record-breaking $2 billion debut sovereign bond offering in 2014.
Kenya also boasts a large number of well-educated English-speaking
and multi-lingual professionals, and a strong entrepreneurial
tradition. Doing business in Kenya includes a number of challenges,
such as crime, unemployment, limited infrastructure, and corruption.
South Africa, a country of 52 million people, has the most
advanced, broad-based industrial economy in Africa, enjoys relative
macroeconomic stability and boasts sound financial, legal and
accounting institutions; not to mention an English-speaking workforce.
It remains the primary choice for U.S. companies wishing to develop the
promising markets of sub-Saharan Africa, although it suffers from large
disparities in income distribution and over 25 percent unemployment. In
2014 South Africa's GDP grew by less than two percent to $357 billion.
Doing business in South Africa includes a number of challenges
including corruption and power shortages, as well as a series of
protectionist policies that has precipitated a series of downgrades by
the major credit agencies.
Best Prospects in Targeted Sectors
Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment
Mozambique
Transport networks and infrastructure will be instrumental to
developing Mozambique's growth potential in the near and long term. The
recently concluded $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation
compact funded extensive rehabilitation of key roads, a dam, and a
water supply project in two northern provinces. The Government of
Mozambique is investing heavily in expanding rail and port capacity to
manage the rising production of mineral resources. A rail line to the
deepest natural port on the East Coast of Africa should significantly
lower coal transport costs, and two foreign companies have recently
been contracted to begin work on a new rail line ending at Macuze port.
As total coal exports are projected to reach 40 million tons per year
by 2015 and long term estimates are in the range of 100 million tons
per year, infrastructure around this sector remains a priority. In
addition, rapid investment in infrastructure to support planned
liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in northern Mozambique, one of its
least developed regions, could bring vast opportunities to U.S. firms.
Kenya
Kenya enjoys an extensive, but uneven, infrastructure that is still
superior in many cases to that of its neighbors. Nairobi is the
undisputed transportation hub of Eastern and Central Africa and the
largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. The Port of Mombasa is the
most important deep-water port in the region, supplying the shipping
needs of more than a dozen countries despite persistent deficiencies in
equipment, inefficiency and corruption. As a result of these
deficiencies, the Port of Mombasa has been earmarked for major
expansion and re-habilitation.
Kenya's ``Vision 2030'' infrastructure development plans call for
significant improvements to the provision of water, renewable energy,
ICT, housing, roads, bridges, railways, seaports and airports over the
next 20 years. The construction industry in Kenya is driven primarily
by two key infrastructure sectors: Transportation and housing, given
the large housing deficit that exists in Kenya. Construction and
infrastructure development will also present new opportunities,
especially with the
[[Page 10055]]
passage of the new public-private partnership (PPP) law which will make
government procurements more transparent and less risky.
South Africa
South Africa's Transnet, the largest State Owned Enterprise (SOE)
within the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has announced and
allocated funding for significant transportation infrastructure capital
investments. In 2012, the government announced the allocation of
funding for investments estimated at over $90 billion over 15 years.
Though there have been complaints of slow implementation, leading some
contractors to re-focus business elsewhere in the continent, in late
2013 and early 2014 commitments were made to procure passenger rolling
stock, locomotives, signaling and track upgrades. Also, the development
of the significant Durban phase 2 port extension (in the old Durban
International Airport precinct) has been initiated.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) of the SA
Department of Transport (SADOT) in March 2012 announced a 20-year rail
improvement program estimated at more than $13.6 billion. Of this, $1.3
billion will be invested in signaling, new depots, modern stations and
integrated ticketing, while $1.1 billion is being spent on new
locomotives.
SOE Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and others are expanding logistics
projects such as upgrading the Sishen-Saldanha Bay ore line, the
Richard Bay coal line and other new coal line networks in the
northwest. Transnet's rail and port projects are reportedly set to cost
around $30 billion over seven years and include augmenting the tractive
and bulk car fleet, signaling, maintenance, advanced train management
systems and network expansion/concession models. For the second large
diesel locomotive program of 465 units, one U.S. and one Chinese
manufacturer were selected as preferred bidders in February 2014.
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the port operating SOE is set to
invest $3.3 billion over the next seven years for the expansion and
improvement of its bulk and container terminals. Significant capacity-
creating projects included the expansion of the Durban Container
Terminal's (DCT's) Pier 1 that would increase its capacity from 700,000
twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 820,000 TEUs by 2013 and 1.2
million TEUs by 2016/17. Other expansion projects include the Ngqura
Container Terminal, Durban Ro-Ro and Maydon Wharf terminal, the iron-
ore bulk terminal at the Port of Saldanha and the ageing Richards Bay
Terminal where $370 million is set aside for mobile and quayside
equipment, as well as weighbridges.
Energy
Mozambique
Mozambique is set to become one of the world's largest new
suppliers of natural gas. The country's massive offshore discoveries
have launched a scramble among exploration and production companies to
develop these new-found resources. In early 2014, the Oil and Gas
Journal raised Mozambique's proven reserves to 100 trillion cubic feet
(Tcf), making it the third-largest proved natural gas holder in Africa.
Although much of the Mozambique's offshore acreage still remains
underexplored, one U.S. company already has announced recoverable finds
totaling some 45-65 Tcf. The country's rich resources could support up
to ten LNG trains in one province alone, and a floating LNG facility is
under consideration. Developers focusing on Mozambique's LNG
infrastructure expect to begin exporting as early as 2018.
Additionally, although the United States exported only $25 million of
oil and gas field equipment to Mozambique in 2013, this is up from $1
million only five years prior and comprises about 19 percent of the
country's relatively small total of $132 million for that year. More
than 80 percent of U.S. exports to Mozambique are in pipe products,
indicating the early stages of the industry.
Mozambique is a net exporter of energy. But in order to support its
growing economy the country requires significant investment to upgrade
old infrastructure and conclude new generation projects. The majority
of power produced in the country comes from the Cahora Bassa hydro-
power scheme in central Mozambique, where the government plans a multi-
million dollar ``North Bank'' expansion. It will add an additional
1,250 MW with transmission lines to South Africa, the South African
Power Pool, Maputo, and Northern Mozambique. Planning for a second
multi-billion dollar, 1,500-plus MW hydropower dam 35 miles downstream
at Mphanda Nkuwa is well underway, and the operators are expected to
finalize financing this year, with commercial operations due to start
as early as 2017. The government of Mozambique recently approved new
renewable feed-in tariffs as part of an ongoing strategy to promote
private investment in renewable energy sources.
Kenya
In response to strong economic growth and increasing demand for
electricity, Kenya is focused on developing its power generation and
transmission and distribution infrastructure. Today, Kenya is faced
with brownouts, blackouts, and power surges that damage equipment and
necessitate emergency power, driving up the cost of electricity. The
supply deficit and costly short-term solutions impede economic growth,
and reduce the competitiveness of Kenya's private sector in the region.
With only 25 percent of the population connected to the grid, the
Kenyan government is currently implementing a plan to connect an
additional 5,000MW to the grid to meet growing demand and help reduce
electricity tariffs by 40 percent by 2017, with a goal of achieving
universal access by 2030.
In ITA's Renewable Energy Top Markets for U.S.-Exports 2014-2015,
Kenya was ranked 13th most promising export market for U.S. renewable
energy companies, and first in the geothermal sector, which makes up
about 22 percent of Kenya's energy mix (about 583 MW). More than 40
wells per year currently are being drilled, with a target of developing
over 5,000 MW, approximately half of its capacity, in the next two
decades. Kenya has extensive plans to increase other renewables as
well. The country is gradually diversifying its energy mix and is keen
to wean off expensive thermal diesel power, whose supply is impacted by
recurring droughts; and thermal power, which is sensitive to global
fuel prices.
Kenya is also an increasingly promising player in the booming East
Africa oil and gas market. The multiple onshore discoveries announced
since 2012, largely in Turkana County, have led exploration and
production companies to sound optimistic notes about the country's
potential. The greatest enthusiasm surrounds offshore resources, where
drillers hope to replicate Mozambique and Tanzania's vast natural gas
discoveries. To date, Kenya's oil resources are estimated to be 600
million barrels, with at least one firm projecting that Kenya's
resource base could amount to as much as 10 billion barrels, though
exploration is still in the early stages. While movement on key planned
infrastructure projects, such as the $25 billion Lamu Port, South Sudan
Ethiopia, Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, has been slow, if all goes
smoothly, a Uganda-Kenya pipeline could be completed by as early as
2019.
[[Page 10056]]
South Africa
Electricity supply constraints are significant and are expected to
remain a feature of South Africa's social and economic landscape for
several years to come. ESKOM, the government owned power utility, with
a virtual monopoly on generation, transmission and distribution
(responsible for around 95 percent of local generation) is experiencing
budgetary and infrastructure challenges. As a result of these
challenges, the government has put a renewed focus on the increased
generation of power, increased energy efficiency and decreased
consumption. ESKOM's reserve of power has recently become so low that
it has been forced to utilize its contractual rights with large
industrial users to require them to reduce consumption at critical
times, and it has implemented scheduled brownouts or ``load-shedding''
outages for all users. It has also been forced to use expensive diesel
to power generators at peak load periods. Though there is current and
planned infrastructure investment to ensure future supply, there have
been significant delays in bringing these planned power generation
facilities on line.
ESKOM is currently investigating smart grid as an option to manage
peak load demand. Renewable energy programs have also been introduced
in order to facilitate clean renewable independent energy production.
The government's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer
Procurement program (REIPPP) has been relatively successful and marks
the first time independent power producers have been allowed to sell
power back to the grid. In ITA's Renewable Energy Top Markets for U.S.-
Exports 2014-2015, South Africa was ranked 12th; however, local content
requirements, which have increased in recent months, may limit
potential U.S. exports.
Further capital expenditure is ongoing with the two large scale
coal-fired plants under construction--Medupi Power Station (4,800 MW)
and Kusile Power Station (4800 MW)--as well as a pumped storage project
(1,332 MW) and a wind energy facility (1,00MW). With on-going power
outages, the government of South Africa has also recently opened bids
to independent power producers for the provision of 2,500 MW of base-
load (coal) power.
South Africa boasts the world's eighth largest supply of
technically recoverable shale gas resources, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration. In 2012, the
government lifted a moratorium on exploring the country's estimated 390
trillion cubic feet (tcf) of unconventional deposits. While licenses
have yet to be issued, President Zuma announced in June 2014 that the
government would proceed with shale gas development plans, indicating
the government's willingness to move forward with development in the
sector.
South Africa has announced plans to add 9,600 MW of nuclear power
over the next twenty years and the government is in talks with multiple
countries about resources to develop South Africa's civil nuclear
energy program. The country currently has two nuclear reactors that
generate 5 percent of its electricity.
Agricultural Equipment
Mozambique
Mozambique has vast needs and vast opportunities in the agriculture
sector. Boasting a landmass about the size of Texas and Louisiana
combined, a coastline longer than the eastern seaboard of the United
States, and a geographic location well-positioned to export to
burgeoning Asian markets, agriculture is still small-scale and
subsistence. Growth in agriculture has lagged in relation to GDP
growth, largely due to the lack of mechanization and irrigation.
Opportunities for U.S. companies vary from cold storage, irrigation and
food processing equipment.
Mozambique recognizes agriculture as the key to poverty reduction
and employment and is focused on policy reforms to attract more private
sector investment. The Government of Mozambique is committed to
promoting the use of technology, irrigation, and improved methods to
raise yields. This commitment has resulted in plans by U.S. and other
foreign agribusiness companies to establish commercial farms.
Kenya
Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya's economy. It accounts
for about 24 percent of GDP directly and 75 percent of the labor force
indirectly. Cash crop (tea, coffee, and horticulture), food crops
(maize, wheat and rice), and livestock dominate the agricultural
sector. Kenyan agriculture faces many challenges. It is predominately
rainfall dependent and thus subject to wide production variances. It is
undercapitalized, implying low technological absorption resulting in
low productivity. Small-scale farmers contribute about 75 percent to
the country's total value of agricultural output and account for nearly
85 percent of total employment in the agricultural sector. These
attributes, coupled with challenges arising from limited institutional
capacity, poor infrastructure, and risks associated with liberalized
markets, explain the relative stagnation of agricultural productivity
and incomes.
Kenya's horticulture industry is a major export success in Africa.
It is almost entirely dominated by the private sector and provides many
opportunities for increased importation of fertilizers, pesticides and
equipment. Similar opportunities lie in the floriculture industry in
Kenya, which is the leading exporter of fresh cut flowers to the flower
auction in Holland. Other important commodities include maize, tea,
coffee, sugarcane and wheat, which will require additional use of
fertilizers as production grows. The government has embarked on a
mechanization program to increase use of more modern means of farming
to increase output. In addition, the government has set aside 1.2
million acres of land for irrigation that for growing maize and wheat,
and livestock farming. Agricultural equipment is tax exempt under the
VAT Act 2013 to provide support to the sector.
Kenya imports virtually all of its agricultural chemicals because
local production is insignificant. Kenya's fertilizer use has almost
doubled since the liberalization of the market in the 1990s and the
removal of government price controls and import licensing quotas. The
growth in use has been noted especially among the smallholder farmers
in growth of both food crops (maize, domestic horticulture) and export
crops (tea, coffee). Growth in the industry is largely due to huge
private investment in both importation and retailing of fertilizers.
Fertilizer is also tax exempted under the new VAT Act.
South Africa
South Africa has by far the most modern, productive and diverse
agricultural economy in Sub Saharan Africa. Agriculture in South Africa
remains an important sector despite its relatively small contribution
to the GDP. The sector plays an important role in terms of job
creation, especially in rural areas, but is also a foremost earner of
foreign exchange.
South Africa has a market-oriented agricultural economy that is
highly diversified, including production of all the major grains
(except rice), oilseeds, deciduous and subtropical fruits, sugar,
citrus, wine and most vegetables. Livestock production includes cattle,
dairy, pigs, sheep, and a well-developed broiler and egg industry.
Value-added
[[Page 10057]]
sector activities include slaughtering, processing and preserving of
meat; processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables; dairy
products; grain mill products; crushing of oilseeds; prepared animal
feeds; and sugar refining amongst other food products. South Africa
also exports wine, corn, mohair, groundnuts, karakul pelts, sugar, and
wool.
South Africa offers U.S. exporters in the agricultural equipment
and technology sector a wide range of opportunities. Five percent of
all new agriculture equipment is being produced locally; 95 percent of
all agriculture equipment and parts are being sourced from
international markets, and at least 20 percent of new equipment and
technologies are currently being sourced from the U.S.
Mission Goals
The goal of this trade mission is to provide U.S. participants with
first-hand market information, and one-on-one meetings with business
contacts, including potential agents, distributors and partners so they
can position themselves to enter or expand their presence in these
markets.
Mission Scenario
This mission will visit Maputo, Mozambique, Nairobi, Kenya and
Johannesburg, South Africa allowing participants to access the largest
markets and business centers in these countries.
Proposed Mission Timetable
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day of Week Location Activity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 17.................... Maputo................... Companies arrive Maputo.
Welcome Breakfast.
Thursday, June 18..................... Maputo................... Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
Friday, June 19....................... Maputo................... One-on-one business appointments continue.
Saturday, June 20..................... Maputo/Nairobi........... Site visit or travel to Nairobi.
Sunday, June 21....................... Maputo/Nairobi........... Remain in or travel to Nairobi.
Welcome Breakfast.
Monday, June 22....................... Nairobi.................. Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
Tuesday, June 23...................... Nairobi.................. One-on-one business appointments continue.
Wednesday, June 24.................... Nairobi/Johannesburg..... Travel to Johannesburg.
Welcome Breakfast.
Thursday, June 25..................... Johannesburg............. Briefing by U.S. Embassy.
One-on-one business appointments.
Evening business reception.
Friday, June 26....................... Johannesburg............. One-on-one business appointments continue.
Mission Ends.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of local government and
business officials, specific goals of mission participants, and air travel schedules.
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the
U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their
ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection
criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 and maximum of 20 firms
and/or trade associations or organizations will be selected from the
applicant pool to participate in the mission.
Fees and Expenses
After a company or trade association/organization 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 for the mission is $4,600 for small or medium-sized
enterprises (SME),\1\ and $6,200 for large firms and trade
associations/organizations. The fee for each additional representative
(large firm, SME or trade association/organization) is $750.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exclusions
The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such
as lodging, most meals, local ground transportation and air
transportation. Delegate members will however, be able to take
advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. 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
Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information
on the company's or association/organization's products and/or
services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation by
April 17, 2015. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete
application, the Department may either: reject the application, request
additional information/clarification, 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 U.S.,
or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at
least fifty-one percent U.S. content. In the case of a trade
association or organization, the applicant must certify that for each
company to be represented by the association/organization, the products
and/or services the represented
[[Page 10058]]
company seeks to export are either produced in the U.S. or, if not,
marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one
percent U.S. content.
In addition, each applicant must:
Certify that the products and services that it wishes to market
through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export controls
and regulations;
Certify that it has identified to the Department of Commerce for
its evaluation any business pending before the Department that may
present the appearance of a conflict of interest;
Certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including
any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves
the Department of Commerce; and
Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates (1) have
not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in
connection with a company's/participant's involvement in this mission,
and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of
foreign officials.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Targeted mission participants are U.S. companies and trade
associations/organizations providing or promoting products and services
that have interest in entering or expanding their business in markets
of Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa. The following criteria will be
used in selecting participants:
Suitability of a company's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented companies') products or services to these
markets.
Company's (or in the case of a trade association/organization,
represented companies') potential for business in the markets,
including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission.
Consistency of the applicant company's (or in the case of a trade
association/organization, represented companies') goals and objectives
with the stated scope of the mission.
Referrals from political organizations and any documents, including
the application, 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 Application
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://www.export.gov/trademissions/
) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade
media, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier
groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and
trade shows.
Recruitment for this mission will begin immediately and conclude
April 17, 2015. We will inform applicants of selection decisions as
soon as possible after April 17, 2015. Applications received after
April 17, 2015 will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Commercial Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, Brent Omdahl,
Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, Phone: 27-11-290-3227, Email:
Brent.Omdahl@trade.gov.
Trade Missions Office, Washington, DC, Anne Novak, Phone: (202) 482-
8178, Email: Anne.Novak@trade.gov.
Frank Spector,
International Trade Specialist.
[FR Doc. 2015-03898 Filed 2-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P
