Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade Mission, 66812-66815 [2023-21170]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 187 / Thursday, September 28, 2023 / Notices
eRulemaking Portal at https://
www.regulations.gov, Docket No. ITA–
2023–0009. The materials in the docket
will not be edited to remove identifying
or contact information, and Commerce
cautions against including any
information in an electronic submission
that the submitter does not want
publicly disclosed. Attachments to
electronic comments will be accepted in
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF
formats only.
All comments should be addressed to
Abdelali Elouaradia, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Enforcement and
Compliance, at U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue
NW, Washington, DC 20230.
Dated: September 22, 2023.
James Maeder,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping
and Countervailing Duty Operations.
[FR Doc. 2023–21193 Filed 9–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Announcement of Approved
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission
International Trade
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
SUMMARY: The United States Department
of Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), is announcing
one upcoming trade mission that will be
recruited, organized, and implemented
by ITA. This mission is: Global
Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI)
Education Trade Mission to South
India—February 12–20, 2024. A
summary of the mission is found below.
Application information and more
detailed mission information, including
the commercial setting and sector
information, can be found at the trade
mission website: https://www.trade.gov/
trade-missions. For each 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.trade.gov/trade-missionsschedule) and other internet websites,
press releases to general and trade
media, direct mail, broadcast fax,
notices by industry trade associations
and other multiplier groups, and
publicity at industry meetings,
symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeffrey Odum, Events Management Task
Force, International Trade
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AGENCY:
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Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue
NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone:
(202) 482–6397 or email Jeffrey.Odum@
trade.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Following Conditions for
Participation Will Be Used for the
Mission
Applicants must submit a completed
and signed mission application and
supplemental application materials,
including adequate information on their
products and/or services, primary
market objectives, and goals for
participation. 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 application. If the
requisite minimum number of
participants is not selected for a
particular mission by the recruitment
deadline, the mission may be canceled.
Each applicant must also certify that
programs and services it seeks to export
through the mission are either produced
in the United States, or, if not, are
marketed under the name of a U.S.
institution and have at least 51% U.S.
content by value. In the case of a trade
association or organization, the
applicant must certify that, for each
institution or service provider to be
represented by the association/
organization, the products and/or
services the represented institution or
service provider seeks to export are
either produced in the United States or,
if not, marketed under the name of a
U.S. institution and have at least 51%
U.S. content by value.
A Study State Consortia or other
government education stakeholder
applicant must certify to the above for
all of the institutions it seeks to
represent on the mission.
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 any
matter pending before any bureau or
office in the Department of Commerce.
• 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 an
institution’s/participant’s involvement
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in this mission, and (2) maintain and
enforce a policy that prohibits the
bribery of foreign officials.
In the case of a Study State Consortia
or other government education
stakeholder, the applicant must certify
that each institution or service provider
to be represented by the association/
organization can make the above
certifications.
The Following Selection Criteria Will
Be Used for the Mission
Targeted mission participants are
appropriately accredited U.S.
educational institutions, services
providers, Study State Consortia, and
other government education
stakeholders providing or promoting
U.S. programs and services that have an
interest in entering or expanding their
business in the mission’s destination
country. The following criteria will be
evaluated in selecting participants:
• Suitability of the applicant’s (or in
the case of a Study State Consortia or
other government education
stakeholder, represented institution’s or
service provider’s) programs or services
to these markets.
• The applicant’s (or in the case of a
Study State Consortia or other
government education stakeholder,
represented institution’s or service
provider’s) potential for business in the
markets, including the likelihood of
exports resulting from the mission; and
• Consistency of the applicant’s (or in
the case of a Study State Consortia or
other government education
stakeholder, represented institution’s or
service provider’s) goals and objectives
with the stated scope of the mission.
Balance of institution size and
location may also be considered during
the review process.
Referrals from a political party or
partisan political group or any
information, including on the
application, containing references to
political contributions or other partisan
political activities will be excluded from
the application and will not be
considered during the selection process.
The sender will be notified of these
exclusions.
Mission List: (additional information
about trade missions can be found at
https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).
GDEI Education Trade Mission to South
India—February 12–20, 2024
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. Commercial Service in India, in
collaboration with the U. S. Department
of State, EducationUSA Chennai
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 187 / Thursday, September 28, 2023 / Notices
Advising Center in India, is organizing
an Education Trade Mission to promote
U.S. higher education in Bengaluru and
four southern Indian secondary
markets—Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi,
and Coimbatore from February 12–20,
2024. This mission will target U.S.
Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)
offering graduate programs and which
are New-to-Export (NTE) or New-toMarket (NTM), such as Historically
Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) and Minority Serving
Institutions (MSIs), Study State
Consortia (composed of colleges and
universities, community programs, and
similar entities representing education
within U.S. states) and other
government education stakeholders
(e.g., Governor’s offices, state trade
offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) that are interested in
connecting with local Higher Education
Institutes (HEIs), and educational
consultants, and will assist in recruiting
Indian students from these markets to
the United States. The mission will
include Consulate and industry market
briefings, one-on-one appointments
with potential partners, and student
fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal,
Kochi, and Coimbatore.
Recruitment and consideration will be
extended to all export-ready
institutions, Study State Consortia, and
other government educational
stakeholders that meet the established
criteria for participation in the mission.
ITA is seeking to improve outreach to
HEIs that have not previously
participated in GDEI Education Trade
Missions and/or have not previously
engaged in fulsome international
graduate recruiting. This mission is in
alignment with Executive Order 13985
on Advancing Racial Equity and
Support for Underserved Communities
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Through the Federal Government
(January 25, 2021) (E.O. 13985), the U.S.
Department of Commerce Equity Action
Plan, and the Global Diversity Export
Initiative of the U.S. Commercial
Service. For the purposes of the trade
mission, ITA adopts the definition of
‘‘underserved communities’’ in E.O.
13985: ‘‘populations sharing a particular
characteristic, as well as geographic
communities, that have been
systematically denied a full opportunity
to participate in aspects of economic,
social, and civic life, as exemplified by
the list in the preceding definition of
‘equity.’ ’’ ‘‘Equity’’ is defined by E.O.
13985 as ‘‘the consistent and systematic
fair, just, and impartial treatment of all
individuals, including individuals who
belong to underserved communities that
have been denied such treatment, such
as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and
Native American persons, Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders and
other persons of color; members of
religious minorities; lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer
(LGBTQ+) persons; persons with
disabilities; persons who live in rural
areas; and persons otherwise adversely
affected by persistent poverty or
inequality.’’ This trade mission is also
designed to be responsive to the
priorities stated by Secretary of
Commerce Gina Raimondo and outlined
in the Equity Action Plan released in
April 2022 which includes
‘‘[s]trengthen[ing] small businesses in
underserved communities by helping
them be successful exporters’’.
The goals of the Education Trade
Mission to South India are:
(1) Gain market exposure and
introduce participants to the vibrant
South India market. U.S. educational
institutions will find potential partners
in Bengaluru and four secondary
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markets—Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi
and Coimbatore—covering three Indian
states in South India.
(2) Assess current and future business
prospects by establishing valuable
contacts with prospective study-abroad
consultants, potential students, and
educational institutions.
(3) Develop market knowledge and
relationships leading to effective
student recruitment, strategies, and
potential partnerships.
During the mission, the delegation
will be guided by Commercial Service
officers, commercial specialists, and
EducationUSA advisors at each stop.
Trade mission participants who are
already doing business in India will
have the opportunity to further advance
their business relationships and explore
new opportunities.
Participation in the mission will
include the following:
• Pre-travel briefings;
• Market briefings by U.S. Consulate,
Local Government officials and industry
leaders;
• Pre-scheduled meetings with
university heads/counselors,
educational consultants;
• Student fairs in Bengaluru,
Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and
Coimbatore;
• Airport transfers and ground
transportation in these cities; and
• University visits in all five stops.
The final schedule will depend on the
specific goals and objectives of the
mission participants.
Proposed Timetable
* Note: The final schedule and
potential site visits will depend on the
availability of host government and
business officials, specific goals of
mission participants, and ground
transportation.
Travel Day/Arrival in Bengaluru.
• Briefings.
• One-on-one matchmaking meetings.
• Student fair.
• Half day visit to a university for institutional collaboration and meet with students interested
in studying in the U.S.
• Late afternoon departure for Mangaluru by air.
• Remain overnight in Mangaluru.
• Morning visit to Manipal Academy of Higher Education (located near Mangaluru) by bus.
• Prescheduled meetings with institutional leadership.
• Student fair.
• Return to Mangaluru.
• Market briefings.
• Visit to HEIs for one-on-one meetings and meet with students interested in studying in the
U.S.
• Late afternoon depart for Kochi by air.
• Market briefings.
• Student fair in Kochi.
• Visit to HEIs for one-on-one meetings and meet with students interested in studying in the
U.S.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 187 / Thursday, September 28, 2023 / Notices
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Note: President’s Day in the U.S ........................
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating
in the U.S. Department of Commerce
Education Trade Mission to South India
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.
A minimum of 18 and a maximum of
20 educational institutions, Study State
Consortia, and/or other government
education stakeholders (e.g., Governor’s
offices, state trade offices, economic
development organizations, etc.) will be
selected to participate in the mission
from the applicant pool. The Trade
Mission is open to U.S. HEIs that are
new-to-market and educational
institutions with existing business in
India who are seeking to expand their
market share.
Fees and Expenses
After an educational institution,
Study State Consortia, or other
government education stakeholders
(e.g., Governor’s offices, state trade
offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) has been selected to
participate in the trade mission, a
payment to the Department of
Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required.
The participation fee for the
Education Trade Mission to South India
will be $5,500 for public/private, nonprofit institution or small or mediumsized enterprise (SME)*; and $7,000 for
large, private for-profit institution. The
fee for additional institution
representative (large private for-profit
institution or private/public non-profit
institution or SME/trade organization) is
$750. Expenses for travel, lodging,
meals, and incidentals will be the
responsibility of each mission
participant. Interpreter and driver
services can be arranged for additional
cost. Delegation members will be able to
take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for
hotel rooms.
The mission registration fee includes
market briefings, lunch and coffee
breaks during the conference and
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• Sunday—Travel Day. Depart Kochi for Coimbatore by bus. On the way stop at Palghat Indian Institute of Technology (TBD).
• Remain overnight in Coimbatore.
• Briefings.
• One-on-one matchmaking meetings.
• Student fair.
• Visit to local HEIs for institutional partnerships and meet with students interested in studying
in the U.S.
• End of Program.
• Depart Coimbatore at leisure (per delegate’s individual travel itinerary).
transportation associated to visit local
HEIs, participation in student fairs, and
U.S. Consulate Chennai officers’
consultations.
When an applicant is selected to
participate on a particular mission, a
payment to the Department of
Commerce in the amount of the
designated participation fee below is
required. Upon notification of
acceptance to participate, those selected
have 5 business days to submit payment
or the acceptance may be revoked.
Participants selected for a trade
mission will be expected to pay for the
cost of personal expenses, including,
but not limited to, international travel,
lodging, meals, transportation,
communication, and incidentals, unless
otherwise noted. Participants will,
however, be able to take advantage of
U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms.
If a mission is canceled, no personal
expenses paid in anticipation of a
mission will be reimbursed. However,
participation fees for a canceled mission
will be reimbursed to the extent they
have not already been expended in
anticipation of the mission.
If a visa is required to travel on a
particular mission, applying for and
obtaining such a visa will be the
responsibility of the mission
participant. Government fees and
processing expenses to obtain such a
visa are not included in the
participation fee. However, the
Department of Commerce will provide
instructions to each participant on the
procedures required to obtain business
visas.
Trade Mission members participate in
trade missions and undertake missionrelated travel at their own risk. The
nature of the security situation in each
foreign market at a given time cannot be
guaranteed. The U.S. Government does
not make any representations or
guarantees as to the safety or security of
participants. The U.S. Department of
State issues U.S. Government
international travel alerts and warnings
for U.S. citizens available at https://
travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/
alertswarnings.html. Any question
regarding insurance coverage must be
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resolved by the participant and its
insurer of choice.
Travel and in-person activities are
contingent upon the safety and health
conditions in the United States and the
mission countries. Should safety or
health conditions not be appropriate for
travel and/or in-person activities, the
Department will consider postponing
the event or offering a virtual program
in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the
event of a postponement, the
Department will notify the public and
applicants previously selected to
participate in this mission will need to
confirm their availability but need not
reapply. Should the decision be made to
organize a virtual program, the
Department will adjust fees accordingly,
prepare an agenda for virtual activities,
and notify the previously selected
applicants with the option to opt-in to
the new virtual program.
Timeframe for Recruitment and
Applications
Mission recruitment will be
conducted in an open and public
manner, including publication in the
Federal Register, posting on the
Commerce Department trade mission
calendar on www.trade.gov, and other
internet websites, press releases to the
general and trade media, direct mail and
broadcast fax, notices by industry trade
associations and other multiplier groups
and announcements at industry
meetings, symposia, conferences, and
trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will
begin immediately and conclude no
later than December 15, 2023. The U.S.
Department of Commerce will review
applications and make selection
decisions on a rolling basis until the
maximum of 20 participants are
selected. After, educational institutions
will be considered only if space and
scheduling constraints permit.
Contacts
Gabriel Zelaya, Global Education Team
Leader, U.S. Commercial Service—
San Jose/Silicon Valley, U.S.
Department of Commerce,
Gabriela.Zelaya@trade.gov, Tel:
408–335–9202
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 187 / Thursday, September 28, 2023 / Notices
Pinki Thakker, International Trade
Specialist, U.S. Commercial
Service—Kansas City, MO, U.S.
Department of Commerce,
Pinki.Thakker@trade.gov, Tel: 816–
266–3853
Carey Arun, Principal Commercial
Officer, U.S. Commercial Service—
U.S. Consulate General, Chennai,
Caey.Arun@trade.gov
Mala Venkat, Senior Commercial
Specialist, U.S. Commercial
Service—U.S. Consulate General,
Chennai, Mala.Venkat@trade.gov
Gemal Brangman,
Director, Trade Events Management Task
Force.
[FR Doc. 2023–21170 Filed 9–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XD406]
Marine Mammals; File No. 27424
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820
Cypress Drive No. 11, Petaluma, CA
94954, (Responsible Party: Grant
Ballard, Ph.D.), has applied in due form
for a permit to conduct research on five
species of pinnipeds.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
comments must be received on or before
October 30, 2023.
ADDRESSES: The application and related
documents are available for review by
selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public
Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on
the Applications and Permits for
Protected Species (APPS) home page,
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then
selecting File No. 27424 from the list of
available applications. These documents
are also available upon written request
via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@
noaa.gov.
Written comments on this application
should be submitted via email to
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please
include File No. 27424 in the subject
line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public
hearing should submit a written request
via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@
noaa.gov. The request should set forth
the specific reasons why a hearing on
this application would be appropriate.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Courtney Smith, Ph.D., or Shasta
McClenahan, Ph.D., (301) 427–8401.
The
subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations
governing the taking and importing of
marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), and
the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
The applicant requests a 5-year
scientific research permit to study and
monitor population trends, health, diet,
ecology, and physiology of pinnipeds in
the greater Gulf of the Farallones and
San Francisco Bay region of California.
Up to 210 northern elephant seals
(Mirounga angustirostris) and 500
northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)
may be captured annually for marking,
morphometrics, and biological
sampling. An additional 1,355 elephant
seals may be marked and swabbed
without capture. Up to 1,500 harbor
seals (Phoca vitulina), 800 northern
elephant seals, 5,320 California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), 155 Steller sea
lions (Eumetopias jubatus; Eastern
distinct population segment), and 1,500
northern fur seals may be taken or
unintentionally harassed annually
during ground or unmanned aircraft
system surveys, for counts, observation,
and scat collection. The applicant also
requests up to five unintentional
mortalities of northern elephant seals
over the duration of the permit, with no
more than two annually.
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial
determination has been made that the
activity proposed is categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Concurrent with the publication of
this notice in the Federal Register,
NMFS is forwarding copies of the
application to the Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: September 22, 2023.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Division Chief, Permits and
Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–21225 Filed 9–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
Review and Approval; Comment
Request; Electronic Logbook for the
Commercial Shrimp Fishery in the Gulf
of Mexico
The Department of Commerce will
submit the following information
collection request to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and clearance in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, on or after the date of publication
of this notice. We invite the general
public and other Federal agencies to
comment on proposed, and continuing
information collections, which helps us
assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. Public
comments were previously requested
via the Federal Register on June 9, 2023,
during a 60-day comment period. This
notice allows for an additional 30 days
for public comments.
Agency: National Oceanic &
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
Title: Electronic Logbook for the
Commercial Shrimp Fishery in the Gulf
of Mexico.
OMB Control Number: 0648–0543.
Form Number(s): None.
Type of Request: Regular
submission—extension of a current
information collection.
Number of Respondents: 610.
Average Hours per Response: 2 hours.
Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,220.
Needs and Uses: This request is for
extension of a current information
collection. The Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) authorizes
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council (Council) to prepare and amend
fishery management plans for any
fishery in waters under its jurisdiction.
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) manages the
commercial shrimp fishery in Federal
waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf)
under the Fishery Management Plan for
the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf. The
electronic logbook (ELB) regulations for
the Gulf shrimp fishery may be found at
50 CFR 622.51(a)(2). The ELB is a device
that records the position of the vessel
every ten minutes. The tracks of the
vessels can be examined to determine
when and where shrimp trawling is
occurring.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 187 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66812-66815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21170]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade
Mission
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming trade mission that
will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA. This mission is:
Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Education Trade Mission to
South India--February 12-20, 2024. A summary of the mission is found
below. Application information and more detailed mission information,
including the commercial setting and sector information, can be found
at the trade mission website: https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions. For
each 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.trade.gov/trade-missions-schedule) and other internet websites, press releases to
general and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by
industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity
at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Odum, Events Management Task
Force, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce,
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-
6397 or email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Following Conditions for Participation Will Be Used for the Mission
Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information
on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals
for participation. 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 application. If the requisite minimum
number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the
recruitment deadline, the mission may be canceled.
Each applicant must also certify that programs and services it
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. institution
and have at least 51% U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade
association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for each
institution or service provider to be represented by the association/
organization, the products and/or services the represented institution
or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United
States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. institution and
have at least 51% U.S. content by value.
A Study State Consortia or other government education stakeholder
applicant must certify to the above for all of the institutions it
seeks to represent on the mission.
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 any matter pending before
any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce.
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 an institution's/participant's involvement in this
mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the
bribery of foreign officials.
In the case of a Study State Consortia or other government
education stakeholder, the applicant must certify that each institution
or service provider to be represented by the association/organization
can make the above certifications.
The Following Selection Criteria Will Be Used for the Mission
Targeted mission participants are appropriately accredited U.S.
educational institutions, services providers, Study State Consortia,
and other government education stakeholders providing or promoting U.S.
programs and services that have an interest in entering or expanding
their business in the mission's destination country. The following
criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:
Suitability of the applicant's (or in the case of a Study
State Consortia or other government education stakeholder, represented
institution's or service provider's) programs or services to these
markets.
The applicant's (or in the case of a Study State Consortia
or other government education stakeholder, represented institution's or
service provider's) potential for business in the markets, including
the likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and
Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a Study
State Consortia or other government education stakeholder, represented
institution's or service provider's) goals and objectives with the
stated scope of the mission.
Balance of institution size and location may also be considered
during the review process.
Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any
information, including on the application, containing references to
political contributions or other partisan political activities will be
excluded from the application and will not be considered during the
selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.
Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be
found at https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).
GDEI Education Trade Mission to South India--February 12-20, 2024
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service in India, in collaboration with
the U. S. Department of State, EducationUSA Chennai
[[Page 66813]]
Advising Center in India, is organizing an Education Trade Mission to
promote U.S. higher education in Bengaluru and four southern Indian
secondary markets--Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and Coimbatore from
February 12-20, 2024. This mission will target U.S. Higher Educational
Institutions (HEIs) offering graduate programs and which are New-to-
Export (NTE) or New-to-Market (NTM), such as Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs), Study State Consortia (composed of colleges and universities,
community programs, and similar entities representing education within
U.S. states) and other government education stakeholders (e.g.,
Governor's offices, state trade offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) that are interested in connecting with local
Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), and educational consultants, and
will assist in recruiting Indian students from these markets to the
United States. The mission will include Consulate and industry market
briefings, one-on-one appointments with potential partners, and student
fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and Coimbatore.
Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready
institutions, Study State Consortia, and other government educational
stakeholders that meet the established criteria for participation in
the mission. ITA is seeking to improve outreach to HEIs that have not
previously participated in GDEI Education Trade Missions and/or have
not previously engaged in fulsome international graduate recruiting.
This mission is in alignment with Executive Order 13985 on Advancing
Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the
Federal Government (January 25, 2021) (E.O. 13985), the U.S. Department
of Commerce Equity Action Plan, and the Global Diversity Export
Initiative of the U.S. Commercial Service. For the purposes of the
trade mission, ITA adopts the definition of ``underserved communities''
in E.O. 13985: ``populations sharing a particular characteristic, as
well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a
full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and
civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of
`equity.' '' ``Equity'' is defined by E.O. 13985 as ``the consistent
and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals,
including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have
been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and
Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and
other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with
disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise
adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.'' This trade
mission is also designed to be responsive to the priorities stated by
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and outlined in the Equity Action
Plan released in April 2022 which includes ``[s]trengthen[ing] small
businesses in underserved communities by helping them be successful
exporters''.
The goals of the Education Trade Mission to South India are:
(1) Gain market exposure and introduce participants to the vibrant
South India market. U.S. educational institutions will find potential
partners in Bengaluru and four secondary markets--Mangaluru, Manipal,
Kochi and Coimbatore--covering three Indian states in South India.
(2) Assess current and future business prospects by establishing
valuable contacts with prospective study-abroad consultants, potential
students, and educational institutions.
(3) Develop market knowledge and relationships leading to
effective student recruitment, strategies, and potential partnerships.
During the mission, the delegation will be guided by Commercial
Service officers, commercial specialists, and EducationUSA advisors at
each stop. Trade mission participants who are already doing business in
India will have the opportunity to further advance their business
relationships and explore new opportunities.
Participation in the mission will include the following:
Pre-travel briefings;
Market briefings by U.S. Consulate, Local Government
officials and industry leaders;
Pre-scheduled meetings with university heads/counselors,
educational consultants;
Student fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and
Coimbatore;
Airport transfers and ground transportation in these
cities; and
University visits in all five stops.
The final schedule will depend on the specific goals and objectives
of the mission participants.
Proposed Timetable
* Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on
the availability of host government and business officials, specific
goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 11....................... Travel Day/Arrival in Bengaluru.
February 12....................... Briefings.
One-on-one matchmaking
meetings.
Student fair.
February 13....................... Half day visit to a
university for institutional
collaboration and meet with
students interested in studying in
the U.S.
Late afternoon departure
for Mangaluru by air.
Remain overnight in
Mangaluru.
February 14....................... Morning visit to Manipal
Academy of Higher Education
(located near Mangaluru) by bus.
Prescheduled meetings with
institutional leadership.
Student fair.
Return to Mangaluru.
February 15....................... Market briefings.
Visit to HEIs for one-on-
one meetings and meet with students
interested in studying in the U.S.
Late afternoon depart for
Kochi by air.
February 16....................... Market briefings.
Student fair in Kochi.
February 17....................... Visit to HEIs for one-on-
one meetings and meet with students
interested in studying in the U.S.
[[Page 66814]]
February 18....................... Sunday--Travel Day. Depart
Kochi for Coimbatore by bus. On the
way stop at Palghat Indian
Institute of Technology (TBD).
Remain overnight in
Coimbatore.
February 19....................... Briefings.
Note: President's Day in the U.S.. One-on-one matchmaking
meetings.
Student fair.
February 20....................... Visit to local HEIs for
institutional partnerships and meet
with students interested in
studying in the U.S.
End of Program.
Depart Coimbatore at
leisure (per delegate's individual
travel itinerary).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the U.S. Department of
Commerce Education Trade Mission to South India 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.
A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 20 educational institutions, Study
State Consortia, and/or other government education stakeholders (e.g.,
Governor's offices, state trade offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) will be selected to participate in the mission
from the applicant pool. The Trade Mission is open to U.S. HEIs that
are new-to-market and educational institutions with existing business
in India who are seeking to expand their market share.
Fees and Expenses
After an educational institution, Study State Consortia, or other
government education stakeholders (e.g., Governor's offices, state
trade offices, economic development organizations, etc.) has been
selected to participate in the trade mission, a payment to the
Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required.
The participation fee for the Education Trade Mission to South
India will be $5,500 for public/private, non-profit institution or
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)*; and $7,000 for large, private
for-profit institution. The fee for additional institution
representative (large private for-profit institution or private/public
non-profit institution or SME/trade organization) is $750. Expenses for
travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of
each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be
arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take
advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
The mission registration fee includes market briefings, lunch and
coffee breaks during the conference and transportation associated to
visit local HEIs, participation in student fairs, and U.S. Consulate
Chennai officers' consultations.
When an applicant is selected to participate on a particular
mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the
designated participation fee below is required. Upon notification of
acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to
submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.
Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay
for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to,
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication,
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be
able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. If a
mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a
mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled
mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been
expended in anticipation of the mission.
If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying
for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission
participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a
visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department
of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the
procedures required to obtain business visas.
Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake
mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security
situation in each foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed.
The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as
to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State
issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for
U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Any question regarding insurance coverage must
be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.
Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and
health conditions in the United States and the mission countries.
Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or
in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event
or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the
event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public and
applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need
to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision
be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees
accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the
previously selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new
virtual program.
Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications
Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner,
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce
Department trade mission calendar on www.trade.gov, and other internet
websites, press releases to the general and trade media, direct mail
and broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations and other
multiplier groups and announcements at industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no
later than December 15, 2023. The U.S. Department of Commerce will
review applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis
until the maximum of 20 participants are selected. After, educational
institutions will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
Contacts
Gabriel Zelaya, Global Education Team Leader, U.S. Commercial Service_
San Jose/Silicon Valley, U.S. Department of Commerce,
[email protected], Tel: 408-335-9202
[[Page 66815]]
Pinki Thakker, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial
Service--Kansas City, MO, U.S. Department of Commerce,
[email protected], Tel: 816-266-3853
Carey Arun, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service--U.S.
Consulate General, Chennai, [email protected]
Mala Venkat, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service--
U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, [email protected]
Gemal Brangman,
Director, Trade Events Management Task Force.
[FR Doc. 2023-21170 Filed 9-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P
