Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade Mission, 46366-46370 [2024-11691]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices
Disclosure
Normally, Commerce discloses to
interested parties the calculations of the
final results of an administrative review
within five days of a public
announcement or, if there is no public
announcement, within five days of the
date of publication of the notice of final
results in the Federal Register, in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
However, because we have made no
changes to the Preliminary Results,
there are no calculations to disclose.
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Assessment Rates
Consistent with section 751(a)(2)(C) of
the Act and 19 CFR 351.212(b), upon
completion of the administrative
review, Commerce shall determine, and
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) shall assess, antidumping duties
on all appropriate entries of subject
merchandise covered this review.
Because both of the respondents’
weighted-average dumping margins or
an importer-specific assessment rates
are zero or de minimis in the final
results of review, we intend to instruct
CBP to liquidate entries without regard
to antidumping duties.3 The final
results of this administrative review
shall be the basis for the assessment of
antidumping duties on entries of
merchandise covered by the final results
of this review and for future deposits of
estimated duties, where applicable.4
For entries of subject merchandise
during the POR produced by Saha Thai
and TPP, for which they did not know
that its merchandise was destined for
the United States, we will instruct CBP
to liquidate unreviewed entries at the
all-others rate if there is no rate for the
intermediate company(ies) involved in
the transaction.
Commerce intends to issue
assessment instructions to CBP no
earlier than 35 days after the date of
publication of these final results of this
review in the Federal Register. If a
timely summons is filed at the U.S.
Court of International Trade, the
assessment instructions will direct CBP
not to liquidate relevant entries until the
time for parties to file a request for a
statutory injunction has expired (i.e.,
within 90 days of publication).
Cash Deposit Requirements
The following cash deposit
requirements will be effective upon
publication in the Federal Register of
3 See Antidumping Proceedings: Calculation of
the Weighted-Average Dumping Margin and
Assessment Rate in Certain Antidumping
Proceedings; Final Modification, 77 FR 8101, 8102–
03 (February 14, 2012); see also 19 CFR
351.106(c)(2).
4 See section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act.
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the notice of final results of
administrative review for all shipments
of CWP from Thailand entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after the date of
publication as provided for by section
751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) the cash
deposit rate for Saha Thai and TPP will
be equal to the weighted-average
dumping margin established in the final
results of this administrative review
(i.e., 0.00 percent); (2) for merchandise
exported by a company not covered in
this review but covered in a prior
completed segment of the proceeding,
the cash deposit rate will continue to be
the company-specific rate published in
the completed segment for the most
recent period; (3) if the exporter is not
a firm covered in this review or another
completed segment of this proceeding,
but the producer is, then the cash
deposit rate will be the companyspecific rate established for the
completed segment for the most recent
period for the producer of the
merchandise; and (4) the cash deposit
rate for all other producers or exporters
will continue to be 15.67 percent, the
all-others rate established in the lessthan-fair-value investigation.5 These
cash deposit requirements, when
imposed, shall remain in effect until
further notice.
accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and
777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR
351.221(b)(5).
Dated: May 22, 2024.
Ryan Majerus,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Negotiations, performing the non-exclusive
functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2024–11734 Filed 5–28–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Announcement of Approved
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission
Administrative Protective Order
This notice also serves as a final
reminder to parties subject to an
administrative protective order (APO) of
their responsibility concerning the
return or destruction of proprietary
information disclosed under APO in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.305.
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 terms of an
APO is a violation subject to sanction.
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:
Financial Technologies Business
Development Trade Mission to Hong
Kong and Thailand, October 28–
November 1, 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 this 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/trademissions-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, Trade Events Task Force,
International Trade 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:
Notification to Interested Parties
Commerce is issuing and publishing
the final results of this review in
The Following Conditions for
Participation Will Be Used for the
Mission
Notification to Importers
This notice 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 the POR. Failure to comply with
this requirement could result in
Commerce’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
5 See
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Applicants must submit a completed
and signed mission application and
Order.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices
supplemental application materials,
including adequate information on their
products and/or services, primary
market objectives, and goals for
participation that is adequate to allow
the Department of Commerce to
evaluate their application. 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
the products 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.
firm and have at least fifty-one percent
U.S. content by value. In the case of a
trade association or organization, the
applicant must certify that, for each firm
or service provider to be represented by
the association/organization, the
products and/or services the
represented firm or service provider
seeks to export are either produced in
the United States or, if not, marketed
under the name of a U.S. firm and have
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by
value.
A trade association/organization
applicant must certify to the above for
all of the companies 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 a
company’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 trade association/
organization, the applicant must certify
that each firm or service provider to be
represented by the association/
organization can make the above
certifications.
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The Following Selection Criteria Will
Be Used for the Mission
Targeted mission participants are U.S.
firms, services providers, and trade
associations/organizations providing or
promoting U.S. products 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 trade association/
organization, represented firm’s or
service provider’s) products or services
to these markets;
• The applicant’s (or in the case of a
trade association/organization,
represented firm’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 trade association/
organization, represented firm’s or
service provider’s) goals and objectives
with the stated scope of the mission.
Balance of company 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.
Definition of Small- and Medium-Sized
Enterprise
For purposes of assessing
participation fees, an applicant is a
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
if it qualifies as a ‘‘small business’’
under the Small Business
Administration’s (SBA) size standards
(https://www.sba.gov/document/
support--table-size-standards), which
vary by North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) Code.
The SBA Size Standards Tool (https://
www.sba.gov/size-standards) can help
you determine the qualifications that
apply to your company.
Mission List: (additional information
about trade missions can be found at
https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).
Financial Technologies Business
Development Trade Mission to Hong
Kong and Thailand, October 28–
November 1, 2024
Summary
The United States Department of
Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), is organizing a
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Financial Technologies (Fintech)
Business Development Mission to Hong
Kong and Thailand from October 28–
November 1, 2024.
The purpose of the fintech mission is
to expand opportunities for U.S.
companies to explore the immense
potential that Hong Kong and Thailand
offer in terms of access to capital,
market size and talent pool. Delegates
will gain invaluable insights into the
local market landscape and establish
relationships with local banks, financial
institutions, and investors.
This business development mission is
aimed at promoting and expanding the
international presence of U.S. financial
technology companies and to foster
bilateral partnerships between U.S.
fintech companies and financial
institutions in Hong Kong and Thailand.
These collaborations can stimulate
innovation in the global fintech
landscape and strengthen the global
presence of U.S. companies. This
mission will also be part of delivering
and advancing U.S. technology,
standards, and commercial interests in
this vital region of the world.
ITA will organize a tailored program
for U.S. companies exploring
opportunities in Hong Kong and Thai
markets and will leverage strong
connections with U.S. interagency
partners to lead discussions on trade,
financing, and technical aspects of
doing business in these two markets.
Mission participants will have the
opportunity to meet with potential
buyers and partners, financial
institutions, government officials,
investors and associations. Mission
participants will participate in Hong
Kong Fintech Week on the first stop,
followed by a visit to Bangkok. Both
stops will include ITA-hosted
networking events, pre-screened
business-to-business matchmaking
meetings, roundtable discussions with
U.S. and foreign government and
industry leaders, and optional company
site visits.
Mission participants will receive
assistance to secure meetings, gain
greater exposure to Hong Kong and Thai
markets, and benefit from the guidance
and insights of ITA’s commercial team
and the support and expertise of
interagency partners including the U.S.
Department of State and the U.S.
Department of the Treasury.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special
Administrative Region (SAR) of the
People’s Republic of China (PRC) with
a population of 7.4 million. There are
numerous business opportunities given
Hong Kong’s finance and marketing
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices
talent base, sophisticated infrastructure,
and access to mainland China’s
manufacturing centers. According to
Invest Hong Kong (Hong Kong’s official
inbound investment agency), 78 of the
world’s top 100 banks call Hong Kong
home. With over 163 licensed banks and
8 virtual banks, Hong Kong has large
financial infrastructure. There are no
controls over capital movement, no
capital gains, and no tax on dividends.
Hong Kong hosts the largest pool of
RMB liquidity outside Mainland China.
Hong Kong also serves as a springboard
for foreign firms seeking access to
Mainland China and for Chinese
companies going global.
The Hong Kong government aims to
push Hong Kong’s status as a financial
center, with fintech as a key subsector.
As Hong Kong is home to over 3,900
startups, roughly 800 fintech
companies, and ten unicorn companies,
it claims a spot among the leading
global cities for fostering swift startup
growth. In June 2021, the Hong Kong
Monetary Authority (HKMA) rolled out
a ‘‘Fintech 2025’’ strategy for driving
fintech development in Hong Kong.
Blockchain technology advancements
and the increasing use of big data
analytics are among the top fintech
trends in Hong Kong in 2024.
As a show of support for the sector,
each year Invest Hong Kong organizes
Hong Kong FinTech Week, one of the
largest and most influential fintech
events in Asia. It gathers regulators,
fintech leaders and innovators around
the world to in a dynamic conference
and large exhibition setting, enabling
attendees to connect with the Hong
Kong and regional fintech industry.
Hong Kong FinTech Week in 2023
attracted a record high of 35,000
attendees, over 5.5 million views online
from over 100 economies, featured over
800 speakers and over 700 exhibitors.
To encourage inbound fintech activity
into Hong Kong, Invest Hong Kong also
organizes two attractive programs at no
cost: the Global Fast Track Program,
which is a hybrid program for startups
to connect with investors and
corporates, and a Global Scaleup
Competition for eligible tech companies
that are selected to pitch in front of
judges at Hong Kong Fintech Week. In
fact, a U.S. fintech company nearly won
last year’s competition. Moreover, the
Fintech Association of Hong Kong has a
vibrant board and very active
membership that is enthusiastic about
welcoming inbound U.S. fintech and
related companies.
Because the U.S. Commercial Service
in Hong Kong has a long history of
attending Hong Kong Fintech Week, we
are in a strong position to help many
U.S. companies connect with the deep
and sophisticated ecosystem of this
growing industry. There will be no
additional cost to the participants of this
Trade Mission to attend Hong Kong
Fintech Week.
Thailand
Thailand, located in the heart of
ASEAN, is an upper middle-income
country and the second-largest economy
in ASEAN after Indonesia. Its gross
domestic product (GDP) in 2022 was
US$ 526 billion, growing 2.6 percent
from the previous year.
In Thailand, the public sector plays a
significant role in developing fintech
initiatives. Engagement with the Thai
government is critical, as it seeks to
make Bangkok a regional financial hub.
In recent years, the fintech sector has
been developing and evolving rapidly,
driven by new government initiatives,
advancements in technology, and
changing consumer behavior. The
adoption of new technologies is
transforming traditional financial
institutions and creating new
opportunities for development in the
sector.
Since the pandemic in 2020, Thailand
has swiftly embraced digital
transformation in both its public and
private sectors. This shift has been
encouraged by government support
aiming to establish Thailand as a
regional fintech hub. As a result,
Thailand’s fintech sector has
experienced incredible growth driven
by technology adoption across
industries. For example, Thailand has
seen a surge in digital transactions. Ewallets and mobile payment platforms
have gained widespread acceptance
among Thai society. There are nearly
300 fintech companies in Thailand,
which has an active Thailand Fintech
Association comprised of members in a
wide variety of categories in fintech.
The Thai fintech ecosystem also has
a growing list of organizations, agencies,
and companies that support the growth
in the sector. As another initiative from
the government, in 2023, the BOT
released the consultation document on
a virtual bank licensing framework,
which is the groundwork for
introducing virtual banks as new
financial service providers. The central
bank plans to finalize the licensing
regulation and announce the list of
approved applications in 2024. During
the initial phase, the three licenses will
be awarded.
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.]
Sunday
October
Monday
October
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27 ......................................
...........................................
28 ......................................
Tuesday ..........................................
October 29 ......................................
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Wednesday .....................................
October 30 ......................................
Thursday .........................................
October 31 ......................................
Friday ..............................................
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• Trade Mission Participants Arrive in Hong Kong by Sunday
• Optional: no-host evening gathering in Central, Hong Kong
Full Day in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Interagency Briefing by U.S. Consulate in HK
• B2B matchmaking meetings at Hong Kong FinTech Week facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service
• Networking receptions organized by private sector partners
Full Day in Hong Kong
• Visit Hong Kong FinTech Week
• B2B matchmaking meetings facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service
• Networking reception organized by U.S. Consulate
Half Day in Hong Kong/Travel to Thailand
• Site visits to government and influential private sector offices involved in fintech in Hong Kong *
• Roundtable with Fintech Association of Hong Kong or AmCham Hong Kong members *
• Travel from Hong Kong to Thailand (Bangkok)
* Optional site visits; some companies may have their own meetings arranged
Full Day in Bangkok, Thailand
• Limited Country Team Briefing
• Meeting with the executive at the Ministry of Finance
• Meeting with the National Cyber Security Agency
• Meeting with the Bank of Thailand
Full Day in Bangkok, Thailand
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / Notices
46369
PROPOSED TIMETABLE—Continued
[* 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.]
November 1 ....................................
• B2B Meetings
• Fintech Association of Thailand
• Thai Banks Association
• Association of Thai Securities Companies
• AMCHAM/US ABC
Mission Concludes
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating
in the trade mission must complete and
submit an application package for
consideration by the DOC. All
applicants will be evaluated on their
ability to meet certain conditions and
best satisfy the selection criteria as
outlined below. A minimum of 10 and
maximum of 15 firms participate in the
mission from the applicant pool, subject
to space availability.
Fees and Expenses
After a firm or trade association has
been selected to participate in the
mission, a payment to the Department of
Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required. The participation fee for
the Business Development Mission will
be $2,900 for small or medium-sized
enterprises (SME); and $4,500 for large
firms or trade associations. The fee for
each additional firm representative
(large firm or SME/trade organization) is
$750. The participation fee includes the
cost for participants of this Trade
Mission to attend mission related
activities at Hong Kong Fintech Week in
Hong Kong. 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.
If and when an applicant is selected
to participate in 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.
In the event that a mission is canceled,
no personal expenses paid in
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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 a
given 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.
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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
previous 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 (https://export.gov/
trademissions) and other internet
websites, press releases to general and
trade media, direct mail, notices by
industry trade associations and other
multiplier groups, and publicity at
industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin
immediately and conclude no later than
July 31, 2024. The U.S. Department of
Commerce will review applications and
inform applicants of selection decisions
on a rolling basis. Applications received
after July 31, 2024, will be considered
only if space and scheduling constraints
permit.
Contacts
Peter Sexton—Recruitment Lead, U.S.
Commercial Service, U.S. Export
Assistance Center—New York, NY,
212–809–2647, Peter.Sexton@
trade.gov
Gemal Brangman—Project Lead, Global
Trade Programs, Washington, DC,
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202–482–3773, Gemal.Brangman@
trade.gov
Geoffrey Parish, U.S. Commercial
Service, U.S. Consulate-General—
Hong Kong & Macau,
Geoffrey.Parish@trade.gov
Paul Frost, U.S. Commercial Service,
U.S. Consulate-General—Hong Kong
& Macau, Paul.Frost@trade.gov
Nicole Yan, U.S. Commercial Service,
U.S. Consulate-General—Hong Kong
& Macau, Nicole.Yan@trade.gov
Catherine Spillman, U.S. Commercial
Service, U.S. Embassy—Bangkok,
Thailand, Catherine.Spillman@
trade.gov
Charles Phillips, U.S. Commercial
Service, U.S. Embassy—Bangkok,
Thailand, Charles.Phillips@trade.gov
Oraphan Boonyalug, U.S. Commercial
Service, U.S. Embassy—Bangkok,
Thailand, Oraphan.Boonyalug@
trade.gov
Gemal Brangman,
Director, Global Trade Programs.
[FR Doc. 2024–11691 Filed 5–28–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Advisory Committee on Supply Chain
Competitiveness: Notice of Public
Meeting
International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of open meeting.
AGENCY:
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
This notice sets forth the
schedule and proposed topics of
discussion for the upcoming public
meeting of the Advisory Committee on
Supply Chain Competitiveness
(Committee).
The meeting will be held on June
12, 2024, from 9:40 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
via Zoom.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Boll, Designated Federal
Officer, Office of Supply Chain Services,
International Trade Administration at
Email: richard.boll@trade.gov, phone
571–331–0098.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The Committee was
established under the discretionary
authority of the Secretary of Commerce
and in accordance with the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app.).
It provides advice to the Secretary of
Commerce on the necessary elements of
a comprehensive policy approach to
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Heather Sykes,
Director, Office of Supply Chain Services.
[FR Doc. 2024–11688 Filed 5–28–24; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
DATES:
supply chain competitiveness and on
regulatory policies and programs and
investment priorities that affect the
competitiveness of U.S. supply chains.
For more information about the
Committee visit: https://www.trade.gov/
acscc.
Matters to Be Considered: Committee
members are expected to continue
discussing the major competitivenessrelated topics raised at the previous
Committee meetings, including supply
chain resilience and congestion; trade
and competitiveness; freight movement
and policy; trade innovation; regulatory
issues; finance and infrastructure; and
workforce development. The
Committee’s subcommittees will report
on the status of their work regarding
these topics. The agenda may change to
accommodate other Committee
business. The Office of Supply Chain
Services will post the final detailed
agenda on its website, https://
www.trade.gov/acscc. The video with
closed captioning of the meeting will
also be posted on the Committee
website.
The meeting is open to the public and
press on a first-come, first-served basis.
Space is limited. Please contact Richard
Boll, Designated Federal Officer, at
richard.boll@trade.gov, for participation
information.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XD938]
Taking and Importing Marine
Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals
Incidental to Geophysical Surveys
Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the
Gulf of Mexico
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of Letter of
Authorization.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA), as amended, its implementing
regulations, and NMFS’ MMPA
Regulations for Taking Marine
Mammals Incidental to Geophysical
Surveys Related to Oil and Gas
Activities in the Gulf of Mexico,
notification is hereby given that a Letter
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
of Authorization (LOA) has been issued
to Echo Offshore LLC (Echo) for the take
of marine mammals incidental to
geophysical survey activity in the Gulf
of Mexico (GOM).
DATES: The LOA is effective from May
22, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
ADDRESSES: The LOA, LOA request, and
supporting documentation are available
online at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
action/incidental-take-authorization-oiland-gas-industry-geophysical-surveyactivity-gulf-mexico. In case of problems
accessing these documents, please call
the contact listed below (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jenna Harlacher, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of small numbers of
marine mammals by U.S. citizens who
engage in a specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified
geographical region if certain findings
are made and either regulations are
issued or, if the taking is limited to
harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public
for review.
An authorization for incidental
takings shall be granted if NMFS finds
that the taking will have a negligible
impact on the species or stock(s), will
not have an unmitigable adverse impact
on the availability of the species or
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where
relevant), and if the permissible
methods of taking and requirements
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring
and reporting of such takings are set
forth. NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible
impact’’ in 50 CFR 216.103 as an impact
resulting from the specified activity that
cannot be reasonably expected to, and is
not reasonably likely to, adversely affect
the species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival.
Except with respect to certain
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA
defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: any act of
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i)
has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild (Level A harassment); or (ii) has
the potential to disturb a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild by causing disruption of behavioral
patterns, including, but not limited to,
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering (Level B
harassment).
E:\FR\FM\29MYN1.SGM
29MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46366-46370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11691]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
Financial Technologies Business Development Trade Mission to Hong Kong
and Thailand, October 28-November 1, 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 this 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, Trade Events 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
[[Page 46367]]
supplemental application materials, including adequate information on
their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals
for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce
to evaluate their application. 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 the products 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. firm and have
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a
trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for
each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/
organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or
service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United
States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at
least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value.
A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the
above for all of the companies 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 a company'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 trade association/organization, the applicant must
certify that each firm 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 U.S. firms, services providers,
and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S.
products 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 trade
association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's)
products or services to these markets;
The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented firm'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 trade
association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's)
goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
Balance of company 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.
Definition of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise
For purposes of assessing participation fees, an applicant is a
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) if it qualifies as a ``small
business'' under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) size
standards (https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards),
which vary by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Code. The SBA Size Standards Tool (https://www.sba.gov/size-standards)
can help you determine the qualifications that apply to your company.
Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be
found at https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).
Financial Technologies Business Development Trade Mission to Hong Kong
and Thailand, October 28-November 1, 2024
Summary
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), is organizing a Financial Technologies (Fintech)
Business Development Mission to Hong Kong and Thailand from October 28-
November 1, 2024.
The purpose of the fintech mission is to expand opportunities for
U.S. companies to explore the immense potential that Hong Kong and
Thailand offer in terms of access to capital, market size and talent
pool. Delegates will gain invaluable insights into the local market
landscape and establish relationships with local banks, financial
institutions, and investors.
This business development mission is aimed at promoting and
expanding the international presence of U.S. financial technology
companies and to foster bilateral partnerships between U.S. fintech
companies and financial institutions in Hong Kong and Thailand. These
collaborations can stimulate innovation in the global fintech landscape
and strengthen the global presence of U.S. companies. This mission will
also be part of delivering and advancing U.S. technology, standards,
and commercial interests in this vital region of the world.
ITA will organize a tailored program for U.S. companies exploring
opportunities in Hong Kong and Thai markets and will leverage strong
connections with U.S. interagency partners to lead discussions on
trade, financing, and technical aspects of doing business in these two
markets. Mission participants will have the opportunity to meet with
potential buyers and partners, financial institutions, government
officials, investors and associations. Mission participants will
participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week on the first stop, followed by a
visit to Bangkok. Both stops will include ITA-hosted networking events,
pre-screened business-to-business matchmaking meetings, roundtable
discussions with U.S. and foreign government and industry leaders, and
optional company site visits.
Mission participants will receive assistance to secure meetings,
gain greater exposure to Hong Kong and Thai markets, and benefit from
the guidance and insights of ITA's commercial team and the support and
expertise of interagency partners including the U.S. Department of
State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's
Republic of China (PRC) with a population of 7.4 million. There are
numerous business opportunities given Hong Kong's finance and marketing
[[Page 46368]]
talent base, sophisticated infrastructure, and access to mainland
China's manufacturing centers. According to Invest Hong Kong (Hong
Kong's official inbound investment agency), 78 of the world's top 100
banks call Hong Kong home. With over 163 licensed banks and 8 virtual
banks, Hong Kong has large financial infrastructure. There are no
controls over capital movement, no capital gains, and no tax on
dividends. Hong Kong hosts the largest pool of RMB liquidity outside
Mainland China. Hong Kong also serves as a springboard for foreign
firms seeking access to Mainland China and for Chinese companies going
global.
The Hong Kong government aims to push Hong Kong's status as a
financial center, with fintech as a key subsector. As Hong Kong is home
to over 3,900 startups, roughly 800 fintech companies, and ten unicorn
companies, it claims a spot among the leading global cities for
fostering swift startup growth. In June 2021, the Hong Kong Monetary
Authority (HKMA) rolled out a ``Fintech 2025'' strategy for driving
fintech development in Hong Kong. Blockchain technology advancements
and the increasing use of big data analytics are among the top fintech
trends in Hong Kong in 2024.
As a show of support for the sector, each year Invest Hong Kong
organizes Hong Kong FinTech Week, one of the largest and most
influential fintech events in Asia. It gathers regulators, fintech
leaders and innovators around the world to in a dynamic conference and
large exhibition setting, enabling attendees to connect with the Hong
Kong and regional fintech industry. Hong Kong FinTech Week in 2023
attracted a record high of 35,000 attendees, over 5.5 million views
online from over 100 economies, featured over 800 speakers and over 700
exhibitors.
To encourage inbound fintech activity into Hong Kong, Invest Hong
Kong also organizes two attractive programs at no cost: the Global Fast
Track Program, which is a hybrid program for startups to connect with
investors and corporates, and a Global Scaleup Competition for eligible
tech companies that are selected to pitch in front of judges at Hong
Kong Fintech Week. In fact, a U.S. fintech company nearly won last
year's competition. Moreover, the Fintech Association of Hong Kong has
a vibrant board and very active membership that is enthusiastic about
welcoming inbound U.S. fintech and related companies.
Because the U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong has a long history
of attending Hong Kong Fintech Week, we are in a strong position to
help many U.S. companies connect with the deep and sophisticated
ecosystem of this growing industry. There will be no additional cost to
the participants of this Trade Mission to attend Hong Kong Fintech
Week.
Thailand
Thailand, located in the heart of ASEAN, is an upper middle-income
country and the second-largest economy in ASEAN after Indonesia. Its
gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 was US$ 526 billion, growing 2.6
percent from the previous year.
In Thailand, the public sector plays a significant role in
developing fintech initiatives. Engagement with the Thai government is
critical, as it seeks to make Bangkok a regional financial hub. In
recent years, the fintech sector has been developing and evolving
rapidly, driven by new government initiatives, advancements in
technology, and changing consumer behavior. The adoption of new
technologies is transforming traditional financial institutions and
creating new opportunities for development in the sector.
Since the pandemic in 2020, Thailand has swiftly embraced digital
transformation in both its public and private sectors. This shift has
been encouraged by government support aiming to establish Thailand as a
regional fintech hub. As a result, Thailand's fintech sector has
experienced incredible growth driven by technology adoption across
industries. For example, Thailand has seen a surge in digital
transactions. E-wallets and mobile payment platforms have gained
widespread acceptance among Thai society. There are nearly 300 fintech
companies in Thailand, which has an active Thailand Fintech Association
comprised of members in a wide variety of categories in fintech.
The Thai fintech ecosystem also has a growing list of
organizations, agencies, and companies that support the growth in the
sector. As another initiative from the government, in 2023, the BOT
released the consultation document on a virtual bank licensing
framework, which is the groundwork for introducing virtual banks as new
financial service providers. The central bank plans to finalize the
licensing regulation and announce the list of approved applications in
2024. During the initial phase, the three licenses will be awarded.
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.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday...................................... Trade Mission Participants Arrive in Hong Kong by Sunday
October 27.................................. Optional: no-host evening gathering in Central, Hong Kong
Monday...................................... Full Day in Hong Kong
October 28.................................. Hong Kong Interagency Briefing by U.S. Consulate in HK
B2B matchmaking meetings at Hong Kong FinTech Week
facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service
Networking receptions organized by private sector
partners
Tuesday..................................... Full Day in Hong Kong
October 29.................................. Visit Hong Kong FinTech Week
B2B matchmaking meetings facilitated by the U.S.
Commercial Service
Networking reception organized by U.S. Consulate
Wednesday................................... Half Day in Hong Kong/Travel to Thailand
October 30.................................. Site visits to government and influential private sector
offices involved in fintech in Hong Kong *
Roundtable with Fintech Association of Hong Kong or
AmCham Hong Kong members *
Travel from Hong Kong to Thailand (Bangkok)
* Optional site visits; some companies may have their own meetings
arranged
Thursday.................................... Full Day in Bangkok, Thailand
October 31.................................. Limited Country Team Briefing
Meeting with the executive at the Ministry of Finance
Meeting with the National Cyber Security Agency
Meeting with the Bank of Thailand
Friday...................................... Full Day in Bangkok, Thailand
[[Page 46369]]
November 1.................................. B2B Meetings
Fintech Association of Thailand
Thai Banks Association
Association of Thai Securities Companies
AMCHAM/US ABC
Mission Concludes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the
DOC. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain
conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A
minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 firms participate in the mission from
the applicant pool, subject to space availability.
Fees and Expenses
After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate
in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of
a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Business
Development Mission will be $2,900 for small or medium-sized
enterprises (SME); and $4,500 for large firms or trade associations.
The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/
trade organization) is $750. The participation fee includes the cost
for participants of this Trade Mission to attend mission related
activities at Hong Kong Fintech Week in Hong Kong. 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.
If and when an applicant is selected to participate in 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. In the
event that 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 a given 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.
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
previous 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 (https://export.gov/trademissions) and
other internet websites, press releases to general and trade media,
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin
immediately and conclude no later than July 31, 2024. The U.S.
Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants
of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after
July 31, 2024, will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
Contacts
Peter Sexton--Recruitment Lead, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Export
Assistance Center--New York, NY, 212-809-2647, [email protected]
Gemal Brangman--Project Lead, Global Trade Programs, Washington, DC,
[[Page 46370]]
202-482-3773, [email protected]
Geoffrey Parish, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate-General--Hong
Kong & Macau, [email protected]
Paul Frost, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate-General--Hong Kong
& Macau, [email protected]
Nicole Yan, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate-General--Hong Kong
& Macau, [email protected]
Catherine Spillman, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy--Bangkok,
Thailand, [email protected]
Charles Phillips, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy--Bangkok,
Thailand, [email protected]
Oraphan Boonyalug, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy--Bangkok,
Thailand, [email protected]
Gemal Brangman,
Director, Global Trade Programs.
[FR Doc. 2024-11691 Filed 5-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P
