[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 150 (Monday, August 4, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45206-45209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17752]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE


International Trade Administration Mission Statement

AGENCY: Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Application Deadline Extended

    Secretarial Business Development Mission to Central America and the 
Dominican Republic
    September 28-October 4, 2008.
SUMMARY: Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez will lead a senior-
level business development trade mission to the Dominican Republic, 
Nicaragua and Costa Rica, September 28-October 4, 2008. The overall 
focus of the trip will be commercial opportunities for U.S. companies, 
including joint ventures and export opportunities. In each city (Santo 
Domingo, Dominican Republic, Managua, Nicaragua and San Jose, Costa 
Rica) the participants will have a market briefing followed by two days 
of one-on-one appointments with potential buyers/partners and meetings 
with high-level government officials.

DATES: The application deadline has been extended. Applications should 
be submitted to the Office of Business Liaison by August 7, 2008. 
Applications received after that date will be considered only if space 
and scheduling constraints permit.
    Contact: Office of Business Liaison; Room 5062; Department of 
Commerce; Washington, DC 20230; Tel: (202) 482-1360; Fax: (202) 482-
4054.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Mission Description: Secretary of Commerce 
Carlos M. Gutierrez will lead a senior-level U.S. business delegation 
to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua, during September 
28-October 4, 2008, to promote U.S. exports and investment in the 
leading industry sectors in Central America and the Dominican Republic 
and highlight regional opportunities for U.S. businesses that have 
resulted from the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free 
Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
    The mission will focus on assisting U.S. companies doing business 
in Central America and the Dominican Republic to increase their current 
level of exports and business interests as well as help U.S. companies 
that are experienced exporters enter the Central American and Dominican 
Republic markets for the first time. The mission will help 
participating firms gain market information, make business and 
government contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific 
projects, towards the goal of helping U.S. firms increase their exports 
and business interests in Central America and the Dominican Republic. 
The mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments 
with local companies, as well as meetings with key government 
officials, industry and trade associations, and American and local 
chambers of commerce. The mission will additionally provide a platform 
to address policy and commercial issues--including transparency, rule 
of law, financial reform and intellectual property rights protection 
and enforcement--that U.S. companies face

[[Page 45207]]

in the Central American and Dominican Republic markets.
    The delegation will be comprised of 15-20 U.S. firms representing a 
cross-section of U.S. industries with commercial interests in Central 
America and the Dominican Republic. The mission will also be open to 
participation by representatives of U.S. trade associations in the 
targeted industry sectors. Targeted industry sectors include, but are 
not limited to, the following:
     Automotive Hotel & Restaurant Equipment
     Computer Equipment & Peripherals
     Construction Equipment
     Electrical Power Generation & Distribution Equipment
     Food Processing & Packaging Equipment
     Hardware
     General & Household Consumer Goods
     Hotel & Restaurant Equipment
     Medical Equipment
     Optical Equipment
     Plastics
     Printing & Graphic Arts Equipment & Services
     Security & Safety Equipment & Services
     Telecommunications Equipment & Services
     Travel & Tourism
    Representatives of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation 
(OPIC), U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the Export-Import 
Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) and U.S. Agency for International 
Development (USAID) will be invited to participate (as appropriate) to 
provide information and counseling on their programs, as they relate to 
Central American and Dominican markets.
    Commercial Setting: CAFTA-DR Region: The region created by the 
Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement, 
commonly referred to as CAFTA-DR, is the third largest export market in 
Latin America and the 14th largest market in the world for U.S. 
exports. The United States exports more to this region than it exports 
to Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia combined. Last year, U.S. 
exports to the region surpassed $22 billion (an increase of 14.4 
percent over 2006) and nearly half of the region's imports are from the 
United States. CAFTA-DR provides substantial new market access for U.S. 
companies and solidifies the United States as the leading supplier of 
goods and services to Central America and the Dominican Republic by 
eliminating the vast majority of tariffs on U.S. goods exported to the 
region. More than 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial and consumer 
products to Central America have become duty free immediately upon 
entry into force of the Agreement, with remaining tariffs phased out 
over 10 years. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular should 
benefit from significant tariff cuts provided under CAFTA-DR. For more 
detailed information on CAFTA-DR tariff reductions, please visit: 
http://www.export.gov/fta/cafta/cafta_te.asp.
    Costa Rica: In Costa Rica, the only country which has not yet 
implemented the Agreement, U.S. exports have shown a 10.9 percent 
increase in 2007, with a total of $4.6 billion. Costa Rica boasts the 
largest per capita income for any country in the CAFTA-DR region, along 
with the longest period of political stability. Last year, the 
country's economic growth rate rose by 6.8 percent. The economy is 
diversified with tourism/hospitality services, information technology, 
and medical equipment/instrumentation taking prominent roles. English 
is the dominant second language, and over one million tourists visit 
this country annually.
    The United States is Costa Rica's leading trading partner, 
accounting for about 40 percent of Costa Rica's total imports. U.S. 
companies like Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Procter & Gamble and a number of 
franchising and service companies have established facilities here, due 
in many cases to the country's political stability, proximity to the 
U.S., and number of personnel who can combine technical expertise with 
the capability to speak English. For more detailed information on trade 
opportunities with Costa Rica, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/costarica/en/costaricacommercialguide.html.
    Dominican Republic: The U.S. and the Dominican Republic enjoy a 
very strong commercial relationship. In 2007 the Dominican Republic 
showed a 13.8 percent increase in total U.S. exports of $6 billion.
    The Dominican Republic (DR) is the sixth largest trading partner of 
the United States in the Western Hemisphere and the 32nd largest 
commercial partner of the United States in the world. The DR is also 
the largest market of the CAFTA-DR countries. Best industry prospects 
in the Dominican Republic include medical equipment, hotel and 
restaurant equipment, computer and peripherals, telecommunication 
equipment and tourism.
    During the past two administrations, the government has 
increasingly adopted policies directed toward economic liberalization, 
including privatizing most state-owned enterprises and improving 
intellectual property rights protection and enforcement. For more 
detailed information on trade opportunities with the Dominican Republic 
please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/caribbean/en/dominican_republic.html.
    Nicaragua: U.S. exports to Nicaragua last year totaled $890 
million, an 18.5 percent increase over 2006. The United States is 
Nicaragua's largest trading partner, the source of roughly 22% of 
Nicaragua's imports in 2007 and the destination for approximately 55% 
of its exports (including free zone exports). There are more than 100 
wholly or partly-owned subsidiaries of U.S. companies currently 
operating in Nicaragua. The largest of these investments are in energy, 
financial services, light manufacturing, tourism, fisheries, and shrimp 
farming. For more detailed information on trade opportunities with 
Nicaragua, please visit: http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/country_comercial_guide.html.
    Mission Goals: This Mission will demonstrate the United States' 
continued commitment to the markets of Central America and the 
Dominican Republic since the U.S. passage and implementation of the 
CAFTA-DR. The Business Development Mission to Central America and the 
Dominican Republic will assist U.S. businesses to initiate or expand 
their exports and business interests to Costa Rica, the Dominican 
Republic, and Nicaragua's leading industry sectors by making business-
to-business introductions, providing first-hand market access 
information, and providing access to government decision makers. The 
mission specifically aims to:
     Assist U.S. companies already doing business in Costa 
Rica, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua to increase their business 
there;
     Assist U.S. companies that are experienced exporters to 
enter the Costa Rican, Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan markets for 
the first time;
     Assist our CAFTA-DR partners in attracting additional U.S. 
participation in major projects;
     Address obstacles to trade in Central America and the 
Dominican Republic, including transparency, rule of law, financial 
reform, and intellectual property rights protection and enforcement; 
and
     Provide information on U.S. Government trade financing 
programs, through the participation of representatives from OPIC, 
USTDA, Ex-Im, and USAID (as appropriate).
    Mission Scenario: The mission to Central America and the Dominican

[[Page 45208]]

Republic will include three stops: San Jose, Costa Rica; Santo Domingo, 
the Dominican Republic; and Managua, Nicaragua. In each city, 
participants will:
     Meet with high-level government officials;
     Meet with potential buyers, agents/distributors and 
partners;
     Meet with representatives of the chambers of commerce, 
industry and trade associations; and
     Attend briefings conducted by Embassy officials on the 
economic and commercial climates.
    Receptions and other business events will be organized to provide 
mission participants with further opportunities to speak with local 
business and government representatives, as well as U.S. business 
executives living and working in the region.

Proposed Mission Timetable

Dominican Republic

Sunday, September 28
     Arrive in Santo Domingo
     Economic/Market Briefing by U.S. Government Officials
     Welcome Dinner
Monday, September 29
     Meetings with Dominican Republic Government Officials
     Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry 
Representatives
     Individual Company Appointments
     Reception Hosted by U.S. Ambassador
Tuesday, September 30
     Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry 
Representatives
     Individual Company Appointments
     Depart Santo Domingo

Nicaragua

Tuesday, September 30
     Arrive in Managua
     Economic/Market Briefing by U.S. Government Officials
Wednesday, October 1
     Meetings with Nicaraguan Government Officials
     Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry 
Representatives
     Individual Company Appointments
     Reception Hosted by U.S. Ambassador
Thursday, October 2
     Depart Country Managua

Costa Rica

Thursday, October 2
     Arrive in San Jose
     Economic/Market Briefing by U.S. Government Officials
     Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry 
Representatives
     Individual Company Appointments
     Reception Hosted by the U.S. Ambassador
Friday, October 3
     Meetings with Costa Rican Government Officials
     Individual Company Appointments
     Business Event/Briefing by Local Industry Representatives
Saturday, October 4
     Mission Ends and Mission Participants Depart San Jose
    Participation Requirements: All parties interested in participating 
in the Central America and the Dominican Republic Business Development 
Mission 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. Between 15 and 20 companies 
will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.
    Fees and Expenses: After a company has been selected to participate 
on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of 
a participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $10,000 
for large firms and $7,000 for a small or medium-sized enterprise 
(SME), which includes one principal representative.\*\ The fee for each 
additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $2,500. Expenses 
for travel, lodging, some meals and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant.
    Conditions for Participation: An applicant must submit a completed 
and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, 
including adequate information on the company's products and/or 
services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If 
the Office of Business Liaison receives an incomplete application, the 
Department of Commerce may either: Reject the application, request 
additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information 
into account when we evaluate the applications.
    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, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one 
percent U.S. content. In cases where the U.S. content does not exceed 
fifty percent, especially where the applicant intends to pursue 
investment and major project opportunities, the following factors, 
often associated with U.S. ownership, may be considered in determining 
whether the applicant's participation in the trade mission is in the 
U.S. national interest:
    [cir] U.S. materials and equipment content;
    [cir] U.S. labor content;
    [cir] Repatriation of profits to the U.S. economy; and/or
    [cir] Potential for follow-on business that would benefit the U.S. 
economy;
     Certify that the export of the products and services that 
it wishes to export through the mission would be in compliance with 
U.S. export controls and regulations;
     Certify that it has identified to the Department of 
Commerce for its evaluation any business pending before the Department 
of Commerce that may present the appearance of a conflict of interest;
     Certify that it has identified any pending litigation 
(including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that 
involves the Department of Commerce; and
     Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates 
(1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in 
connection with company's/participant's involvement in this mission, 
and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of 
foreign officials.
    Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on 
the following criteria in decreasing order of importance.
     Suitability of a company's products or services to the 
Central American and Dominican Republic markets and likelihood of a 
participating company's increasing exports to or investment in Costa 
Rica, the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua within a year as a result of 
this mission;
     Demonstrated export and/or investment experience in 
Central America and the Dominican Republic and/or globally;
     Current or pending major project participation; and
     Rank/seniority of the designated company representative.
    Additional factors, such as diversity of company size, type, 
location, demographics, and traditional under-representation in 
business, may also be considered during the review process. Referrals 
from political organizations and any documents, including the 
application, containing references to partisan political activities 
(including political contributions) will be removed

[[Page 45209]]

from an applicant's submission and not considered during the selection 
process.
    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 (http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html) and other 
Internet Web sites, 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. The Office of Business Liaison and the 
International Trade Administration will explore and welcome outreach 
assistance from other interested organizations, including other U.S. 
Government agencies.
    Recruitment for this mission will begin on June 2, 2008. 
Applications can be completed on-line at the Central American and the 
Dominican Republic Business Development Mission Web site at http://www.export.gov/caftadrmission or can be obtained by contacting the U.S. 
Department of Commerce Office of Business Liaison (202-482-1360 or 
[email protected]).
    The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2008. Completed 
applications should be submitted to the Office of Business Liaison. 
Applications received after July 31, 2008 will be considered only if 
space and scheduling constraints permit.
    \*\An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that 
otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations (see 
http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing schedule reflects the Commercial Service's user fee 
schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
    General Information and Applications: The Office of Business 
Liaison, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 5062, Washington, DC 
20230, Tel: 202-482-1360, Fax: 202-482-4054, E-mail: 
[email protected].
    Country Information: Michael McGee, Regional Senior Commercial 
Officer, Central America, El Salvador, Phone: (503) 2501-2999 x 3070; 
Fax: (503) 2501-3067, E-mail: [email protected];
    Michael McGee (Until July 1st), Senior Commercial Officer, Costa 
Rica, Phone: (506) 2519-2207; Fax: (506) 2231-4783, E-mail: 
[email protected];
    Bryan Smith, Senior Commercial Officer, Costa Rica (effective July 
1, 2008), Phone: (506) 2519-2207; Fax: (506) 2231-4783, E-mail: 
[email protected];
    Robert O. Jones, Senior Commercial Officer for the Caribbean 
Region, the Dominican Republic, Tel: (809) 227-2121; Fax: (809) 920-
0267, [email protected];
    Marixell Garc[iacute]a, Commercial Specialist, Econ/Commerce 
Section, Nicaragua, Tel: (505) 266-6010, Ext. 4371; Fax: (505) 266-9056 
o (505) 266-6034, E-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: July 29, 2008.
Jennifer Andberg,
Deputy Director, Office of Business Liaison.
[FR Doc. E8-17752 Filed 8-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-P