[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 208 (Thursday, October 28, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66358-66360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27250]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Trade Mission to Mexico in Conjunction With Trade Winds Forum--
The Americas

I. Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, is organizing a 
trade mission to Mexico, April 5-12, 2011, in conjunction with the 
Trade Winds Forum--The Americas business forum in Mexico City, Mexico. 
U.S. trade mission delegation members will arrive in Mexico City on or 
before April 5, 2011, to attend the opening ceremony of the Trade Winds 
Forum--The Americas. On April 11-12, 2011, trade mission participants 
will take part in business-to-business meetings in one (or two) of 
three select markets in Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and 
Monterrey.
    The 2011 Trade Winds Forum--The Americas program is a 4-day event 
that includes a pan-American (North, Central and South) business forum 
consisting of regional and industry specific conference sessions as 
well as pre-arranged consultations with 14 U.S. Commercial Service 
Senior Commercial Officers representing commercial markets throughout 
the entire Western Hemisphere. The trade mission to Mexico will provide 
participants with the opportunity to conduct business-to-business 
meetings with firms in Mexico. The mission is open to U.S. companies 
from a cross section of industries with growing potential in Mexico, 
including, but not limited to, best prospects such as energy (mining, 
oil and gas, electric power generation, renewable), defense and 
aerospace, telecommunications and information technology, environmental 
technologies, medical equipment, safety and security equipment, 
automotive parts and service equipment, and logistics and 
transportation.
    The combination of the Trade Winds Forum--The Americas business 
forum and the multi-sector trade mission to Mexico will provide 
participants with substantive knowledge and strategies for entering or 
expanding their business across Western Hemisphere markets and Mexico 
specifically.

II. Commercial Setting

    As a neighboring country of the U.S. and member of North American 
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico is a natural market for U.S. 
exporters. U.S. trade with Mexico is increasing at a faster rate than 
our trade with many other important partners, including China. As 
outlined in the 2010 White House report to the President on the 
National Export Initiative (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/nei_report_9-16-10_full.pdf), Mexico is categorized as an 
immediate prospect for new to market companies in the next twelve 
months and beyond. Covering almost 1.2 million square miles, Mexico is 
one of the largest countries in Latin America. Its principal cities 
are: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana, all cities where 
the U. S. Commercial Service maintains offices to help American firms 
enter the Mexican market.
    Mexico is the second largest market in the world for U.S. exports 
and the world's largest Spanish speaking country. Mexico has one of the 
highest GDPs in Latin America and the highest on a purchasing power 
basis among all the Spanish speaking countries of the western 
hemisphere. Given the magnitude of trade between the United States and 
Mexico, there are abundant opportunities for U.S. firms in Mexico. 
NAFTA, which was enacted in 1994 and created a free trade zone for 
Mexico, Canada and the United States, is the most outstanding feature 
in the U.S.-Mexico bilateral commercial relationship. In 2008, two-way 
U.S./Mexico trade exceeded $1 billion per day. U.S.-Mexico bilateral 
trade increased 317% from $88 billion in 1993 to $367 billion in 2008. 
While two way trade contracted by 17 percent in 2009 due to the global 
economic downturn, it has rebounded in the first half of 2010, up 32 
percent from the same time period in 2009, and up 4.5 percent from the 
first half of 2008.
    The Mexican economy contains rapidly developing modern industrial 
and service sectors, with increasing private ownership. Recent 
administrations have expanded competition in ports, railroads, 
telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution 
and airports, with the aim of upgrading infrastructure. As an export-
oriented economy, more than 90% of Mexican trade is under free trade 
agreements (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, including the European 
Union, Japan, Israel, and much of Central and South America. Over fifty 
percent of Mexico's imports come from the United States.
    The focus of the Trade Winds Forum--The Americas mission to Mexico 
will focus on three key industrialized cities in Mexico: Mexico City, 
Guadalajara and Monterrey. Under the direction of the Senior Commercial 
Officer and Regional Security Officer, precautions for security 
advisories will be monitored and addressed as deemed necessary.
    Mexico City: Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the 
hemisphere and the world. Not only is this city of 20 million people 
the seat of the government, the capital is also Mexico's financial 
center, a manufacturing and distribution powerhouse and is centrally 
located in a major industrial area that includes Toluca, Puebla and 
Queretaro. Mexico City's Federal District produces 21.8% of the 
country's gross domestic product. According to a study conducted by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mexico City had a GDP of $390 billion in 2008, 
ranking as the eighth richest city in the world after the greater areas 
of Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, London and Osaka/Kobe, 
and the richest in Latin America. Mexico City alone is the 30th largest 
economy in the world. There are opportunities in virtually every 
sector. Some of the most promising sectors in the Mexico City market 
include: Airport & ground support equipment, automotive parts & 
supplies, education & training services, environmental technologies & 
equipment, franchising, hotel & restaurant equipment, housing & 
construction, security & safety equipment, telecommunications 
equipment, transportation infrastructure equipment & services, and 
travel & tourism services.
    Guadalajara: Mexico's second largest city is considered the 
``Silicon Valley'' of Mexico and the de facto capital of western 
Mexico. In 2008, FDI Magazine ranked Guadalajara as the most business 
friendly city in Latin America. Guadalajara has the second largest 
economy and industrial infrastructure in Mexico, and contributes 37% to 
the state of Jalisco's total gross production. Its economic base is 
strong and well diversified. Guadalajara is the main producer of 
software, electronic and digital components in Mexico. Telecom and 
computer equipment from

[[Page 66359]]

Guadalajara accounts for about a quarter of Mexico's electronics 
exports. The U.S. Commercial Service in Guadalajara has responsibility 
for 7 states in western Mexico (Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, 
Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit and Sinaloa). Guadalajara is a dynamic 
commercial center and home to GE, IBM, Intel, HP, Oracle, Flextronics 
and Jabil. Leading sectors include: Electronic components, agribusiness 
and food processing equipment, industrial process control equipment, 
packaging equipment, furniture manufacturing equipment, and high end 
building finishing materials.
    Monterrey: Located in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 
is home to Mexico's 10 largest conglomerates. Strategically situated on 
the principal industrial corridor connecting the U.S. with Mexico's 
interior, Monterrey is a key distribution center that supports major 
industries such as glass, steel, autos and cement. Monterrey, a city of 
approximately 3.8 million people, is known for its ``North American'' 
culture and openness to business. A total of 13,251 companies in 
Monterrey produce 9.4 percent of Mexico's manufactured products and 30% 
of Mexico's manufactured exports. Monterrey accounts for about 95% of 
the State of Nuevo Leon's GDP and 8.6% of Mexico's GDP. Imports into 
this area are very high due to the area's strong manufacturing base, 
and geographical proximity to the U.S. In 2009, imports were estimated 
at USD 20 billion in goods alone, approximately 74% of which are of 
U.S. origin. With more than 30,000 firms, Nuevo Leon is the production 
leader in many important sectors of the Mexican economy including the 
following sectors: Glass containers; cement production; natural, 
artificial, and synthetic fiber production; beer production; ceramics 
production; basic steel production; and household appliances.

III. Mission Goals

    The goal of the mission is to help participating U.S. companies 
find potential partners, agents, distributors, and joint venture 
partners in Mexico, laying the foundation for successful long-term 
ventures. The delegation will have access to Senior Commercial Officers 
and Commercial Specialists during the mission, learn about the 
expansive business opportunities in Mexico, and gain first-hand market 
exposure. U.S. delegation members already doing business in Mexico will 
have opportunities to further advance business relationships and 
transactions in that market.

IV. Mission Scenario

    The mission will include pre-screened individual appointments with 
potential business partners; industry and country market briefings; 
logistical support; networking with leading industry and government 
officials; and registration for the Trade Winds Forum--The Americas, 
April 5-9, 2011, including business forum materials and admission to 
all Business Forum sessions and networking events.
    U.S. delegation members will arrive in Mexico City on or before 
April 5, 2011, to attend the opening ceremony of the Trade Winds 
Forum--The Americas. The final days of the Forum, April 8-9, 2011 will 
be devoted to market briefings and consultations with Western 
Hemisphere-based Senior Commercial Officers. On April 11-12, 2011, 
mission participants will take part in business-to-business meetings in 
one (or two) of three select markets in Mexico: Mexico City, 
Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Specific market selection and location of 
business-to-business meetings will be based on the recommendations of 
Commercial Service--Mexico and in consultation with mission 
participants. Mission participants seeking business-to-business 
meetings in more than one market in Mexico will register using the 
multi-stop participation fee.

V. Mission Timetable

April 5, 2011--Arrive Mexico City, Mexico.
(Tuesday)--Trade Winds Forum--The Americas registration/briefing.
April 6, 2011--Trade Winds Forum--The Americas business forum.
April 7, 2011--Trade Winds Forum--The Americas business forum.
April 8-9, 2011--Trade Winds Forum--The Americas pre-arranged 
consultations with U.S. Commercial Service Senior Commercial Officers.
April 10, 2011--Trade Winds Forum--The Americas travel day to 
respective locations for business-to-business meetings.
April 11-12, 2011--Trade Mission featuring one-on-one business 
appointments with pre-screened private-sector companies in select 
Mexico cities: Mexico City (TW Business Forum location), Guadalajara or 
Monterrey.

VI. Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the U.S. and Foreign 
Commercial Service Trade Mission to Mexico 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 
maximum of 50 companies will be selected to participate in the mission 
from the applicant pool on a first come, first served basis. U.S. 
companies already doing business with Mexico as well as U.S. companies 
seeking to enter Mexico for the first time may apply.

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. For one market stop (choice of one of the following 
markets: Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey), the participation fee 
will be $1,650 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $2,550 
for large firms*. For two market stops (choice of two of the following 
markets: Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey), the participation fee 
will be $2,350 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $3,750 
for large firms*. For companies requesting three or more markets, a fee 
of $700 (plus costs for driver/translator) will be added for each 
additional market requested. The fee for each additional firm 
representative (large firm or SME) participating in the mission is 
$650. Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals (e.g., 
local transportation) will be the responsibility of each mission 
participant. The mission registration fee also includes the Trade Winds 
Forum--The Americas Business Forum registration fee of $650.

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 Department of Commerce 
receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the 
application, request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the applications.
     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 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished 
product or service.

[[Page 66360]]

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Relevance of a company's business line to trade mission 
goals.
     Company's potential for business in Mexico.

     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/contracting 
opportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, 
affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining 
business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's 
user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional 
information).

    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

VII. 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, and other Internet web sites, 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 February 11, 2011. After February 11, 2011, companies will 
be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
U.S. Contact Information
Shannon Christenbury, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charlotte, 
[email protected], Charlotte, NC 28202, 704-333-4886 tel 
ext. 225.
Leslie Drake, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charleston, 
[email protected], Tel: 304-347-5123/Cell: 304-550-7754.
Debora Sykes, U.S. Export Assistant Center--Trenton, 
[email protected], Tel: 856-722-1032/Cell: 609-571-7525, Fax: 
856-722-0716.
Mexico Contact Information
Ann Bacher, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Mexico, [email protected], Tel: 52-55-5140-2601/Fax: 52-55-
5705-0065.

Clarance E. Burden,
US & FCS Senior Budget Analyst, Commercial Service Trade Missions 
Program.
[FR Doc. 2010-27250 Filed 10-27-10; 8:45 am]
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