[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7153-7155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2802]



[[Page 7153]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Secretarial Business Development Mission; Transportation 
Infrastructure/Multimodal Products and Services to Qatar and United 
Arab Emirates

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Mission Description

    U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke will lead a business 
development mission for multi-modal transportation and infrastructure 
development products and services to Doha, Qatar and Abu Dhabi and 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) June 4-9, 2011. The mission is 
designed to contribute to President Obama's National Export Initiative 
to achieve the goal of doubling exports over the next five years to 
support millions of American jobs. This mission will support job 
creation by increasing exports of products and services that contribute 
to development projects in these locations.
    The industry sectors for this mission will include, but are not 
limited to: Multimodal freight transportation systems, products and 
technologies, including port development, airport development, freight 
rail systems and technologies, supply chain systems and strategies; 
mass transportation systems; advanced vehicle technologies and 
intelligent transportation systems and related services and software; 
and other relevant products and services.
    The mission will help U.S. companies already doing business in 
Qatar or the U.A.E. to increase their current level of exports, 
business interests and exposure, and will help experienced U.S. 
exporters, which have not yet done business in Qatar or the U.A.E. to 
enter these markets in support of job creation in the United States. 
Participating firms will gain market information, connect with key 
business and government decision makers, solidify business strategies, 
and/or advance specific projects. In each of these important sectors, 
participating U.S. companies will meet with prescreened potential 
partners, agents, distributors, representatives, and licensees. The 
agenda will also include meetings with high-level national and local 
government officials, networking opportunities, country briefings, and 
seminars.
    The delegation will be composed of 15-20 U.S. firms representing 
the industry sectors noted above. Representatives of the U.S. 
Department of Transportation and the Export-Import Bank of the United 
States (Ex-Im) will be invited to participate (as appropriate) to 
provide information and counseling on their programs as they relate to 
the markets in Qatar and the U.A.E.

Commercial Setting

Qatar

    The United States continues to be the largest import partner to 
Qatar, accounting for 14% of the total import market. U.S. exports to 
Qatar surged by 495 percent, from $454 million in 2003 to $2.7 billion 
in 2009. Qatar is the fifth largest U.S. export destination in the 
Middle East, making it an important market for U.S. small and medium-
sized businesses.
    Qatar is one of the richest countries per capita in the world, 
posting one of the highest GDP per capita values with $90,000 and a GDP 
of $128 billion forecasted in 2010. The International Monetary Fund 
predicts that Qatar's GDP will grow by almost 20% in 2011. The World 
Bank announced that Qatar is the most economically competitive country 
in the Middle East. Taken together, this has led foreign firms to 
increase their investment in Qatar's infrastructure, making it one of 
the most prosperous markets in the Middle East.
    Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup Nation Host opens up a 
constellation of opportunities for U.S. business. The country plans to 
spend up to $100 billion on infrastructure projects between now and the 
2022 World Cup, including roads, bridges, highways, railways, ports, 
and related consultancy services. Qatar's transportation infrastructure 
is the main sector benefiting from the current domestic growth 
environment. Its road transportation structure has been operating at 
capacity with a strong need to expand the system. Currently, road 
infrastructure is the only mode of transportation, which is one of the 
major causes for heavy congestion throughout the country. There are 
excellent opportunities for U.S. engineers, program management firms, 
and manufacturers to contribute to the creation of new transport 
infrastructure projects (i.e., railways, roads, ports, bridges, and 
highways), along with improved traffic safety systems.
    The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, has stated that a 
significant share of Qatar's budget for 2010-2011 will be for 
infrastructure development, and it will be completely self-financed. 
The country continues to maintain high levels of capital spending on 
major projects, which will reach $12 billion in 2010-2011 compared with 
$10.4 billion in 2009-2010, representing a 15% year-on-year increase. A 
significant share of Qatar's budget for 2010-2011 will be for 
infrastructure development, with 30% reportedly earmarked for 
infrastructure upgrades, such as the New Doha International Airport, 
New Doha Seaport, the Doha Expressway Project, roads, and related 
program management services.

U.A.E.

    The U.A.E. is the largest U.S. export market in the Middle East/
North Africa region, the second largest economy in the region, and 
presents qualified American companies with opportunities to expand 
sales of their products and services to a fast growing market. The 
U.A.E. is the logistics and business services hub for the wider region. 
The 2009 GDP for the U.A.E. was $231.3 billion and the 2009 per capita 
income was $42,000. Despite the recent global financial crisis, the 
United States and the U.A.E. have continued their long-term trade and 
investment relationship. Exports between both countries have increased 
almost every year since 1971, when the U.A.E. was established.
    The United States exported over $12 billion worth of products to 
the U.A.E. in 2009, representing a 237 percent increase since 2002. The 
United States is the third largest exporter to the U.A.E. and enjoys a 
very large trade surplus and a strong trading and investment 
relationship. The U.A.E. is among the Middle East region's leaders in 
terms of openness to international trade and investment and political 
stability. It has successfully developed itself into the largest 
logistics hub in the wider region, with the second-largest man-made 
port in the world at Jebel Ali, and the fourth busiest airport in the 
world. It is making major investments in infrastructure and economic 
diversification, resulting in significant export opportunities for U.S. 
firms. The U.A.E. is developing key transportation infrastructure 
projects including: Port Khalifa and industrial zone at Taweelah; the 
new $8 billion Union Railway project; the $6.7 billion expansion of Abu 
Dhabi International Airport; the construction of the new Maktoum 
Airport, which will eventually have five runways; and public 
transportation systems, such as the expansion of the Dubai metro and 
the construction of the Abu Dhabi metro and light rail. The goods, 
services and know-how necessary for the construction and profitable 
operation of these new systems, particularly those related to multi-
modal freight and intelligent supply chain management, provides 
significant business

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opportunities in areas where U.S. companies excel. U.S. products enjoy 
favorable tariffs that generally do not exceed five percent.\1\
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    \1\ World Trade Organization: Latest Available MFN Applied 
Tariffs At HS 6 (2007).
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Other Products and Services

    The foregoing analysis of export opportunities in Qatar and the 
U.A.E. is not intended to be exhaustive, but illustrative of the many 
opportunities in these markets available to U.S. businesses. 
Applications from companies selling products or services within the 
scope of this mission, but not specifically identified, will be 
considered and evaluated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Companies 
whose products or services do not fit the scope of the mission may 
contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) to learn 
about other trade missions and services that may provide more targeted 
export opportunities. Companies may call 1-800-872-8723, or e-mail: 
[email protected] to obtain such information. This information also may be 
found on the Web site: http://www.export.gov.

Mission Goals

    This Business Development Mission will demonstrate the United 
States' commitment to a sustained economic engagement with Qatar and 
the U.A.E. The mission will combine Secretarial level policy dialogue 
and business development for U.S. firms. Additionally, the mission will 
advance the Administration's goal to broaden and deepen the U.S. 
exporter base and support the President's National Export Initiative by 
providing individual participants with business opportunities to 
achieve export success in these markets.
    In support of these goals, the mission's purpose is to support 
participants as they construct a firm foundation for future business in 
Qatar and the U.A.E., and specifically aims to:
    Provide participants with market information about the local 
infrastructure opportunities that will contribute to increasing U.S. 
exports to the Qatari and U.A.E. markets.
    Assist in identifying potential end-users and partners (including 
potential agents, distributors, and licensee partners) and business 
strategies for U.S. companies to gain access to the Qatari and U.A.E. 
markets.
    Provide an opportunity for participants to be present for 
discussions with Qatari and U.A.E. government officials and private 
sector representatives to advance U.S. market access interests in these 
markets.
    Confirm U.S. government support for U.S. business activities in 
Qatar and the U.A.E. and to provide access to senior foreign government 
decision makers.

Mission Scenario

    During the mission to Qatar and the U.A.E., the participants will:

Meet with high-level Qatari and Emirati government officials
Meet with prescreened potential partners, agents, distributors, 
representatives and licensees
Meet with representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, industry and 
trade associations
Attend briefings conducted by Embassy officials on the economic and 
commercial climate

    Receptions and other business events will be organized to provide 
mission participants with additional opportunities to speak with local 
business and government representatives, as well as U.S. business 
executives living and working in the region.

Timetable

    The mission program will begin at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011 
and run through the evening of Thursday, June 9, 2011. Participants are 
encouraged to arrive on or before June 4, 2011.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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June 4.................................  Doha, Qatar.
                                         Orientation.
                                         Market Briefing by U.S. Embassy
                                          Officials.
                                         Welcome Dinner.
June 5.................................  Doha, Qatar.
                                         Meetings with Senior Qatari
                                          Government Officials.
                                         Business Event/Briefing with
                                          Local Industry
                                          Representatives.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Networking Reception.
June 6.................................  Doha, Qatar.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                         Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                         Market Briefing by U.S. Embassy
                                          Officials.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Networking reception.
June 7.................................  Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                         Meetings with Senior UAE and
                                          Abu Dhabi Government
                                          Officials.
                                         Business Event/Briefing with
                                          Local Industry
                                          Representatives.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
June 8.................................  Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Travel to Dubai.
                                         Dubai, UAE.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Networking reception.
June 9.................................  Dubai, UAE.
                                         Meetings with Senior Dubai
                                          Government Officials.
                                         Business Event/Briefing with
                                          Local Industry
                                          Representatives.
                                         One-on-One Business Meetings
                                          for the Delegation.
                                         Closing Dinner.
                                         Mission Ends/Departure.
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Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Secretarial Business 
Development Mission to Qatar and the U.A.E. must submit an application 
package for consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce. All 
applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain 
conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. 
The mission is designed to select a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 
companies to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. 
companies already doing business in the target markets, as well as U.S. 
companies seeking to enter these markets for the first time, are 
encouraged to 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. The participation fee will be $10,200 for large firms 
and $8,800 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME),\2\ which will 
cover the principal (one) representative. The fee for each additional 
firm representative (large firm or SME) is $2,000. Local 
transportation, including transport between mission cities, is included 
in the participation fee.
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    \2\ 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).
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    Expenses for lodging, some meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant. Air transportation from the 
United States (or point of origin) to Qatar and return to the United 
States is the responsibility of the participant.

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Business visas may be required. Government fees and processing expenses 
to obtain such visas are not included in the participation fee. 
However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to 
each participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary 
business visas.

Conditions for Participation

    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 U.S. 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 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 business development 
mission is in the U.S. national interest:
    U.S. materials and equipment content; U.S. labor content; 
Repatriation of profits to the U.S. economy; and/or Potential for 
follow-on business that would benefit the U.S. economy;
    Certify that 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 a company's/participant's involvement in this mission, 
and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of 
foreign officials.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria in decreasing 
order of importance:
    Consistency of a company's products or services with the scope and 
desired outcome of the mission's goals; Suitability of a company's 
products or services to the Qatari and U.A.E. markets and the 
likelihood of a participating company's increased exports to or 
business interests in these markets as a result of this mission; 
Demonstrated export experience in Qatar, the U.A.E., or other foreign 
markets; Current or pending major project participation; and Rank/
seniority of the designated company representative.
    Additional factors, such as diversity of company size, type, 
location, and demographics, 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 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.trade.gov/trade-missions/
--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 Commerce Department's 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 the mission will begin on/or about January 24, 
2011. Applications can be completed on-line at the Qatar and U.A.E. 
Business Development Mission Web site at http://www.trade.gov/QatarUAEMission2011 or can be obtained by contacting the U.S. 
Department of Commerce from Larry Brill, U.S. Commercial Service ([email protected]">202-482-1856/[email protected]). The application deadline is Friday, 
March 18, 2011, unless extended by the Department of Commerce. 
Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Business 
Liaison. Applications received after Friday, March 18, 2011, will be 
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
    Information can also be obtained by contacting the mission contacts 
listed below.

Contacts

The Office of Business Liaison, Office of the Secretary, Phone: (202) 
482-1360/Fax: (202) 482-4054, E-mail: [email protected].

U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact

Mr. Larry Brill, Phone: (202) 482-1856/Fax: (202) 482-2331, E-mail: 
[email protected].

U.S. Commercial Service Qatar Contact

Mr. Dao Le, U.S. Commercial Service, Doha, Qatar, Tel: 011-974-488-
4101/Fax: 011-974-488-4163, E-mail: [email protected].

U.S. Commercial Service U.A.E. Contact

Ms. Laurie Farris, U.S. Commercial Service, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Phone: 011-
971-2-414-2665/Fax: 011-971-2-414-2228, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Larry Brill,
Global Trade Programs, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2802 Filed 2-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P