[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 127 (Friday, July 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38614-38617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16549]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Transportation Infrastructure/Multimodal Products and Services 
Trade Mission to Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab 
Emirates

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Mission Description

    The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a senior 
executive-led trade mission for multi-modal transportation and 
infrastructure development products and services to Doha, Qatar and Abu 
Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) on October 29-November 3, 
2011. The mission is designed to contribute to President Obama's 
National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by 2015 
while supporting two million American jobs, by increasing exports of 
products and services that contribute to infrastructure development 
projects in Qatar and U.A.E.
    The mission will help U.S. companies already doing business in 
Qatar or the U.A.E. increase their current level of exports and 
exposure, and will help experienced U.S. exporters, which have not yet 
done business in Qatar or the U.A.E. 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 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 delegation will be composed of 15 qualified U.S. firms 
representing the

[[Page 38615]]

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 exporter to Qatar, 
accounting for 14% of the total import market. U.S. exports have 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, with 
GDP per capita valued at $90,000. In 2010, total GDP was valued at $128 
billion. The IMF predicts that Qatar will grow by 20% in 2011. The 
World Bank announced that Qatar is the most economically competitive 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 success in winning 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 in infrastructure projects between now and 
the World Cup in 2022, including roads, bridges, highways, railways, 
ports, and related consultancy services. Qatar's transportation 
infrastructure also benefits significantly with respect to Qatar's 
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 will be for infrastructure 
development, and it will be completely self-financed. As much as 30% of 
the budget is 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. 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.

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 
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 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. Other 
products and services that contribute to the energy and infrastructure 
development of Qatar and the U.A.E. also may have great potential. 
Applications from companies selling products and services within the 
scope of this mission, but not specifically identified in this Mission 
Statement, will be considered and evaluated by the U.S. Department of 
Commerce. Companies whose products 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 Department's 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 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 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 to participate in policy and 
regulatory framework discussions with Qatari and

[[Page 38616]]

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 
government decision makers from Qatar and U.A.E.

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 climates.
    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.

Proposed Timetable

    The mission program will begin at 5:00 pm, Saturday, October 29, 
2011 and run through the evening of Thursday, November 3, 2011. 
Participants are encouraged to arrive on or before October 29, 2011.

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Saturday, October 29 (weekend)..................  Doha, Qatar.
                                                  No-Host Welcome Dinner.
Sunday October 30...............................  Doha, Qatar.
                                                  Market Briefing by U.S. Embassy Officials.
                                                  Meetings with Senior Qatari Government Officials.
                                                  Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry Representatives.
                                                  Networking Reception.
Monday, October 31..............................  Doha, Qatar.
                                                  One-on-One Business Meetings for the Delegation.
                                                  Evening Travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Tuesday, November 1.............................  Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                                  Market Briefing by U.S. Embassy Officials.
                                                  Meetings with Senior UAE and Abu Dhabi Government Officials.
                                                  Business Event/Briefing with Local Industry Representatives.
                                                  One-on-One Business Meetings for the Delegation.
                                                  Networking reception.
Wednesday, November 2...........................  Abu Dhabi, UAE.
                                                  One-on-one business matchmaking appointments.
                                                  Travel to Dubai
                                                  Dubai, UAE.
                                                  Networking reception.
Thursday, November 3............................  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.
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Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Business Development 
Mission to Qatar and the U.A.E. must complete and timely 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 a maximum of 15 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 $4259 for large firms 
and $3707 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 $800. 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 travel, 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. Business visas 
may be required. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such 
visas are also not included in the mission costs. 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 timely 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.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria in decreasing 
order of importance:

[[Page 38617]]

     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; 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.

Selection Timeline

    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.
    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 Jessica Arnold 
(202-482-1856/[email protected]). The application deadline 
is Monday, July 15th, 2011, unless extended by the Department of 
Commerce. Applications received after Monday, July 15th, 2011, will be 
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact:
    Ms. Jessica Arnold,
    Phone: (202) 482-2026/Fax: (202) 482-1900,
    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].

Elnora Moye,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service Trade Mission Program, 
Tel: 202-482-4204, E-mail: [email protected].
[FR Doc. 2011-16549 Filed 6-30-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P