[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58774-58776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24294]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Trade Mission to Southeast Asia in Conjunction With Trade Winds--
Asia

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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I. Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing 
a trade mission to Southeast Asia, to take place in conjunction with 
the Trade Winds--Asia business forum (which is also open to U.S. 
companies not participating in the trade mission) in Singapore next 
May. U.S. trade mission members will participate in the Trade Winds--
Asia business forum in Singapore (which is also open to U.S. companies 
not participating in the trade mission). Trade mission participants may 
participate in up to three trade mission stops. On the first leg of the 
trade mission, prior to the Singapore trade mission stop, participants 
may choose to participate in a trade mission stop in either: Vietnam 
(Hanoi and/or Ho Chi Minh City) or Thailand (Bangkok). Trade mission 
participants may then choose to participate in a trade mission stop in 
Singapore, during which trade mission participants may participate in 
the Trade Winds--Asia business forum. Following the trade mission stop 
in Singapore, trade mission participants may choose to participate in a 
trade mission stop in either: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) or Indonesia 
(Jakarta).
    Each trade mission stop will include one-on-one business 
appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors 
and joint-venture partners; and networking events. Trade mission 
participants electing to participate in the Trade Winds--Asia business 
forum may attend regional and industry-specific sessions and 
consultations with CS Senior Commercial Officers based in Asia.
    This mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of 
industries with growth potential in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, 
Malaysia and Indonesia, including, but not limited to 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.

II. Commercial Setting

    Singapore: In 2010, the Singapore economy rebounded with 
exceptional performance, expanding by 14.5% to become the second-
fastest-growing economy in the world. Inflation was 2.8% in 2010 and is 
projected to rise to 3.0-4.0% in 2011. Analysts expect the Singapore 
currency to strengthen as the government uses monetary policy to fight 
inflation.
    In 2010, Singapore remained our 13th-largest trading partner. 
Singapore was the United States' 10th largest export market (up from 
11th largest in 2009) and the United States was the second largest 
supplier of imports to Singapore. The city-state, which is a regional 
trade hub, was the second busiest container port in the world in 2010. 
The World Economic Forum's ``Global Enabling Trade Report 2010,'' which 
assesses border administration, transportation and communications, and 
general business environment in individual countries, ranked Singapore 
number one, which illustrates Singapore's open economy with respect to 
international trade and investment.
    Best market prospects for Singapore include: Electronics 
components; oil and gas; aircraft and parts; pollution control 
equipment; computer hardware/software/peripherals; telecommunication 
equipment and services; laboratory and scientific instruments; medical 
devices; education/training services; and franchising.
    Vietnam: Vietnam's economic growth rate has been among the highest 
in the world in recent years, expanding at an average of about 7.2% per 
year from 2001 to 2010, while industrial production grew at an average 
of about 12% per year. Vietnam's GDP increased by 6.7% in 2010 and was 
one of only a handful of countries around the world to experience such 
significant growth.
    In 2010, Vietnam joined the United States, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, 
Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, and Australia to participate as a full 
member in the Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership negotiations to 
conclude a high-standard, 21st century Asia-Pacific free trade 
agreement.
    The 2001 U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement transformed the 
commercial relationship between the United States and Vietnam. Despite 
the continuing global economic recession in 2010, U.S. exports to 
Vietnam grew by an impressive 19.8% to $3.7 billion and Vietnam's 
exports to the U.S. increased 21.0% to $14.9 billion, resulting in an 
$11.2 billion bilateral trade deficit with Vietnam. Agricultural 
exports to Vietnam grew significantly and accounted for roughly one-
third of U.S. exports to Vietnam. Vietnam continues to import 
machinery, chemicals, instrumentation and software to support its 
growing industrial sector. The industrial/manufacturing, real estate/
tourism and construction sectors continued to attract a major share of 
new capital flowing into the country, while utilities projects gained 
increased interest from investors in 2010.
    Best market prospects for Vietnam include: Power generation, 
transmission and distribution; telecommunications equipment and 
services; oil and gas machinery and services; information technology 
hardware and software; airport and ground support equipment, air 
traffic management systems, and aircraft landing parts; environmental 
and pollution control equipment and services; medical equipment; safety 
and security; education and training; franchising; plastic materials, 
equipment and machinery; and architecture, construction and 
engineering.
    Thailand: In 2010, the GDP of Thailand grew almost 8%, supported by 
an increase in exports and the Government's increased spending on its 
``Thai Khem Khaeng'' economic stimulus program. This stimulus package 
was estimated to have resulted

[[Page 58775]]

in a 2.3% increase to the 2010 GDP of Thailand. The Thai GDP per capita 
is approximately $4,620 (2010 est.).
    U.S.-Thai trade in 2010 was approximately $33 billion, an increase 
of 24% from 2009, with $23.6 billion in Thai exports to the U.S. and $9 
billion in U.S. exports to Thailand.
    Following total Thai exports to the member countries of ASEAN, the 
United States, Japan and China are the next three largest destinations 
for Thai exports, each accounting for 11% of Thailand's total exports.
    Best market prospects for Thailand include: Automotive parts and 
services/equipment; broadcast equipment; defense equipment; education 
services; electronic components; electrical power systems; food 
processing and packaging equipment; medical devices; printing/graphic 
arts equipment; security and safety equipment; telecommunications 
equipment; and water pollution control equipment.
    Malaysia: For centuries, Malaysia has profited from its location at 
a crossroads of trade between the East and West. Geographically 
blessed, peninsular Malaysia stretches the length of the Strait of 
Malacca, one of the most economically and politically important 
shipping lanes in the world. Capitalizing on its location, Malaysia 
transitioned from an agriculture and mining-based economy to a high-
tech economy, with 6.7% growth in GDP in 2010.
    In 2010, U.S.-Malaysia trade was $36.43 billion (up from $33.7 
billion in 2009), ranking Malaysia as America's 17th-largest trade 
partner. U.S. trade in services with Malaysia totaled $2.8 billion in 
2009; services exports from the U.S. were $1.7 billion, services 
imports from Malaysia were $1.1 billion. The United States has 
consistently been one of the largest foreign investors in Malaysia, 
with significant presence in the oil and gas sector, manufacturing, and 
financial services. U.S. foreign direct investment in Malaysia was 
$13.5 billion in 2009.
    Best market prospects for Malaysia include: aircraft & parts; oil 
and gas equipment; renewable energy and efficient energy; digital 
broadcasting and product content; broadband; franchising; medical and 
dental healthcare.
    Indonesia: Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and 
continues to grow. Despite the challenging global conditions, 
Indonesia's economy grew 4.5% in 2009, 6.1% in 2010 and is expected to 
increase by 8% in 2011.
    The number of households in Indonesia with $5,000 to $15,000 in 
annual disposable income is expected to expand from 36% of the 
population to more than 58% by 2020. More than 60 million low-income 
Indonesian workers are projected to join the middle class in the coming 
decade, which signals increased spending on consumer goods, which 
continues to lead the growth in Indonesia. The world's fourth-largest 
country has a population of 237.5 million citizens, 50% of whom are 
under the age of 30. Indonesia is a top-ten market for U.S. 
agricultural products and a top-30 market for U.S. exports overall. 
Indonesia has ratified the Cape Town Treaty, which facilitates the 
cross-border financing and leasing of aircraft, aircraft engines, and 
helicopters.
    Best market prospects for Indonesia include: Aircraft and parts; 
computer and peripherals; education and trainings; electrical power 
system; franchises; industrial chemicals; medical equipment and 
supplies; mining equipment; oil and gas equipment; retail; and 
telecommunications.

III. Mission Goals

    The goal of the Southeast Asia trade mission is to help 
participating firms gain market insights, make industry contacts, 
solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the 
goal of increasing U.S. exports to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, 
Malaysia and Indonesia. The delegation will have access to CS Senior 
Commercial Officers and Commercial Specialists during the mission, 
learn about the many business opportunities in Asia, and gain first-
hand market exposure. U.S. trade mission participants already doing 
business in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and/or Indonesia 
will have opportunities to further advance business relationships and 
projects in those markets.

IV. Scenario & Timetable

May 12-13--Travel Days

May 14-15--Trade Mission stops in Hanoi, Vietnam, Ho Chi Min City, Viet 
Nam, or Bangkok, Thailand (Choice of one stop)

May 16--Singapore: Asia Business Forum

May 17-18--Singapore: Asia Business Forum, consultations with CS Senior 
Commercial Officers and Trade Mission one-on-one meetings (Schedule 
will vary among participating firms, depending on their needs and 
interests)

May 19-20--Travel Days

May 21-22--Trade Mission stops in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or Jakarta, 
Indonesia (Choice of one stop)

V. Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the U.S. and Foreign 
Commercial Service Trade Mission to Southeast Asia 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 65 companies will be selected to participate in the 
mission from the applicant pool on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Each of the trade mission stops (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, 
Indonesia, and Malaysia) is designed for participation of a maximum of 
30 participants. U.S. companies already doing business in, or seeking 
to enter Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia for the 
first time may apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required.
    For one mission stop, the participation fee will be $1,950 for a 
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $2,850 for large firms.*
    For two mission stops, the participation fee will be $2,950 for a 
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $3,850 for large firms. *
    For three missions stops, the participation fee will be $3,950 for 
a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $4,850 for large firms.*
    There will be a $500 fee for each additional firm representative 
(large firm or SME) participating in one mission stop plus an 
additional fee of $250 for each additional mission stop. There is no 
additional fee for participants opting to participate in Trade Winds--
Asia Business Forum.
    Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals (e.g., local 
transportation) 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. Applicant should specify in 
their application and supplemental materials which trade mission stops 
they are interested in participating in. If the Department of Commerce 
receives an incomplete application, the

[[Page 58776]]

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 U.S., or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have 
at least 51% U.S. content of the value of the finished product or 
service.
    Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on 
the following criteria:
     Suitability of the company's products or services to each 
of the markets the company has expressed an interest in visiting as 
part of this trade mission.
     Company's potential for business in each of the markets 
the company has expressed an interest in visiting as part of this trade 
mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission
    Diversity of company size, sector or subsector, and location may 
also be considered during the review process.
    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.

VI. 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 March 30, 2012. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review 
applications and select the participants from the applicant pool on a 
first come first-served basis. After March 30, 2012, companies 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/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. For additional information see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html).

U.S. Contact Information

    Shannon Christenbury, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charlotte. 
[email protected]. Tel: 704-333-4886 x225.
    Leslie Drake, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charleston. 
[email protected]. Tel: 304-347-5123.
    Bill Burwell, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Baltimore. 
[email protected]. Tel: 410-962-3097.

Singapore Contact Information

    Patrick Santillo, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Singapore. [email protected].

Elnora Moye,
Commercial Service Trade Mission Program, U.S. Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. 2011-24294 Filed 9-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P