[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58769-58772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24296]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Ports and Maritime Technology Trade Mission to India
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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Mission Description
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), International Trade
Administration (ITA), U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS), is
organizing an executive-led Ports and Maritime Technology Trade Mission
to India from February 20 to 24, 2012. The purpose of the mission is to
introduce U.S. firms to India's rapidly expanding port and maritime
technology market and to assist U.S. companies pursue export
opportunities in this sector. The mission to India is intended to
include representatives from leading U.S. companies that provide state-
of-the-art cargo handling equipment, port security and maritime
technology equipment. The mission will visit three cities, Chennai,
Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where participants will receive market briefings
and participate in customized meetings with key port officials and
prospective partners. In Mumbai the trade mission will coincide with
Reed Exhibitions' Shipping, Transport & Logistics (SITL) trade show,
which takes place February 23 to 25. Trade mission participants will
also have the option to begin their trip with a visit to Kolkata, where
CS Kolkata will arrange meetings with public sector port officials from
the states of West Bengal and Orissa.
The mission will 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 India.
The mission will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-
screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint venture
partners; meetings with national and regional government officials; and
networking events. Participating in an official U.S. industry
delegation, rather than traveling to India on their own, will enhance
the companies' ability to secure meetings in India.
Commercial Setting
India, one of the world's fastest growing economies, presents
lucrative opportunities for U.S. companies that offer products and
services in the maritime transport industry. Maritime transport is key
to India's external trade. There are 13 major (national government
control) and 187 minor (local state/private control) ports across
India's extensive, 7,000 kilometers coastline. Traffic at these ports
has been steadily increasing and is expected to continue growing. To
meet the anticipated growth in traffic the major and minor ports have
formulated plans for the development of new terminals, upgrading
existing berths and modernizing operations by including state of the
art cargo handling equipment, tracking systems, deepening of channels,
and widening of roads. According to an Ernst and Young report, the
majority of cargo-handling equipment at Indian ports was commissioned
long ago and has outlived its life span.\1\ In January 2011 the
Government of India announced a new shipping sector policy that entails
an investment of $66 billion in the port sector and $27 billion for the
shipping sector. This new policy proposes to increase India's port
capacity from 1 billion tons to 3.2 billion tons by 2020. To explore
these opportunities the trade mission will visit three cities as
described below.
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\1\ The Indian Ports and Shipping Sector. Rep. Ernst and Young,
Aug. 2010. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. http://www.ey.com/Publication/
vwLUAssets/Ports_and_shipping__-August_2010/$FILE/Ports-and-
shipping-August-2010.pdf.
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Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The state of Tamil Nadu has 3 major ports (Chennai, Tuticorin and
Ennore) and 17 minor ports. The major ports are under the control of
Government of India. The minor ports are under the control of Tamil
Nadu Maritime Board. Port development plans in the state of Tamil Nadu
include:
The Ennore Port announced an investment plan of over $1.2
billion.
The Chennai Port has an investment plan of over $2.3
billion.
The Tuticorin Port announced an investment plan of $1.4
billion.
The Kattupalli Shipyard is a mega project with the first
phase aiming to be operational by January 2012. The first phase will
have a 1.2 million TEU capacity through two 350-m-long berths and a
total terminal area of approximately twenty hectares. The terminal has
an option to increase to 1.8 million TEU capacity during the second
phase of development.
The Thirukkuvalai Port is a deep-water multi-modal port
being developed as a part of an integrated port and power project in
Nagapattinam. The entire project will entail an investment of
approximately $2 billion.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The state of Gujarat has one major port (Mundra) and 41 minor
ports. Gujarat is an industrial powerhouse where many multinational
corporations have established manufacturing facilities. Gujarat is
strategically located with India's longest coastline of 1600 km and is
the nearest maritime outlet to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Gujarati has two privately managed LNG terminals and one of the world's
largest
[[Page 58770]]
ship recycling yards at Alang. Gujarat ports handle almost 33% of
India's cargo. Ahmedabad is the home of Gujarat's State Maritime Board.
Minor ports in Gujarat have a total capacity of 244 million tons (mt)
and handle a cargo volume of 206 mt. This is 70% of the volume handled
by all minor ports in the country. Gujarat plans to expand its private
port capacity to 586 mt in five years.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai, located in the state of Maharashtra, is the commercial and
financial capital of India. In Mumbai there are two ports: The Mumbai
Port Trust (MPT) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). In addition,
there are 53 minor ports located throughout Maharashtra. JNPT is the
country's largest container port, with container traffic of over 4.1
million 20-foot-equivalent unit (TEUs) in 2009-2010. It also ranks
among the top 30 container ports in the world. JNPT is now proposing
the development of a fourth terminal through private partnership. This
fourth terminal is crucial as the other three terminals are working
beyond capacity and its development will take the port's capacity to
10.35 million TEUs from 4 million TEUs. Currently JNPT has invited bids
to award the contract to operate the fourth terminal. In addition, JNPT
is planning a new mega port project at Nhava Island (near Mumbai) which
will have a capacity of 6 to 9 million TEUs per annum. The project
plans also include other facilities including a ship repair yard.
Kolkata, West Bengal
As an optional stop, delegates can elect to visit Kolkata prior to
the official start of the trade mission. A minimum five companies will
be required to organize the stop in Kolkata. A description of the
Kolkata Port and expansion plans is below.
The Kolkata Port Trust (http://www.kolkataporttrust.gov.in) consists of Kolkata dock system and Haldia
Dock System. The infrastructure includes 33 berths, 5 dry docks, 6
petroleum wharfs, 3 barge jetties and 3 oil jetties. It is the largest
dry dock facility in India and handled 46.5 million tons of cargo in
year 2010.
Over 3,500 vessels were handled at the Kolkata Port during
2009-2010, which was the highest amongst all Indian major ports (17% of
the total number of vessels at Indian ports).
Upcoming projects include: A new proposed river port for
handling 20 MT to meet the demand of imported coal; a container
terminal at Diamond Harbor having potential to handle 1 million TEU per
annum and a trans-loading facility; and, a plan for deep sea port with
10-12 berths for handling 60 million tons.
The Kolkata Port spends over $130 million per annum for
dredging of the river and sea mouth. Only European companies currently
participate in this project, and the Kolkata Port would like to see
U.S. participation.
Opportunities exist for U. S. companies in consulting,
equipment supply, barge facility, dredging services and vessel traffic
management systems.
The adjoining state of Orissa in the east coast is also
part of the Kolkata Port Trust area. In Orissa, the Paradeep Port
(http://www.paradipport.gov.in) is the largest port in terms of bulk
cargo handling and Dhamra (http://www.dhamraport.com) is the minor
port. Planned projects include Gopalpur (http://www.gopalpurports.com)
and Posco.
Mission Goals
The goal of the Ports and Maritime Technology Trade Mission to
India is to provide U.S. participants with first-hand market
information, one-on-one meetings with business contacts, including
potential agents, distributors and partners so they can position
themselves to enter or expand their presence in the Indian market.
Subject to prior consultation and confirmations, mission participants
will have the opportunity to explore contacts with local firms active
in India. Also, to help U.S. equipment and service providers initiate
and/or expand their exports to India the U.S. Commercial Service will
introduce Trade Mission participants to:
Officials at major ports who are seeking to upgrade their
container-handling equipment and decision makers responsible for port
security, port management services and maritime technology.
Officials at privately-owned minor ports who are seeking
to procure equipment such as cargo handling equipment, security
equipment including scanners, cranes, navigational aids, as well as
developing ship repair and ship building facilities.
Mission Scenario
The mission will start in Chennai, where participants will meet
with officials from the state of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Maritime
Board, potential private sector partners and visit a major port. Next,
the participants will visit Ahmedabad where they will meet with private
sector port developers and officials from the Gujarat Maritime Board.
In Mumbai the participants will meet with the Maharashtra Maritime
Board, JNPT officials and private sector port developers.
In Mumbai the delegates will have the option of participating in
the SITL trade show, which will take place February 23-25. SITL India
aims to provide a much needed platform for the industry. The event
features 5 sectors of activity covering the complete chain:
Transport and logistics services,
Logistics infrastructure,
Logistics real estate,
Transport and logistics information systems and
technologies,
And materials handling equipment and systems.
The matchmaking meetings in Mumbai will not be held at SITL.
Companies may elect to have a half-day of matchmaking meetings and
attend SITL for the other half of the day, or they can choose to only
participate in one of these activities. The mission fee will not cover
registration fees for SITL.
Trade mission delegates will have the option of visiting Kolkata
before the official start of the mission in Chennai. In Kolkata, they
will meet with Kolkata Port Authorities, port operators and private
companies involved in the port business. They will also meet with other
American companies operating in Kolkata and with Consulate
representatives for an overview.
The participants will also attend policy, market and commercial
briefings by the U.S. Commercial Service as well as networking events
offering further opportunities to speak with private and government
port officials as well as potential distributors and agents. U.S.
participants will be counseled before and after the mission by CS India
staff. Participation in the mission will include the following:
Pre-travel briefings on subjects ranging from business
practices in India to security;
Pre-scheduled meetings with port officials (government and
private), potential partners distributors, end users, and local
industry contacts in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai;
Airport transfers in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai;
Meetings with state maritime boards and government
officials;
Participation in a networking reception in Chennai and
Mumbai; and participation in one-on-one business meetings with
potential clients, partners and distributors.
[[Page 58771]]
Proposed Timetable
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Thursday, February 16, 2012 Kolkata
(Optional).
Delegates arrive in
Kolkata/check-in and rest
overnight.
Friday, February 17, 2012 (Optional). Kolkata
Meeting with AMCHAM
and the U.S. Consulate.
Port visit.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 Kolkata
(Optional).
Meetings with Kolkata
Port Authorities and port
operators.
Evening travel to
Chennai--check-in and rest
overnight.
Sunday, February 19, 2012............ Chennai
Open Schedule.
Monday, February 20, 2012............ Chennai
Briefing with U.S.
Consulate.
Meetings with State
Maritime Board.
Business matchmaking
sessions.
Networking reception.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012........... Chennai/Ahmedabad
Site visit to Chennai
port.
Evening travel to
Ahmedabad.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012......... Ahmedabad/Mumbai
Briefing/meeting with
State Maritime Board.
Business matchmaking
sessions.
Evening travel to
Mumbai.
Thursday, February 23, 2012.......... Mumbai
Briefing with U.S.
Consulate.
Meeting with Indian
Private Ports and Terminals
Association.
Business matchmaking
sessions.
Networking Reception.
Optional participation
in SITL.
Friday, February 24, 2012............ Site visit to JNTP
port.
Optional participation
in SITL.
Official program
concludes.
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must
complete and submit an application package for consideration by DOC.
All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain
conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below.
U.S. companies already doing business with India as well as U.S.
companies seeking to enter to the Indian market for the first time may
apply. A minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 companies will be selected
for participation in this mission.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a
payment to the DOC in the form of a participation fee is required. The
participation fee is $3,760 for large firms and $3,560 for a small or
medium-sized enterprise (SME),\2\ which covers one representative. The
fee for each additional representative is $750. The fee for the
optional stop in Kolkata is $600 for large firms and $450 for SMEs,
which covers one representative. The fee for additional representatives
in Kolkata is $200.
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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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Participants in SITL in Mumbai will pay show-related expenses
directly to the show organizer. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals,
and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates
for hotel rooms.
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.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Suitability of the company's products or services to the
market.
Applicant's potential for business in India and in the
region, including likelihood of exports resulting from the 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.
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, notices by industry trade associations and
other
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multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will conclude
no later than November 18, 2011. All applicants will be vetted by the
Department of Commerce after November, 18. Applications received after
November 18, 2011 will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.
Contacts
U.S. Commercial Service India
Aliasgar Motiwala, U.S. Commercial Service, Mumbai, India, Tel: +91-22-
2265-2511, E-mail: [email protected].
U.S. Commercial Service Washington, DC
David McCormack, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC, Tel: 202-482-
2833, E-mail: [email protected].
Elnora Moye,
Commercial Service Trade Mission Program, U.S. Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. 2011-24296 Filed 9-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P