[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 47 (Monday, March 11, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15346-15349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05508]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Secretarial Infrastructure Business Development Mission to 
Brazil, Colombia and Panama; May 12-18, 2013

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Mission Description

    The United States Secretary of Commerce will lead an Infrastructure 
Business Development Mission to S[atilde]o Paulo and Bras[iacute]lia, 
Brazil, Bogot[aacute], Colombia and Panama City, Panama from May 12-18, 
2013. This business development mission will promote U.S. exports to 
Brazil, Colombia and Panama by helping U.S. companies' launch or 
increase their business for infrastructure markets. The mission will 
include government and business-to-business meetings, market briefings, 
and networking events. In all three countries, the governments and 
private sector are investing significant money in infrastructure 
projects. As a result, the mission will focus on export-ready U.S. 
firms in a broad range of leading U.S. infrastructure industrial 
sectors with an emphasis on project management and engineering services 
(including construction, architecture and design), transportation 
(including road/highways, rail, airports and intelligent transportation 
systems), energy (including distribution, transmission and smart grid) 
and safety and security.
    Companies will have two options to select from when applying for 
participation in this mission:
     Brazil, Colombia and Panama (May 12-18, 2013)
     Colombia and Panama (May 14-18, 2013)
    The delegation will be composed of 20-25 U.S. firms representing 
the mission's target sectors. Representatives of the Department of 
Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), 
the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) and the Overseas 
Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will be invited to participate to 
provide information and counseling regarding their suite of programs 
and services in Latin America.

Commercial Setting

Brazil

    The Federative Republic of Brazil is Latin America's biggest 
economy and is the fifth largest country in the world in terms of land 
mass and population with about 197 million people and the world's 
seventh largest economy. Bras[iacute]lia is the nation's capital and 
seat of government. With almost 20 million people, S[atilde]o Paulo is 
the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere 
and Americas, and the world's seventh largest city by population. It is 
the country's economic and financial center and traditional access 
point for companies entering the Brazilian market.
    Brazil is the U.S.'s seventh largest export market and eighth 
largest trading partner. In 2012, U.S. goods exports to Brazil reached 
nearly $44 billion, 68% above their 2009 level, and our goods trade 
surplus was over $11 billion. GDP growth was slower than usual at 2.7% 
in 2011 and around 1% in 2012. Growth slowed due to reduced demand for 
Brazilian exports in Europe and Asia, despite solid domestic demand and 
a growing middle class. It is expected to rebound to over 3% in 2013 
and 2014.
    Although there are major export opportunities in Brazil, there are 
also substantial challenges, including relatively high tariffs with a 
heavy and complex customs system, tax structure, and regulatory 
framework. Additionally, U.S. exporters face expanding government 
involvement in the marketplace to promote the development or 
preservation of Brazilian industries deemed to be strategic, including 
increased use of local content and technology transfer requirements. It 
is essential for U.S. companies to have local representation in Brazil 
to be able to successfully compete with Brazilian and other 
international firms.
    The Growth Acceleration Program, or PAC (Programa de 
Acelera[ccedil][atilde]o do Crescimento) launched in 2007, laid out 
investment plans of nearly R$504 billion (US$306 billion) until 2010 to 
solve many long-overdue infrastructure issues as well as prepare for 
the upcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics games for which Brazil 
expects to invest $12 billion. The PAC 2, released in March of last 
year, was a continuation of the project that promised infrastructure 
spending of R$959 billion (US$582 billion) from 2011 to 2014. 
Infrastructure opportunities for U.S. companies abound, especially in 
the transportation, energy, environment, ports, and ICT sectors.

Colombia

    Colombia ranks solidly with the group of progressive, 
industrializing countries worldwide that have diversified agriculture, 
resources, and productive capacities. Despite the global economic 
crisis, Colombia's economic prospects are positive. In 2011, Colombia 
enjoyed 5.9% GDP growth and was approximately 4% in 2012. Colombia is 
attracting record amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI), which is 
further leading to rapid industrial development, necessitating the need 
for improved infrastructure. In 2011, Colombia attracted $13 billion in 
FDI, and early estimates come in at $15 billion in 2012. In addition, 
per capita income continues to grow as Colombia's middle class has 
doubled in the past 10 years.
    Colombia is the third largest market in the region, after Mexico 
and Brazil, and is ranked 22nd as a market for U.S. exports globally. 
Over the past 10 years, Colombia has become one of the most stable 
economies in the region. Improved security, sound government policies, 
steady economic growth, moderate inflation and a wide range of 
opportunities make it worthwhile for U.S. exporters to take a serious 
look at Colombia.
    Bogot[aacute], the capital of Colombia, generates approximately 30% 
of the country's total GDP. Bogot[aacute] offers diverse business 
opportunities in almost all economic sectors.
    The overall improvement in the national safety and security 
situation in Colombia has allowed the Government to focus on improving 
its infrastructure development, which along with a boom in the 
extractive industries, has fueled the growth of U.S. exports to 
Colombia, including opportunities generated by highway, hotel and 
housing construction in Bogot[aacute] and coastal cities such as 
Cartagena and Barranquilla. The Government of Colombia has earmarked 
$26 billion over the next 4 years for primarily road projects. However, 
on-going and future projects exist in airport modernization, sea and 
river port developments, and rail line upgrades. In addition, most 
major cities in Colombia are looking for solutions to improve internal 
transportation, including mass transit. A recently completed USTDA

[[Page 15347]]

reverse intelligent transportation mission highlighted the 
opportunities that exist in Colombia across the board in transportation 
infrastructure.
    Colombia's traditional acceptance of U.S. brands as well as U.S. 
and international standards provide a solid foundation for U.S. firms 
seeking to do business there. Moreover, the entry-into-force of the US-
Colombia Free Trade Agreement on May 15, 2012 provided immediate duty-
free entry for 80% of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Colombia, 
with remaining tariffs to be phased out over the next 10 years. The 
Agreement also opens the market for remanufactured goods and provides 
greater protection for intellectual property rights (IPR).

Panama

    Panama has historically served as the crossroads of trade for the 
Americas. Its strategic location as a bridge between two oceans and the 
meeting of two continents has made Panama not only a maritime and air 
transport hub, but also an international trading, banking, and services 
center. Panama's global and regional prominence is being enhanced by 
recent trade liberalization and privatization, and it is participating 
actively in the hemispheric movement toward free trade agreements.
    Panama's dollar-based economy offers low inflation in comparison 
with neighboring countries and zero foreign exchange risk. Panama and 
the U.S. recently implemented a Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) that 
will eliminate 86% of tariffs and duties on U.S. industrial exports to 
Panama upon entry into force. But even before the implementation of the 
TPA, the U.S. was Panama's most important trading partner, with about 
30% of the import market, and U.S. products have enjoyed a high degree 
of acceptance in Panama. In 2011, U.S. exports to Panama jumped 34% to 
$8.25 billion--in no small part due to the fact that Panama's economy 
grew 10.5%. However, international competition for sales is strong 
across sectors including telecommunications equipment, automobiles and 
heavy construction equipment to name a few.
    Panama now enjoys investment grade rating status, granting the 
Government of Panama international recognition for recent tax reforms 
and its record of steady GDP growth while keeping its deficits under 
control (even in 2009, a dismal year for the world economy, Panama's 
economy grew 2.9% and the Government of Panama's deficit was only 1% of 
GDP). Not only does the investment-grade rating lower the cost of 
borrowing for the Government of Panama, but it sends a strong market 
signal that Panama, even while carrying a debt ratio that is relatively 
high, is one of only five Latin American countries to achieve this 
distinction.
    Panama's economy is based primarily on a well-developed services 
sector, accounting for about 75% of GDP. Services include the Panama 
Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone (CFZ), insurance, container ports, 
and flagship registry. Panama is currently engaged in the Panama Canal 
expansion project. This project, in conjunction with the expansion of 
the capacities of its ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, 
will solidify Panama's global logistical advantage in the Western 
Hemisphere.
    This logistical platform has aided the success of the CFZ, the 
second largest in the world after Hong Kong, which has become a vital 
trading and transshipment center serving the region and the world. CFZ 
imports--a broad array of luxury goods, electronic products, clothing, 
and other consumer products--arrive from all over the world to be 
resold, repackaged, and reshipped, primarily to regional markets.

Other Products and Services

    The foregoing analysis of infrastructure export opportunities in 
Brazil, Colombia and Panama is not intended to be exhaustive, but 
illustrative of the many opportunities available to U.S. businesses. 
Applications from companies selling products or services within the 
scope of this mission 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 business development missions and 
export promotion services that may provide more targeted export 
opportunities. Companies may call 1-800-872-8723, or visit the Web 
site: http://www.export.gov to obtain such information.

Mission Goals

    This mission will demonstrate the United States' commitment to a 
sustained economic partnership with Brazil, Colombia and Panama. The 
mission's purpose is to support the business development goals for U.S. 
firms as they construct a firm foundation for future business in 
Brazil, Colombia and Panama and specifically aims to:
     Assist in identifying potential partners and strategies 
for U.S. companies to gain access to each market for infrastructure 
products and services.
     Confirm U.S. Government support for activities of U.S. 
business in each market and to provide access to senior Brazilian, 
Colombian and Panamanian government decision makers.
     Listen to the needs, suggestions and experience of 
individual participants so as to shape appropriate U.S. Government 
positions regarding U.S. business interests in the region.
     Organize private and focused events with local business 
and association leaders capable of becoming partners and clients for 
U.S. firms as they develop their business in the region.
     Assist development of competitive strategies and market 
access with high level information gathering from private and public-
sector leaders.

Mission Scenario

    The mission will stop in S[atilde]o Paulo and Bras[iacute]lia, 
Brazil, Bogot[aacute], Colombia, and Panama City, Panama. In each 
country, participants will meet with pre-screened potential agents, 
distributors, and representatives, as well as other business partners 
and government officials. They will also attend market briefings by 
U.S. Embassy officials, as well as networking events offering further 
opportunities to speak with local business and industry decision-
makers.


Proposed Time Table

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, May 12.................  S[atilde]o Paulo,   Business development mission Orientation.
                                  Brazil.
                                                     U.S Government Trade Finance Briefing.
                                                     Brazil Commercial Opportunity Overview.
                                                     Country Team Briefing.
                                                     Welcome Dinner.
Monday, May 13.................  S[atilde]o Paulo,   Industry Briefings/Roundtable Discussions.
                                  Brazil.
                                                     One-on-One Business Appointments.
                                                     Amcham or other Luncheon Speech.
                                                     Networking Reception.
Tuesday, May 14................  S[atilde]o Paulo,   Industry Briefings/Roundtable Discussions.
                                  Brazil.
                                                     One-on-One Business Appointments.

[[Page 15348]]

 
                                 OR                  Government Meetings.
                                  Bras[iacute]lia,
                                  Brazil.
                                 Bogot[aacute],      No Formal Events.
                                  Colombia.
Wednesday, May 15..............  Bogot[aacute],      Colombia Commercial Opportunity Overview.
                                  Colombia.
                                                     Country Team Briefing.
                                                     Government Meetings.
                                                     Networking Reception.
Thursday, May 16...............  Bogot[aacute],      Government Meetings.
                                  Colombia.
                                                     One-on-One Business Appointments.
                                                     Amcham or other Luncheon Speech.
                                 Panama City,        Panama Commercial Opportunity Overview.
                                  Panama.
                                                     Country Team Briefing.
                                                     Networking Reception.
Friday, May 17.................  Panama City,        Government Meetings.
                                  Panama.
                                                     One-on-One Business Appointments.
                                                     Amcham or other Luncheon Speech.
                                                     Wrap-up Discussion.
                                                     Closing Dinner.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Secretarial 
Infrastructure Business Development Mission to Brazil, Colombia and 
Panama or Colombia and Panama 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. Approximately 20-25 
companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the 
applicant pool. U.S. companies doing business with Brazil, Colombia and 
Panama, as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter these markets 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. The fee schedule for each mission is below:
    Brazil, Colombia and Panama (May 12-18):
     $11,750 for large firms
     $9,750 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 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/contractingopportunities/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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     $2,750 each additional firm representative (large firm or 
SME)
    Colombia and Panama (May 14-18):
     $7,300 for large firms
     $5,900 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
     $1,750 each additional firm representative (large firm or 
SME)
    Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be 
the responsibility of each mission participant. Flight costs between 
mission stops are included in the participation fee.

Conditions of 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% U.S. 
content. In cases where the U.S. content does not exceed 50%, 
especially where the applicant intends to pursue investment and major 
project opportunities, the following factors may be considered in 
determining whether the applicant's participation in the business 
development mission is in the U.S. national interest:
    [cir] U.S. materials and equipment content;
    [cir] U.S. labor content;
    [cir] Repatriation of profits to the U.S. economy;
    [cir] Potential for follow-on business that would benefit the U.S. 
economy;
     Certify that the export of 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, listed in 
decreasing order of importance:
     Suitability of a company's products or services to the 
target markets and the likelihood of a participating company's 
increased exports to or business interests in the target markets as a 
result of this mission;
     Demonstrated export experience in the target markets and/
or other foreign markets;
     Consistency of company's products or services with the 
scope and desired outcome of the mission's goals;
     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 containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

[[Page 15349]]

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register (https://www.federalregister.gov/), posting on ITA's business development 
mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) 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.
    Recruitment will begin immediately and conclude no later than 
Friday, March 22, 2013.
    The Department of Commerce will evaluate applications and inform 
applicants of selection decisions at 2 points during the recruitment 
period. A portion of the participants will be selected each time and 
informed of their selection as soon as possible in order to allow them 
to begin preparing for the business development mission. All remaining 
applications and any additional applications received in the interim 
will be evaluated simultaneously at the following evaluation. Deadlines 
for each round of evaluation are as follows:
     Friday, March 8, 2013
     Friday, March 22, 2013
    Applications received after the March 22nd deadline will be 
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

How To Apply

    Applications can be downloaded from the business development 
mission Web site (http://export.gov/BrazilColombiaPanama2013) or can be 
obtained by contacting the Office of Business Liaison (below). 
Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Business 
Liaison at (email: [email protected] or fax: 202-482-4054).

Contacts

    General Information and Applications: The Office of Business 
Liaison, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 5062, Washington, DC 20230, 
Tel: 202-482-1360, Fax: 202-482-4054, Email: [email protected].

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-05508 Filed 3-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P