[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 4, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71883-71886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-19784]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade 
Mission

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming trade mission that 
will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA. This mission is: 
Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission to T[uuml]rkiye and 
Poland--September 21-27, 2025. A summary of the mission is found below. 
Application information and more detailed mission information, 
including the commercial setting and sector information, can be found 
at the trade mission website: https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions. For 
this 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 (https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions-schedule) and other internet websites, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Odum, Trade Events Task Force, 
International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-6397 
or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

The Following Conditions for Participation Will Be Used for the Mission

    Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application 
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information 
on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals 
for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce 
to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives 
an incomplete application, the Department may either: reject the 
application, request additional information/clarification, or take the 
lack of information into account when evaluating the application. If 
the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a

[[Page 71884]]

particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be 
canceled.
    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, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have 
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a 
trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for 
each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/
organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or 
service provider seeks to export 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 by value.
    A trade association/organization applicant must certify the above 
for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.
    In addition, each applicant must:
     Certify that the products and services that it wishes to 
market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export 
controls and regulations.
     Certify that it has identified any matter pending before 
any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce.
     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.
    In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must 
certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the 
association/organization can make the above certifications.

The Following Selection Criteria Will Be Used for the Mission

    Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers, 
and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. 
products and services that have an interest in entering or expanding 
their business in the mission's destination country. The following 
criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:
     Suitability of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's) 
products or services to these markets;
     The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented firm's or service provider's) potential for 
business in the markets, including the likelihood of exports resulting 
from the mission; and
     Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's) 
goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
    Balance of company size and location may also be considered during 
the review process. Referrals from a political party or partisan 
political group or any information, including on the application, 
containing references to political contributions or other partisan 
political activities will be excluded from the application and will not 
be considered during the selection process. The sender will be notified 
of these exclusions.

Definition of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise

    For purposes of assessing participation fees, an applicant is a 
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) if it qualifies as a ``small 
business'' under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) size 
standards (https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards), 
which vary by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 
Code. The SBA Size Standards Tool (https://www.sba.gov/size-standards) 
can help you determine the qualifications that apply to your company.
    Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be 
found at https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).

Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission to T[uuml]rkiye and 
Poland, September 21-27, 2025

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is organizing an Advanced Manufacturing Business 
Development Mission to T[uuml]rkiye and Poland September 21 through 
September 27, 2025. The purpose of this business development mission is 
to expand opportunities for U.S. companies in advanced manufacturing 
markets in T[uuml]rkiye and Poland, with a focus on digital 
technologies and services, industrial automation, and precision 
machinery.
    The business development mission will bring a minimum of 12 and 
maximum of 20 firms and/or trade associations will be selected to 
participate in the mission from across the U.S. advanced manufacturing 
sector to T[uuml]rkiye and Poland.
    The mission's primary goal will be to increase U.S. exports to each 
market by raising brand awareness of U.S. technology solutions in 
advanced manufacturing and identifying opportunities for commercial 
collaboration. The mission will help participating firms and trade 
associations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify 
business strategies, and advance specific projects and initiatives in 
the target markets. By participating in an official U.S. industry 
delegation, rather than traveling to the region individually, U.S. 
industry representatives will enhance their ability to secure meetings 
and gain greater exposure to each market, as well as leverage the 
networks of pre-screened industry buyers, distributors, and industry 
stakeholders developed by commercial specialists. In addition, this 
business development mission provides the U.S. government a platform to 
advocate on behalf of U.S. companies that also aligns with and advances 
U.S. policy objectives, including manufacturing supply chain resiliency 
and the adoption of international standards related to advanced 
manufacturing.

T[uuml]rkiye Stop

    T[uuml]rkiye's youthful population, vibrant entrepreneurial sector, 
and strategic location linking Europe and Asia have established it as a 
pivotal manufacturing and distribution hub. The country harnesses 
competitive advantages like lower labor costs and adaptable production 
capabilities, boosting manufacturing's GDP share to 22.2% in 2022 from 
19.1% in 2020. Key sectors like automotive and aviation, with major 
international companies with extensive local supplier networks, lead in 
adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
    Aligned with EU standards through a customs union, T[uuml]rkiye 
faces the challenge of meeting new environmental regulations, 
necessitating significant investments in cleantech solutions. 
T[uuml]rkiye's 2023 Industry and Technology Strategy outlines 
incentives for R&D and digital transformation across 300+ product 
categories, including in the aerospace, defense, electronics, and 
pharmaceuticals sectors.
    T[uuml]rkiye anticipates annual investments of $1 to $1.5 billion 
over the next decade to integrate advanced manufacturing solutions. The 
industrial automation market, valued at $1.8 billion in 2022, is poised 
for 15% annual growth, with projections to reach $2.5 billion within 
the next three years. Internet of Things (IoT) sales surged to

[[Page 71885]]

$1.2 billion in 2021, indicative of expanding digital integration 
across industries.
    With a focus on enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, 
T[uuml]rkiye is keen to explore U.S. advanced manufacturing 
technologies to foster bilateral trade relations and ensure 
competitiveness on the global stage.
    The mission stop in T[uuml]rkiye will include a market briefing by 
the Consulate's Interagency Country Team and meetings with advanced 
manufacturing organizations. The delegation will also participate in 
individualized business to business and business to government 
meetings, and join a networking reception hosted at the Consul 
General's Residence in Istanbul.

Poland Stop

    Poland is an increasingly attractive market for advanced 
manufacturing technologies, with many leading companies looking to 
Poland as a hub for their Central and Eastern European supply chains 
and sales networks. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in 
Ukraine, Polish manufacturing continues to develop at a rapid pace, 
including in key sectors such as: automotive, metal products, rubber 
and plastic, electrical equipment, chemicals and chemical products, 
non-metallic mineral products, basic metals, furniture, paper and paper 
products, machinery and equipment, computer, electronic, and optical 
products. U.S. firms will find ample potential in the local market, 
with the Polish Government increasingly prioritizing this sector and 
pushing for development and investment. In 2019, the Polish Government 
established The Future Industry Platform, a non-profit Polish 
governmental foundation, supervised by the Ministry of Development 
Funds and Regional Policy, with the aim to accelerate the digital 
transformation of Polish industry. There are a variety of potential 
funding sources, both at the local and EU level, that are accessible to 
firms in Poland, including the Horizon Europe funds: the EU's research 
& innovation funding program for 2021-2027 with a budget of EUR 95.5 
billion
    The mission stop in Poland will include a multi-day program 
focusing on creating connections between mission delegates and key 
public and private sector stakeholders. The delegation will receive a 
welcome market briefing by the Commercial Counselor and Embassy Warsaw 
Deal Team, and join plenary and roundtable discussions on market 
issues, best practices, and finding local partners. The delegation will 
also participate in individualized business to business and business to 
government meetings, as well as join a networking reception hosted at 
the Chief of Mission Residence, plus other networking opportunities 
throughout the visit.

                           Proposed Timetable
[* Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the
 availability of host government and business officials, specific goals
          of mission participants, and ground transportation.]
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Sunday, September 21, 2025................   Business
                                             development mission
                                             participants arrive in
                                             Istanbul.
                                             Welcome reception.
Monday, September 22, 2025................   Morning: Market
                                             intelligence briefing by
                                             ITA's commercial team and
                                             industry leaders.
                                             Various site
                                             visits.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025...............   B2B meetings
                                             between U.S. companies and
                                             associations, and relevant
                                             Turkish stakeholders.
                                             Evening: Networking
                                             reception at the Consul
                                             General's Residence.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025.............   AM-Travel to
                                             Warsaw, Poland (there are
                                             four daily direct flights
                                             to Warsaw from Istanbul).
                                             Market intelligence
                                             briefing by ITA's
                                             commercial team and Embassy
                                             interagency experts.
                                             Welcome reception.
Thursday, September 25, 2025..............   Policy panel
                                             discussions with Polish
                                             government stakeholders and
                                             industry experts.
                                             Potential site
                                             visits.
                                             Evening: Networking
                                             reception at U.S.
                                             Ambassador's Residence.
Friday, September 26, 2025................   B2B meetings
                                             between U.S. companies and
                                             associations, and relevant
                                             Polish stakeholders.
                                             Closing luncheon.
Saturday, September 27, 2025..............   Return to U.S.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the business development 
mission 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 minimum of 12 and a maximum 
of 20 firms and/or trade associations will be selected to participate 
in the mission from the applicant pool.

Fees and Expenses

    After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate 
in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of 
a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Business 
Development Mission will be $6,300 for small or medium-sized 
enterprises (SME) \1\; and $7,900 for large firms or trade 
associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large 
firm or SME/trade organization) is $1,000.00. Expenses for travel, 
lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each 
mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged 
for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage 
of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
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    \1\ Small Business: Must qualify as a ``small business'' under 
the Small Business Administration's size standards, which vary by 
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code.
    Medium Business: Must have less than $1B in annual revenue 
(including affiliates: parent, child, subsidiaries, divisions, etc.) 
to qualify.
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    If and when an applicant is selected to participate in a particular 
mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the 
designated participation fee above is required. Upon notification of 
acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to 
submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.
    Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be 
able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the 
event that a mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in 
anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation 
fees for a canceled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have 
not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.
    If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying 
for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission 
participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a 
visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department 
of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the 
procedures required to obtain business visas.
    Business development mission members participate in missions and 
undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the 
security situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be 
guaranteed. The

[[Page 71886]]

U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to 
the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State 
issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for 
U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Any question regarding insurance coverage must 
be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.
    Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and 
health conditions in the United States and the mission countries. 
Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or 
in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event 
or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the 
event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public, and 
applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need 
to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision 
be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees, 
accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the 
previous selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new 
virtual program.

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 websites, press releases to general and trade media, 
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin 
immediately and conclude no later than April 30, 2025. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants 
of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after 
April 30, 2025 will be considered only if space and scheduling 
constraints permit.

Contacts

Jennifer Woods, Director, International Trade Administration, Boise, 
Idaho, United States, Tel: +1 208 955 6694, Email: 
[email protected]
Daniel Pint, Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Istanbul, 
T[uuml]rkiye, Tel: +90 212 335 9224, Email: [email protected]
James Lindley, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy to Poland, Warsaw, 
Poland, Tel: +48 538 551 380, Email: [email protected]
Katarzyna Szyndel, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy to Poland, 
Warsaw, Poland, Tel: +48 795 146 261, Email: 
[email protected]
Yasue Pai, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General, 
Istanbul, T[uuml]rkiye, Tel: +90 212 335 9000, Email: 
[email protected]
Jaron Bass, International Trade Specialist, Office of Transportation 
and Machinery, Washington, United States, Tel: +1 202 839 2357, Email: 
[email protected]
Perim Akguner, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate General, Istanbul, 
T[uuml]rkiye, Tel: +90 212 335 9197, Email: [email protected]
Ethan Talbott, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy to 
Poland, Warsaw, Poland, Tel: +48 604 250 114, Email: 
[email protected]
Omar Oweiss, Senior International Trade Specialist, Office of Central 
and Southeast Europe [verbar] Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, North 
Macedonia and Poland Desk, International Trade Administration, 
Washington, United States, Tel: (202) 495-9334, Email: 
[email protected]
Leo Ayala, International Trade Specialist/T[uuml]rkiye Desk Officer, 
International Trade Administration, Washington, United States, Tel: +1 
202 482 1632, Email: [email protected]

Gemal Brangman,
Director, ITA Events Management Task Force.
[FR Doc. 2024-19784 Filed 9-3-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P