[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52266-52267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20917]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Notice of 2nd Afghanistan International Carpet Fair
AGENCY: Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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Mission Statement
2nd Afghanistan International Carpet Fair, October 26-30, 2008
I. Mission Description
The International Trade Administration of the Department of
Commerce is organizing the second U.S. carpet trade mission to Kabul,
Afghanistan for the Afghanistan International Carpet Fair on October
26-30, 2008. The mission will be open to U.S. rug businesses that have
demonstrated experience in the carpet sector and are interested in
exploring trade and investment opportunities in Afghanistan's carpet
sector. Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force Director,
Susan Hamrock Mann, will lead a delegation of U.S.-based executives of
U.S. firms interested in pursuing business in Afghanistan's carpet
sector. The mission will include participation in the Carpet Fair,
matchmaking, and networking with Afghan rug vendors and manufacturers.
The mission will reaffirm the U.S. Government's support of bilateral
relations, address the Department's commitment to helping Afghanistan
develop sectors in which it has a comparative advantage, and seek to
expand opportunities for U.S. companies in Afghanistan.
II. Commercial Setting
The mission will take place during a crucial time in Afghanistan's
economic reemergence. Approximately 6 million Afghans are employed in
the carpet sector directly or indirectly. Afghanistan has a comparative
advantage in producing hand woven carpets, putting this sector on the
cutting edge of Afghanistan's reintegration into the global economy.
Afghanistan's carpets have a rich legacy of artistry and craftsmanship,
which has been handed down through many generations. Each type of
carpet is unique to the location in which it was produced and inspired.
Afghanistan produces various types of carpets woven out of wool, silk,
and cotton.
Due to the current lack of finishing facilities, Afghanistan sends
more than eighty percent of its carpets to Pakistan, where they are
finished and labeled ``made in Pakistan.'' This Trade Mission will
enable delegates to explore opportunities for investing in carpet
producing facilities and exporting textile equipment to Afghanistan. As
such, the Mission could play a valuable role in preserving the brand
identity of Afghan carpets, by helping producers to finish and export
their own production.
The Afghan Government is helping Afghan carpet producers connect
their craftsmanship to the world. In conjunction with the U.S.
Department of Commerce, the Government of Afghanistan organized three
previous delegations of Afghan carpet producers to visit the United
States. In July 2006, a delegation visited major retailers and
importers in New York, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. In January 2007, a
second delegation attended the AmericasMart International Area Rug
Market in Atlanta, where Afghanistan's carpets were part of a major
cultural showcase. In January 2008, a third delegation participated in
the Las Vegas Market at the World Market Center, where Afghan carpets
and cultural items were prominently displayed at the show.
This 2nd Afghanistan International Carpet Fair will provide an
opportunity for Afghan carpet producers and U.S. buyers to network,
create business relationships, and allow U.S. buyers to explore
investment opportunities in the sector. The Trade Mission presents a
unique opportunity for seasoned U.S. professionals to partner with
Afghan carpet producers as Afghanistan strives to re-establish its
leadership position in the global carpet business.
III. Mission Goals
The mission aims to further U.S. commercial policy objectives and
to advance specific U.S. business interests in the U.S. and Afghan
carpet sectors. The mission will:
Create an opportunity for U.S. companies to meet and
network with Afghan carpet producers;
Assist Afghan carpet producers in creating long-term
relationships with U.S. companies;
Assist Afghan carpet producers with finding distributors
for their carpets in the U.S.;
Assess the commercial climate of Afghanistan's carpet
sector as well as export and investment opportunities in Afghanistan;
and
Encourage continued progress in economic development in
Afghanistan.
IV. Mission Scenario
This mission will enable participants to gain access to the Afghan
carpet market on a large scale. The mission will include VIP
participation in the carpet fair. Participants will be part of the
carpet fair's opening night-VIP reception with high-level Afghan
government officials. The event will provide opportunities to network
with at least 70 different Afghan carpet vendors at the show. The show
will feature a broad range of carpets from across Afghanistan's diverse
landscape. Networking will also include one-on-one meetings between the
U.S. business delegates and Afghan companies.
V. Tentative Timetable
The precise schedule will depend on the availability of local
government and business officials and the specific goals of the mission
participants. The tentative trip itinerary will be as follows:
Tuesday, October 26
Arrive in Kabul;
Attend opening reception for the Afghanistan International Carpet Fair,
Serena Hotel;
Meet with high-level U.S. and Afghan Government officials.
Wednesday, October 27
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet Fair;
Networking between buyers and sellers;
One-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers.
Thursday, October 28-Friday, October 29
Attend Afghanistan International Carpet Fair;
Networking between buyers and sellers;
One-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers.
Saturday, October 30
Depart Kabul (TBC).
[[Page 52267]]
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the 2nd U.S. Carpet
Trade Mission to the Afghanistan International Carpet Fair in Kabul,
Afghanistan 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. This trade mission is
designed for a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 qualified companies.
Participating companies must be incorporated or otherwise organized in
the United States.
There are no fees for participation in this mission. Lodging
expenses including three nights in the four-star Serena Hotel in Kabul
will be covered by the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan.
Necessary transportation including airport pickup will be provided by
the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Expenses for travel to Kabul,
meals, and incidentals 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. If we receive an incomplete
application, we may either reject the application, request additional
information, or take the lack of information into account when we
evaluate the applications.
Selection Criteria for Participation:
Consistency of company's goals with the scope and desired
outcome of the mission;
Capacity and intent to import goods from Afghanistan,
export equipment consistent with the scope and desired outcome of the
mission, or capacity and intent to invest in Afghanistan. Timely
receipt of the company's signed and completed application,
participation agreement.
Additionally, U.S. exporters applying for this mission, such as
carpet finishing machinery manufacturers or distributors, must certify
that the company's products or services 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. The production and
content requirements do not apply to U.S. buyer and U.S. investor
applicants.
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.
VIII. 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, broadcast fax, notices by industry trade
associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry
meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. The 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 for the Mission will be made available July XX, 2008
through August 1, 2008. Applications can be completed on-line on the
Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force Web site at http://www.trade.gov/afghanistan or can be obtained by contacting the U.S.
Department of Commerce Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task
Force at 202-482-1812, [email protected], or via the contact
information below.
The application deadline is August 1, 2008. Completed applications
should be submitted to the Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction
Task Force. Applications received after August 1, 2008 will be
considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
Disclaimer: Trade mission members participate in the trade mission
and undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to
obtain insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage
must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice. The U.S.
Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the
safety or security of participants. Companies should consult the State
Department's travel warning for Afghanistan: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_921.html. ITA will coordinate with the U.S.
Embassy in Kabul to arrange for transportation of the mission
participants to and from the airport and hotel. Transportation for
certain optional activities, including visits to commercial sites in
Kabul, may be provided by the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan.
The hotel that will be the primary venue for the mission is a luxury
hotel and does have strong security measures in place.
The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees
as to the commercial success of businesses which participate in this
trade mission.
Contact Information: Noor Alam, Afghanistan Investment and
Reconstruction Task Force, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC
20230, Tel: (202) 482-1812, Fax: (202) 482-0980, e-mail:
[email protected].
Noor Alam,
International Trade Specialist, Afghanistan Investment and
Reconstruction Task Force, U.S. Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. E8-20917 Filed 9-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P