[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 185 (Friday, September 24, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58353-58356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23967]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Business Development Mission to Egypt and Morocco
Mission Description
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, and U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Business
Development Mission to explore ports and infrastructure development
opportunities in Egypt (Cairo and Alexandria) and Morocco (Casablanca
and Tangier), March 25--April 1, 2011. This mission, led by a Senior
Official of the Department of Commerce or other U.S. agency, will focus
on the opportunities in port logistics, infrastructure projects, safety
and security, and energy infrastructure. The mission will include one-
on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers,
agents, distributors and joint venture partners; site visits to ports
and free trade zones, meetings with government officials, and
networking receptions for companies interested in expansion into the
North African, Middle Eastern and Southern European markets.
Commercial Setting
Egypt
Egypt is strategically located at the gateway of trade and commerce
for Southern Europe as well as North Africa and the Middle East. It is
a prime location for the transit of goods, as well as a key destination
for American companies seeking to do business in Egypt and the region.
With a population of over 80 million Egypt is the largest Arab country,
and the fourth largest export market for U.S. products and services in
the Middle East. The U.S. is Egypt's largest bilateral trading partner,
and the second largest investor. In 2010, bilateral trade is expected
to exceed $7 billion. The Egyptian gross domestic product (GDP) grew
over five percent from 2009 to 2010. The financial sector escaped many
negative impacts of the global financial crisis, due to Egypt's
improved banking supervision, conservative lending practices and
central bank guarantee of all bank deposits.
In 2010 the Egyptian Ministry of Investment announced major plans
for infrastructure development with 46 different projects valued at
over $16 billion. The majority of these projects are available to be
awarded based on the Egyptian Government's ``Public Private
Partnership'' (PPP) measures. The PPP is a multi-faceted initiative to
attract private sector investment for
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infrastructure projects and U.S. companies are eligible to bid on them.
Trade Mission participants will be briefed by Egyptian Government
officials on these projects and the PPP program. In addition, meetings
will be arranged with companies that have already been awarded the
designated infrastructure projects in order to identify supplier
contacts.
Morocco
Morocco is the only African country to have a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with the U.S. Since the FTA went into effect in 2006, U.S.
exports to Morocco have tripled to $1.6 billion. Morocco has
aggressively developed the infrastructure to become a gateway to North
Africa and the European Union. The Port of Tanger-Med, soon to be
Africa's largest port, is located only eight miles from Europe, at the
northern tip of Africa where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic
Ocean. Tanger-Med already offers direct shipping from Houston, Mobile,
Jacksonville, Miami, Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk. This
strategically located port offers free trade zones, including the Auto
Zone dedicated to auto parts, and direct distribution systems onward to
the European Union, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The Trade Mission coincides with the Tanger Mediterranean Special
Agency's (TMSA) fourth annual MedLog Conference (Conference), March
31--April 1, 2011. TMSA is responsible for all Tanger-Med building
projects, port operations, and management of the free trade zones.
Mission participants will meet buyers of safety and security, and
vessel management equipment, and conduct one-on-one business
appointments with officials who purchase products and services for the
port facilities. In addition, meetings will be arranged with companies
that have already been awarded the designated infrastructure projects
in order to identify supplier contacts.
Best Sector Prospects
Port Logistics
Egypt
The mission will include briefings in Cairo by representatives of
the major firms involved in port activities in Egypt, and a visit to
the port of Alexandria. Egypt has 3,500 kilometers of navigable
waterways and the Government considers the maintenance and expansion of
its ports a top priority. The port of Alexandria, the largest of the
country's nine ports, was recently revamped, resulting in an increased
cargo handling capacity of 44 million tons per year, which represents
about 60 percent of Egypt's trade. Port projects will include a new
container terminal and container-handling piers, new storage facilities
and handling equipment and improvements to wharfs and marinas.
To address overall port efficiency, there is a growing demand for
improved Management Information Systems and Terminal Operating Systems.
These include systems for financial management, port engineering, cargo
tracking, cargo and container tracking and transfer, gate control, and
procurement. U.S. companies can also participate as providers for
shipping agents, warehousing, stevedoring, container handling, port
management and consulting. Additionally, there is a need for heavy
equipment to handle bulk cargo for loading large shipments of minerals
and other commodities.
Morocco
Construction of Tanger-Med II, an additional set of cargo terminals
and storage, is currently underway and the port will begin issuing
tenders for equipment and services in the next 12-18 months. As part of
a national logistics program, the Moroccan government recently
announced a 20-year, $13 billion project to build port, rail, highway,
and airport logistics centers, with port management, vessel tracking
and management, cold storage, warehousing, railways, bridges, and
distribution centers. Government tenders are now being issued for these
projects, and the plans are to spend $7 billion on the project by 2015.
Examples of planned port projects include:
A $69 million project to convert the old port, located
near the City of Tangier, into a tourist center and passenger terminal.
Nador West Med, a new industrial port for the coastal city
of Nador.
Infrastructure Projects
Egypt
The Government of Egypt directed $2.6 billion to Egypt's
infrastructure in 2008, $1.4 billion in 2009, and $1.9 billion in 2010.
With a growing number of tourists, there has been increased pressure on
Egypt's roads, bridges, railroads, power stations, water and sewage,
hospitals, and schools. As a result, construction is one of the most
active sectors of the Egyptian economy, contributing about six percent
of GDP and accounting for eight percent of employment in 2009.
Examples of planned infrastructure projects include:
The Rod El Farag-6th of October Highway, at $545 million.
The Cairo-10th of Ramadan City Railway Line, at $727
million.
A special economic zone in the Gulf of Suez, at $1.45
billion.
A water treatment station in the Red Sea, at $400 million.
Morocco
Morocco has multi-billion-dollar construction projects in many
sectors. Opportunities exist in port construction and logistics
facilities, hotels and resorts, road construction and equipment,
airports, hospitals and clinics, municipal buildings, renewable power
plants (particularly solar and wind), waste management plants, schools
and universities, water management plants, and architecture.
Examples of upcoming infrastructure projects include design and
construction of:
A high-speed rail line from Tangier to Casablanca, with
$4.5 billion to be spent by 2015.
An $830 million light rail line around Casablanca.
60 dams at $1.47 billion.
Water desalination plants at $1.22 billion.
Highway systems in Rabat, Tit Mellil-Berrechid and El
Jadida-Safi at $1.7 billion.
Low-cost housing of 130,000 units at $1.9 billion.
New passenger and cargo rail stations for Marrakesh and
Casablanca.
Safety/Security
Egypt
In addition to Alexandria, Egypt has eight major ports and three
cross-country borders that require significant security measures. In
its fight against drug smuggling and counterfeit products, Egypt
requires container scanning and shipment tracking devices. Egypt is
also looking at container scanning upgrades and seafarer identification
cards for more secure identification and synchronizing systems to
coordinate security measures and responses. Accordingly, opportunities
exist for U.S firms providing short-range radar systems, surveillance
cameras, infrared and radiological detectors, and vessel tracking
maritime information systems, biometric scanners, personnel databases,
computer peripherals, and systems integration equipment.
Morocco
Tangier is the closest land access point between Africa and Europe,
creating a need for cargo and passenger
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control/tracking systems, surveillance equipment including sonar and
radar, biometric passport technologies, and other equipment used in the
fight against drug trafficking, smuggling and counter terrorism. The
military and police agencies are purchasing safety and security
equipment for protecting Morocco's two vast coastlines and remote
national borders.
Energy Infrastructure
Egypt
Egypt is one of the largest electrical energy producing countries
in the Middle East. Over the next ten years, Egypt plans to expand its
electricity capacity to 40,000 megawatts through a combination of
traditional, renewable, and nuclear energy production to diversify
energy resources and preserve the country's limited oil and gas
reserves. Opportunities exist for U.S. providers of wind turbines,
blades, and other equipment, as well as development and project
management. Best prospects in the energy sector include circuit
breakers of more than 66kv, nuclear-related consultation and generation
equipment and peripherals; power transformers of more than 25MVA-66kva;
power transmission lines; turbine generator units with associated
equipment; and vibration dampers.
Morocco
As industry grows in Morocco, there is an increasing need for coal
and gas-fired energy plants.
A $2.7 billion coal-fired power plant (1320 megawatts) is planned
for the coastal city of Safi and $450 million will be used specifically
for clean coal technology. Opportunities also exist for equipment and
services in solar and wind energy. Five new wind farms will be built by
2020 to supply 2000 megawatts of electricity. In late 2009, Morocco
announced a $9 billion solar energy program and established a Solar
Energy Agency. Engineering, construction, procurement and, and
management opportunities also exist.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to provide U.S. participants with
first-hand market information, access to government decision makers as
appropriate and 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 Egyptian and
Moroccan markets.
Mission Scenario
The Trade Mission will include four stops: Cairo and Alexandria,
Egypt, March 25-28, and Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco, March 29-April
1.
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. A
majority of the nation's commerce is generated in Cairo and regional
headquarters of numerous businesses and organizations are located in
the city.
Alexandria is the second largest city and the largest port in Egypt
as well as an important industrial center. The majority of Egypt's
trade goes through the port, with a cargo handling capacity of 44
million tons per year.
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, the commercial center of
Morocco and the headquarters and industrial facilities location for the
leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco.
Tangier is home to the Tanger-Med Port. In addition, Tangier is
undergoing rapid development and modernization. Plans for the city
include five-star hotels along the bay, a modern business district, an
airport terminal and a soccer stadium.
In each city, participants will meet with new business contacts,
learn about the markets by participating in Embassy briefings, and
explore additional opportunities at networking receptions. Activities
will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened
business prospects.
Proposed Timetable
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Friday........................ March 25......... Arrival in Cairo.
Saturday...................... March 26......... Visit to Alexandria
to meet with port
officials and return
to Cairo.
Sunday........................ March 27......... Orientation and
market briefings in
Cairo.
Monday........................ March 28......... One-on-one business
appointments in
Cairo.
Tuesday....................... March 29......... One-on-one business
appointments;
evening departure
for Casablanca,
Morocco.
Wednesday..................... March 30......... Orientation and
market briefings,
one-on-one business
appointments,
Evening transfer to
Tangier.
Thursday...................... March 31......... Attend the MedLog
Conference, meetings
with port and
Moroccan Government
officials and
Ambassador's
reception.
Friday........................ April 1.......... One-on-one business
appointments.
Saturday...................... April 2.......... Depart Morocco for
U.S.
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End of Mission
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the Trade Mission to
Egypt and Morocco must complete and submit an application package for
consideration by the U.S. 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 mission is
designed for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 25 companies to
participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies
already doing business in the target markets as well as U.S. companies
seeking to enter these markets for the first time are encouraged to
apply.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a
payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a
participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $2,950 for
a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) \*\ and $3,850 for large
firms. The fee for each additional firm representative (SME or large
firm) is $700. Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, interpreters,
and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
Delegation members will be able to take advantage of Embassy rates for
hotel rooms.
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\*\ 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).
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Conditions for Participation
An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate
information on the company's
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products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for
participation. If the U.S. 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.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
Suitability of the company's products or services to the
targeted markets.
Applicant's potential for business in the target markets,
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 posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions
calendar--http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html--and other Internet
Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association
newsletters, direct outreach to the Department's clients and
distribution lists, posting in the Federal Register, and announcements
at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin September 20, 2010 and
conclude no later than January 21, 2011. Applications received after
January 21, 2011 will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit. We will inform applicants of selection decisions as
soon as possible after January 21, 2011. Applications received after
that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints
permit.
Contacts
U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contacts
Trade Promotion Programs
Anne Novak, Tel: 202-482-8178, Fax: 202-482-9000, E-mail:
[email protected].
Africa, Near East and South Asia
Sal Tauhidi, Tel: 202-482-1322, Fax: 202-482-5179, E-mail:
[email protected].
Dated: September 21, 2010.
Anne Novak,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23967 Filed 9-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P