[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 223 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68865-68868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27400]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Trade Mission to Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique,
Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania in Conjunction With Trade Winds--
Sub-Sahara Africa, September 14-21, 2015
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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Mission Description
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration is organizing a trade mission to Angola, Ethiopia,
Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania that will
include the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business forum in
Johannesburg, South Africa on September 16-18, 2015. U.S. trade mission
members will participate in the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business
forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is also open to U.S.
companies not participating in the trade mission. Trade mission
participants may also choose to participate in their choice of trade
mission stops based on recommendations from the USFCS, including in
Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and
Tanzania. Each trade mission stop will include one-on-one business
appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors
or joint-venture partners. Trade mission participants participating in
the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business forum may attend regional
and industry-specific sessions and consultations with USFCS Senior
Commercial Officers and other government officials representing the
Sub-Sahara Africa region during the business forum in Johannesburg,
South Africa on September 16-18, 2015.
This mission is open to U.S. companies and trade associations from
a cross-section of industries with growth potential in Angola,
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania,
including, but not limited to the following industries: Power
generation, transmission and distribution technology and equipment; oil
and gas equipment and technology; mining and construction equipment;
building products; agricultural equipment and technology; information
communications technology and equipment; healthcare and medical
products, equipment, and services; rail, air and port technology,
products and services; environmental technologies; consumer products;
and safety and security products and services.
Commercial Setting
Sub-Saharan Africa Economic Outlook
Africa is the world's fastest growing continent, with excellent
ground-level business opportunities for U.S. exporters across an array
of sectors. Macroeconomic indicators continue to strengthen, as poverty
declines and education and health outcomes continue to improve.
Economic growth on the sub-continent is now projected to rise from 4.9%
in 2013 to about 5.5% this year. In fact, robust economic activity,
underpinned by large investments in infrastructure and mining and an
expanding agricultural segment, continues in all three sub-regions of
East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa. Foreign investment has
now fully recovered from the effects of the global crisis, and will
reach a record US$80 billion in 2014, with manufacturing and services
(vice oil and gas) attracting an increasing share of the continent's
greenfield-investment projects. An increasing number of U.S. multi-
national companies have recently
[[Page 68866]]
made significant investments in the region, including Marriott,
Walmart, FedEx and Proctor and Gamble.
With a population of 1.07 billion and a geography as large as
China; India; Western Europe; Mexico; and the United States combined,
rising wages, an emerging middle class and consumerism are diversifying
demand for U.S. products and services. While, infrastructure
opportunities (energy, minerals, transportation, and ICT) and
agricultural production continue to expand, continent-wide consumer
spending is on a growth path that is expected to reach $1.4 trillion in
2020 (from a base of $860 billion in 2008).
U.S. goods and services exports to Africa continue to grow by 6-8
percent annually, having reached a record high of $50.2 billion in
2013. Sub-Saharan Africa is thus poised to become world's next economic
success story.
Market Overview and Top Prospects for U.S. Goods and Service Exports in
the Following Markets
Angola
Angola is the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa with a
GDP of over US$124 billion, and average annual growth of 5%. The
Angolan economy is driven by the oil and gas industry, but is rapidly
diversifying as the country's growth has fueled consumption and
attracted foreign investors. The cost of doing business in Angola is
high, but the rewards are commensurate. Areas with the best potential
for U.S. exporters include: health & medical supplies, franchising,
infrastructure (airports, ports, highways, roads, sewage systems, power
generation), oil & gas suppliers and services, safety & security,
agribusiness (fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation), food processing,
mining, telecoms, construction, and environmental technologies.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia's population of over 90 million makes it one of the
largest growing markets in Africa. GDP growth for the past five years
has averaged between 7%-12% annually, and Moody's has rated Ethiopia's
credit worthiness a `B+', reflecting the economy's stable outlook and
prospects for continued growth in the short and medium-term.
Now is an opportune time for U.S. companies to enter the Ethiopian
market, as the government is revising its five-year Growth and
Transformation Plan for 2015-2020 to charter the development path in
key sectors--Renewable Energy (wind, geothermal, solar), ICT and other
infrastructure related projects, agro-business, education, and tourism.
Due to its strategic location to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)
countries, stable security, low corruption and unprecedented growth,
Ethiopia is a prime location for U.S. exports and investment.
Ghana
Ghana has a vibrant democratic government and has witnessed strong
economic growth (7.5% over the last decade, surging to 15% in 2011 as
offshore petroleum reserves become available) due to prudent
macroeconomic management, a competitive business environment, an
increasingly diversified economy and sustained reductions in poverty
levels.
One of Ghana's most promising sectors is energy--both oil & gas
exploration and power production. Ghana has far less production
capacity than needed to grow its economy. Thermal power production has
been hampered by inadequate and inconsistent sources of gas. Reliance
on the West Africa Gas Pipeline to supply gas from Nigeria is one
solution; a more sustainable and reliable solution to utilize gas from
Ghana's offshore energy fields is in development as are plans to source
renewable sources of energy. In other sectors, significant
opportunities exist for U.S. companies with the ability to provide
comprehensive solutions--often including financing--for port
development, airport expansions, road construction, rail projects and
more.
Kenya
Kenya has an estimated population of 44.3 million with a market-
based economy and a well-educated, multi-lingual professional
workforce, particularly in Nairobi, the country capital. Kenya is
generally considered the economic, commercial, and logistics hub of
East Africa. With the strongest industrial base in East Africa, Kenya
has been successful in attracting private equity capital. U.S.
companies continue to invest in Kenya and are setting up local and
regional operations to take advantage of Kenya's strategic location,
comprehensive air routes, and status as a regional financial center.
Major opportunities for U.S. exporters lie in agribusiness,
particularly horticulture, which relies heavily on the importation of
fertilizers, pesticides and equipment to boost local productivity.
Similar opportunities lie in Kenya's floriculture industry, a leading
exporter of fresh cut flowers to the flower auction in Holland. Energy
presents another opportunity, particularly in geothermal and wind
technology applications. Other sectors that show lucrative U.S. export
potential are medical devices, infrastructure (roads, bridges, rail,
air- and seaports) and ICT products and services (Cloud, web-hosting,
accounting, payroll).
Mozambique
Mozambique, with a population of 24 million, grew its economy on
average by 8% annually from 1994-2009, a result of prudent
macroeconomic reforms and large foreign investment projects. Real
opportunities exist in developing transport infrastructure (rail and
ports) and related equipment, as infrastructure projects will be key to
Mozambique's near- and long-term future. The government is investing
heavily in expanding rail- and port capacity to manage the rising
production of mineral resources. Regular new discoveries in oil and gas
present excellent U.S. export prospects for construction and
infrastructure projects and U.S. investment in the energy sector,
particularly off-shore natural gas, is expected to grow tremendously in
the next several years. Other infrastructure and equipment
opportunities include telecommunications, energy (natural gas,
hydropower and bio-diesel); mining (tantalum, graphite and coal);
tourism (hotels, sports and leisure resorts); water supply and
sanitation, medical equipment and consumables.
Nigeria
Nigeria has the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and is one of
the world's fastest growing economies, with an annual GDP growth rate
of about 7%. It is also Africa's most populous country, with
approximately 170 million inhabitants. Oil revenue currently accounts
for almost 20% of Nigeria's GDP and over 90% of its foreign exchange
earnings.
In recent years, the country's long-neglected non-oil sectors have
been growing faster than the oil sector itself. This means significant
opportunities for U.S. business in a wide range of sectors--not only in
energy (oil and gas), but also in mining, power (generation and
distribution), infrastructure (roads, buildings, and bridges), health
(hospital care and medical equipment), transportation (aerospace,
railroads, automobiles, and trucks), information and communications
technology, agricultural technology, environmental technology, safety
and security, education and training, franchising, and financial
services. There is also considerable potential for American consumer
goods in Nigeria's expanding market.
[[Page 68867]]
South Africa
With a population of 51 million and GDP at US$350.6 billion, South
Africa is a middle-income country, with relative macroeconomic
stability, a mature and diverse economy, urban infrastructure that
resembles OECD standards and a largely pro-business environment. The
banking and financial services sector is stable and the Johannesburg
Stock Exchange (JSE) ranks amongst the top emerging market exchanges in
the world.
The U.S. is a critical trading partner of South Africa, and good
U.S. export opportunities exist across a range of sectors. Much of
South Africa's infrastructure is in need of an overhaul--with the
government looking to invest in improving and expanding rail lines,
locomotives and network lines. Opportunities also exist in energy
efficient solutions for power generation and smart-grid technologies,
as well as medical devices, particularly in high-tech equipment and
diagnostics, green technologies, green building technologies,
automotive aftermarket (specialty products), water management, air
pollution control and monitoring equipment and agricultural equipment.
Tanzania
Real GDP for Tanzania's population of 48 million grew by 7% in
2013, the fifth consecutive year that Tanzania has enjoyed a growth
rate that ranks it among the 20 fastest growing in the world. This
growth is due to a strengthening manufacturing sector, continued
investment in the natural gas sector, increased energy production, and
robust growth in construction activities. While U.S. exports to
Tanzania amounted to just over $400 million last year, this represents
70% year on year growth. Tanzania's strategic location makes it a
natural East African hub for investors seeking to capitalize not only
on its vast resources but also a growing market of 527 million
consumers in East and Southern Africa.
Best prospect sectors and opportunities for U.S. exporters include
petroleum, gas and energy; agribusiness and food processing equipment;
mining equipment, IT and telecommunication equipment, construction and
real estate development and aviation infrastructure. In addition, U.S.
consumer goods and franchise concepts are increasingly attractive to
the Tanzanian market.
Mission Goals
The goal of the trade mission is to 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 Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa
and Tanzania and the region. The delegation will also have access to
USFCS Senior Commercial Officers and Commercial Specialists during the
mission, learn about the many business opportunities in Sub-Sahara
Africa, and gain first-hand market exposure. U.S. trade mission
participants already doing business in Sub-Sahara Africa will have
opportunities to further advance business relationships and projects in
those markets.
Scenario & Timetable
September 13, 2014........... Arrive in Luanda, Angola or Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia or Accra, Ghana or Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania or Maputo, Mozambique
(if electing to participate in one of
these mission stops).
September 14, 2015........... Luanda, Angola or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
or Accra, Ghana or Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania or Maputo, Mozambique (choice
of one mission stop).
Business to Business meetings and
networking with government and business
officials.
September 15, 2015........... Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa.
September 16-18, 2015........ Johannesburg, South Africa: Trade Winds
Business Forum and SCO Consultations.
Market Briefings, Business to Business
meetings, Consultations with U.S.
government trade representatives and
networking with U.S. and foreign
government and business officials.
September 20, 2015........... Arrive in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi,
Kenya.
September 21, 2015........... Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya (choice
of one mission stop).
Business to Business meetings and
networking with government and business
officials.
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the trade mission to
Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and
Tanzania 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 55 companies and/or trade associations will be
selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool on a
first-come, first-served basis. Mission stop participation will be
limited as follows: The Ethiopia mission stop is limited to 5
companies; the Tanzania mission stop is limited to 5 companies; the
Mozambique mission stop is limited to 5 companies; the Angola mission
stop is limited to 5 companies; the Kenya mission stop is limited to 15
companies; the South Africa mission stop is limited to 50 companies;
the Nigeria mission stop is limited to 20 companies; and the Ghana
mission stop is limited to 5 companies.
Additional delegates may be accepted based on available space. U.S.
companies and/or trade associations already doing business in or
seeking business in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique,
Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania for the first time may apply.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required.
For one mission stop, the participation fee will be $2,500
for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $3,500 for large
firms.
For two mission stops, the participation fee will be
$3,300 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $4,300 for
large firms.
For three mission stops, the participation fee will be
$4,100 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $5,100 for
large firms.
The above trade mission fees include the $500 participation fee for
the Trade Winds business forum to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa
on September 16-18, 2015.
An additional representative for both SMEs and large firms will
require an additional fee of $500 for one mission stop, $1,000 for two
mission stops, or $1,500 for three mission stops
Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals such as local
transportation and interpreters will be the responsibility of each
mission participant.
Conditions for Participation:
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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. Applicant should specify in
their application and supplemental materials which trade mission stops
they are interested in participating in. 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 U.S., or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have
at least 51% U.S. content of the value of the finished product or
service. In the case of a trade association or trade organization, the
applicant must certify that, for each company to be represented by the
trade association or trade organization, the products and services the
represented company 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.
Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on
the following criteria:
Suitability of the company's (or, in the case of a trade
association or trade organization, represented companies') products or
services to each of the markets the company or trade association/
organization has expressed an interest in visiting as part of this
trade mission.
Company's (or, in the case of a trade association or trade
organization, represented companies') potential for business in each of
the markets the company or trade association/organization has expressed
an interest in visiting as part of this trade 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, and other Internet Web sites, press
releases to the general and trade media, direct mail and broadcast fax,
notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups and
announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade
shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no
later than June 15, 2015. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review
applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis beginning
December 3, 2014, until the minimum of 55 participants is selected.
After June 15, 2015, applications will be considered only if space and
scheduling constraints permit.
U.S. Contact Information
Bill Burwell, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Baltimore,
[email protected], Tel: 410-962-4539.
Leslie Drake, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charleston, WV,
[email protected], Tel: 304-347-5123.
William Fanjoy, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Centers, Washington,
DC and Virginia--Arlington, VA, [email protected], Tel: 703-756-
1702.
George Litman, Director of Operations--Africa and Middle East,
Washington, DC, [email protected], Tel: 202-482-1209.
International Contact Information
Don Nay, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service South
Africa, Email: [email protected].
Brent Omdahl, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service
South Africa, Email: [email protected].
Frank Spector,
Acting Director--Trade Missions.
[FR Doc. 2014-27400 Filed 11-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P