[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 146 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44157-44160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17972]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Architecture Services Trade Mission to Qatar
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
Mission Description
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), with support from the American Institute of
Architects (http://www.aia.org), is organizing an executive-led
Architecture Services Trade Mission to Qatar, with an optional mission
stop in Saudi Arabia, from November 16-19, 2014. The purpose of the
mission is to introduce U.S. firms to Saudi Arabia and Qatar's rapidly
expanding infrastructure projects, and to assist U.S. companies in
pursuing export opportunities in this sector. The mission is designed
for U.S. architectural, project management, and design services
companies. The mission also will help U.S. companies already doing
business in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to increase their footprint and
deepen their business interests. Target sectors holding high potential
for U.S exporters include: Master planning (regional design--city
planning or regional planning, port re-development--design of the
walkways, buildings, etc. along the port); hospitals and health care
architecture; hospitality; airports/other transportation infrastructure
facility architecture; architectural services for mixed-use projects;
sports and entertainment; and educational facilities. The optional stop
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will take place November 16-17, prior to the
Doha, Qatar stop. U.S. companies that would like to add the optional
stop should indicate this on their application.
The mission will help participating firms and associations/
organizations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify
business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of
increasing U.S. architectural services exports. The mission will
include market briefings, one-on-one business appointments with pre-
screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, industry leaders, and
joint venture partners; meetings with state and local government
officials (in Qatar only); and networking events. Participating in an
official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling on their own,
will enhance the companies' ability to identify opportunities in Qatar
and Saudi Arabia.
The mission will be supported by the American Institute of
Architects (AIA) (https://www.aia.org). All U.S. architecture/
construction/engineering (ACE) trade associations or organizations are
encouraged to apply. The mission is open to all U.S. firms, service
providers, and organizations in the ACE sector, whether or not they are
members of AIA or any other ACE trade association/organization.
Selection criteria for participation, as set out below, apply equally
for all applicants.
Commercial Setting
Qatar
The U.S.-Qatar trade relationship is going through a massive
transformation. The U.S. posted a trade surplus of nearly $3.7 billion
in 2013, with record U.S. exports to Qatar of $5 billion. U.S. exports
to Qatar in 2013 established a new record, growing by 38.6% over 2012,
when U.S. exports totaled $3.58 billion, the previous record high. U.S.
exports to Qatar continued to be strong in early 2014. Despite Qatar's
small population (Qatar is a country of only two million people and
only 250,000 Qataris), they rank as the fifth largest market in the
Middle East and North Africa region, only behind the much larger
markets of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt. Over the past 3
years exports have grown by 57%.
With Qatar's 2030 Vision to transform itself from a carbon-based
economy combined with the award of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is
spending over $250 billion on physical infrastructure and other
developments over the next five years. Projects include the new Hamad
International Airport (Phase I just completed, Phase II being planned),
the New Doha Port Project (the world's largest greenfield port
project), road conversion (conversion of UK-style roundabouts to U.S.
road layouts), new rail lines (three subway lines and three light-rail
tram systems), new stadiums (between 9-12 to be built), as well as
hospitals, schools, commercial and hospitality venues.
Potential meetings may include: Hamad International Airport (Phase
II), QRail; the Public Works Authority (Ashghal); Qatar Supreme
Committee for Delivery and Legacy (2022 FIFA World Cup); Katara
Hospitality; and the
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Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the 10th largest trading partner of the United
States with bilateral trade of $71 billion in 2013 and also the 19th
largest destination for U.S. exports. In 2013, U.S. exports to Saudi
Arabia exceeded the $19 billion mark, an increase of 6% from 2012. The
Saudi economy--the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region--
has been growing at a robust pace. The private sector has been, and is
expected to continue to be, the key driver behind stronger non-oil
sector growth, with an annual growth rate close to seven percent since
2000. Oil and gas reserves have also generated significant financial
liquidity from 2006 to 2013. As a result, there are currently about
$960 billion worth of projects planned or under way in Saudi Arabia. Of
these, more than $700 billion are megaprojects, or large master planned
developments of more than $1 billion, making Saudi Arabia the biggest
opportunity in the region for businesses involved in the infrastructure
and construction sectors. The revenues from hydrocarbon resources are
expected to be sufficient to support planned development spending and
private sector growth. The FY2014 budget projects government spending
at $219 billion.
Saudi Arabia's architecture, construction and engineering sector
remains one of the most important industries in the Kingdom's economy.
Prior to 2000, Saudi Arabia utilized traditional architectural design
in commercial and residential buildings. However, the country's desire
to develop a modern appearance has led to architectural and
architectural engineering services demands expanding on average nine
percent per annum, which accounted for an estimated $2 billion in 2013.
This is particularly evident as Saudi Arabia seeks to move towards
stricter building codes, leading towards more energy efficient, green
(LEED) and sustainable residential, industrial and commercial
infrastructure. U.S. architecture, architectural engineering, and
interior design firms will find a comparative advantage in commercial
design and in residential development. Saudi Arabia is already looking
for U.S. capabilities in assisting in the design and development of
500,000 residential units and multi-use compounds associated with the
significant demand for housing. With respect to the approximately 300
five star hotels to be built in the next five to ten years, U.S.
companies are also favored for their interior design services. With the
push for greater water efficiency and reduction in lost water, many
project developers will also need assistance in landscape architecture.
With increased spending in education and the building of new centers of
learning, U.S. companies will again be poised to benefit. U.S.
architecture firms have been the designers of choice on many projects
in Saudi Arabia and the future continues to offer significant
potential. It is important to note that the Saudi market lends itself
to mid-sized and larger U.S. architecture/engineering firms.
Mission Goals
The goals of the Architecture Services Trade Mission are to provide
U.S. participants with first-hand market information, and one-on-one
meetings with business contacts, including potential partners, so that
they can position themselves to enter or expand their presence in the
market. As such, the mission will focus on helping U.S. companies
obtain market information and establish business and government
contacts (please note that for the optional stop in Saudi Arabia, no
meetings with Saudi government ministries or officials will be
arranged).
The mission will also facilitate first-hand market exposure and
access to government decision makers and key private-sector industry
contacts, especially potential partners. It will provide opportunities
for participants to have policy and regulatory framework discussions in
order to advance U.S. architectural sector interests in Qatar. It will
provide participants with an opportunity to meet with Qatari
architecture trade associations, to foster long-term partnerships, and
to share best practices, especially with trade association/organization
participants. Mission participants will visit key Qatar development
sites to gain direct exposure to the rapid infrastructure and planning
changes underway.
In Saudi Arabia, the mission will focus on identifying potential
partners and opportunities for U.S. companies to gain a share of the
large market in infrastructure products and services. Primary focus
will be on matchmaking meetings with potential private sector partners
in Saudi Arabia and site visits to some of the key infrastructure
projects underway in Riyadh.
Mission Scenario
The optional stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will include briefings by
Commercial Service (CS) officers in Saudi Arabia on current political
and economic developments as well as upcoming trends. This will be
followed by one-on-one meetings between U.S. and Saudi companies. The
next day will include site visits in Riyadh. The mission will begin in
Doha with a welcome dinner (or related event) on Monday, November 17.
On November 18, participants will attend a briefing organized by CS
Doha. Then, participants will hear from guest speakers for an overview
of doing business in Qatar, upcoming projects, and other topics of
interest. Additional planned events include site tours and matchmaking
events with ACE potential partners, including briefings on and site
visits to current and planned projects in areas such as infrastructure,
sports, hospitality, healthcare, and education.
On November 19, mission participants will have the opportunity for
additional site visits. In addition to being the largest port in the
region, Doha hosts an expanding industrial cluster.
The participants will attend policy, market and commercial
briefings by CS and industry experts as well as networking events
offering further opportunities to speak with potential distributors,
agents, partners and end users. U.S. participants will be counseled
before and after the mission by CS staff.
Proposed Timetable
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Optional Pre-Mission Stop in Saudi Arabia
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Saturday-November 15.............. Arrive in Riyadh.
Sunday-November 16................ Market briefings from CS
and industry experts.
Networking Lunch.
Business-to-Business
meetings.
Monday-November 17................ Site Visits.
Travel to Doha.
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Mission--Qatar
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Monday-November 17................ Arrive in Doha.
Welcome Briefing and/or
Related Networking Event.
Tuesday-November 18............... Market briefings from CS
and industry experts.
Networking lunch with local
industry representatives.
Business-to-Business
meetings.
Site Visits.
Wednesday-November 19............. Meetings with local
industry and government officials.
Networking lunch with local
industry representatives.
Business-to-Business
meetings.
Possible Press Event.
Site Visit.
Mission Officially ends.
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the trade mission 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. A minimum of 15 and maximum of 20 firms,
service providers and/or trade associations/organizations will be
selected from the applicant pool to participate in the Qatar stop. The
Riyadh optional stop is limited to 7-10 firms, service providers and/or
trade associations/organizations.
Fees and Expenses
After an applicant has been selected to participate in the mission,
a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required. Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those
selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may
be revoked.
The participation fee for the trade mission to Qatar alone is $2900
for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) \1\ and $3,000 for large
firms and trade associations/organizations. The fee for each additional
representative (large firm or SME or trade association/organization) is
$750.
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\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).
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The additional participation fee for the Saudi Arabia optional stop
is $2000 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) \2\ and an
additional $2600 for large firms and trade associations/organizations.
The fee for each additional representative (large firm or SME or trade
association/organization) to add on the Saudi Arabia optional stop is
$350.
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\2\ 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).
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Exclusions
The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such
as lodging, most meals, local ground transportation (except for
transportation to and from meetings, and airport transfers between
Riyadh and Doha during the mission), and air transportation.
Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S.
Government rates for hotel rooms. Visas will be required for both Saudi
Arabia and Qatar. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain
such visas are also not included in the mission costs. The U.S.
Department of Commerce, however, will provide instructions to each
participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary business
visas.
Conditions for Participation
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 by August 30, 2014. 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 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, 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 fifty-one percent U.S. content.
We recommend calculating the U.S. content of an ACE service using
the following formula:
U.S. content for services = (contract value of the service whether
delivered in the U.S. or overseas) minus (aggregate value contributed
by non-U.S. or foreign sources (i.e., costs or payments to foreign
suppliers/providers/employees not resident in the United States)).
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.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers
and trade associations/organizations providing or
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promoting ACE services that have an interest in entering or expanding
their business in the Qatar market (applicants that would like to add
the optional Saudi Arabia stop must meet these criteria for the Saudi
Arabia market as well). The following criteria will be evaluated in
selecting participants:
Suitability of a firm's or service provider's (or in the
case of a trade association/organization, represented firm or service
provider's) products or services to these markets.
Firm's or service provider's (or in the case of a trade
association/organization, represented firm or service provider's)
potential for business in the markets, including likelihood of exports
resulting from the mission.
Consistency of the firm's or service provider's (or in the
case of a trade association/organization, represented firm or service
provider's) goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
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, 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.
Timeframe for Recruitment and Application
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.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 for this mission will begin immediately and conclude no
later than August 30, 2014. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review
applications and make selection decisions as quickly as possible.
Applications received after August 30, 2014 will be considered only if
space and scheduling constraints permit.
Contacts
Trade Missions Office, Arica Young, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Washington, DC, Tel: 613-317-7538, Email: [email protected].
Industry and Analysis, Eugene Alford, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Washington, DC 20230, Tel: 202-482-5071, Email:
[email protected].
Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2014-17972 Filed 7-29-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P