[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 19 (Thursday, January 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4873-4875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01636]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Mining Equipment and Mining Services Business Development Trade
Mission to Zacatecas, Mexico, June 1-2, 2015
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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Mission Description
The International Trade Administration is coordinating with the
State of Zacatecas to organize a trade mission to Zacatecas, Mexico
from June 1-2, 2015. This business development mission will promote
U.S. exports to Mexico by helping export-ready U.S. companies launch or
increase their business in the Mining Equipment and Mining Services
sector.
Participating firms will gain market information, make business and
government contacts, solidify business strategies, and/or advance
specific projects. In each of these targeted sectors, participating
U.S. companies will meet with prescreened local partners, agents,
distributors, representatives, and licensees. The agenda will also
include meetings with high-level local government officials, networking
opportunities, country briefings, and seminars.
The delegation will be composed of representatives of 10-15 U.S.
firms in the mission's target sector.
Commercial Setting
Overview
Mexico is the United States' second-largest export market (after
Canada) and
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third-largest trading partner (after Canada and China). In fact, the
United States exports more to Mexico than to Brazil, Russia, India and
China (BRIC) combined. With a World Bank Ease of Doing Business rank
more favorable than that of any of the BRIC countries, this fast
growing market, right on our doorstep, offers a wealth of opportunities
for U.S. companies. Twenty-two U.S. states depend on Mexico as their
first or second destination for exports and more than $1.25 billion in
goods and services are traded between the United States and Mexico
every day, supporting millions of jobs in both countries. Mexico and
the United States together with Canada comprise one of the most
competitive and successful regional economic platforms in the world.
Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world
with a population of 115 million, over half of whom are members of the
upper and middle class. With a shared Western and Hispanic culture,
U.S. producers find it easier to market and sell their services and
products in Mexico. This may account for the fact that more than 18,000
U.S. companies have operations in Mexico, investing $150 billion in
Mexico since 2000 and more than 54,000 U.S. companies currently export
goods to Mexico. The mission supports the federal government's Look
South initiative, which encourages U.S. companies to explore
opportunities in the United States' 11 free trade agreement partner
(FTA) countries in Latin America. These markets share with Mexico high
economic growth rates and market-liberalizing reforms, making Mexico a
potential stepping stone to wider regional demand for mining equipment
in countries like Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
Industry Sector
Mining and Mining Equipment
In the last five years, mining has been one of the five most
promising sectors in Mexico's economy. In fact, the mining sector
accounts for 4.9% of Mexico's GDP \1\ and employs nearly 337,598
people. According to a report from INEGI (Mexico's Geography and
Statistics Agency) for 2012, Mexico's total production of mining
materials reached USD$23 billion, 14% higher than 2011. Mexico's mining
sector invested USD$8.43 billion, which is 30% more than 2011. Mexico's
mining sector produces 23 different commodities, the major ones being
gold, silver and copper.
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\1\ Reforma daily, Business supplement Oct 2012.
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In 2011, Mexico was the world's largest producer of silver and
second largest producer of the mineral fluorite. There is a lot of
interest from foreign firms to invest in Mexico based primarily on the
vast mining resources scattered around the country's territory. Experts
say that only 34% of the country has been exploited and a few foreign
companies are taking part in the benefits of this low rate of
competition. In 2012, Mexico's overall FDI was USD$12 billion and
USD$627.7 million was invested in the mining sector,\2\ representing
4.96%.\3\ For 2013, combined FDI from 2007 is expected to reach
USD$25.2 billion.
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\2\ CANIMEX 2012 Report, Mexico's Mining Situation.
\3\ CEEFP, House of Representatives. Mexico.
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Zacatecas
The state economy, thus far in 2014, is maintaining a GDP growth
rate of 4.5% compared to 2.2% for Mexico. Agriculture and mining remain
the state's largest industry sectors, but in recent years, the state
has successfully attracted investments in the aerospace and automotive
industries.
In 2013, in terms of production, mining output from Zacatecas ranks
second among Mexican states. Currently, Zacatecas is Mexico's largest
producer of silver, lead and zinc, the second largest producer of
copper and the third largest producer of gold. Canadians are the
largest group of foreign investors followed by the U.S.
Best Prospect Products and Services
[ssquf] Antioxidants;
[ssquf] Conveyors;
[ssquf] Crushers, Feeders, Sizers;
[ssquf] Cutting Equipment;
[ssquf] Dewatering Systems and parts;
[ssquf] Drilling Systems;
[ssquf] Dust Control Equipment;
[ssquf] Flotation Machines;
[ssquf] Hydraulic Excavators and Cutters;
[ssquf] Loaders Back Hole;
[ssquf] Lubricants (High Performance);
[ssquf] Portable roadways;
[ssquf] Power Generators;
[ssquf] Pumps;
[ssquf] Safety Devices;
[ssquf] Shovels and Loaders;
[ssquf] Temporary Flooring;
[ssquf] Tire Service;
[ssquf] Tires and tire pressure monitors;
[ssquf] Ventilation Equipment;
[ssquf] Waste Water Treatment Plants;
[ssquf] Water Filtration;
[ssquf] Wear Prevention.
Mission Goals
This mission will demonstrate the United States' commitment to a
sustained economic partnership with Mexico. The mission's purpose is to
support the business development goals of U.S. firms as they construct
a firm foundation for future business in Mexico and specifically aims
to:
Assist in identifying potential partners and strategies
for U.S. companies to gain access to the Mexican market for the Mining
Equipment and Mining Services sector.
Confirm U.S. government support for the promotion of U.S.
exports to Mexico, a region full of potential opportunity but not yet
served by a trade mission.
Organize focused events with local government, business
and association leaders capable of becoming partners and clients for
U.S. firms as they develop their business in Mexico.
Mission Scenario
The mission will stop in Zacatecas, Mexico. In Zacatecas,
participants will meet with pre-screened potential agents,
distributors, and representatives, as well as other business partners
and government officials. They will also attend market briefings by
United States Embassy officials, as well as networking events offering
further opportunities to speak with local business and industry
decision-makers.
Proposed Time Table
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May 31........................ Zacatecas........ Arrival.
Overnight in
Zacatecas, Mexico.
June 1........................ Zacatecas........ Orientation
provided by U.S.
Commercial Service.
Industry &
Commercial Briefings
by U.S. Commercial
Service and Under
Secretary of
Economic
Development, State
of Zacatecas.
Mine site
tours--underground
and open pit.
Networking
Reception hosted by
the Governor of
Zacatecas.
Overnight in
Zacatecas.
[[Page 4875]]
June 2........................ Zacatecas........ Individual
One-on-One Company
Appointments.
June 3........................ Zacatecas........ Departure.
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the Trade Mission to
Zacatecas, Mexico 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. Approximately 10-15 companies
will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.
U.S. companies doing business in Mexico, as well as U.S. companies
seeking to enter the Mexican market for the first time, may apply.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required. The fee schedule for the mission is below:
$2,000 for large firms
$1,500 for a small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) \4\
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\4\ 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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$700 each additional firm representative
Expenses for air travel, lodging, some meals, local transportation,
and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
Conditions of 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 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 goods and/or services it seeks to export through the
mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, contain
at least 51% U.S. content;
The export of its goods, software, technology, and
services would be in compliance with U.S. export control laws and
regulations, including those administered by the Department of
Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security;
It has identified any matter pending before any bureau or
office of the Department of Commerce;
It has identified any pending litigation (including any
administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the
Department of Commerce;
It and its affiliates (1) have not and will not engage in
the bribery of foreign officials in connection with its involvement in
this Mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the
bribery of foreign officials; and
It meets the minimum requirements as stated in this
announcement.
Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on
the following criteria, listed in decreasing order of importance:
Suitability of a company's products or services to the
Mexican market and the likelihood of a participating company's
increased exports to or business interests in the target markets as a
result of this mission;
Demonstrated export-readiness; and
Consistency of company's products or services with the
scope and desired outcome of the mission's goals.
Additional factors, such as balance of company size, type, location,
and demographics, may also be considered during the review process.
Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications
Recruitment will begin immediately and conclude no later than
Friday, April 10, 2015. The Department of Commerce will evaluate
applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling
basis. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only
if space and scheduling constraints permit.
Contacts
CS Pittsburgh
Ryan Russell, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S.
Commercial Service Pittsburgh, (412) 644-2817, [email protected].
CS Monterrey
John Howell, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service
Monterrey, +52 81 8047 3223, [email protected].
Mario Vida[ntilde]a, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial
Service Monterrey, +52 81 8047 3118, [email protected].
Frank Spector,
International Trade Specialist.
[FR Doc. 2015-01636 Filed 1-28-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P