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[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

[[Page 4874]]

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
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