I. DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSION

Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General (AS/DG) of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Maria Cino will lead a senior-level business development trade mission focusing on women or minority-owned and/or –managed businesses to Rome and Milan, Italy, and Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. This Business Development Mission is being organized to coincide with the Global Summit of Women, to be held on July 11^th, 12^th and 13^th, in Barcelona, Spain. The Global Summit of Women will bring together many high-level female private and public sector participants from around the world. While the trade mission and summit focus on women or minority-owned and/or managed companies, participation in the mission is not limited to such businesses and all interested U.S. companies are encouraged to apply to this four-city, two country trade mission.

The overall focus of the trip will be commercial opportunities for U.S. companies, including joint ventures and export opportunities, in the thriving markets of Spain and Italy. In Rome, Milan, Barcelona and Madrid, the participants will have one day of one-on-one business meetings with potential buyers/partners. The Barcelona portion of the trip will also include participation in The Global Summit of Women.
 
 

II. COMMERCIAL SETTING FOR THE MISSION

SPAIN: Spain is among the ten largest economies in the world and is currently the world’s fastest growing major industrialized economy. With an economy approximately as large as Canada’s and transparent trade rules inherent in its EU membership, Spain offers an ideal export market for a wide-variety of U.S. consumer and capital goods. The two industrial and logistical motors of Spain’s robust economy are Barcelona and Madrid. Hence, participation in this trade mission will introduce mission members to potential business partners in both Barcelona and Madrid.

Best Prospects for Italy and Spain:

• Computer Equipment, Software and Services
• Environmental Technologies

Medical Products and Services

• Telecommunications Equipment and Services

Sporting Goods

• Financial Services

• Building Materials/Construction Products and Architectural Services

III. GOALS FOR THE MISSION

• Introducing American companies to Italy and Spain and promoting expanded commercial opportunities in these areas; and
• Promoting and highlighting U.S. minority and women-owned businesses and their products/services in both countries.

IV. SCENARIO FOR THE MISSION

The trip itinerary will be as follows:

July 7^th – Arrive Rome

July 7^th – Mission Team Introduction Meeting, Country Team Briefing

July 8^th – One on One Appointments for Delegation in Rome, Ambassador’s Reception

July 9^th – Early am travel to Milan, Commercial Briefing, One on One Appointments for Delegation in Milan

July 10^th- One on One Appointments for Delegation in Milan, Consul General’s Reception

July 11^th – Early am travel to Barcelona, Commercial Briefing, Conference Events

July 12^th – One on One Appointments for Delegation in Barcelona, Conference Events

July 13^th – Conference Events

July 14^th – Travel to Madrid, Country Team Briefing

July 15^th – One on One Appointments for Delegation in Madrid, Mission Wrap-up Dinner

July 16^th – Return to U.S.
 
 

V. CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION OF COMPANIES

Recruitment of mission members will be conducted in an open and public manner utilizing Commercial Service Export Assistance Centers and industry teams. Promotion will include publication of the event in the Federal Register, direct mailing, e-mailing, broadcast fax, press releases to appropriate media, posting on the Internet, promotion at domestic exhibitions and conferences, and publicized announcements through a network of minority and women's business organizations. Companies will be selected according to the criteria set out below. Approximately 10 -15 companies will be selected.

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Company participation will be determined on the basis of:

• Level of seniority of designated company representatives and consistency of company's goals with the scope and desired outcome of the mission as described herein;

• Potential for business activity in Italy and Spain as applicable;

• Diversity of company size, type, location, demographics and traditional under-representation in business;

Applications for the trade mission to Italy and Spain will be made available beginning on March 18^th. The fee to participate in the mission will be $3,000 and will not cover travel or lodging expenses. For additional information on the trade mission or to obtain an application, businesspersons should be referred to Selina Marquez of the U.S. Commercial Service at 202-482-4799. Applications should be submitted to Selina Marquez by May 1st, in order to ensure sufficient time to obtain in-country appointments for applicants selected to participate in the mission. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. The name, telephone number, and address for the contact person for the trade mission follows: