Germany, Belgium and Italy

May 4-8, 2009

In Europe, as in other markets, a strong emphasis has been placed on homeland security, transportation, environmental safety and critical infrastructure development. The European Union has adopted rules regarding maritime safety and security to ensure quality shipping that respects the environment and guarantees an optimal level of protection. The major focus is on environmental impact, safety and security, and unification and simplification of procedures. This scenario will provide excellent opportunities for U.S. companies operating in a variety of areas.

The United States Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, is organizing a Trade Mission to Germany, Belgium and Italy, May 4-8, 2009. This event is intended to tap immediate opportunities in port infrastructure, and security, logistics and environment in Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; and Genoa, Italy. Because these ports are key gateways to the Western European market, companies from countries beyond Germany, Belgium, and Italy will be informed about the mission and encouraged to meet with the U.S. participants.

All stops will include country briefings, meetings with port authorities on planned projects and expected infrastructure and security needs, one-on-one business meetings between U.S. participants and end-users and partners, and a reception. Meetings will be scheduled with individuals from both the public sector (e.g., port authorities and customs officials) and private business (e.g., shipping agents, marine terminal operators, local security system companies, etc.). Follow-on Gold Key meetings in other countries may be set up before or after the mission for an additional price, depending on participants’ wishes.

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. The participation fee is $3,000 per company for small or medium enterprises (SME) and $3,700 per company for large firms. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $500 per person. Expenses for lodging, most transportation (except, for example, bus/train transportation to Antwerp, Belgium and Genoa, Italy), most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
Application for participation in the event is open to selected U.S. companies with equipment/solutions and services pertinent to the event scope and who are interested in doing business in the European market. To preregister for this event, click here

Companies interested in learning more about participation in this event may contact either Maria Calabria, Trade Specialist, maria.calabria@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , tel: +39-06 4674 2427/2382; or Greg Thompson, Trade Specialist, greg.thompson@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , tel: (214) 712-1932.