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European Port Infrastructure and Security Tour

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 U.S. Commercial Service office in Rome, Italy, is coordinating efforts to organize a European Port Infrastructure and Security Tour.  This event is intended to tap immediate opportunities in port infrastructure, security and logistics in several European countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy and partners in the region.  The focus of the program will be in several major areas, including port safety and security, port logistics and infrastructure, and port environment.  The objective of the tour is to showcase American solutions and to expose participating companies to procurement opportunities in maritime ports.  U.S. technology is generally highly regarded and maintains a competitive edge in Europe. 

The tour will include 3 stops:  Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium and Genoa, Italy.  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 tour for an additional price, depending on participants’ wishes.

The participation fee is $1000 per stop/per company for a small/medium sized company and $3400 for a large company, per stop/per company.  This fee does not include hotel, air and/or train transportation.  For all three stops, the total is $3,000 for SMEs and $10,200 for large companies. This includes arranging of one-on-one meetings at selected venues, market intelligence, counseling and follow-up assistance where required and desired, but excludes lodging and transportation.

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.   Click here to preregister for this event.
Companies interested in learning more about participation in this event may contact: Danny Dumon at +32 2 508 2888 or Thomas Happel at +32 2 5082450.