Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade Mission

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Published

September 28, 2023

Issuing agencies

Commerce DepartmentInternational Trade Administration

Abstract

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming trade mission that will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA. This mission is: Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Education Trade Mission to South India--February 12-20, 2024. A summary of the mission is found below. Application information and more detailed mission information, including the commercial setting and sector information, can be found at the trade mission website: https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions. For each mission, recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (https://www.trade.gov/ trade-missions-schedule) and other internet websites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 187 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 187 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66812-66815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21170]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade
Mission

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming trade mission that
will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA. This mission is:
Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Education Trade Mission to
South India--February 12-20, 2024. A summary of the mission is found
below. Application information and more detailed mission information,
including the commercial setting and sector information, can be found
at the trade mission website: <a href="https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions">https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions</a>. For
each mission, recruitment will be conducted in an open and public
manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the
Commerce Department trade mission calendar (<a href="https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions">https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions</a>-schedule) and other internet websites, press releases to
general and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by
industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity
at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Odum, Events Management Task
Force, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce,
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-
6397 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#125877747460776b3c5d76677f5266607376773c757d64">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Following Conditions for Participation Will Be Used for the Mission

Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information
on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals
for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete
application, the Department may either: reject the application, request
additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information
into account when evaluating the application. If the requisite minimum
number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the
recruitment deadline, the mission may be canceled.
Each applicant must also certify that programs and services it
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. institution
and have at least 51% U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade
association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for each
institution or service provider to be represented by the association/
organization, the products and/or services the represented institution
or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United
States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. institution and
have at least 51% U.S. content by value.
A Study State Consortia or other government education stakeholder
applicant must certify to the above for all of the institutions it
seeks to represent on the mission.
In addition, each applicant must:
<bullet> Certify that the products and services that it wishes to
market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export
controls and regulations.
<bullet> Certify that it has identified any matter pending before
any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce.
<bullet> Certify that it has identified any pending litigation
(including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that
involves the Department of Commerce; and
<bullet> Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates
(1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in
connection with an institution's/participant's involvement in this
mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the
bribery of foreign officials.
In the case of a Study State Consortia or other government
education stakeholder, the applicant must certify that each institution
or service provider to be represented by the association/organization
can make the above certifications.

The Following Selection Criteria Will Be Used for the Mission

Targeted mission participants are appropriately accredited U.S.
educational institutions, services providers, Study State Consortia,
and other government education stakeholders providing or promoting U.S.
programs and services that have an interest in entering or expanding
their business in the mission's destination country. The following
criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:
<bullet> Suitability of the applicant's (or in the case of a Study
State Consortia or other government education stakeholder, represented
institution's or service provider's) programs or services to these
markets.
<bullet> The applicant's (or in the case of a Study State Consortia
or other government education stakeholder, represented institution's or
service provider's) potential for business in the markets, including
the likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and
<bullet> Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a Study
State Consortia or other government education stakeholder, represented
institution's or service provider's) goals and objectives with the
stated scope of the mission.
Balance of institution size and location may also be considered
during the review process.
Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any
information, including on the application, containing references to
political contributions or other partisan political activities will be
excluded from the application and will not be considered during the
selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.
Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be
found at <a href="https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions">https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions</a>).

GDEI Education Trade Mission to South India--February 12-20, 2024

Summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service in India, in collaboration with
the U. S. Department of State, EducationUSA Chennai

[[Page 66813]]

Advising Center in India, is organizing an Education Trade Mission to
promote U.S. higher education in Bengaluru and four southern Indian
secondary markets--Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and Coimbatore from
February 12-20, 2024. This mission will target U.S. Higher Educational
Institutions (HEIs) offering graduate programs and which are New-to-
Export (NTE) or New-to-Market (NTM), such as Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs), Study State Consortia (composed of colleges and universities,
community programs, and similar entities representing education within
U.S. states) and other government education stakeholders (e.g.,
Governor's offices, state trade offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) that are interested in connecting with local
Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), and educational consultants, and
will assist in recruiting Indian students from these markets to the
United States. The mission will include Consulate and industry market
briefings, one-on-one appointments with potential partners, and student
fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and Coimbatore.
Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready
institutions, Study State Consortia, and other government educational
stakeholders that meet the established criteria for participation in
the mission. ITA is seeking to improve outreach to HEIs that have not
previously participated in GDEI Education Trade Missions and/or have
not previously engaged in fulsome international graduate recruiting.
This mission is in alignment with Executive Order 13985 on Advancing
Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the
Federal Government (January 25, 2021) (E.O. 13985), the U.S. Department
of Commerce Equity Action Plan, and the Global Diversity Export
Initiative of the U.S. Commercial Service. For the purposes of the
trade mission, ITA adopts the definition of ``underserved communities''
in E.O. 13985: ``populations sharing a particular characteristic, as
well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a
full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and
civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of
`equity.' '' ``Equity'' is defined by E.O. 13985 as ``the consistent
and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals,
including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have
been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and
Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and
other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with
disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise
adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.'' This trade
mission is also designed to be responsive to the priorities stated by
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and outlined in the Equity Action
Plan released in April 2022 which includes ``[s]trengthen[ing] small
businesses in underserved communities by helping them be successful
exporters''.
The goals of the Education Trade Mission to South India are:
(1) Gain market exposure and introduce participants to the vibrant
South India market. U.S. educational institutions will find potential
partners in Bengaluru and four secondary markets--Mangaluru, Manipal,
Kochi and Coimbatore--covering three Indian states in South India.
(2) Assess current and future business prospects by establishing
valuable contacts with prospective study-abroad consultants, potential
students, and educational institutions.
(3) Develop market knowledge and relationships leading to
effective student recruitment, strategies, and potential partnerships.
During the mission, the delegation will be guided by Commercial
Service officers, commercial specialists, and EducationUSA advisors at
each stop. Trade mission participants who are already doing business in
India will have the opportunity to further advance their business
relationships and explore new opportunities.
Participation in the mission will include the following:
<bullet> Pre-travel briefings;
<bullet> Market briefings by U.S. Consulate, Local Government
officials and industry leaders;
<bullet> Pre-scheduled meetings with university heads/counselors,
educational consultants;
<bullet> Student fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and
Coimbatore;
<bullet> Airport transfers and ground transportation in these
cities; and
<bullet> University visits in all five stops.
The final schedule will depend on the specific goals and objectives
of the mission participants.

Proposed Timetable

* Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on
the availability of host government and business officials, specific
goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 11....................... Travel Day/Arrival in Bengaluru.
February 12....................... <bullet> Briefings.
<bullet> One-on-one matchmaking
meetings.
<bullet> Student fair.
February 13....................... <bullet> Half day visit to a
university for institutional
collaboration and meet with
students interested in studying in
the U.S.
<bullet> Late afternoon departure
for Mangaluru by air.
<bullet> Remain overnight in
Mangaluru.
February 14....................... <bullet> Morning visit to Manipal
Academy of Higher Education
(located near Mangaluru) by bus.
<bullet> Prescheduled meetings with
institutional leadership.
<bullet> Student fair.
<bullet> Return to Mangaluru.
February 15....................... <bullet> Market briefings.
<bullet> Visit to HEIs for one-on-
one meetings and meet with students
interested in studying in the U.S.
<bullet> Late afternoon depart for
Kochi by air.
February 16....................... <bullet> Market briefings.
<bullet> Student fair in Kochi.
February 17....................... <bullet> Visit to HEIs for one-on-
one meetings and meet with students
interested in studying in the U.S.

[[Page 66814]]

February 18....................... <bullet> Sunday--Travel Day. Depart
Kochi for Coimbatore by bus. On the
way stop at Palghat Indian
Institute of Technology (TBD).
<bullet> Remain overnight in
Coimbatore.
February 19....................... <bullet> Briefings.
Note: President's Day in the U.S.. <bullet> One-on-one matchmaking
meetings.
<bullet> Student fair.
February 20....................... <bullet> Visit to local HEIs for
institutional partnerships and meet
with students interested in
studying in the U.S.
<bullet> End of Program.
<bullet> Depart Coimbatore at
leisure (per delegate's individual
travel itinerary).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

All parties interested in participating in the U.S. Department of
Commerce Education Trade Mission to South India 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.
A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 20 educational institutions, Study
State Consortia, and/or other government education stakeholders (e.g.,
Governor's offices, state trade offices, economic development
organizations, etc.) will be selected to participate in the mission
from the applicant pool. The Trade Mission is open to U.S. HEIs that
are new-to-market and educational institutions with existing business
in India who are seeking to expand their market share.

Fees and Expenses

After an educational institution, Study State Consortia, or other
government education stakeholders (e.g., Governor's offices, state
trade offices, economic development organizations, etc.) has been
selected to participate in the trade mission, a payment to the
Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required.
The participation fee for the Education Trade Mission to South
India will be $5,500 for public/private, non-profit institution or
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)*; and $7,000 for large, private
for-profit institution. The fee for additional institution
representative (large private for-profit institution or private/public
non-profit institution or SME/trade organization) is $750. Expenses for
travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of
each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be
arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take
advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
The mission registration fee includes market briefings, lunch and
coffee breaks during the conference and transportation associated to
visit local HEIs, participation in student fairs, and U.S. Consulate
Chennai officers' consultations.
When an applicant is selected to participate on a particular
mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the
designated participation fee below is required. Upon notification of
acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to
submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.
Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay
for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to,
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication,
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be
able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. If a
mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a
mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled
mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been
expended in anticipation of the mission.
If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying
for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission
participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a
visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department
of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the
procedures required to obtain business visas.
Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake
mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security
situation in each foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed.
The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as
to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State
issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for
U.S. citizens available at <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html">https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html</a>. Any question regarding insurance coverage must
be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.
Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and
health conditions in the United States and the mission countries.
Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or
in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event
or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the
event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public and
applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need
to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision
be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees
accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the
previously selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new
virtual program.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner,
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce
Department trade mission calendar on <a href="http://www.trade.gov">www.trade.gov</a>, and other internet
websites, press releases to the general and trade media, direct mail
and broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations and other
multiplier groups and announcements at industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows.
Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no
later than December 15, 2023. The U.S. Department of Commerce will
review applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis
until the maximum of 20 participants are selected. After, educational
institutions will be considered only if space and scheduling
constraints permit.

Contacts

Gabriel Zelaya, Global Education Team Leader, U.S. Commercial Service_
San Jose/Silicon Valley, U.S. Department of Commerce,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#da9dbbb8a8b3bfb6bbf480bfb6bba3bb9aaea8bbbebff4bdb5ac">[email&#160;protected]</a>, Tel: 408-335-9202

[[Page 66815]]

Pinki Thakker, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial
Service--Kansas City, MO, U.S. Department of Commerce,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#693900070200473d010802020c1b291d1b080d0c470e061f">[email&#160;protected]</a>, Tel: 816-266-3853
Carey Arun, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service--U.S.
Consulate General, Chennai, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e5c7c3df88e7d4d3c8e6d2d4c7c2c388c1c9d0">[email&#160;protected]</a>
Mala Venkat, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service--
U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e0ad818c81ceb6858e8b8194a09492818485ce878f96">[email&#160;protected]</a>

Gemal Brangman,
Director, Trade Events Management Task Force.
[FR Doc. 2023-21170 Filed 9-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P

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