TANZANIA FY05 BFIF PROJECT REPORT

UNCLAS DAR ES SALAAM 000738 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/CBA WINSTEAD, EB/EX NAIROBI FOR FCS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: BEXP BTIO EINV ETRD TZ SUBJECT: TANZANIA FY05 BFIF PROJECT REPORT REF: A) STATE 024823 ¶1. Department approved BFIF funding for post's participation in the Regional Commercial Training event held in Gabarone March 30 - 31, 2005 (see reftel A). Post sent commercial assistant FSN Rose Swai to attend the training. Per reftel, post submits its report on programmatic outcomes and a breakdown of actual expenditures. -------------- Outcomes -------------- ¶2. Rose Swai is one of two commercial assistants who support the Econoff in the Embassy's commercial function. Rose's responsibilities at post include Gold Key Services, all AGOA issues, and liaison with US agencies such as OPIC and EXIM. The Regional Commercial Training in Gabarone was an excellent opportunity for Rose to meet officials in these areas and to be trained on ways post can better fulfill its commercial function. ¶3. During the training, Rose learned about a variety of FCS strategies that could be employed at a non-FCS post, including client list management, Gold Key Service, International Partner Search, and commercial advocacy. The training also included presentations by EXIM and OPIC representatives. ¶4. Rose also met with representatives from the Southern Africa Global Competitiveness Hub and learned more about how the Hub can support efforts in Tanzania to take advantage of AGOA. Her exposure to the Hub should lead to greater cooperation between the Hub and post's commercial section. -------------- Accounting -------------- ¶5. BFIF approved USD 1,780.00 for FSN Commercial Assistant to travel to Gabarone, Botswana March 29 - April 1, 2005. Post spent USD 888.83 on airfare and USD 641.00 for per diem and travel expenses, for a total of USD 1,529.83. ¶6. Comment: This training helped build the commercial section's capacity to provide commercial support, an important mission objective, as outlined in post's MPP. Post thanks EB/CBA and the BFIF Program for its support in achieving these important goals. End comment. STILLMAN