Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06COLOMBO91
2006-01-13 06:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Colombo
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHLM #0091/01 0130615 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 130615Z JAN 06 FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2376 INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 9181
UNCLAS COLOMBO 000091
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ECON EFIC ETRD CE MV
SUBJECT: BFIF FY06 PROPOSALS
REF: (A) 2005 STATE 215954, (B) 2005 COLOMBO 1814, (C)
2005 COLOMBO 1914
POST WISHES TO EXTEND ITS APPRECIATION FOR CONTINUED
SUPPORT OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN SRI LANKA AND
MALDIVES AND PROPOSES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES FOR FY06:
UNCLAS COLOMBO 000091
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ECON EFIC ETRD CE MV
SUBJECT: BFIF FY06 PROPOSALS
REF: (A) 2005 STATE 215954, (B) 2005 COLOMBO 1814, (C)
2005 COLOMBO 1914
POST WISHES TO EXTEND ITS APPRECIATION FOR CONTINUED
SUPPORT OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN SRI LANKA AND
MALDIVES AND PROPOSES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES FOR FY06:
1. US-MALDIVES FRIENDSHIP WEEK:
(A) JUSTIFICATION: THE MALDIVES TRADE FAIR HAS SEEN
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IN TERMS OF
COMPANY PARTICIPATION, COVERAGE, AND SIGNIFICANCE IN THE
MALDIVES COMMERCIAL CALENDAR (REF C). IT REMAINS THE
PRIMARY MEANS THROUGH WHICH US COMPANIES CAN REACH A
LARGE CROSS-SECTION OF THE MALDIVIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE SUCCESS OF THE SHOW HAS SPAWNED ADDITIONAL EVENTS
AND THIS YEAR LED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRST US-
MALDIVES FRIENDSHIP WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2005 (REF B).
THIS EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER MOST EMBASSY OFFICES AND USG
AGENCIES AT POST, INCLUDING ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, CONSULAR,
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE AND HELPED TO STRENGTHEN BI-
LATERAL TIES BETWEEN THE US AND MALDIVES DUE TO THE
INCREASED SCOPE OF THE EVENT. BOOK DONATIONS, CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES, CONSULAR BRIEFINGS, MOVIES, AND A US NAVY
AIRCRAFT VISIT WERE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
DURING THE FRIENDSHIP WEEK IN ADDITION TO THE TRADE
FAIR. THE AMBASSADOR'S PRESENCE AND SUPPORT OF THE
EVENT, INCLUDING HOSTING A RECEPTION WITH KEY CONTACTS
OF THE GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR, DONORS, NGO'S AND
RESIDENT US CITIZENS, REITERATED POST'S COMMITMENT TO
THE EVENT AS A TOOL TO ENHANCE BILATERAL TIES.
THE 2005 TRADE FAIR COMPONENT OF THE FRIENDSHIP WEEK
GENERATED USEFUL LEADS TO PARTICIPANT COMPANIES,
ESPECIALLY IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR, WATER AND
PROCESSING SECTORS. A PARTICIPATING COMPANY HAS
COMMENCED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF MALDIVES
(GOM) FOR A WATER PROJECT AND SEVERAL OTHER COMPANIES
REPORTED INCREASED POSSIBILITIES FOR CONTRACTS IN THE
FUTURE DUE TO THEIR PRESENCE AT THE SHOW (REF C). US
FRUITS INCLUDING APPLES, ORANGES AND GRAPES ARE EXPORTED
TO MALDIVES AS A RESULT OF PRIOR TRADE SHOWS. MALDIVES
PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR US FIRMS OFFERING A DIVERSE
RANGE OF TECHNOLOGIES WITH ALTERNATE ENERGY,
ENVIRONMENT, IT, COMMUNICATIONS, ELECTRONICS AND
CONSTRUCTION BEING PARTICULARLY VIABLE. FOOD AND
BEVERAGE IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT SECTOR DUE TO THE TOURISM
INDUSTRY AND LACK OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTION. THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ISLAND IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO
MALE', INTENDED TO EASE CONGESTION IN THE CAPITAL CITY,
HAS ATTRACTIVE PROSPECTS FOR US TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES. THIS YEAR POST WILL INCREASE PROMOTION OF THE
EVENT AND STRIVE TO SECURE THE MAIN CONFERENCE FACILITY.
AS A RESULT, COSTS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE.
(B) PLANNING MILESTONES: THE DATES OF THE SHOW WILL BE
FINALIZED WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF OTHER USG AGENCIES
INVOLVED IN THE EVENT ONCE FUNDING IS APPROVED. THE
SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE CENTER IN
MALE'. PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY, LOGISTICS AND RELATED
ISSUES WILL BE COORDINATED WITH OTHER PARTICIPATING USG
AGENCIES, EXHIBITORS, THE MALDIVES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AND POST GSO.
(C) ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY AND RAISE FAMILIARITY OF US
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY AMONG CONSUMERS AND DECISION
MAKERS IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR
- FORMING OF MEDIUM TO LONG TERM PARTNERSHIPS AND
SALES CONTRACTS BETWEEN EXHIBITORS AND MALDIVIAN FIRMS.
- INCREASED EXPORTS OF US FOOD & BEVERAGE PRODUCTS,
TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT TO CONSTRUCTION, PROCESSING AND
ALTERNATE ENERGY/WATER PROJECTS.
- INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL INQUIRIES FROM MALDIVIAN
BUSINESSES.
(D) ESTIMATED COSTS: $15,000.00
(E) POST POINT OF CONTACT: RICHARD MERRIN, ECONOMIC
OFFICER. TEL: 94-11-2448007, FAX: 94-11-2437345, EMAIL:
MERRINRC@STATE.GOV
(F) POST WILL SOLICIT FUNDS FROM OTHER USG AGENCIES TO
FUND COMPONENTS OF AMERICA WEEK CORRELATED TO THE TRADE
SHOW.
(G) PROJECT OUTCOME CRITERIA ARE BASED ON NEW LEADS
GENERATED FOR EXHIBITORS, NUMBER OF VISITORS ATTENDING
SHOW AND NUMBER OF CONTRACTS AND SALES CONCLUDED WITH
MALDIVIAN COMPANIES.
(H) FOLLOW UP WILL BE DONE BY CONTACTING EXHIBITORS,
PURSUING TRADE LEADS, WORKING WITH THE MALDIVES CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE ON POST SHOW FOLLOW UP IN THE MALDIVES AND
WORKING WITH FAS AND FCS TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE SUPPLIERS
AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
2. SRI LANKA TRADE PROMOTION
(A) JUSTIFICATION: SRI LANKA HAS RECORDED STEADY
ECONOMIC GROWTH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND PER CAPITA
GDP REACHED $1,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2005, WHICH IS
SECOND ONLY TO THE MALDIVES IN THE REGION. MANY NEW
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE ENTERED INTO THE MARKET
FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE US. HOWEVER, US-
SRI LANKA BILATERAL TRADE IS HEAVILY WEIGHED IN SRI
LANKA'S FAVOR. POST PLANS TO PARTICIPATE IN A MAJOR
TRADE EVENT OR PROMOTION OF US PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE EVENT WILL COVER A RANGE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WHICH ARE ACTIVELY PROMOTED BY US
AGENCIES SUCH AS SOUTHERN US TRADE ASSOCIATION,
CALIFORNIA GRAPE COMMISSION AND OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE
IDENTIFIED THE SRI LANKAN MARKET AS SMALL BUT PROFITABLE
MARKET WITH POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.
(B) PLANNING MILESTONES:
THE EVENT WILL BE ORGANIZED TOGETHER WITH OTHER USG
AGENCIES, COOPERATORS AND POSSIBLY RETAIL CHAINS AND US
COMPANIES OPERATING IN SRI LANKA OR HAVING
REPRESENTATION IN THE COUNTRY OR THE REGION AND ARE
INTERESTED IN PROMOTING THEIR PRODUCTS IN SRI LANKA.
(C) ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:
- POSITION US AS THE PREFERRED AND PREMIER SUPPLIER
OF PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY
- CONSUMERS AND DECISION MAKERS WILL BE INFORMED OF
THE SUPERIOR QUALITY, DEPENDABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF
US PRODUCTS
(D) ESTIMATED COSTS: $10,000
(E) POST POINT OF CONTACT: RICHARD MERRIN, ECONOMIC
OFFICER. TEL: 94-11-2448007, FAX: 94-11-2437345, EMAIL:
MERRINRC@STATE.GOV
(F) POST WILL REQUEST FOR FUNDS FROM PARTICIPATING
AGENCIES, COMPANIES AND COOPERATORS TO FUND DIFFERENT
COMPONENTS OF THE EVENT.
(G) POST OUTCOME CRITERIA WILL BE BASED ON SUCCESS
REPORTED BY PARTICIPATING COMPANIES, NEW LEADS GENERATED
FOR COOPERATORS AND PUBLIC AWARENESS/PARTICIPATION AT
THE EVENT.
(H) FOLLOW UP WILL BE DONE BY CONTACTING ALL
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES/COMPANIES/COOPERATORS FOR RESULTS
AND SUCCESSES OF THE EVENT.
LUNSTEAD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ECON EFIC ETRD CE MV
SUBJECT: BFIF FY06 PROPOSALS
REF: (A) 2005 STATE 215954, (B) 2005 COLOMBO 1814, (C)
2005 COLOMBO 1914
POST WISHES TO EXTEND ITS APPRECIATION FOR CONTINUED
SUPPORT OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN SRI LANKA AND
MALDIVES AND PROPOSES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES FOR FY06:
1. US-MALDIVES FRIENDSHIP WEEK:
(A) JUSTIFICATION: THE MALDIVES TRADE FAIR HAS SEEN
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IN TERMS OF
COMPANY PARTICIPATION, COVERAGE, AND SIGNIFICANCE IN THE
MALDIVES COMMERCIAL CALENDAR (REF C). IT REMAINS THE
PRIMARY MEANS THROUGH WHICH US COMPANIES CAN REACH A
LARGE CROSS-SECTION OF THE MALDIVIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE SUCCESS OF THE SHOW HAS SPAWNED ADDITIONAL EVENTS
AND THIS YEAR LED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRST US-
MALDIVES FRIENDSHIP WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2005 (REF B).
THIS EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER MOST EMBASSY OFFICES AND USG
AGENCIES AT POST, INCLUDING ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, CONSULAR,
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE AND HELPED TO STRENGTHEN BI-
LATERAL TIES BETWEEN THE US AND MALDIVES DUE TO THE
INCREASED SCOPE OF THE EVENT. BOOK DONATIONS, CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES, CONSULAR BRIEFINGS, MOVIES, AND A US NAVY
AIRCRAFT VISIT WERE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
DURING THE FRIENDSHIP WEEK IN ADDITION TO THE TRADE
FAIR. THE AMBASSADOR'S PRESENCE AND SUPPORT OF THE
EVENT, INCLUDING HOSTING A RECEPTION WITH KEY CONTACTS
OF THE GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR, DONORS, NGO'S AND
RESIDENT US CITIZENS, REITERATED POST'S COMMITMENT TO
THE EVENT AS A TOOL TO ENHANCE BILATERAL TIES.
THE 2005 TRADE FAIR COMPONENT OF THE FRIENDSHIP WEEK
GENERATED USEFUL LEADS TO PARTICIPANT COMPANIES,
ESPECIALLY IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR, WATER AND
PROCESSING SECTORS. A PARTICIPATING COMPANY HAS
COMMENCED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF MALDIVES
(GOM) FOR A WATER PROJECT AND SEVERAL OTHER COMPANIES
REPORTED INCREASED POSSIBILITIES FOR CONTRACTS IN THE
FUTURE DUE TO THEIR PRESENCE AT THE SHOW (REF C). US
FRUITS INCLUDING APPLES, ORANGES AND GRAPES ARE EXPORTED
TO MALDIVES AS A RESULT OF PRIOR TRADE SHOWS. MALDIVES
PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR US FIRMS OFFERING A DIVERSE
RANGE OF TECHNOLOGIES WITH ALTERNATE ENERGY,
ENVIRONMENT, IT, COMMUNICATIONS, ELECTRONICS AND
CONSTRUCTION BEING PARTICULARLY VIABLE. FOOD AND
BEVERAGE IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT SECTOR DUE TO THE TOURISM
INDUSTRY AND LACK OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTION. THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ISLAND IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO
MALE', INTENDED TO EASE CONGESTION IN THE CAPITAL CITY,
HAS ATTRACTIVE PROSPECTS FOR US TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES. THIS YEAR POST WILL INCREASE PROMOTION OF THE
EVENT AND STRIVE TO SECURE THE MAIN CONFERENCE FACILITY.
AS A RESULT, COSTS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE.
(B) PLANNING MILESTONES: THE DATES OF THE SHOW WILL BE
FINALIZED WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF OTHER USG AGENCIES
INVOLVED IN THE EVENT ONCE FUNDING IS APPROVED. THE
SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE CENTER IN
MALE'. PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY, LOGISTICS AND RELATED
ISSUES WILL BE COORDINATED WITH OTHER PARTICIPATING USG
AGENCIES, EXHIBITORS, THE MALDIVES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AND POST GSO.
(C) ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY AND RAISE FAMILIARITY OF US
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY AMONG CONSUMERS AND DECISION
MAKERS IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR
- FORMING OF MEDIUM TO LONG TERM PARTNERSHIPS AND
SALES CONTRACTS BETWEEN EXHIBITORS AND MALDIVIAN FIRMS.
- INCREASED EXPORTS OF US FOOD & BEVERAGE PRODUCTS,
TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT TO CONSTRUCTION, PROCESSING AND
ALTERNATE ENERGY/WATER PROJECTS.
- INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL INQUIRIES FROM MALDIVIAN
BUSINESSES.
(D) ESTIMATED COSTS: $15,000.00
(E) POST POINT OF CONTACT: RICHARD MERRIN, ECONOMIC
OFFICER. TEL: 94-11-2448007, FAX: 94-11-2437345, EMAIL:
MERRINRC@STATE.GOV
(F) POST WILL SOLICIT FUNDS FROM OTHER USG AGENCIES TO
FUND COMPONENTS OF AMERICA WEEK CORRELATED TO THE TRADE
SHOW.
(G) PROJECT OUTCOME CRITERIA ARE BASED ON NEW LEADS
GENERATED FOR EXHIBITORS, NUMBER OF VISITORS ATTENDING
SHOW AND NUMBER OF CONTRACTS AND SALES CONCLUDED WITH
MALDIVIAN COMPANIES.
(H) FOLLOW UP WILL BE DONE BY CONTACTING EXHIBITORS,
PURSUING TRADE LEADS, WORKING WITH THE MALDIVES CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE ON POST SHOW FOLLOW UP IN THE MALDIVES AND
WORKING WITH FAS AND FCS TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE SUPPLIERS
AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
2. SRI LANKA TRADE PROMOTION
(A) JUSTIFICATION: SRI LANKA HAS RECORDED STEADY
ECONOMIC GROWTH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND PER CAPITA
GDP REACHED $1,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2005, WHICH IS
SECOND ONLY TO THE MALDIVES IN THE REGION. MANY NEW
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE ENTERED INTO THE MARKET
FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE US. HOWEVER, US-
SRI LANKA BILATERAL TRADE IS HEAVILY WEIGHED IN SRI
LANKA'S FAVOR. POST PLANS TO PARTICIPATE IN A MAJOR
TRADE EVENT OR PROMOTION OF US PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE EVENT WILL COVER A RANGE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WHICH ARE ACTIVELY PROMOTED BY US
AGENCIES SUCH AS SOUTHERN US TRADE ASSOCIATION,
CALIFORNIA GRAPE COMMISSION AND OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE
IDENTIFIED THE SRI LANKAN MARKET AS SMALL BUT PROFITABLE
MARKET WITH POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.
(B) PLANNING MILESTONES:
THE EVENT WILL BE ORGANIZED TOGETHER WITH OTHER USG
AGENCIES, COOPERATORS AND POSSIBLY RETAIL CHAINS AND US
COMPANIES OPERATING IN SRI LANKA OR HAVING
REPRESENTATION IN THE COUNTRY OR THE REGION AND ARE
INTERESTED IN PROMOTING THEIR PRODUCTS IN SRI LANKA.
(C) ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:
- POSITION US AS THE PREFERRED AND PREMIER SUPPLIER
OF PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY
- CONSUMERS AND DECISION MAKERS WILL BE INFORMED OF
THE SUPERIOR QUALITY, DEPENDABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF
US PRODUCTS
(D) ESTIMATED COSTS: $10,000
(E) POST POINT OF CONTACT: RICHARD MERRIN, ECONOMIC
OFFICER. TEL: 94-11-2448007, FAX: 94-11-2437345, EMAIL:
MERRINRC@STATE.GOV
(F) POST WILL REQUEST FOR FUNDS FROM PARTICIPATING
AGENCIES, COMPANIES AND COOPERATORS TO FUND DIFFERENT
COMPONENTS OF THE EVENT.
(G) POST OUTCOME CRITERIA WILL BE BASED ON SUCCESS
REPORTED BY PARTICIPATING COMPANIES, NEW LEADS GENERATED
FOR COOPERATORS AND PUBLIC AWARENESS/PARTICIPATION AT
THE EVENT.
(H) FOLLOW UP WILL BE DONE BY CONTACTING ALL
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES/COMPANIES/COOPERATORS FOR RESULTS
AND SUCCESSES OF THE EVENT.
LUNSTEAD