EMBASSY BISHKEK BFIF PROPOSALS

UNCLAS BISHKEK 000113

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GEHRENBECK),EB/CBA (WINSTEAD/AYBAR)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP BTIO ECON EINV ETRD KG
SUBJECT: EMBASSY BISHKEK BFIF PROPOSALS

REF: 06 STATE 189849


1. In response to reftel, Embassy Bishkek hereby submits two
proposals for the use of Business Facilitation Incentive Fund
(BFIF) resources in 2007. Details of the two proposals are
outlined below.


2. The first proposal is entitled "Outreach to Kyrgyz
Businessmen."

Justification: Embassy attended the January 27, 2007
conference of the Union of Kyrgyz Businessmen. This
conference, which occurs only every three years, attracted
approximately 1,000 Kyrgyz businessmen from throughout the
country. These individuals represent firms that are
candidates for the purchase of U.S. goods or potential
partners for U.S. firms in local and regional markets. Using
BFIF, Embassy proposes to obtain the mailing list of
attendees in order to send materials concerning how to
develop commercial links with U.S. companies. This outreach
will identify partners and potential buyers of U.S.-sourced
goods. Our BISNIS representative will be able to post leads
and take additional steps in conjunction with this proposal.

Planning Milestones: Obtain mailing list/s by February 28;
Prepare materials by March 16; Mail packets by March 23;
Process responses by April 30; Generate summary report by May

18.

Estimated Costs: Total $900.00 for procuring the mailing
list/s, preparing the materials and mailing the packets.

Contacts: Commercial/Economic Officer Gregory Winstead
(winsteadgm@state.gov) and BISNIS/Commercial Assistant Artyom
Zozulinsky (zozulinskya@state.gov).


3. Second proposal is entitled "Doing Business with the USA
Seminar."

Justification: Many Kyrgyz businessmen are unfamiliar with
business opportunities and resources available in reaching
out to potential U.S. business partners. Embassy proposes
that our FCS partnership post senior commercial officer visit
Bishkek to lead a seminar on conducting business with the
United States. While the focus of the seminar would be the
mechanics of conducting business, the forum would also
provide opportunities for the Embassy to market its
resources, the Ambassador to highlight U.S. outreach in a
non-political field, the Embassy to engage Kyrgyz officials
on the business environment and all the local American
Chamber of Commerce to showcase its resources. Embassy
anticipates that 100-150 people might attend this seminar.

Planning Milestones: Send invitations by May 15; Prepare
materials for conference by May 30; Hold conference on or
about June 6.

Estimated Costs: Total $2,200.00 for room rental/service,
translation and material preparation. FCS commercial officer
travel expenses of approximately $630.00 are not included in
this estimate.

Contacts: Commercial/Economic Officer Gregory Winstead
(winsteadgm@state.gov) and BISNIS/Commercial Assistant Artyom
Zozulinsky (zozulinskya@state.gov).
LITZENBERGER