Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BISHKEK64
2008-01-17 11:47:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:  

EMBASSY BISHKEK BFIF PROPOSALS

Tags:  BEXP BTIO ECON EINV ETRD KG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHEK #0064/01 0171147
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171147Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0564
UNCLAS BISHKEK 000064 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

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

REF: 07 STATE 159597

UNCLAS BISHKEK 000064

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

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

REF: 07 STATE 159597


1. In response to reftel, Embassy Bishkek hereby submits two
proposals for the use of Business Facilitation Incentive Fund
(BFIF) resources in 2008. Details of the two proposals are
outlined below.


2. The first proposal is entitled "Facilitating Kyrgyz
Attendance at InfoComm 2008."

Justification: In 2008, the Embassy wants to encourage Kyrgyz
businesspeople to look to the United States as a source for
imports. In the recent past, the Embassy has not advocated
or organized trips by Kyrgyz businesspeople to attend trade
shows in the United States. InfoComm 2008, which is an
international buyer program event scheduled for June 14-20,
will be co-located with NXTComm 2008 in Las Vegas. Both
shows, which are expected to attract over 1,300 exhibitors,
target the audiovisual, information technology and
telecommunications sectors. These sectors are growing
rapidly in the Kyrgyz Republic. With BFIF support, the
Embassy would advertise this trade show and send the
Embassy's commercial assistant to accompany Kyrgyz
businesspeople to the show. Kyrgyz attendees would pay their
own costs for travel and attending the show. The aim of this
proposal is to generate increased U.S. exports to the Kyrgyz
Republic.

Planning Milestones: Send trade show promotional materials to
20 targeted companies by April 15; Confirm attendees by May
15; Attend show June 16-19; Survey attendees by July 30;
Generate summary report by August 15.

Estimated Costs: Total $4500.00 for advertising, having the
Embassy commercial assistant attend (airfare, hotel, trade
show fee and per diem) and providing local transportation for
all attendees.

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

Leveraging Funding: The Embassy is planning to aid two trade
show visits in 2008. Funding to cover another trade show
focusing on the construction sector has already been secured
from the Department of Commerce.

Outcome/Success Criteria: The number of business agreements

reached based on contacts made at the trade show, and any
resulting exports of U.S.-sourced goods to the Kyrgyz
Republic.

Follow-up Strategy: The Embassy plans to contact
participating firms approximately one month after the show to
gauge their plans. The Embassy would also reach out again
several months later to seek similar feedback.


3. The second proposal is entitled "Doing Business with the
United States - 2008."

Justification: In September 2007, the Embassy utilized BFIF
and Department of Commerce support to host the "Doing
Business with the United States" seminar. The Embassy is
still receiving input, leads and inquiries as a result of
last year's event. This year, the Embassy proposes to use
BFIF and Department of Commerce support to focus attention on
certain categories of potential trade and investment as
outlined in the updated version of the Country Commercial
Guide for the Kyrgyz Republic. Department of Commerce
officials have already signaled their willingness to fund the
travel of speakers and provide additional support for the
2008 event. While the focus of the seminar would be the
mechanics of conducting business, the half-day 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 permit the local American
Chamber of Commerce to recruit new members. The Embassy
would target about 100 for attendance at the seminar.

Planning Milestones: Send invitations by April 30; Prepare
materials for conference by May 14; Hold conference on or
about May 20.

Estimated Costs: Total $2,000.00 for room rental/service,
translation and material preparation.

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

Leveraging Funding: The Department of Commerce has pledged
funding to cover the expenses of speakers, additional seminar
arrangements and ancillary services, which would complement
BFIF support of the proposed event. The American Chamber of
Commerce will also likely provide administrative support in
running the seminar.

Outcome/Success Criteria: The key outcome will be any
increase in imports of U.S.-manufactured goods in the sectors
discussed in the seminar. Additional contacts may help raise
the profile of trade and business opportunities with the
United States.

Follow-Up Strategy: The Embassy would survey Kyrgyz
participants approximately one month and six months after the
event to determine the impact of the seminar on their
business interaction with U.S. partners.

YOVANOVITCH