BFIF: FY 2009 PROPOSALS FROM MALI

UNCLAS BAMAKO 000067 DEPARTMENT FOR EB/CBA-DENNIS WINSTEAD, AF/EPS-ADA ADLER, AND AF/W SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP BTIO AMGT ETRD EINV ML SUBJECT: BFIF: FY 2009 PROPOSALS FROM MALI REF: 08 STATE 128559 ¶1. This message serves as Embassy Bamako's FY 2009 Business Facilitation Incentive Funds (BFIF) proposals. ¶2. Embassy proposes to obtain BFIF funding to undertake the programs enumerated below. The first project reflects guidance in reftel regarding commercial training for Post Commercial Officer. The subsequent projects, listed in order of priority, are aimed at developing ongoing business counseling and commercial advocacy programs in Mali. ¶3. Project 1: Regional CS-State Commercial Training and Strategic Planning Program. -- Fund travel and per diem expenses for Economics/Commercial Officer to attend regional CS-State Commercial Training and Strategic Planning program in Johannesburg, South Africa, February 16-20, 2009. This project supports Post Partnership programs as part of BFIF's continuing effort to enhance the delivery of commercial services to U.S. companies at non-CS posts. The estimated cost of this proposal is USD 3000. ¶4. Project 2: Fund a one-day event organized by Post in collaboration with the Mali AGOA Committee, the Mali Chamber of Commerce and the USAID Economic Growth program to -- Present US commercial and economic programs such as BuyUSA, IBP, EXIM Bank, OPIC, and USTDA -- Host an exhibition of selected products that could be promoted for export to the U.S. to get AGOA benefits, and Post will rent a 100-seat conference room and exhibition space at Centre International de Conference de Bamako and invite Commercial Officer or Commercial Attach in Dakar as a speaker. The target audience would be business people from several regions of Mali and the District of Bamako, who would be presented with U.S. outreach commercial programs and better prepare transactions with U.S. partners. The estimated cost for this proposal is approximately USD 3,500. ¶5. Project 3: Fund travel and per diem expenses for the Economic/Commercial Specialist to -- Accompany a Malian delegation participating in one USDOC sponsored International Buyers Program (IBP) in 2009. The specific event would be chosen after gauging the level of demand from Malian business leaders and the potential for growth in that particular sector. -- Following the IBP, hold consultations in Washington, DC, over the course of two days. The purpose of these consultations would be to follow-up on a USTDA-sponsored waste-to-energy project; OPIC micro-finance programs in Mali; and the status of default payments on six EXIM Bank loans made to Malian companies. This proposal is designed to provide customized assistance to a delegation of Malian business leaders attending an IBP. Such customization is of particular importance in Mali, where business people are more familiar with francophone environments. Through his participation in the IBP and subsequent consultations, Economic/Commercial Specialist will gain up to date information on opportunities within the sector represented in the IBP and existing finance options to better target future business counseling and outreach. The estimated cost of this proposal is approximately USD ¶4600. ¶6. Please advise if additional information is needed. Contact person is Economic/Commercial Officer Manoela Borges or Economic/Commercial Specialist Oumar Konipo. Ms. Borges and Mr. Konipo may be reached by phone at (223) 2070 2300; by fax at (223) 2070 2479 and by e-mail respectively at BorgesMG@state.gov and KonipoOM@state.gov (also listed on global address list for the UNCLASS system.) Embassy Bamako would like once again to thank EB/CBA for this program, which has enhanced the capability of the commercial section to help increase trade between the U.S. and Mali. MILOVANOVIC