DRC 2009 BFIF PROPOSALS

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000037

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EEB/CBA-DWINSTEAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ABUD AMGT BEXP BTIO ECON ETRD EINV CG
SUBJECT: DRC 2009 BFIF PROPOSALS

REF: A) STATE 128559
B) JAFFEE-WINSTEAD 01-09-2009 TELCON


1. (U) Post proposes two projects for funding under the Business
Facilitation Incentive Fund (BFIF) for 2009: An East and Central
Africa Economic Officers Conference to be hosted by Embassy
Kinshasa, and a series of U.S-DRC commercial seminars in key
selected cities in the DRC.


2. Project 1: East and Central Africa Economic Officers Conference


A - Justification. Post proposes hosting an East and Central Africa
Economic Officers Conference in Kinshasa. The conference will bring
together Economic Officers from throughout East and Central Africa
with regionally-based USG officials from agencies such as USAID,
FAA, Commerce, USDA, USTDA, and MCC. Conference objectives will be
to enhance cooperation among Economic Officers in the sub-region;
develop more effective communication and coordination with USG
agencies not present at most AF/C and AF/E posts; exchange views on
key economic issues, including regional economic integration; and
promote the professional development of State Department Entry Level
Officers.

B- Planning Milestones. The timing, budget and agenda will be
developed in consultation with EEB/CBA. Post looks forward to
discussing these issues with EEB/CBA and other embassies and
agencies during the mid-February AF Commercial Training Program in
Johannesburg.

C- Estimate Costs. To be developed in consultation with EEB/CBA.



3. Project 2: U.S.-DRC Commercial Outreach Road-Show

A- Justification. Despite significant potential commercial
opportunities for U.S. companies due to the DRC's vast natural
resources, large population (65 million) and generally open trade
regime, enhanced U.S.-DRC commercial relations remain hampered by
the country's challenging investment climate. The World Bank has
rated the DRC as the most difficult country in the world to do
business in its annual Doing Business ranking. At the same time,
local private sector associations and the government of the DRC
(GDRC) have expressed a strong desire to work more closely with the
USG to improve and enhance U.S.-DRC commercial relations and take
greater advantage of USG programs such as AGOA. This commercial
outreach activity will include the organization of seminars in three
principal commercial cities in the DRC: Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and
Kisangani.

Each seminar will include presentations on doing business with the
United States, including information on key USG programs and
policies, to support increased U.S.-DRC trade and investment. The
seminars will serve to enhance U.S.-DRC commercial relations by
providing practical information to potential commercial partners, as
well as provide an opportunity to engage with Congolese
interlocutors in major commercial centers on overcoming key hurdles
to doing business in the DRC. Post proposes organizing the seminars
in coordination with the Congolese Chamber of Commerce (FEC or
Federation des Entreprises, in French),the leading national
advocate for the promotion and protection of private enterprise in
the DRC.

B- Planning Milestones. Post proposes holding one seminar in each of
the second, third and fourth quarters of 2009. The Kinshasa seminar
will serve as the kick-off of the outreach series. Performance
indicators will be based on the number of participants benefiting
from enhanced knowledge of doing business with the United States,
with the longer-term dual goals of enhancing U.S.-DRC commercial
relations and removing obstacles for U.S. trade and investment.

C- Estimated Costs. Total estimated costs for all three seminars is:
$7415.00. (Note: FEC has agreed to provide use of their conference
room facilities in all three cities free of charge. Travel-related
costs to Lubumbashi and Kisangani reflect post-imposed restrictions
on the use of DRC owned/operated airlines, which limits domestic
flight options and require longer stays in each city. End Note)

Kinshasa:
Miscellaneous expenses: $250

Lubumbashi:
Airfare for Econ Officer and FSN: $2000.00
Lodging/Per Diem for Econ Officer and FSN: $2300.00
Miscellaneous Expenses: $250.00
Local Transportation: $400.00
TOTAL: $4950.00

Kisangani:
Airfare for Econ Officer and FSN:$1080.00
Lodging/Per Diem for Econ Officer and FSN: $835.00
Miscellaneous Expenses: $200.00
Local: Transportation: $100.00
TOTAL: $2215.00


4. Point of Contact at post for both proposals is Economic Counselor
Elizabeth Jaffee, email: jaffeeee@state.gov.

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