UZBEKISTAN: 2010 BUSINESS FACILITATION INCENTIVE FUND (BFIF)

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TASHKENT 000098 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/CBA DENNIS WINSTEAD COMMERCE FOR DANICA STARKS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ECON EINV ETRD BTIO UZ SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: 2010 BUSINESS FACILITATION INCENTIVE FUND (BFIF) PROPOSAL REF: STATE 126674; STATE 124006 ¶1. (U) Brief Justification for Project -- Trade Show. Embassy Tashkent is requesting funding to recruit and send a delegation of Uzbek businesspeople to the May 3-6, 2010, Offshore Technology Conference (Energy/Oil) in the U.S. (NOTE: Although this conference contains the word "offshore" in the title, it is in fact the leading oil/gas trade show to take place in the U.S. in 2010 and covers all aspects of the industry, not just "offshore." End Note.) The delegation will be accompanied by a locally engaged Embassy staff person (LES) who will act as trade facilitator. We believe Uzbek participation in this event is tied to strategic business facilitation and U.S. export promotion. Uzbekistan and foreign investors have been pouring millions of dollars into oil and gas projects, and advanced technology from the U.S. could play an important role. Uzbekistan has indicated its strong preference for Western technology in complex oil/gas extraction projects as well as in storage, transportation, and pipeline maintenance. In 2010 Uzbekistan plans to invest $900 million USD of its own funds in oil and gas projects, and it expects an additional $3 billion from foreign investors. ¶2. (U) Expected Impact -- To date U.S. companies have been poorly represented in the Uzbek oil/gas sector. Embassy facilitation of Uzbek participation in the Offshore Technology Conference would increase contacts with U.S. companies in this sector and will promote new market opportunities for U.S. exporters. ¶3. (U) Planning Milestones February 15 -- Identify potential Uzbek participants. February 15 - March 15 -- Determine which potential participants wish and are able to attend. Finalize list of participants. April 5 -- Finish trade show registration and other trip logistics. (Funds are required by this time.) Work out meetings in collaboration with the Houston U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC). May 3-6 -- Trade show takes place. ¶4. (U) Estimated cost for LES facilitator Roundtrip airfare from Tashkent to Houston, TX -- $3,000 USD Lodging and per diem in Tashkent -- $1,000 USD Total estimated cost -- $4,000 USD. ¶5. (U) Points of Contact: Econ officer -- Mr. Robert McCutcheon -- McCutcheonRA@state.gov Tel: (998-71) 120-5450 (ext 2110) TASHKENT 00000098 002 OF 002 Pol/Econ Chief -- Mr. Nicholas Berliner -- BerlinerNR@state.gov Tel: (998-71) 120-5450 (ext 2115) Econ Specialist -- Mr. Murod Madjidov -- Madjidovm@state.gov Tel: (998-71) 120-5450 (Ext 2119) NORLAND