ALBANIA'S BFIF PROPOSAL FOR 2010

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 TIRANA 000055 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ECON EINVETRD BTIO AL SUBJECT: ALBANIA'S BFIF PROPOSAL FOR 2010 TIRANA 00000055 001.2 OF 003 ¶1. SUMMARY: Embassy has consulted with multiple agencies, local partners and others to develop a proposal that significantly expands outreach to the business community and that increases opportunities to promote U.S. products in Albania. End Summary. ¶A. Proposal #1 Outreach & Resource Program Brief Justification -------------- ¶2. Albania imports four times more than it exports. While the total trade volume is 5 billion USD annually, American firms have limited exposure in Albania despite a strong appreciation of American goods and a favorable dollar-euro exchange rate. Albanians speak English well and remain immensely supportive of U.S. policies. This three stage proposal involves (1) an outreach program to local chambers of commerce; (2) the strengthening of business outreach information through American trade corners; and (3) establishing information booths on American businesses and products at important trade fairs. Impact -------------- ¶3. This program is expected to significantly increase country-wide knowledge of American services, products and goods and enhance the Embassy's effectiveness in promoting U.S. exports. Moreover, the program will increase the Embassy's expertise on relevant industries for growth and provide a continuing platform for businesses to access information about American goods. It will also serve as a feeder for IBP trade shows as well as other business facilitation services. Milestones -------------- ¶4. Immediate (Phase 1): Post will travel to all major regions to meet with local Chamber of Commerce and businesses. Embassy will cost share and cover all applicable costs for this segment of the program. Embassy will coordinate closely with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)on a needs assessment to identify key areas of interest of the 300+ members of AmCham. AmCham will cost share through their monthly magazine, general assembly at the end of February, e-mail follow-up and other initiatives. 5) Three-month time frame (Phase 2): Embassy will coordinate with regional FCS office and other sources to identify useful online and print resources that are beneficial for firms that want to purchase US products. In particular a mechanism to enhance matchmaking between Albanian businessmen and American suppliers is needed. Embassy has well-established, strategically located "American Corner" programs that are located in public locations with internet access and reading materials in three major cities. All three Corners have are high traffic volume and are also used for outreach activities for special audiences. A fourth American Corner is anticipated in another major city. Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section supports inclusion of business related information in all of the American Corners, and can be used to host key business events that promote U.S. business and trade. The AmCham office is an alternate choice for a trade corner as well. 6) Six-month time frame (Phase 3): After identifying area of growth through outreach and coordinating with EAC (Export Assistance Center),the regional FCS office and regional AmChams on identifying areas where the U.S. could have a significant presence, the Embassy will host a booth at significant trade shows in order to provide information about the American market, how to buy from the U.S. and firms relevant to the trade show. This would also include funding a trip for regional FCS support to hold seminars on how to import from the U.S. Estimated Costs -------------- 7) Phase 1: Embassy will cover expenses associated with outreach efforts. AmCham will provide material support for a needs assessment. 8) Phase 2: Costs will depend on service needs identified in outreach efforts and will focus on software or subscription services and design of matchmaking tools. Embassy will host kick-off ceremony with Embassy's representational funds. Software/Subscriptions service 1500 (est) Mailings and publicity for opening 750 Graphic Design Service for Corners, Signage etc 1000 -------------- -------------- Total 3250 TIRANA 00000055 002.2 OF 003 9) Phase 3: These are estimates for participation in two major fairs. Selection of precise fairs will be based on feedback from outreach but first major show would likely be in September. Construction of booth 3000 Design Services, printed and marketing materials 3000 Mailings and phone calls 800 Space rental 2400 Hotel & Per Diem for FCS Staff (two) 2304 Travel via POV or Airplane 900 -------------- -------------- Total 11504 Contact Info -------------- ¶10. Ms. Margo Pogorzelski Economic and Commercial Officer United States Embassy Rruga Elbasanit 103 Tirana, Albania Tel.: + (355) (42) 247 285, ext. 3319 Fax: + (355) (42) 232 222 Cell: 00 355 68 606 6499 Email: Pogorzelskiml@state.gov Ms. Edi Jacellari Commercial Assistant United States Embassy Rruga Elbasanit 103 Tirana, Albania Tel.: + (355) (42) 247 285, ext. 3116 Fax: + (355) (42) 232 222 Cell: 00 355 68 208 0367 E-mail: JacellariE@state.gov ¶B. Proposal #2 Strategic Planning and Training Brief Justification -------------- 11) Should Albania start the procedures to migrate to the MOU during 2010, Embassy Tirana requests BFIF support for a training/strategic planning program with Albania's partner post, FCS Zagreb on specific MOU procedures. The Commercial Assistant will travel to Zagreb to learn specific MOU procedures, train in the FCS section, plan networking opportunities in Albania as appropriate and develop a strategic plan for the following year. Econ/Commercial Officer would participate in strategic planning via telecon or videocon. Impact -------------- 12) Expected impact is development of new strategic plan to coordinate resources, a smooth transition to the MOU system, and institutional knowledge of "nuts and bolts" procedures of recordkeeping under CS system. Milestones -------------- 13) Milestones for planning would be dependent on likelihood of Albania being migrated to MOU status. After the training and as a result of the strategic planning goals would be set for the one month, three month and six month timeframe. Estimated Costs -------------- 14) Approximate total cost for a program that would last four working days will be: Lodging (198 x 5nights) 990 M&IE (126 x 5.5) 693 Travel by POV or air 900 Visa 50 Miscellaneous 200 -------------- -------------- TOTAL 2, 833 TIRANA 00000055 003.2 OF 003 Contact Info -------------- 15) Ms. Margo Pogorzelski Economic and Commercial Officer United States Embassy Rruga Elbasanit 103 Tirana, Albania Tel.: + (355) (42) 247 285, ext. 3319 Fax: + (355) (42) 232 222 Cell: 00 355 68 606 6499 Email: Pogorzelskiml@state.gov Ms. Edi Jacellari Commercial Assistant United States Embassy Rruga Elbasanit 103 Tirana, Albania Tel.: + (355) (42) 247 285, ext. 3116 Fax: + (355) (42) 232 222 Cell: 00 355 68 208 0367 E-mail: JacellariE@state.gov WITHERS