Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10TIRANA55
2010-01-27 14:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tirana
Cable title:
ALBANIA'S BFIF PROPOSAL FOR 2010
how-toVZCZCXRO9409 PP RUEHIK DE RUEHTI #0055/01 0271439 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 271439Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8775 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
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
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
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