Middle East Cleantech Trade Mission

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, and Qatar, are seeking the technologies and expertise of proven Clean Tech companies worldwide to develop infrastructures and reduce the severity of climate change per COP26’s Glasgow Climate Pact. These innovative economies are looking to realize bold goals by broadly reducing their carbon output, improving existing infrastructures to become more efficient, and developing more sustainable circular economies. 

Each of these countries has played a leading role in adopting innovative climate policies in a region known for hydrocarbons. Knowledge and technology to implement their climate policies will require collaboration with international companies for nearly every facet of clean energy production, storage, and use. In total, these countries have vowed to invest over $300 billion in clean energy and technology. 

*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of host government and business officials, specific goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.

Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may either: reject the application, request additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. If the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be canceled.  

Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that for each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. content.

A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.

In addition, each applicant must:

• Certify that the products and services that it wishes to market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export controls and regulations; 
• Certify that it has identified any matter pending before any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce; 
• Certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the Department of Commerce; and 
• Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates (1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with a company’s/participant’s involvement in this mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization can make the above certifications.

After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Clean Tech Business Development Mission will be $6,800 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and $7,400 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $1,000. The participation fee for the optional spin-off to Qatar will be $2,300 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and $3600 for large firms or trade associations. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.

If and when an applicant is selected to participate in a particular mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the designated participation fee below is required.  Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.  

Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the event that a mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.

If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain business visas. 

Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens. Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and their insurer of choice.

Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. products and services that have an interest in entering or expanding their business in the mission’s destination country. The following criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:

• Suitability of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) products or services to these markets; 
• The applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) potential for business in the markets, including the likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and
• Consistency of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.

Balance of company size and location may also be considered during the review process.
Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any information, including on the application, containing references to political contributions or other partisan political activities will be excluded from the application and will not be considered during the selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar and other Internet web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than January 13, 2023. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after January 13, 2023, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

The Clean Tech Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity to position your organization as a market leader in facilitating trade throughout the middle east region. Trade Mission sponsors can make meaningful and productive connections while engaging with diverse businesses and contributing to a high-level U.S. government event.

Become a Sponsor Today!

Mr. Kam Shah
Sponsorship Coordinator
Email: Kam.Shah@trade.gov

MIDDLE EAST CLEAN TECH EXECUTIVE LED TRADE MISSION 
TO SAUDI ARABIA, THE UAE AND ISRAEL

Dates: March 12 – March 17, 2023

MISSION DESCRIPTION

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing an Executive-Led Clean Tech Business Development Mission to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel, with an optional stop in Qatar, in March 2023.
 
This mission will introduce U.S. companies and trade associations to the United States’ largest trading partners and four of the largest economies in the Middle East, all of whose governments are investing heavily in Clean Tech to contribute to the global fight against climate change and to diversify and develop their economies. This mission will also offer an opportunity for participants to meet with key Saudi, Emirati, Israeli, and Qatari project decision makers while in the presence of a senior Commerce Executive – and such senior leader messaging is vital in a region where governments play such an important role in the economy. The mission will visit Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi & Dubai, UAE; and Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel; with an optional stop also in Doha, Qatar. This will be the U.S. government’s first-ever trade mission to travel between the Gulf and Israel. Participating firms will gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance their own specific projects, all with the goal of increasing U.S. Clean Tech goods and service exports to the region. 

This mission will include customized one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners. It will also allow for meetings with industry leaders as well as government officials, along with other networking events. Please note, the Department of Commerce Executive will only accompany the delegation to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel during the week of Sunday, March 12 to Friday, March 17, 2023.

Delegates will benefit from the guidance and insights of ITA’s commercial teams working in these markets, opportunities to network with U.S. companies already doing business in the region, and customized, one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened prospective buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners as well as with local government officials and industry leaders.  

COMMERCIAL SETTING  

Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are seeking the technologies and expertise of proven environmental companies worldwide to develop clean infrastructures and reduce the severity of climate change per COP26’s Glasgow Climate Pact. These innovative economies are looking to realize bold goals by broadly reducing their carbon output, improving existing infrastructures to become more efficient, and developing more sustainable circular economies. Strong demand for solutions to develop renewable energy sources like solar and hydrogen alongside improved recycling facilities and processes. 

Each of these countries has played a leading role in adopting innovative climate policies in a region known for hydrocarbons. Knowledge and technology to implement their climate policies will require collaboration with international companies for nearly every facet of clean energy production, storage, and use. In total, these countries have vowed to invest over $300 billion in clean energy and technology.  

Mission Stop 1: Saudi Arabia

Under its Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative, Saudi Arabia is taking steps to shed its moniker as one of the world’s largest emitters of CO2 emissions. In 2021, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance allocated over $19 billion to improve its environmental infrastructure, water, agriculture, sewage networks, and renewable energy sources. The Crown Prince also launched the Saudi Green Initiative with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and greening the Arabian Peninsula with billions of trees. Saudi Arabia has the wealth and wherewithal but lacks the technical expertise to spur its internal energy transition from hydrocarbons to renewables – opening the door for U.S. companies with expertise across the spectrum of clean technologies. 

Water: Economic development, continuous population growth, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand for water and energy pose a huge environmental challenge for Saudi Arabia. The country has relied on desalinated water since the 1950s to ensure that the population has access to a reliable source of potable water. Most of the ground water, which comprises less than 40 percent of the country’s water resources, is used for agricultural purposes. There are significant opportunities for U.S. companies to provide high-tech desalination systems and equipment; technologies and systems that address leakage monitoring and increase water transmission efficiency; services and products to improve infrastructure efficiency for municipal and agricultural purposes; consumption monitoring systems; and wastewater treatment systems.

Waste: As part of its National Transformation Program, Saudi Arabia has launched a system for municipal waste management in order to tackle all types of solid wastes, including general solid wastes such as construction debris, medical waste, hazardous waste, asbestos waste, and used oils. There are significant opportunities for companies that can provide comprehensive solutions for material recovery facilities; treatment of hazardous waste; recycling of waste; conversion of waste into valuable resources or raw materials; engineering and construction services focused on recycling facilities and technologies; and automation and artificial intelligence.

Air Pollution Control: Given that 90 percent of Saudi Arabia is comprised of deserts, dust plays a primary role in causing air pollution. In addition, as the world’s number-one oil exporter, emissions from the refining of crude oil certainly contribute to the degradation of Saudi’s air quality.  While Saudi Aramco has implemented a number of programs to reduce its CO2 emissions such as carbon capture and sequestration in both its upstream and downstream businesses, there remains a tremendous need for cutting-edge technologies to improve air quality.  In addition to carbon capture, there are also opportunities for companies that offer air quality monitoring solutions, emissions control systems, emissions reduction systems, and air purifying solutions.

Renewable Energy: Saudi Arabia considers renewable energy a key priority to achieve sustainable development. The country is aiming to increase its contribution of renewable energy in its overall energy mix by 50 percent. Solar power will dominate the sub-sector, accounting for an average of nearly 80 percent of the country’s total renewables capacity each year between 2021 and 2030. The Kingdom is also working towards reviewing the legal and regulatory framework in private sector investment in renewable energy sources, localizing the industry by encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors, and ensuring the competitiveness of renewable energy by gradually liberalizing the hydrocarbon market. 

Mission Stop 2: United Arab Emirates

The UAE has been a leader in developing clean technology projects because of its local company Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. Masdar has taken part in renewable energy projects throughout the region. Alongside Masdar, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) built the Gulf’s first nuclear energy power plant (Barakah), which will be capable of providing 5600 MWs of clean energy. 

The UAE plays host to the World Future Energy Summit every year since 2008. The UAE will also host the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, in 2023 in Dubai.

Solar Projects: The UAE has established itself as a key solar market over the past several years and will continue to add energy to the grid in the coming years, in particular with the construction of the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a total capacity of 5 GW by 2030, the Sweihan solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, and potential Abu Dhabi Shams power station expansions. The Rooftop Initiative is another proposed solar project that aims to build solar panels on the roofs of every building in the UAE by 2030. 

Energy Storage: In January 2018, DEWA signed a memorandum of understanding with Belgium’s Dredging, Environmental & Marine Engineering Group (DEME) and the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) to explore the potential for a sizable hydro-energy storage site. This project follows DEWA’s launch of the 250 MW hydropower station in Hatta where water will be stored in the Hatta Dam to produce electricity. With increased renewable projects, the UAE will continue to look for solutions to store energy that comes from the sun.

Water: The UAE’s new policy is to decouple power generation from water generation, pursuing alternative technologies such as seawater reverse osmosis (RO) to improve energy and water efficiency and help meet other energy and water security goals.

The UAE has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world at 477 cubic meters per day. With water demand growing annually, there is an increasing need to invest in infrastructure and water efficiency technology. In early 2019, the UAE government approved $1.6 billion for water and energy projects. However, budgets have been cut because of falling government revenues due to low oil prices and the global pandemic, and this has affected existing projects.

Clean Transportation: Electric transportation is an area of great interest in the Emirates. Large projects such as the Virgin Hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi receive the most press coverage, but there are wide-ranging opportunities. Electric vehicles have been well received and their market share will grow as the UAE meets its carbon neutral goals.

Mission Stop 3: Israel
The Government of Israel has announced during COP26 that it will be carbon neutral by 2050. This announcement succeeded in four government decisions to tackle the climate crisis, approved in 2021, including the advancement of infrastructure projects in green energy, energy storage, and waste treatment; and shifting to clean transportation, through incentivizing EVs and enforcing congestion zones. Further, in 2020, the Government of Israel updated its renewable energy targets for 2030, to reflect that 30% of electricity is to be generated from renewable sources (compared with approximately 8% in 2020). Lastly, Israel’s Minister of Energy announced in 2021 that the government will halt all new exploration of offshore gas in 2022 while focusing on renewable energy.
 
Renewable Energy and Storage: To meet its new target of 30% renewables by 2030, Israel will need to increase its overall installed capacity from solar systems to 15.7 GW (more than 7 times its capacity in 2020 – 2.24 GW). It will also need to increase its overall storage capacity by 10 times from 300 MW in 2020 to approximately 3,000 MW in 2030. Solar will account for approximately 90% of the electricity in 2030, while wind, water, and biomass will provide the remaining 10%.  
 
Mass Transportation: The Tel Aviv Metropolitan area is the business center of the country, with 44% of Israel’s population. Due to historic underinvestment in public transportation infrastructure, coupled with a population growth rate among the highest of OECD countries, it is currently extremely congested. To address this, the government initiated the Tel Aviv Metro Project, which will be the largest infrastructure project undertaken in Israel (estimated at more than $45 billion, and intended to serve 2 million passengers per day).
 
Water:  Unlike neighboring countries dealing with an alarming water deficiency, Israel has an abundant supply of water thanks to its desalination facilities that provide the majority of Israel’s water. Nevertheless, due to prolonged drought periods and dwindling natural water resources, coupled with rapid population growth, Israel has to ensure its ability to remain self-sufficient. In 2018, the Israeli government approved a strategic plan valued at approximately $4 billion over the next 7 years, of which at least $1 billion will be open for international tenders. Further, in 2019, a government resolution established that Mekorot (a state-owned water company) will step up its development of the water infrastructure. Key components of Israel’s plans for the water sector include new desalination facilities, connection to the national water conduit system, turnkey projects for drilling shallow and deep-water wells, and construction of pumping stations. 
 
Waste/Recycling:  Israel sends approximately 80% of its waste to landfill, while only 20% is recycled. The Ministry of Environmental Protection’s (MOEP) goal is to transition to a resource-consuming circular economy by 2050, which strives for minimum waste production and maximum efficiency in the use of resources. MOEP’s short-term goals for 2030 are to recycle 54% of the waste (compared to 20% today), create the necessary infrastructure for separation at source and sorting facilities that will process 100% of the waste, while reducing landfill disposal to 20% (from 80% today). To meet these ambitious goals for 2030, the MOEP anticipates that approximately 7-10 new sorting facilities will be required to handle dry, recyclable waste (which constitutes about 39% of total waste). The dry waste material that cannot be recycled will be transferred to energy recovery facilities where possible or otherwise landfilled. Lastly, the MOEP plans to process organic waste (which constitutes 43% of total waste) in biological treatment facilities, where it will undergo further sorting, and then be sent to composting and anaerobic digestion systems.
 
Optional Stop: Qatar
 
Qatar refrained from making a carbon neutral announcement during COP26 like Saudi Arabia or the UAE but has a unique position in the world with its large natural gas reserves which can be used to make blue and green hydrogen. The Qatari Government has focused its efforts on local projects such as the Masherieb District, which was designed to conserve water by using new technologies and practices to reduce usage by up to 30%, as well as increase energy efficiency through more than 5,200 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that provide both electricity and hot water. Qatar Energy announced a new energy strategy to reduce carbon output and meet the Paris Accord 2030 goals. The strategy stipulates deploying dedicated Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facilities to capture more than 7 million tons/year of CO2 in Qatar.
 
Hydrogen: With one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, Qatar is in a unique position to provide the world with natural gas as a transition fuel between coal and oil, and ultimately produce more blue and green hydrogen to power the world. Qatar Energy has partnered with many international companies to build out their hydrogen capabilities, but significant opportunities still exist in Qatar for U.S. companies offering products and services in the LNG production process.  This is particularly relevant since Qatar is currently undertaking a $30 billion North Field Expansion in the LNG sector.

Solar: Qatar has been almost solely reliant on its vast gas reserves for power generation for many decades. A key pillar of the National Vision to achieve 20% non-gas energy by 2030 is energy diversification through investments in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. Opportunities exist for U.S. companies that can supply products and services to support a ground-up photovoltaic operation. Qatar’s first large-scale solar power plant, Al Kharsaah, was announced in January 2020 and will produce 800 MWs annually.  

Other Products and Services    

The foregoing analysis of the Clean Tech opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the UAE (with an optional spin-off to Qatar) is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather illustrative of the various opportunities available to U.S. businesses. Applications from companies selling products or services within the scope of this mission, but not specifically identified, will be considered and evaluated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Companies whose products or services do not fit the scope of the mission may contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) to learn about other business development missions and services that may provide more targeted export opportunities. Companies may call 1-800-872-8723 for more information.

MISSION GOALS

The mission will help participating companies gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of creating and increasing U.S. product and services exports. The mission will include market briefings; one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, industry leaders, and joint venture partners; government meetings; site visits, and networking events. Also, on the margins of trade mission meetings with key government interlocutors and during other events, the Commerce Executive can also advance relevant Advocacy cases (particularly those in Clean Tech) and key Departmental Clean Tech trade policy goals (including the adoption of U.S.-friendly EV and related standards; good public procurement policies; and open cross border data flows for IT services).

MISSION SCENARIO

The business development mission will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners. In addition, delegates can participate in meetings with national and regional government officials, chambers of commerce, and business groups. The mission will also include networking receptions for businesses, companies, and trade associations representing companies interested in expansion into the market. Meetings will be offered with relevant government authorities that can address questions in such areas as procurements, projects, policies, regulations, tariff rates, and incentives. 

PROPOSED TIMETABLE

*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of host government and business officials, specific goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.

Wednesday, March 8 OPTIONAL STOP – Doha, Qatar

• Mission Participants Arrive
• Welcome Briefing at Hotel

Thursday, March 9    OPTIONAL STOP – Doha, Qatar

• Ministry and other Qatar Government Briefings and Meetings 
• Networking Lunch (No-Host)
• One-on-One business matchmaking appointments

Friday, March 10 Travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or down day

Saturday, March 11 Travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or down day
*All TM participants are expected to arrive by Saturday, March 11

Sunday, March 12 Full Day in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Welcome and Saudi Arabia Country Briefing 
• Ministry and other Saudi Government Briefings and meetings
• Networking Lunch Hosted by Chief of Mission
• One-on-One business matchmaking appointments
• Networking Reception at Hotel

Monday, March 13 Morning in KSA, Travel to Dubai in Afternoon

• Morning B2B Meetings in Saudi Arabia
• Travel to Dubai, UAE
• Ministry and other Kuwait Government Briefings and Meetings 
• One-on-One business matchmaking appointments
• Networking Reception at Consul General residence (TBC)

Tuesday, March 14 Full Day in UAE (Morning Dubai, Afternoon Abu Dhabi)

• One-on-One business matchmaking appointments in Dubai
• Transfer to Abu Dhabi
• Ministry Meeting in Abu Dhabi
• Afternoon business matchmaking appointments
• Evening Networking Reception at Chief of Mission Residence

Wednesday, March 15  Morning Abu Dhabi, Travel to Israel

• Morning flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, Israel 
• Welcome Lunch & Briefing at Hotel
• One-on-One business matchmaking appointments
• Evening Networking Event at Chief of Mission Residence

Thursday, March 16 Full Day in Tel Aviv, Israel (Mission Ends at close of business)

• Ministry and other Israeli Government Briefings and meetings
• Morning one-on-one business matchmaking appointments
• Lunch with Government Officials
• Afternoon one-on-one business matchmaking appointments
• Optional site visits

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the DOC. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 and maximum of 20 firms and/or trade associations will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.

FEES AND EXPENSES

After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Digital Transformation Business Development Mission will be $6,800 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and $7,400 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $1,000. The participation fee for the optional spin-off to the UAE will be $2,300 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and $3600 for large firms or trade associations. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.

If and when an applicant is selected to participate in a particular mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the designated participation fee below is required.  Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.  

Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, and incidentals, unless otherwise noted.   Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms.  In the event that a mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.

If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain business visas. 

Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens.  Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.

CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may either: reject the application, request additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application.  If the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be cancelled.  

Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. content.

A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.
In addition, each applicant must:

• Certify that the products and services that it wishes to market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export controls and regulations; 
• Certify that it has identified any matter pending before any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce; 
• Certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the Department of Commerce; and 
• Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates (1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with a company’s/participant’s involvement in this mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization can make the above certifications.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. products and services that have an interest in entering or expanding their business in the mission’s destination country. The following criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:

• Suitability of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) products or services to these markets; 
• The applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) potential for business in the markets, including the likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and
• Consistency of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.

Balance of company size and location may also be considered during the review process.
Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any information, including on the application, containing references to political contributions or other partisan political activities will be excluded from the application and will not be considered during the selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.

TIMELINE FOR RECRUITMENT AND APPLICATIONS

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar and other Internet websites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations, and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than January 13, 2023. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after January 13, 2023, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.