[Federal Register: May 9, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 91)]
[Notices]
[Page 26367-26371]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09my08-35]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to China and India
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to China and India.
DATES: September 1-12, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian O'Hanlon at
brian.ohanlon@mail.doc.gov or Debra Delay at debra.delay@mail.doc.gov
or visit the mission Web site at http://www.export.gov/
cleanenergymission.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Mission Description: The United States Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration, is organizing a Clean Energy and
Environment Trade Mission to China and India, September 1-12, 2008. The
trade mission will target a broad range of clean energy and
environmental technologies such as renewable energy, biofuels, energy
efficiency, clean coal, distributed generation, waste handling and
treatment, wastewater treatment, packaging recycling, and drinking
water treatment. The mission will make stops in Beijing, Jinan, and
Shanghai, China as well as New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, India. It
will be led by Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Bohigian.
Through this mission, ITA seeks to match participating U.S.
companies with prescreened partners, agents, distributors,
representatives, licensees, or retailers in each of these important
sectors. In addition to one-on-one business meetings, the agenda will
also include meetings with national and local government officials,
networking opportunities, country briefings, seminars, and site visits.
Background: This mission builds on two previous U.S. Clean Energy
Technologies Trade Missions, which took place in April 2007 and January
2008. Each brought 17 U.S. companies to China and India. This trade
mission takes place within the context of both the President's
international framework
[[Page 26368]]
on climate change, energy security, and economic growth involving the
15 major economies (the Global-15), as well as the Asia-Pacific
Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP).
On May 31, 2007, President Bush announced an effort to develop and
implement the Global-15 framework by 2012, which would complement the
current United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and
advance the APP. The APP is a public-private partnership in which
member countries work together to facilitate commercial deployment of
technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy
security.
The mission also builds on the work of the U.S.-China Joint
Commission on Commerce and Trade. In December 2007, both countries
committed to continued cooperation in the deployment of environmental
technologies by launching the U.S.-China Environmental Industries
Forum, an event sponsored by the China Association of Environmental
Protection Industry.
China
China's rapid economic growth has been accompanied by widespread
pollution and environmental degradation. This, combined with limited
energy resources and inefficient use of energy, has caused the central
government to make clean energy, environmental technologies, and energy
efficiency a strategic priority. In the 11th Five-Year Plan (2005-
2010), the government has set the targets of reducing energy intensity
per unit of GDP by 20% and reducing emissions for major pollutants
(e.g. carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxides) by 10%. The Chinese
Government's recent passage of the new Renewable Energy Law has
codified many of these mandates, including a renewable energy portfolio
of at least 10 percent by 2020 (up from approximately 3 percent in
2003). This law is partly responsible for the increase in new renewable
energy projects and offers U.S. producers an important opportunity to
provide wind turbines, solar photovoltaics, waste-to-energy, biomass,
geothermal, biofuels, and resource mapping technologies. Achieving the
targets for wind energy alone (30 GW by 2020 from 1.2 GW in 2005) will
require $21-28 billion in investment. China has already invested $12
billion in renewable energy capacity in 2007 and will most likely spend
even more in 2008.
In addition to renewable energy, China has a substantial need for
energy and environmental products that will render energy production
from coal cleaner. Coal accounts for 69% of China's energy use and thus
the need to develop clean coal technologies provides a substantial
opportunity for U.S. producers of combined heat and power, coal
beneficiation products, coal mine methane extraction technologies, gas
turbines, circulating fluidized bed boilers, pollution control
technologies such as desulphurization technologies, and coal conversion
technologies such as advanced pulverized coal gasifiers.
In addition to air pollution and the need for cleaner, more
efficient energy, water issues are among the top priorities of China's
environmental protection plan. It is estimated that in the next five
years, China will invest $175 billion in environmental protection,
accounting for 1.3-1.4% of GDP.
All these initiatives underscore China's intention to deploy
cleaner and more efficient technologies. U.S. technology providers with
accurate market information and a sound business strategy have the
potential to take advantage of the growing Chinese market for clean
energy and environment technologies.
Beijing
With a population of over 15 million, China's capital, Beijing,
offers unparalleled access to Chinese policymakers and institutions
including the National Development and Reform Commission and the newly-
created Ministry of Environment. Since China's energy and environmental
sectors are regulated by the central government, interaction with these
officials can be critical to a company's success.
There is also a strong local market for clean energy technologies
in Beijing, due to its size, its political and economic importance, and
the poor environmental conditions caused by development. Beijing is
unique in China in its provincial status, which enables its municipal
government to approve independent foreign investment projects up to a
value of $30 million. This has positioned Beijing as an attractive
location for foreign investment in China.
Beijing is also developing its own renewable energy policy, partly
as a way to combat the effects of the nearly 1,000 new cars per day
driving on the city's roads.
Jinan
With a population of 5.9 million, Jinan is the capital of China's
Shandong Province. Jinan boasts a highly skilled workforce, is home to
ten universities, and has over two hundred research institutions,
including ten national labs. The city is host to heavy industry,
textiles, IT, bioengineering, home appliances, and transportation tools
companies. Shandong Province's energy intensive economy and
environmental needs offers an array of opportunities to U.S. companies.
In recent years, the province has invested over $13 billion on
environmental projects including water treatment, industrial
monitoring, and pollution prevention.
Jinan is also host to the 3rd International Exhibition on Green
Industry and the Northeast Asia Environmental Protection Industry Fair,
which brings together green technologies and buyers from across North
Asia. Trade mission participants will receive special attention from
the event's organizers as the first U.S. delegation to the exhibition.
Shanghai
Shanghai is known as the commercial and financial capital of China.
With its strategic location at the mouth of China's longest river, the
Yangtze, Shanghai also serves as the country's central transportation
hub, offering a well-developed air, rail, sea, and road transportation
infrastructure. In 2006, Shanghai registered 12 percent growth in its
gross domestic product (GDP), the city's 15th consecutive year of
double-digit growth. Its estimated population of 21 million people
makes Shanghai the second largest city in China, after Chongqing. Per
capita GDP is US$7,000, compared to the national average of US$2,800.
Its strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and solid
infrastructure make Shanghai a magnet for foreign direct investment
(FDI). Contracted FDI for 2006 reached US$15 billion, up 5 percent from
2005, and realized FDI was US$7 billion. Shanghai hosts over 4,800
U.S.-invested firms, including GM, Intel, GE, Motorola, FedEx, and UPS.
Shanghai faces the same severe energy and environmental challenges
as many of China's other cities. According to the Shanghai Municipal
Government, 80 percent of Shanghai's 22,000 waterways and lakes are
contaminated by substances such as petrochemicals, cyanides, mercury,
cadmium, arsenic, and lead. In 2007, domestic sewage discharge reached
1.8 billion cubic meters; however, only 49.4 percent was treated in
urban areas. Only 20 percent of water supplied by local rivers is
drinkable, limiting the water available to residents to 1,050 cubic
meters per capita--60 percent less than China's national average.
In an effort to reverse environmental degradation, Shanghai
recently launched the multi-billion dollar Shanghai Urban Environment
Plan, seeking to address urban planning and
[[Page 26369]]
environmental needs for the city. The plan will require the Shanghai
Water Authority to invest $725 million in the next few years, including
a 1.3 million ton per day wastewater treatment plant, new pipe
networks, pumping stations, and overall management and monitoring
systems.
Shanghai recently overhauled its Clean Air Act and now mandates
desulfurization systems on all new power plants and industrial
facilities located in designated sulfur dioxide and acid rain control
zones. The city is embarking on an ambitious campaign to curb vehicle
emissions by phasing out leaded gasoline, issuing new tailpipe
standards, developing alternative fuel technologies, and investing in
emissions control and inspection equipment. And the government is
beginning to enforce its comprehensive solid and hazardous waste law.
The Shanghai Municipal Government's energy strategy has focused on
the diversification of energy supplies, increasing energy efficiency,
and introducing clean energy technologies into the energy mix.
Shanghai's energy demand has grown approximately 6-8% annually, while
electricity demand has recently surged to over 10% a year. As a result,
this focus is particularly reflected in the Shanghai's building codes
have been changed to encourage energy efficient technologies and
design.
Shanghai's government is also considering a ``100,000'' roofs
initiative to add solar panels to homes and businesses. China's power
grid company is developing a fleet of electric-only vehicles and plans
to create a network of charging stations for the Beijing Olympics and
the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. Shanghai also plans to have a fleet of
electric buses in time for the 2010 World Expo.
India
India is experiencing dramatic economic growth and a rapidly
increasing demand for energy. Currently the world's fourth largest
energy consumer, India will be the third-largest by 2030. Both India's
cities and villages lack adequate energy; there is therefore a need to
add on-grid and off-grid power generation. The Government of India has
specified renewable energy in its development plans and has developed
numerous government incentives. The federal government has set a goal
of electrifying 18,000 remote villages and meeting 10 percent of its
energy demand with clean energy by 2012. The Indian market for clean
energy is estimated at $600 million with an annual growth rate of 25
percent. The current 8,000 MW of installed capacity is expected to
reach 20,000 MW by 2012. India is currently experiencing annual growth
of energy demand of 9 percent a year.
The clean energy market in India offers strong business prospects
to U.S. companies, particularly in solar, biomass, gasification, wind,
hydro, and solid and industrial waste-to-energy. The market for energy
efficiency is estimated to be about $2 billion, concentrated especially
in energy-intensive industries such as cement, aluminum, fertilizers,
pulp and paper, petrochemicals, and steel.
New Delhi
New Delhi, India's capital, is not only the second largest city,
but also the second-most favored foreign direct investment (FDI)
destination in the country. Key industries and business opportunities
in New Delhi include environmental technologies, renewable energy, and
energy efficiency. The total Indian market for these goods and services
is expected to grow to $9 billion in 2010. New Delhi is also the
principal end-user of clean technology, fulfilling the Government of
India's (GOI) directives on nation-wide deployment of environmental
equipment and services. The size of New Delhi's need for energy and
high pollution makes it an attractive market for large investments in
clean technology projects, which is a key national priority.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh and has a
population of 7 million. Clean energy companies visiting Andhra Pradesh
will find potential partners in the city's numerous energy intensive
sectors including cement, steel, power plants, and defense industries.
The state agency, Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation
of Andhra Pradesh Ltd., implements numerous programs to support clean
energy. The Andhra Pradesh government provides subsidies to all
renewable energy technologies including wind, solar, hydro, and biogas.
Hyderabad is also the epicenter for the Green Business Building push in
India. The Confederation of Indian Industry's Green Business Center is
located in Hyderabad. This showcase for Clean Energy enjoys support
from ongoing U.S.-India partnerships operated by USAID and the State
Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The Environment Protection Agency of India (EPTRI) is also located
in Hyderabad, providing comprehensive training and research in
environmental issues and concerns. The increasing population density
and sustained efforts to improve the standard of living have created
tremendous pressure on the environment. Approximately 10 percent of the
geographical area and 19 percent of the cultivatable area of Andhra
Pradesh requires environmental cleanup. Though there is domestic
competition, Hyderabad therefore presents a tremendous opportunity for
U.S. firms, which can provide a wide range of services.
Mumbai
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the capital of the state of Maharashtra
and is home to over 16 million residents. As India's most
industrialized state, Maharashtra leads India in energy consumption,
produces sizeable quantities of pollutants, and has experienced
frequent energy blackouts. A 5,000 MW energy shortfall has spurred
innovative programs to promote clean energy. In fact, the Maharashtra
Energy Development Agency is actively promoting additional power from
solar, wind, biogas, and small hydro sources. One of India's premier
research institutes, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay,
operates an active Energy Systems Engineering program with a particular
focus on sustainable energy.
Small-scale industrial firms dominate the environmental
technologies sector but there are a few engineering companies offering
services and equipment as part of turnkey consulting services. This
sector is growing at 10-12 percent annually. There is a growing demand
for the technologies for solid waste, water and wastewater treatment,
vehicular pollution and air pollution. Some of the advanced equipment
required for treatment of biomedical waste is not manufactured
domestically and must be imported--an opportunity for U.S. exporters.
Imports constitute nearly 40 percent of the total market.
Mission Goals: The Trade Mission will facilitate market entry or
increased sales into these significant markets for U.S. clean energy
and environmental technologies and services firms, and will assist
mission participants in gaining first-hand market information and
access to key government officials and potential business partners.
Mission Scenario: In China and India, the International Trade
Administration will:
Provide a market briefing highlighting opportunities in
the clean energy technologies sectors.
Schedule one-on-one appointments with potential business
partners for each participant.
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Provide a venue for the one-on-one appointments and
provide interpreters as needed.
Provide networking opportunities with the private and
public sectors.
Organize relevant site visits.
Summary of Results Expected From the Mission
Increased U.S. clean energy and environmental technologies
exports to China and India.
Progress on addressing market access barriers to trade in
clean energy and environmental technologies and services in China and
India.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of economic
growth and the improvement of environmental conditions in China and
India.
Increased awareness of the President's new international
climate change framework (``the Global-15'') and the Asia Pacific
Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, and of ITA's trade policy
and promotion programs.
Proposed Mission Timetable
Monday, September 1, 2008
Arrive in Beijing.
Welcome Reception.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Embassy Briefing.
U.S.-China Clean Energy and Environmental Technologies Forum.
Meeting with China's National Development and Reform Commission.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Depart Beijing.
Arrive Jinan.
Participate in the Shandong International Exposition of Green
Industry.
Government/Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Depart Jinan.
Arrive Shanghai.
Networking Dinner.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Consulate Briefing.
Government/Business Meetings.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Depart Shanghai.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Arrive New Delhi.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Embassy Briefing.
Government/Business Meetings.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Depart New Delhi.
Arrive Hyderabad.
Local Market Briefing.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Depart Hyderabad.
Arrive Mumbai.
Government/Business Meetings.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Networking Reception.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Government/Business Meetings.
One-on-One Business Meetings.
Site Visit.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Depart Mumbai.
Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in this mission must
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the
Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their
ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection
criteria as outlined below. No more than 25 companies will be selected
to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.
Fees and Expenses
After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation
fee is required. The participation fee will be $5,400 per firm, which
includes one principal representative. The fee for each additional firm
representative is $1,000. For companies who wish to only participate in
mission activities for one country the participation fee will be $3,500
per firm, which includes one principal representative. The fee for each
additional firm representative is $750. Expenses for travel, lodging,
some meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission
participant.
Conditions for Participation
An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate
information on the company's: Products and/or services, primary market
objectives, and goals for participation no later than July 21, 2008. If
we receive an incomplete application, we reserve the right to either
reject the application or take the lack of information into account
when evaluating the applications. A mission application may be found at
http://www.export.gov/cleanenergymission.
Each applicant must also:
--Certify that the products or services it seeks to export through the
mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed
under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S.
content;
--Certify that the export of the products or services that it wishes to
export through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export
controls and regulations;
--Certify that it has identified to the Department of Commerce for its
evaluation any business pending before the Department of Commerce that
may present either a conflict of interest or the appearance of a
conflict of interest;
--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 the company's/participant's involvement in this mission, and (2)
maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign
officials.
Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on
the following criteria in decreasing order of importance.
Relevance of the company's business line to the mission
scope and goals;
Potential for business in the selected markets;
Demonstrated export experience in China and/or India and/
or globally;
Participation in both the China and India portions of the
mission;
Rank/seniority of the designated company representative;
and
Diversity of sector participation.
Additional factors, such as diversity of company size, type,
location, demographics, and traditional under-representation in
business, may also be considered during the review process.
Invited companies must submit the trade mission participation fee
and completed participation agreement within two weeks of receipt of
their invitation in order to secure their place in the mission. After
that time other companies may be invited to fill their spot.
Applications received after the closing date will be considered only if
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space and scheduling constraints permit.
Referrals from political organizations and any documents, including
the application, containing references to partisan political activities
(including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant's
submission and not considered during the selection process.
The mission will be promoted through the following venues: ITA's
Export Assistance Centers; the Energy Team; the Environment Team; the
Asia Pacific Team; the Africa, Near East, and South Asia Team; Global
Trade Programs; the Trade Events List http://www.export.gov; industry
newsletters; the Federal Register; the Asia-Pacific Partnership for
Clean Development and Climate; relevant trade publications; relevant
trade associations; past Commerce trade mission participants; various
in-house and purchased industry lists; the Commerce Department trade
missions calendar: http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html; and the
Web: http://www.export.gov/cleanenergymission.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian O'Hanlon, Office of Energy and Environment, U.S. Department of
Commerce, E-mail: cleanenergymission@mail.doc.gov, Telephone: 202-482-
3492.
Debra Delay, Global Environmental Technologies Deputy Team Leader,
Boston U.S. Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of Commerce, E-
mail: debra.delay@mail.doc.gov, Telephone: 617-565-4302. Mission Web
site: http://www.export.gov/cleanenergymission.
Dated: May 6, 2008.
Stephen Jacobs,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance.
[FR Doc. E8-10450 Filed 5-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P