The U.S. Secretary of Commerce will lead an Infrastructure Business Development Mission to Brazil, Colombia and Panama that will highlight export opportunities for U.S. businesses in a broad range of infrastructure related sectors: project management and engineering services (including construction, architecture and design); transportation (including road/highways, railways, airports, ports and intelligent transportation systems); energy (including distribution, transmission and smart grid); and safety and security. This mission advances the 2010 launch of President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014, supporting economic and job growth.

Best Prospects

Building Products and Construction Equipment, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Electrical Power Systems, Safety and Security Equipment, Airport Supplies, Port Equipment, and Logistics and Distribution Solutions Providers

Why Brazil, Panama, and Colombia?

Growing Market Demand

The Brazilian Growth Acceleration Program recently laid out additional investment plans of nearly $582 billion for 2011-2014.The Colombian government is focusing on improving its infrastructure development, earmarking $26 billion over the next 4 years for primarily road projects. In 2011, Panama’s economy grew 10.5 percent and U.S. exports to Panama jumped 34 percent to $8.25 billion. Panama’s government is currently engaged in the Panama Canal expansion project as well as expansion of its ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

U.S. Trade Agreements with Panama and Colombia

The US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement provides immediate duty-free entry for 80 percent of U.S. industrial exports to Colombia, with remaining tariffs phased out over the next 10 years. The U.S. Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) eliminates some 90 percent of tariffs and duties on U.S. exports to Panama.

Meet the Decision Makers

Trade mission participants will receive market briefings and participate in customized meetings with key officials and prospective partners, including private sector developers and state and local government officials.

Registration

You will find registration information on the following page: Trade Mission Application. Please download and complete the Department of Commerce Official Trade Mission Application Form (total of 4 pages) and send it to businessliaison@doc.gov.

Print | Last Updated: 3/1/13 11:04 AM