Issues & AdvocacyFederal

Commerce Dept. Presents Information to Members about October 2012 India Trade Mission
By Jessica Salmoiraghi, Director, Federal Regulatory Relations & Counsel

Arica N. Young, an International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, presented on the AIA Virtual Advocacy meeting yesterday. Ms. Young outlined what firms will get if they participate in the mission. There are one-on-one meetings with prospective public and private developers who are interested in the firm’s specialization. In addition, there will be networking sessions hosted by the US State Department and for AIA members, there will be a member meeting during the mission with 2012 First Vice President, Mickey Jacob.

This mission will help firms interested in expanding abroad develop the contacts needed to successfully enter this burgeoning economy. Rapid growth is expected in the Indian economy over the next 20 years, as the Indian government is looking to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure projects from 2012-2017.

The mission will take U.S. architects to the cities of Chennai, Kolkota (Calcutta), and Bangalore to meet with local and regional governments and private sector developers interested in master planning, health care and educational facilities, airports, and mixed-use projects. Firms also will have the opportunity to add additional meetings in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

One question that was asked is how successful have trade missions been in the past. Arica noted that since the implementation of the National Export Initiative in 2010, Commerce has coordinated 135 trade missions to 55 countries with over 1136 companies participating. Participating companies have secured more than $3.5 billion so far in export sales as a direct result of these trade missions.

This is a competitive process, and applications will be reviewed by the Department of Commerce on a rolling basis, so it firms need to apply early. Applications are due no later than August 24. Please review the application details here.

You can view Ms. Young’s presentation from the call here. For more information about the mission, see the AIA’s India Trade Mission Resources page.

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