International Trade Administration

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce invites U.S. companies to

participate in the following overseas trade mission:

Ambassador David Aaron's Business Devevelopment Mission to Central

America

Location: Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador

Date: March 21-28, 1999

Under Secretary of International Trade, Ambassador David Aaron will

lead a business development mission of 15 U.S. companies to Central

America. The mission will visit Honduras Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El

Salvador. In the wake of Hurricane Mitch, significant portions of

regional infrastructure, as well as major sources of foreign exchange

and economic growth, have been damaged. Reconstruction needs are

estimated at over $8 billion for the region. Focusing on

reconstruction, the mission will strive to expand opportunities for

U.S. companies in the following sectors: general infrastructure (roads

and bridges; power generation/distribution; urban construction;

environment; water; tourism; telecommunications; port expansion/

management; emergency preparedness equipment), finance, light

manufacturing, and agribusiness.

Additionally, the growing interest in the regional integration of

energy, transport and telecommunication will be explored. In each

country, meetings will be held with senior government officials,

leaders of the local business communities and members of the American

Chambers of Commerce.

Time frame for applications: Applications may be submitted after

February 17, 1999 to the Director of the Infrastructure Division,

Department of Commerce, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 4056,

Washington, D.C. 20230; telephone: (202) 482-2374; facsimile: (202)

482-3352. Internet address: ``[email protected]''.

All applications must be received by March 3, 1999. Applications

received after that date will be considered on a space available basis.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Smith, Department of Commerce Tel:

202-482-0681; Fax: 202-482-0304.

Dated: February 18, 1999.

Tom Nisbet,

Director, Promotion Planning and Support Division.

[FR Doc. 99-4445 Filed 2-22-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-DRF-P