US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA516

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000516 
 
SIPDIS 
 
GUATEMALA FOR COMATT: MLARSEN 
STATE FOR WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: BEXP, EINV, ECON, HO 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY REQUEST FOR 2005 BFIF FUNDS 
 
REF:  a) 04 STATE 65523 
 
1.  (U) Summary:  Embassy Tegucigalpa requests a total of 
USD 7,300 in BFIF funds for training and travel to promote 
US exports to Honduras.  This request consists of the 
following three components:  commercial training for 
economic/commercial officer; commercial outreach in major 
cities outside of the capital to business associations and 
companies seeking to increase trade with the U.S.; and 
promotion of CAFTA benefits to the business community to 
encourage taking maximum advantage of the free trade 
agreement. 
 
2.  (U) Post requests USD 3,700 for commercial training for 
Post's recently-arrived economic/commercial officer. 
Justification:  Post has no resident FCS officer.  A first 
tour junior officer manages Post's Foreign Commercial 
Service operations and supervises two local-hire FCS FSNs. 
Econoff also follows the Central America Free Trade 
Agreement (CAFTA) portfolio.  Post therefore requests funds 
for this officer to attend two vitally important FSI 
courses:  Commercial Tradecraft (August 8-12); and Trade 
Agreement Monitoring and Implementation (August 1-5).  The 
two courses are scheduled consecutively, yielding 
significant savings on travel costs if both are approved for 
the same trip. 
 
3. (U) These courses and the consultations built into them 
will enhance econoff's knowledge of the Washington-based 
resources available to promote US exports.  Additionally, 
technical training in implementing and monitoring trade 
agreements will support Mission Performance Plan goal of 
supporting US business and investors and ensuring that both 
are able to maximize benefits anticipated under CAFTA.  Post 
notes that a similar training proposal was submitted and 
approved in FY04; however, those funds were returned for 
reprogramming when the previously assigned junior officer 
was identified for service in Iraq.  Post subsequently 
absorbed an eight-month gap in that position.  Now that this 
position has been filled, Post considers it mission-critical 
to train-up this officer as quickly as possible to achieve 
maximum effectiveness in our FCS operations.  Post will also 
be working closely with FCS to identify funding for 
orientation visits to regional FCS offices and other 
training opportunities. 
 
4. (U) Post requests USD 2,300 for commercial outreach 
outside of the capital city of Tegucigalpa. 
Justification:  If funded, Econoffs and FSNs plan to visit 
major commercial centers such as San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, 
Choluteca, and Tela to promote FCS services, to investigate 
first-hand trade and investment opportunities, and to 
explore the feasibility of conducting commercial outreach 
events in these cities.  Though visited less frequently, 
these cities are economically important to the Honduran 
economy and represent potential business opportunities for 
U.S. firms.  Post's requested funding level is based on 
three events lasting two days and including one officer and 
one commercial specialist.  Possible itineraries would 
include visits to major corporations, chambers of commerce, 
and trade associations, and presentations to major trade and 
industry groups in the area.  FSNs in particular would be 
encouraged to attend and present at industry groups with the 
greatest potential for US exports. 
 
5. (U) Post requests USD 1,300 for CAFTA and other trade- 
related outreach.  Justification: CAFTA has been ratified by 
Honduras and is expected to enter into force in 2005, 
following U.S. ratification.  This agreement will bring 
important economic growth and job creation benefits to both 
the U.S. and Honduras, if industries rise to the challenge 
and grasp the opportunities offered by this pathbreaking 
trade deal.  Post would welcome the opportunity to provide 
greater outreach to major corporations, chambers of 
commerce, and trade associations on this agreement.  By 
promoting the formation of relationships between U.S. and 
Honduran exporters and importers, this outreach directly 
supports U.S. exports and helps both countries realize the 
fullest benefits possible from CAFTA. Post's proposed 
funding request is based on three events lasting one day 
each and including one officer and one commercial 
specialist. 
 
6. (U) Embassy thanks EB/CBA for continued support of 
commercial efforts in Honduras. 
 
Palmer