Cablegate: Kosovo: Bfif Proposal for Fy 2010

VZCZCXRO4388
PP RUEHIK
DE RUEHPS #0095/01 0571336
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 261336Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PRISTINA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9754
INFO RUEHVB/AMEMBASSY ZAGREB 5366
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PRISTINA 000095

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/SCE, EEB/CBA (DENNIS WINSTEAD)
ZAGREB FOR PAMELA WARD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ECON EINV ETRD BTIO KV

SUBJECT: KOSOVO: BFIF PROPOSAL FOR FY 2010

PRISTINA 00000095 001.2 OF 002

1. SUMMARY: In consultation with our Foreign Commercial Service
colleagues at Embassy Zagreb, post proposes two separate visits by
FCS Zagreb personnel to Kosovo. The first will enable peer-to-peer
training for Pristina's Commercial Assistant. The second will bring
FCS Regional Officer Pamela Ward to Kosovo for consultations with
post, local businesses, and organizations such as the American
Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. END SUMMARY

A. Proposal #1 Peer-to-Peer Training for Locally Employed Staff

Brief Justification
-------------------

2. Kosovo imports ten times more than it exports, yet American firms
have limited exposure, despite a strong appreciation of
American goods and a favorable dollar-euro exchange rate. This is
due both to Kosovo's struggle to implement sound economic policies
and to lack of exposure. As Kosovo continues to open up to outside
trade, now is the time to lay the groundwork to ensure that Embassy
Pristina is well-equipped to support American firms seeking to
expand into Kosovo. This proposal will help Pristina's Commercial
LES become familiar with FCS procedures and products at the working
level rather than the classroom, allowing for adaptations required
by the local environment. This approach is more practical and less
expensive than training in Washington, D.C.

Impact
------

3. This program is expected to significantly increase LES ability to
promote U.S. companies in Kosovo, and to advise Kosovo companies how
best to reach out to their U.S. suppliers and counterparts.

Milestones
-----------

4. Immediate (Phase 1): LES will adapt FCS forms for use in
providing business facilitation services locally, ensuring
continuity of processes.

5. Three-month time frame (Phase 2): A tracking database will be
developed to log business inquiries and services provided, allowing
for future analysis of these data to improve our services and
skills.

6. Six-month time frame (Phase 3): LES will offer a presentation to
the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, and to interested local
business associations, highlighting the business facilitation
services and other products provided by the Embassy.

Estimated Costs
---------------

7. The budget for this project consists of travel and per diem for
one LES from Zagreb to visit Pristina. Roundtrip airfare is
estimated at USD 500. Per diem for a 4-night stay is USD 882 (three
days at USD 196 and two days at USD 147). Total cost USD 1,382.

B. Proposal #2 Consultation Visit by Regional FCS Officer

Brief Justification
-------------------

8. Kosovo's Regional FCS Officer is based in Zagreb, and does not
have sufficient FCS funding for visits to Kosovo. A consultation
visit allows not only Pristina staff to interact with FCS, but also
to introduce FCS staff to local businesses and business
associations.

Impact
------

9. This program is expected to improve communications between
Zagreb and Pristina, and to provide necessary local context and
contacts for FCS Regional Officer.

Estimated Costs
---------------

10. The budget consists of travel and per-diem for the Zagreb-based
FCS officer to visit Pristina. Roundtrip airfare is estimated at
USD 500. Per diem for a 4-night stay is USD 882 (three days at USD
196 and two days at USD 147). Total cost USD 1,382.

Contact Info
------------

PRISTINA 00000095 002.2 OF 002

11. Ms. Kristin Westphal
Economic and Commercial Officer
United States Embassy
Nazim Hikmet 5
Pristina, Kosovo
Tel.: + (381) (38) 59 59 3000, ext. 3227
Fax: + (381) (38) 548 618
Cell: 00 377 (0)44 502 117
Email: Westphalkl@state.gov

Mr. Fatmir Morina
Commercial Assistant
United States Embassy
Nazim Hikmet 5
Pristina, Kosovo
Tel.: + (381) (38) 59 59 3000, ext. 3183
Fax: + (381) (38) 549 890
Cell: 00 377 (0)44 500 784
Email: Morinafh@state.gov

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