No.05/008/MDA/Focus LAC/2009
August 27, 2009

All Members of the Council,

Sub: Extension of FOCUS LAC Programme of Department of Commerce, Govt. of India

Dear Member,

As members are aware the Department of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India has launched FOCUS LAC Programme, in 1997 to enhance trade with countries of Latin America and Caribbean region. The basic objective of this Programme is to sensitize and encourage Export Promotion Councils, Chambers of Commerce & Industry, EXIM Bank, ECGC etc involved in trade promotion efforts, for organizing trade delegations / BSMs / Fairs / Exhibitions and exploring new markets of LAC region.

In this background we would like to inform that the Council has now received a communication from the Department of Commerce vide letter No. 15/29/2002-FT(LAC) dated 20th August, 2009 informing that the Ministry has decided to extend the existing FOCUS LAC Programme upto March 2014. The Updated FOCUS LAC Programme details are available on website of Department of Commerce: www.commerce.nic.in Members may please see details.

While on this subject, we would like to inform that the Council as part of its Export Promotion and Market Development activities under Focus LAC Programme has planned to take a Trade Delegation to Brazil, Chile and Peru during November / December 2009. This activity is forming part of the Council’s Annual Action Plan for 2009-10 which has been submitted to the Department of Commerce for necessary approval. Accordingly the Council will initiate action in organizing visit of Trade Delegation of Leather Products, Garments and Footwear exporters to these countries. The suitable date, programme schedule of the Trade Delegation will be finalized in consultation with Indian Mission in these countries. The Council will accordingly inform to the members in due course.

Further we would like to mention here that as per MDA Guidelines, Member participants in BSM / Trade delegation under Focus LAC Programme will be eligible for reimbursement of Air Fare by Economy Excursion class upto maximum of Rs.1,00,000/- This Assistance shall be permissible to one regular employee / Director / Partner / Proprietor of the Company who is participating in the BSM / Trade Delegation on behalf of the Company. Members may kindly note.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

K.Abdul Sattar Khan

Assistant Director.