1. The U.S. Commercial Service and Romanian Airports
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am very pleased to be here this morning and would like to thank the FinMedia and its many partners, including the Ministry of Transports for its invitation to join you.
I would like to speak briefly about the U.S. Government Support of Airport Development in Romania.
U.S. Commercial Service
Embassy of the United States of America

2. Our Role Help American companies do business in Romania
Opportunities to form partnerships with Romanian companies to import, distribute, license technology
Clients are American companies; one direction
The US Commercial Service helps American companies enter overseas markets. In most cases, we advise our clients by identifying, qualifying and introducing local (Romanian) partners. These partners can be distributors, importers, joint venture partners, licensees, or franchisees. In that sense, our work can be seen as bringing business opportunities to Romanian companies.
We also help introduce Romanian companies to American suppliers of new products, technologies or services.

3. Capability and Experience
Network of 70+ offices across the United States
Since 2006, more than $7 billion in sales as a result of our assistance in aviation/ground support industry
We are based in American Embassies and Consulates around the world. In addition, our agency has a
network of 70 offices throughout the United States, each of whom have as its sole mission helping American companies sell more overseas. Because of this strong presence in the American business community, we can identify products and technology in response to requests or developments in the Romanian market.
In the last two years, the U.S. Commercial Service has helped American suppliers of aviation and airport ground equipment win more than US$7 billion worth of sales worldwide in more than 300 individual transactions.

4. Our Objectives for Romanian Airports
Resource to assist with planning and strategy
Serve as Point of Contact with U.S. Government Resources
U.S. Trade Development Agency
U.S. Export-Import Bank
3) Introduce American capabilities, products, and technologies
For the aviation industry and airports in Romania, we would offer our office as a resource. We have three interests in the development of Romania’s airports:
To bring whatever assistance we can to the complex task of business planning and strategy
To involve appropriate U.S. Government resources to help. I will just mention two examples:
U.S. Trade Development Agency
U.S. Export-Import Bank
3) To introduce the capabilities, products, and technologies of American companies for airport development

5. Challenges Competitive Pressures Clear identity for Airport
Right mix of services (passenger, cargo, etc)
Need to find new revenue streams
Appropriate design and infrastructure
Provide efficient and satisfactory experience for variety of clients
We are not experts in this field, but we can recognize situations in which we can add value.
To a greater or lesser extent, all airports including those in the United States, face similar challenges, and meeting them involves:
Distinguishing itself from other airports with a clear role and identity
Determining what is the best balance of services for the airport to offer
Controlling costs while identifying and increasing sources of revenue
Making certain that the airport has the physical infrastructure to accomplish those tasks above, and
(finally) provide an efficient, safe, and satisfactory travel experience for passengers, and for cargo clients

6. More Challenges Infrastructure New design requirements
Security that keeps pace with developments
Links to other transport infrastructure ( passengers and cargo) off-site
Integrated, sophisticated IT infrastructure
Sustainability “built-in” to new construction
At the same time, achieving success for many airports requires new designs, expansions, or modernization of its aviation facilities, as well as terminals and supporting infrastructure.
The existing airport “footprint” may not be adequate for current and future requirements
The system of security and safety has to keep pace with a world situation that is constantly changing
The airport’s design and function has to connect smoothly to the transport infrastructure outside of its own property
Efficiency, safety, and operational success are increasingly linked to an integrated and sophisticated IT system including applications and the expertise to manage these systems.
Lowering operating costs and managing environmental issues need to be “built-in” to the design of any expansion or renovation.

7. U.S. Trade Development Agency USTDA
Feasibility Studies, Technical Assistance, Orientation Visits to the U.S.
In 2005 Booz Allen Hamilton Civil Aviation Security Master Plan
Funded by USTDA, endorsed by the Government of Romania
Findings are being implemented
One of our roles is to serve as a local contact point for the U.S. Trade Development Agency. USTDA is an independent government agency that funds feasibility studies, technical assistance, and visits by government officials and other professionals to the United States in order to meet with fellow experts, observe and discuss best practices that might be implemented in Romania.
US TDA has been active in the aviation sector in Romania. In 2005 USTDA funded a feasibility study in the form of a Civil Aviation Security Master Plan for Romanian airports. I understand the recommendations of this study are being implemented even now.
We are in close contact with USTDA and would be pleased to bring their capabilities into any future discussion of airport development in Romania.

8. U.S. Export-Import Bank
Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
Financial support to foreign purchasers of U.S. products through Direct Loans, Loan Guarantees, Credit Insurance
Extensive experience with aircraft and airport development (air traffic navigation systems).
The official export credit agency (“ECA”) of the United States.
Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
Ex-Im Bank’s financial support to foreign purchasers of U.S. products takes the form of Direct Loans, Loan Guarantees, Credit Insurance
Ex-Im Bank has extensive experience with aircraft and airport development (such as air traffic navigation systems).

9. American Business Role
Experience across the airports in the United States and overseas
Cover entire spectrum of airport requirements
Sources of vendor financing
The core strength of our agency is also what I hope is most useful to you. We are focused on introducing and promoting the capabilities of American companies, and the contribution these companies can make in partnership with Romanian airports.
American firms are involved in all stages of airport development, construction, and management, and they bring the best solutions to areas ranging from air navigation systems and baggage handling to airport retail and IT systems.
I was pleased to see that Cisco Systems is on the program today. Cisco has very deep and successful experience in helping modern airports to function in a smooth and customer friendly manner, but also in a way that produces a higher return on assets for airport managers.
We should not overlook that several American companies in the aviation sector also serve as sources of vendor financing and are -- themselves -- very experienced in working with the Export Credit agencies of the US and other countries.

10. Suggested Collaboration
Help with Proposals to TDA for feasibility studies and Orientation Visits to the United States
US Embassy Sponsored and organized event in 2009 to introduce American Vendors and Financing Agencies to Romania’s Aviation Industry
The U.S. Commercial Service in Romania would be very interested in helping any and all Romanian airports in developing proposals for funding to the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
We are also interested in organizing an event in 2009 to introduce American vendors and capabilities, as well as officials from the financing agencies in an informal setting.

11. Contact U.S. Commercial Service - Romania U.S. Embassy - Bucharest
1-5 Gen. Praporgescu Str
Bucharest
Tel
FAX
I’ve provided our contact details here and invite you to contact us to see if we can be of service.
Thank you for your time and kind attention.