Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Palm Beach County Government Center

Commissioners Chambers Room, 6th Floor

Florida company executives have the opportunity to meet IDB - Inter-American Development Bank staff and hear about business opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean countries through this institution.

• Are you interested in learning what projects the IDB is funding?
• Do You want to know how your company can find out about procurement opportunities and bid on contracts?

Representatives of this institution will discuss major business opportunities for Florida providers of consulting services, goods and works arising through the financing of projects in developing countries, including Mexico, Chile and Brazil. The IDB finances both public and private sector projects in such important sectors such as energy, water, sanitation, transportation, urban development, environmental protection, manufacturing, housing, and others.

Speakers:
Americo Tadeu – IDB - Senior Commercial Officer, Advocacy Center
John Ferriter – IDB - Senior Public Information Officer, Office of External Relations
Infrastructure and Environment Sector Specialist (to be announced) - IDB Energy Division

The speakers will discuss issues such as:

• Examples of interesting projects that are currently being prepared and related procurement opportunities;
• How to network with bank staff to position your company strategically;
• The difference between public sector and private sector projects, and how to seek loans and guarantees for private sector projects;
• The Project Cycle: how projects are initiated and developed;
• Procedures for procurement of consulting services, goods and works; and
• Recent policy changes at the organization and how they affect your firm.

A Florida-based firm that has won contracts with the IDB will present hints on winning contracts with international financial instructions.  The event will also provide attendees the opportunity to meet with the Bank representatives during one-on-one sessions in the afternoon.

The Inter- American Development Bank is the principal source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The majority of its lending, which varies from $6 to $9 billion dollars per year, is public sector lending to governments. However, 10% of IDB funds finance private sector projects, typically small and medium-sized projects in areas such as manufacturing, agri-business and tourism as well as larger infrastructure projects and capital market deals. Citizens of the 47 member countries (including the United States) are eligible to bid on contracts.

 
Registration is required.  Please contact Barbara Fiedor for more information and to register at 561-644-9186 or via email: bfiedor@wtcpalmbeach.com

AGENDA

8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration

9:00 – 9:50 am
Overview:
How to do business with the Inter-American Development Bank

Mr. John Ferriter, Senior Public Information Officer,
Office of External Relations

• Introduction to the IDB
• Recent changes in the organization
• The Project Cycle and project pipeline
• How to identify interesting projects and procurement opportunities
• Private sector vs. public sector projects

9:50 – 10:00 am
Coffee break

10:00 – 10:30 am
Discussion of Public Sector Projects by IDB Infrastructure Specialist

10:30-10:50 am
Testimonial: Successful hints on how to work with the IDB, from the point of view of a Florida-based consulting firm
                                                     
10:50 – 11:00 am
Coffee break

11:30 – 11:50 am
How the Commercial Advocacy Center Helps US firms do business at the IDB
Mr. Americo Tadeu, Senior Commercial Officer, Advocacy Center, IDB

12:00 pm
Adjourn

Starting at 12:30 PM we will offer the attendees one-on-one meetings with IDB staff.
Please sign up with Barbara Fiedor at World Trade Center Palm Beach at (561) 644-9186  or email: bfiedor@wtcpalmbeach.com