TRADE EVENT NOTICE: COMMERCE TO SPONSOR COMPUTER-RELATED TRADE MISSION TO RUSSIA The U.S. Department of Commerce is inviting U.S. computer hardware, software, and peripheral firms to participate in an Executive Trade Mission to Russia, April 24-28, 1995. The mission will be lead by Kent Hughes, Associate Deputy Secretary under Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown. The trade mission offers U.S. firms an excellent opportunity for exposure to Russia's rapidly expanding computer market. Russia's transition to a market economy has created substantial pent-up demand for computer products. The $1 billion Russian computer market is growing at 10 percent per year and should surpass $2 billion by 2000. Imports from the United States have increased almost four times this rate each year since 1992, and should continue to grow by at least 20 percent annually through 1996. This event will give U.S. firms an opportunity to meet with key decision makers in the Russian computer market and offers unique opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge on this market; to attend prearranged individual business meetings with potential agents, distributors, and partners; and to benefit from the prestige of a U.S. Government-sponsored event. At each stop, participants will receive market briefings, meetings with local officials, site tours/visits, and hold specifically tailored one-on-one business appointments with potential partners. Participants will also receive country and market specific information, and assistance with travel and logistical details. The trade mission will include two days each in Moscow and St. Petersburg. While in Moscow participants will have the option of attending COMTEK '95, the largest computer trade fair in Russia. The mission participation fee is $2,700 for one to two representatives per company. For those interested, arrangements can be made to add a one day-stop in Nizhny Novgorod for an additional $650. Mission fees do not include airfare, lodging, train tickets, and meals. For more information, contact Danny Valverde at the Commerce Department in Washington, D.C.; tel: (202) 482-0573, fax: (202) 482-0952, Internet: daniel valverde@ita.doc.gov. The deadline to apply is March 17, 1995.

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