TELECOM TRADE MISSION TO ITALY March 25, 1997 Contact: Myles Denny-Brown Phone: (202) 482-0398 TRADE EVENT NOTICE TELECOM TRADE MISSION TO ITALY The Department of Commerce invites U.S. telecommunications firms to join an executive-level trade mission to Rome, Italy on May 11-14, 1997, which will be led by Deputy Assistant Secretary Ellis R. Mottur. Italy has one of the fastest growing telecom markets in Europe, valued at $8 billion for telecom equipment and $20 billion for telecom services in 1996. The Italian market for cellular and data communications is booming; cellular network service revenues are expected to grow 22.5% annually until 2000. Additional opportunities for U.S. firms are being opened by the privatization of STET/Telecom Italia (expected in fall, 1997) and the liberalization of Italian regulatory policy to allow competition in all telecom services and related infrastructure on January 1, 1998. The mission provides an efficient means of obtaining first-hand market information and access to key Italian government officials and potential business partners for U.S. telecom equipment manufacturers and service providers desiring to expand their presence in the Italian market. Mission participants wishing to visit neighboring European countries before or after visiting Italy may obtain Gold Key Service from the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service there at a discounted price. Participation in the Trade Mission is limited to the first 15 U.S. firms that complete application requirements (including the participation fee of $1,995), by April 11. Requests for further information should be addressed promptly to the Project Officer at the Commerce Department, Myles Denny-Brown, by fax at (202)482-5834 or phone at (202) 482-0398. WEB: Click here to view trade mission statement and flyer., http://www.ita.doc.gov/industry/tai/telecom/events.html. E-MAIL: Click here to contact Myles Denny-Brown., MYLES_DENNY-BROWN@ITA.DOC.GOV.

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