Sharm El Sheikh – Tasting Egypt

I’ve had the great privilege of attending the FoodGate/FreshGate Expo in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.  For two days, November 16-17, it’s been an in-depth look and taste of an amazing array of food items.   Olives, olive oil, fruits, citrus, herbs, spices, tomatoes, pickles, grains, nuts; the list goes on and on.

When it comes to mental images of Egypt, most of us think first of the Pyramids and Cleopatra.  The pyramids are still there, and I can tell you, those suckers are big!  But while the cultural and historic offerings are unbelievable rich, so too are the array of foods which seem to be a greatly kept secret.

Thanks to the great work of the Food Export Council, the Chamber of Food Industries, and with sector support from US-based NGOs like CNFA and ACDI/VOCA, Egypt’s ‘food secret’ may be released to the world as never before.  FoodGate/FreshGate is a celebration of Egypt’s bounty, and a truly international event.  Buyers from Croatia, Australia, China, and everywhere in between converged for two intensive days of meeting with some of Egypt’s top producers.

 Sharm El Sheikh is a fabulous resort area, filled with luxury hotel properties, and nestled near the tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea.  And although I found time to walk to the beach and get some Red Sea and sand in between my toes.  This was a working trip.  Perhaps next time….

New Insights on Emerging Market Credit Risks

I was fortunate, last week, to participate in a seminar on ‘Emerging Markets Credit Fundamentals’ at the George Washington University in Washington, DC on October 9, 10 & 11.  The intensive three-day workshop was run  by Moody’s Analytics, a unit of Moody’s Corporation, and covered business and financial risk grid analysis, equity investment assessment, analysis of cash flow statements, sources of collateral and the realities of risk mitigation in area of development finance.

The training was designed to assist in evaluating companies seeking to acquire debt financing to fund new overseas development projects and expansions.  I have to admit, I'm not a financial or numbers guru, but Moody's presenter Dennis Blum did an outstanding job of guiding our group of 40-or-so participants through some very complex concepts.

The seminar was timely and very informative for me.  Since HMA works with governments and trade associations interested in developing opportunities in the US market, it helps to understand what lenders look for when examining company financials.   And now that HMA is also an independent loan originator with access to debt and equity finance sources inside and outside the Federal Government for US companies seeking to establish new projects or expansion overseas, it was a critical step forward in our growth of service to clients.

New Food Safety Act Changes Game

As most of you are aware, the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act will have a significant impact on companies selling food items to the US. Between October 1, and December 31 2012, all Food Facility Registrations must be renewed, and then registration resubmitted every two years.  FDA will also have new enforcement powers over companies and their shipments to the US to ensure food safety.

In the past, Hamman Marketing Associates has acted as US Agent of Record for FDA facilities registration.  As of Q4 2012, we will no longer accept US Agent of Record assignments.  There are significant legal and financial implications under the new law that force us change our position on this topic.  We are happy to provide a free PDF that highlights the changes you need to know, and our colleagues at Registrar Corp can provide additional important details and guidance on this topic.

Of course, we will continue to support brands entering the US market with integrated marketing communications programs, package design, partner searches and special event promotion as outlined on our website.  We are passionate about helping companies build awareness and take advantage of the opportunities the US market has to offer.  We appreciate our client support in the past, and look forward to serving your marketing communication needs in the months and years to come.

New Tools for Foreign Market Access

Hamman Marketing Associates has been accepted to participate in the Enterprise Development Network (EDN) Program for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as a paid service provider and a loan originator for the organization.

OPIC is the US Government’s development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical world challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets, catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.

There will be a steep learning curve, and I'll be attending a 3-day seminar held by Moody's in Washington DC next month to help sharpen my skills on topics including:

• Credit Underwriting
• Assessing Equity Investments
• Conducting Due Diligence
• Constructing Financial Models
• Writing Business Plans
• OPIC Finance and Political Risk Insurance 101

  In an ever growing global economy, we feel this is an important step in our international business consulting practice.