BELGIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION TO VISIT LOUISIANA

The companies represented are in the following sectors: FM radio equipment, beer manufacturing, recycling equipment and solvents, tour operators, food services, and economic development.

If your company is interested in scheduling a meeting in New Orleans with one or more of the visiting Belgian companies, please call Le Centre International de Lafayette at (318) 291-5474.

These executives are part of a much larger contingent of visitors from Belgium, including several government officials, who are coming to visit 28 Louisiana sister-cities. Various special activities are being planned for the Belgian guests, including an all-day street fair to be held in Lafayette on Saturday, April 10. Called "A Taste of Wallonia and Brussels," the fair will feature Belgian music, food, and crafts from the greater Brussels area and the Walloon region.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the site of many international organizations, including NATO and the European Community. The Walloon region is in the southern part of Belgium, with the City of Namur as its hub. Lafayette and Namur have enjoyed a very active sister-city relationship since 1976. Details on this event can be obtained by calling Le Centre International de Lafayette at (318) 291-5474.

Among the other special events planned are a Cajun festival and tour of homes in Franklin; a gospel extravaganza at Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia; and a large Fais-Do-Do in Crowley.

MEETING TO ORGANIZE A UN ASSOCIATION CHAPTER

UNO TO HOST NOBEL PRIZEWINNER OSCAR ARIAS

His New Orleans visit is sponsored by the University of New Orleans College of Liberal Arts and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Council and includes a free lecture at 9:00 a.m. on March 15 in the recital hall of the UNO Performing Arts Center. Dr. Arias’ topic is "Development and Human Security in the New World Economy."

A luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Le Meridien Hotel, during which Arias will discuss "Trade and Human Development in the Americas: Trends for the Beginning of the Millennium." The cost is $40 per person. A cocktail reception and dinner will be held in the evening from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., also at Le Meridien. The cost of this event is $100 per person. Proceeds from Dr. Arias’ presentations will fund scholarships in UNO’s new Center for Latin American Studies.

Dr. Arias, who earned a doctorate in political science from the University of Essex in England, was President of Costa Rica during 1986-90. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for devising the accord that stopped the civil war between the Sandinistas and Contras and brought peace to Central America.

For further information and to register for the lunch or dinner program, please call UNO at (504) 280-6266.

STATE DEPT. AND AID OFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON CENTRAL AMERICA

CALENDAR OF LOUISIANA EVENTS

March 15 -A Luncheon and a dinner at Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans featuring Dr. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Costa Rica. For more information, call Amy Gaudry at UNO at (504) 280-6266.

March 16 -"Global Trade on the Internet" seminar from 4:00 p.m. Ð 8:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the Louisiana International Trade Center (LITC) at (504) 568-8222 for more information.

March 17 -World Trade Club Membership Luncheon at the Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. For reservations, call (504) 525-7201.

March 22-23 -"Go Global" two-day seminar at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans to explore global direct marketing strategies. For more information, call the United States Postal Service at (800) 627-0811.

March 22 -"Export/Import Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

March 24 -"Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:35 p.m. Ð 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

March 26 -Central American luncheon program at the WTC featuring officials from the U.S. Department of State and AID. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 254.

March 26 -"Internet in the Workplace" seminar from 8:30 a.m. Ð 12:00 Noon at 1600 Canal St., 2nd floor in New Orleans. Call Dee Ann Bass at (504) 539-9-255.

March 29 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. Ð 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

FRANCOFæTE UPDATE

APRIL 30 BRIEFING PROGRAM ON CASPIAN ENERGY PROJECTS

The April 30 event in New Orleans is a high-level briefing program to be held at the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center that will focus on the plans for regional infrastructure development as it relates to the pipelines and ancillary projects. The briefings will be conducted by the U.S. Ambassadors to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and their senior commercial officers. The program in New Orleans also will allow the registrants time for one-on-one meetings with these senior government officials.

The registrants also will receive a special project briefing book compiled by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) detailing the opportunities in the Caspian region, including procurement needs, time lines, and key contacts. TDA is the lead U.S. government agency in the Ambassadors’ three-city tour. TDAwill continue to fund strategic feasibility studies and technical assistance to provide U.S. expertise to the governments of the Caspian region as they plan the development of their vast energy resources.

Another government agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), will offer eligible U.S. investors insurance coverage and financing for construction, ownership and operation of oil and gas pipelines, and other energy- and non-energy-related projects in the region.

And finally, the U.S. Export-Import Bank will offer financing for the exports of U.S. goods and services needed in the development of the oil and gas pipelines, as well as for related infrastructure construction.

For details on the April 30 Caspian briefing program in New Orleans, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 254, or visit TDA’s website at www.tda.gov.

DELESDERNIER TO RECEIVE BERTEL AWARD MARCH 11

Capt. Delesdernier has been President of the Crescent River Port Pilots Association for the past 16 years and is the current Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. His professional, business and civic life has been dedicated to the economic health and vitality of the maritime industry in Louisiana. Capt. Delesdernier has participated in numerous public/private efforts to enhance navigation safety, attract new business and industry, and increase international trade. He continues to serve as an advisor and consultant to international, national, state and local boards and committees on navigation safety.

WTC MISSION TO SAN FRANCISCO ASSEMBLY

Also included in the Assembly’s program are informative trade seminars and briefings, exhibits, special tours, and cultural and networking events. Members of World Trade Center of New Orleans, as well as non-members, are invited to participate in the San Francisco Assembly. For further information, call WTC New Orleans at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 by March 15.

LITC TO HOLD GLOBAL TRADE INTERNET SEMINAR

The agenda for the seminar will cover: International Trade Information on the Internet (Web Page Information for International Companies), Advantages and Disadvantages of Global Trade on the Internet, Legal and Tax Aspects of Trade on the Internet, Gathering and Researching Markets and Global Trade Leads, WTCA On-Line, Some of the Unique Aspects of Marketing on the Internet, Effective Ways of Using Electronic Mail, Surfing the Internet and Narrowing Your Web Search, Security on the Internet, and Creating an Effective Web Page.

This program should interest anyone involved or interested in any facet of global trade. It will demonstrate how to access the rapidly expanding universe of on-line information and expand your international business. The course can help you get connected to the fast-paced world of on-line business.

As the only SBDC in Louisiana that addresses international business, the LITC-SBDC may well be able to provide the key to your company’s success in the era of cyber-business and the global marketplace.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register (space is limited) by calling (504) 568-8222. There is a participation fee of $35 (pre-payment) or $40 for payment at the door.

The seminar is sponsored by ECRC, Advanced Web Services Group, the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, the U.S. Postal Service, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center, Stephen Sabludowsky Law Office, and the World Trade Center.

The LITC-SBDC also offers three seminars monthly that are a thorough introduction to exporting and importing for small businesses and individuals. This series of seminars presents an organized and detailed approach to entry into international trade.

SMALL LOUISIANA FIRM LANDS MEXICO CRANE CONTRACT

Charles L. Bollinger, Jr. might not have been willing to sell eight cranes worth over $3 million to PEMEX (Petroleos Mexicanos), Mexico’s state-owned oil company, unless his 32-employee Covington, Louisiana firm could insure the receivables.

An Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) small business insurance policy gave Bollinger’s oilfield service and sales company, Gulf Crane Services, Inc., the protection it needed to grab the opportunity, opening the door to the important Mexico market.

"This was a much larger PEMEX contract than any we had received before, but we probably wouldn’t have taken the risk without the Ex-Im Bank insurance," Bollinger says. "It helps small businesses expand in foreign markets without having to shoulder the total risk in every way. In addition, I had to pay for the cranes up front. The Ex-Im Bank insurance made it possible to get the financing for that."

An Ex-Im Bank-guaranteed $2 million working capital loan from Parish National Bank in Covington financed Bollinger’s purchase of the eight cranes from Monarch Sea King Marine Cranes in Houston.

Gulf Crane’s insurance broker, J. Maxime Roy, Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana, an active Ex-Im Bank partner, helped pull the deal together by introducing Parish National Bank to Ex-Im Bank’s Working Capital Guarantee Program.

The PEMEX contract for eight cranes to be installed on offshore platforms and accompanying services and parts is expected to create new jobs at Monarch Sea King Marine Cranes, and is helping to sustain and diversify jobs at Gulf Crane, located about 30 miles north of New Orleans.

Bollinger also expects the deal to lead to follow-on business. Gulf Crane provides crane installation, repair and maintenance services, offshore inspection to make sure oil companies meet government and private sector guidelines, and parts supply.

Gulf Crane is one of 95 Louisiana companies in 33 communities that Ex-Im bank has helped to export $104 million in goods and services during the last five years, sustaining an estimated 1,501 jobs. Nearly 60 percent of the transactions have been on behalf of small businesses.

Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to industrializing and developing markets all over the world by providing loans, loan guarantees, and export credit insurance. In fiscal year 1998, Ex-Im Bank supported $13 billion of U.S. exports.

For more details on Ex-Im’s programs, call Joseph Ringer in Houston at (281) 721-0467, or visit the Ex-Im website at www.exim.gov.

LOUISIANA OPPORTUNITIES AT AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL

Jim has had a long-standing relationship with music and medical people in Australia and would be pleased to assist with business development. This will be an opportunity, if you have a small business, to get down under. If your small business is interested or you have travel interests, please contact Jim for further information at (504) 861-0333, or fax (504) 866-0333, or e-mail at jdelery@accesscom.net.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE BUSINESS OUTLOOK CONFERENCE

UNO INTERNATIONAL NITE

The theme of this year’s International Nite is "Let’s Get Together." It will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a cultural exhibition, with student prepared tables. At 6:00 p.m. the international buffet will be open, which will include food from many countries. The buffet will be followed by an entertainment program that will include performances from all over the world.

Tickets are on sale to students for $5, and $8 for all others. For more information, call Zelda Prawresni at (504) 837-5723.

UPCOMING SEMINARS ON MEXICO AND BRAZIL

FSC SEMINARS TO BE HELD IN DALLAS AND ATLANTA

EXECUTIVE SPANISH CAMP IN MEXICO AND NEW MEXICO

SPANISH EDITION OF COMMERCIAL NEWS USA

VIDEOTAPES OF WTC PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

The WTC is also working in cooperation with the New Orleans Educational Telecommunications Consortium (NOETC) to broadcast its videotaped programs on cable and satellite. Each program is being shown 3-6 times in Orleans Parish on Cox Cable Channels 6 and 76, Bell South Americast DSS System Channel 901, and in Jefferson Parish on Cox Cable Channel 8. For a copy of the program schedule, please call NOETC at (504) 524-0350 or the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

CANADA/US BUSINESSWOMEN'S TRADE SUMMIT IN TORONTO

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ashley Carter is a third-year undergraduate at Centenary College of Louisiana with a double major in International Business and French and is seeking an internship this summer. She is interested in any position which would utilize her interest in international business and her fluency in French. Call (318) 865-1858.

Edmund DeJarnette seeks a position in the New Orleans area in international finance, in particular project and trade finance, or international strategic planning/trade development. Mr. DeJarnette has just completed a hands-on management training program with HSBC Equator Bank, a merchant and investment bank for companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. His rotations at Equator Bank included working in the Credit and Investment Banking Departments where he was responsible for reviewing credit facilities in several countries, performing sovereign risk and financial analyses, guarantors and debtors, and writing and putting together two sales memoranda for a large mining company in Ghana, West Africa. He earned his MBA from Tulane University with concentrations in Finance and International Management. He is also fluent in French and Spanish. Call (860) 682-6354 (in Connecticut), (504) 592-8230 (in New Orleans), or e-mail at edejarnette@msn.com.

Jo Iazzetti is available to provide translation and tutoring in Portuguese. Call (504) 527-6023, page at (504) 363-0704, or e-mail at j_iazzetti@hotmail.com.

Tsira Kemularia is a Georgian graduating in May 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Finance/Economics from LSU. She is seeking an entry-level position in the international business/trade field. She is fluent in Georgian, Russian and English and is highly motivated with good interpersonal and communications skills. Her experience includes an internship with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. Call (225) 344-4698, or e-mail at tsirak@usa.net.

David Leroux will graduate with an MBA in May 1999. He has a Masters in International Economics from the University of Lille, France was chosen for a Graduate Assistantship in the Economics and Finance Department. Mr. Leroux is seeking an entry level position in finance/management with a company that deals with foreign countries, offers career opportunities, professional development, a challenging work environment and the potential for advancement. Call (318) 237-8999, (318) 482-6992, or e-mail at Leroux_David@hotmail.com.

Zhanar Shegreyeva is an international interpreter of German, Russian, Kazakian and English. Technical, engineering business, aerospace and economic documents translated. Call (504) 469-0016, or e-mail at RPPN3377@AOL.COM.

Michael Stackpole is seeking a position with an international dimension in the areas of marketing, management, or finance. Mr. Stackpole received a BBA in International Business from the University of Mississippi at Oxford and attended summer school at Intesa School in San Jose, Costa Rica. Additionally, he has two years of work experience in sales. Call (504) 833-2931.

UPCOMING U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CERTIFIED SHOWS

U.S. FOOD SHOW in Montevideo, Uruguay April 9-18. The U.S. Food Show in Montevideo presents a good opportunity for U.S. food and beverage suppliers to increase their sales to Uruguay and Mercosur (the free-trade area comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). This event is being organized by the American Embassy in Montevideo in conjunction with Supermercados Devoto supermarket chain, the U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service, and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For information, contact Nestor Bagnasco at Gerente de Compras, Supermercados Devoto, General Paz Street 1404, Montevideo, Uruguay, or phone (598-2) 600-07-07, or fax (598-2) 60-1-77-07.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SHOW: Rent a booth in the USA pavilion from March 24-26 in Montreal, Canada. If you are interested in expanding your environmental technology sales to Canada and Latin America, let the U.S. Commercial Service work for you at the Americana '99/USA Pavilion. With over 400 exhibitors and 7,500 participants from over 40 countries, Americana '99 is your one-stop-event to reach out to new clients, distributors or business partners from Canada, Central and South America. This package costs only CDN$2,050, about US$1,400. You will receive pre-scheduled appointments, advance contact information, briefing sessions by U.S. Consulate General staff and industry experts, on-site support by U.S. Commercial Specialists, a reception hosted by the U.S. Consulate General, free on-site translators, follow-up assistance, and a carpeted 10'x10' booth. For more information, contact Benoit Trudel, U.S. Commercial Specialist in Montreal by phone (514) 398-9695, ext. 250, by fax (514) 398-0711, or e-mail benoit.trudel@mail.doc.gov. You may want to visit the show's website at www.americana.org

"MARKETING USA 99" catalog exhibition in Central and South America from June 14-25. Allow the U.S. Commerce Department to promote your product literature at these catalog shows to be held in Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The cost to participate is $400. The deadline for your catalogs to arrive in Central America is March 16, so please contact the New Orleans USEAC at (504) 589-6546 immediately for a Participation Agreement and mailing information.

MANUFACTURING TRADE DELEGATION to Mexico from June 13-18. The U.S. Commercial Service and the National Association of Manufacturers are organizing a "matchmaker" trade delegation to Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. This event will give manufacturing companies a chance to use a structured and proven format to promote their products in Mexico. Participating companies will receive: (1) three days of pre-screened, targeted business meetings in all three cities and interpreters at all stops; (2) a "Doing Business In Mexico" briefing by the U.S. Commercial Service and business and banking experts; (3) an orientation briefing and half-day visit to the "Manufacturing Week Mexico" Trade Show; (4) two official receptions (one sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and the other by the National Manufacturers Association); and (5) full logistical support throughout the event from the matchmaker staff. The cost for six days of meetings, briefings, and hospitality is $2,000 per company. Don't delay on this one - - the registration deadline is April 9. Contact Derek Parks by telephone at (202) 482-0287, or by fax at (202) 482-0178.

TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL HOLDING INTERNET SEMINARS

12 U.S. BUSINESS CENTERS OPEN IN RUSSIA AND THE NIS

The offices are located in the following areas of Russia: Vladivostok, St. Petersburg, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhni Novgorod, Volgograd, Samara, Khabarovsk, and Yszhno Sakhalinsk. In the NIS, the ABC offices are located in Kiev, Ukraine; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Almaty, Kazakhstan. Please contact the Russia/NIS Program Office at the Department of Commerce in Washington at (202) 483-2902 for additional information.

NEW WEB SITE FOR EXPORT ASSISTANCE FOR SINGAPORE

LOUISIANA SIGNS DRIVER’S LICENSE PACT WITH GERMANY

1998 A BANNER YEAR FOR TAX FREE SHOPPING

Tax Free Shopping data indicates that retail spending by international visitors more than doubled from $18.4 million in 1990 to $37.6 million in 1998. This is based on international visitors to Louisiana from 111 countries who shopped at more than 1,100 participating stores. Each international visitor party spent an average of $845 shopping in Louisiana. The countries leading in spending were: Honduras, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, England, France, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Guatemala, Japan, and Canada.

The economic impact for all business sectors affected by the LTFS program in 1998 is estimated at $323.7 million, up $2.6 million over 1997. Some 6,600 jobs are supported by the program, with $19.5 million in new taxes generated and $106.5 million in earnings for state residents.

In a survey conducted by the University of New Orleans for the Louisiana Office of Tourism, of the visitors from Louisiana’s major international markets, over 61% were aware of the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program prior to their arrival in Louisiana. Of those visitors aware of the program, over 80% reported taking advantage of it.

Louisiana Tax Free Shopping allows international visitors to redeem taxes on tangible items purchased at member stores statewide. Tax redemptions are given on purchases, not services, and a cash refund can be obtained at the New Orleans International Airport, the main branches of Hibernia National Bank in Lafayette and in Shreveport, or by mail. For additional information on the Tax Free Shopping program, please call (504) 568-5323.

BUSINESS CONFERENCE ON AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, AND ASIA

WASHINGTON TRADE ALMANAC AVAILABLE

E-EXPO USA VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW WEB SITE

U.S. EMBASSY IN ARGENTINA CHANGES PHONE NUMBERS

TALK ON INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES

TRADE LEADS

Packaging & Labels: Brazilian company seeks partnership with an American company to produce packaging for food and cleaning products and labels. Contact Manfredo Koehler via e-mail at igel@vanet.com.br, or via fax at (011) 55-51-470-2827.

Peanut Equipment: Brazilian company seeks equipment to dry, gather, and shell peanuts. Contact Jocelito Filadelfio de Andrade via e-mail at glicerio@glicerio.com.br, or via fax at (011) 55-11-6947-4188.

Marketing, Warehousing and Distribution: Canadian company seeks partnership with Louisiana companies to market, warehouse, and distribute products across Canada. Contact Kerry Lawless via fax at (204) 783-9317, or via phone at (204) 783-9736.

Catheters: Member of WTC Mexico City has available single-use peripheral intravenous catheters for venoclisis and anesthesia peridural. Contact Diego Gutierrez via e-mail at wtcmx@wtcmexico.com.mx.

Black Tea: Member of WTC Jakarta seeks importers/distributors of high quality Indonesian black tea available in tea bags, packets, and bulk form. Contact Bala S. Balachandran via e-mail at balmanac@dnet.net.id, or via fax at (011) 62-21-7246579.

Typewriters: Member of WTC Amman seeks Canon and Olivetti electric typewriters with Arabic and English keys. Contact Amjad Alzaghal via e-mail at amjad@abie.index.com.jo, or via fax at (011) 962-6-566-9102.

Steel Roofing, Siding: Member of WTC New Orleans has available large quantities of steel roofing and siding manufactured from excess/secondary galvanized, galvalume and painted steel coils. Contact Goldin Industries via fax at (228) 896-4873, or via phone at (228) 896-6216.

Helicopter: Investors sought for the manufacturing/ development of low maintenance, very safe, easy to fly, light coaxial helicopters. Contact Patrick Durand via e-mail at p.durand@worldnet.att.net.

Gas and Diesel Oil: Brazilian company seeks a U.S. supplier of gas and diesel oil. Contact Mr. Hugo Augustinho via e-mail at bardan@aquarious.com.br, or via fax at (011) 55-12-2328173.

Wool Garments: Member of WTC Johannesburg seeks importers/distributors of 100% wool knitted garments and clothing. Contact David van der Lith via e-mail at wtc.sales@wtc.co.za.