FORMER AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR TO SPEAK ON DECEMBER 17

The Center for Austrian Culture and Commerce, the Honorary Consulate of Austria, and other organizations will co-sponsor a luncheon briefing on "The Outlook in Europe: An Austrian Perspective." The featured speaker is Dr. Franz Vranitzky, former Chancellor of Austria. The luncheon will be held on Friday, December 17 at noon, with a networking reception at 11:30 a.m. in the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 254.

LOUISIANA REPRESENTATIVE JOINS USEAC TEAM

Tiffany Landry of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (DED) has recently relocated to the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) of the U.S. Department of Commerce in New Orleans. Ms. Landry will still be representing DED’s International Trade Division, but under a joint agreement will be housed at the USEAC.

This arrangement is an effort for the state to work more closely with some of its counterpart agencies in New Orleans, as well as provide more service to companies doing international business in the southern region.

Ms. Landry’s area is the Latin American region and she can be contacted in New Orleans by phone at (504) 589-6730 or by fax at (504) 589-2337. Whitey Lagasse also represents the Louisiana Department of Economic Development in New Orleans and can be reached at the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601 ext. 230.

LIVE AND LEARN IN EUROPE WITH UNO’S SUMMER PROGRAM

Europe…the dream vacation for many travelers. And what better way to experience the heart of Western civilization than by living and studying there? The University of New Orleans’ European Centre enables you to travel, live, and learn in the center of Alpine Europe.

The European Centre, celebrating its 12th year, is a unique educational program exclusively for adults. Headquartered at the 300-year-old University of Innsbruck, Austria, next year’s European Centre program will take place July 2-22, 2000. This award-winning three-week program offers credit and non-credit classes that go far beyond ordinary classroom learning.

Next summer the program offers classes in history, opera, literature and the arts, as well as German language and culture. But the European Centre is more than just serious study. Organized weekend trips venture to Prague, as well as Venice and Verona; a highlight of this trip will be attending the opera Nabucco in the Roman arena of Verona, or participants can set off on their own. For complete information and a detailed brochure, write to The European Centre, University of New Orleans, P.O. Box 1097, New Orleans, LA 70148, call (504) 280-7318, or send an e-mail to: iziegler@uno.edu. You can also visit the Centre’s website at www.uno.edu/~inst/Welcome.html.

HISPANIC CHAMBER ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana recently elected the following officers for 1999-2001: Mario Zeron, President; John Redman, Vice President; Larry Johnson, Second Vice President; Phillip Coulter, Secretary; and Juan Cajina, Treasurer. For information on membership in the Chamber, call (504) 885-4262.

LITC OFFERING EXPORT AND IMPORT SEMINARS

The Louisiana International Trade Center - SBDC (LITC) will be offering Export/Import Seminars at the World Trade Center on January 19, 24, and 26, 2000 from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and February 22, 24 and 29 from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The seminars will cover: sources of export/import assistance, export and import strategies, market research, marketing and sales in the U.S., pricing, terms of sale and quotations, customs entry procedures and regulations, international banking and financing, transportation and documentation and cultural aspects. For more information, call Isabel Condon at the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANKER TO DISCUSS EURO IMPACT

Mr. Christian Noyer, Vice President of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, will be the speaker at a luncheon program in the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club on Thursday, January 13. Mr. Noyer will speak on "The Euro in International Finance and Markets."

The European Central Bank (ECB) was established on June 1, 1998, with a President, a Vice President, and four executive board members. As of January 1, 1999, when the Euro was created as the common currency for 11 of the European Union’s 15 members, the ECB has been responsible for setting interest rates for the so-called "Euro-zone" countries. After a transition period in early 2002, the banknotes and coins of the national currencies will finally be replaced with Euro-denominated money.

The January 13 luncheon program is being held under the sponsorship of The European Institute. As the leading European-American public policy organization in Washington, The European Institute has served the transatlantic community through an array of innovative programs for more than ten years. The Institute’s membership includes 24 European governments and over 80 U.S. and European corporations. The Institute’s approach results in a high level of information exchange, development of new policy options, and the creation of professional working relationships with policy makers on both sides of the Atlantic.

To register for the January 13 luncheon, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 254.

U.S. CASPIAN FINANCE CENTER OPENS IN ANKARA

The U.S. Caspian Finance Center has opened in Ankara, Turkey, to assist American companies to enter the energy- rich markets of the Caspian region. The Center is run by three U.S. agencies: the Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Working with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, the multi-agency trade finance team offers services designed to maintain U.S. commercial interests in the region and better position U.S. firms. To contact the Caspian Finance Center, send an e-mail to Deborah Forhan at dforham@tda.gov, or contact her by phone at (011) 90-312-468-6110 or by fax at (011) 90-312-466-6082.

CALENDAR OF LOUISIANA EVENTS

Dec. 6 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

Dec. 7-10 -Louisiana Trade Mission to the 1999 Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Latin America. Call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 227 for details.

Dec. 17 -"The Outlook in Europe: An Austrian Perspective" luncheon in the WTC's Plimsoll Club featuring Dr. Franz Vranitzky, former Chancellor of Austria. Call 529-1601, ext. 254.

Jan. 13 -"The Implications of the Euro for International Finance and Markets" luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Mr. Christian Noyer, Vice President of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 254.

Jan. 19 -"Import/Export Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

Jan. 20 -American Medical Association luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Dr. Randolph Smoak, President-elect of the American Medical Association. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 254.

Jan. 24 -"Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:45 - 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

Jan. 26 -"Doing Business in Spain" luncheon briefing in the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring the Hon. Joaquin de la Herran, Spanish Trade Commissioner in Miami. Call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 254.

Jan. 26 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

MILAN TRADE SHOW FOR JEWELRY, GIFT ITEMS

The U. S. Commercial Service in Milan invites U.S. producers of costume jewelry, gift items, stationery, and handicraft products to participate in "CHIBI 2000," to be held January 20-23. This event is an excellent opportunity to enter the Italian market, initiate relationships with major distributors and potential business partners, and increase your exports. For a fee of $2,500, you will receive the following: furnished booth, on-site logistical support by U.S. Commerce staff, translation services, an extensive promotional campaign by U.S. embassies throughout Europe, ads in major trade publications, use of the U.S. Pavilion lounge, and market briefings. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for additional information.

U.S. CUSTOMS APPOINTS MORAN AS PORT DIRECTOR

Leticia Moran has been appointed the U.S. Customs Service Port Director for New Orleans. She is responsible for the administration of laws and regulations pertaining to the clearance of vessels, inspections and cargo clearance, prevention of smuggling, and collection of duties and fees. Ms. Moran’s career spans more than 20 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in government and history from Texas A&M International University, and is also a graduate of Harvard’s Senior Fellowship Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN PILOTS VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW

Companies interested in trade with Taiwan (Louisiana’s fourth-ranked trading partner) can now promote their products on the American Institute in Taiwan’s website. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is the equivalent of an embassy in a foreign country and provides services similar to the commercial section of an embassy. The AIT is offering U.S. companies the opportunity to promote their products on a pilot "virtual trade show." For the first year of the pilot program, U.S. companies can use this service free of charge. Taiwanese companies will use this database as a source for purchasing U.S. products. For more information, contact the Commercial Officer in Taiwan, Mr. Kelcy Hahn, by telephone at (886) 2-2720-1550, ext. 395, or by e-mail at Kelcy.hahn@mail.doc.gov. In Louisiana, call Tiffany Landry with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development at (504) 589-6730.

TWO TRADE SHOWS IN GREECE

The Greek Consulate in New Orleans wishes to advise the business community that the 17th International Exhibition of Construction, Insulation, Sanitary Ware, Heating, Air Conditioning, Solar Energy and Technology (INFACOM 2000) and the 25th International Fair for Marble, Minerals, and Equipment (MARMIN 2000) will be held at the International Exhibition Center in Thessaloniki, Greece, from February 17-20, 2000.

For more information, contact the Consulate of Greece, by phone at (504) 523-1167, or by fax at (504) 524-5610, or by e-mail at consugr@acadiacom.net.

HIGH-LEVEL LOUISIANA DELEGATION TO ATTEND MIAMI CONFERENCE

Louisiana is organizing an impressive delegation to attend the 23rd annual Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Latin America from December 7 to 10, which is expected to draw some 1,200 government and business leaders from throughout the hemisphere. New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial and Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development Kevin Reilly will lead the state’s delegation to this premier event, which features top speakers (including seven heads of state) at more than 50 interactive sessions and country briefings, plus extensive business networking opportunities.

On Friday, December 10, the Louisiana delegation will host a breakfast (featuring a Louisiana-style menu) for more than 300 conference participants. The guests of honor at the meeting will be President RenŽ PrŽval of Haiti, President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, President Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, and Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados. Later that morning, the delegation will hold a workshop on "Louisiana and Hemispheric Trade," which will highlight Louisiana’s role in trade, transportation, and tourism, and the attractions the state offers to Western Hemisphere businesses.

At the conference’s closing reception that evening, Cyril Neville & the Uptown All-Stars will provide the main entertainment. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development is providing an attractive booth for members of the Louisiana delegation to use as a meeting point and message center.

In addition to highlighting Louisiana’s business and tourism attractions at the Miami conference, the state’s delegation will be promoting attendance at the annual meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank, which will be held next March in New Orleans. More than 7,000 participants are expected to attend the IDB meeting. It will be only the second time in the Bank’s 40-year history that it will have held its annual meeting in the U.S.

If you haven’t already signed up for this important conference and would like to do so and join the Louisiana delegation, call Caribbean Latin American Action (C/LAA) at (202) 466-7464, or the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

EX-IM BANK FINANCING UP IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

James A. Harmon, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, led a 12-day business development mission in October to four sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Mozambique. Harmon met with high-level government officials and business leaders to discuss new Ex-Im Bank initiatives to promote U.S. trade in the region.

In fiscal year 1999 (October 1998 through September 1999) Ex-Im Bank supported a record $600 million of U.S. exports to nine sub-Saharan African countries. During that period, Ex-Im Bank authorized $531 million to finance U.S. exports to Angola, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, compared to $49 million in financing programs in 32 sub-Saharan African countries. Project finance funding is now available in 47 sub-Saharan African countries.

Ex-Im Bank has made increasing business in sub-Saharan Africa a top agency priority. In the past 12 months, Ex-Im Bank has introduced a pilot program to make short-term financing available in countries where traditional Ex-Im Bank financing is otherwise unavailable and made guarantees available for transactions denominated in South Africa’s currency, the rand.

Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to developing markets all over the world, by providing loans, guarantees, and export credit insurance. Ex-Im Bank supported approximately $16 billion in U.S. exports in fiscal year 1999. For information about Ex-Im programs, call William McCollum, Business Development Officer in Houston at (281) 721-0468, or visit the Ex-Im’s website at www.exim.gov.

PACKAGING SHOW IN MILAN IN MARCH

The U.S. Commercial Service in Italy is organizing its second U.S. Pavilion for American producers of packaging and packaging machinery at IPACK-IMA 2000 in Milan next March 8-12. Last year's show drew over 1,500 companies and 52,000 visitors. The $3,200 participation fee includes a turnkey booth within the pavilion, pre-arranged matchmaker appointments with potential distributors, inclusion in the pre-fair promotional campaign, assistance with hotel reservations and shipping, interpreting services, and on-site counseling and logistical assistance for the duration of the event. Act fast, as space is limited and registrations fill up quickly. For details, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at 589-6546.

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS AT INFRASTRUCTURE 2000

The U.S. Commerce Department can showcase your product literature at "Infrastructure 2000," an official U.S. Catalog Exhibition to be held in 21 locations throughout Asia, the Mid-East, and Africa next February to May. The cost for this extensive product exposure is only $550. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for registration materials. Act quickly, as the deadline to sign up is December 15.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Trade Programs Manager - The World Trade Center is seeking to fill the position of Manager of Trade Programs to replace Alicia Den Beste, who is relocating to Atlanta. The position involves organizing numerous international trade programs (luncheon briefings, meetings, receptions, seminars, and workshops) and maintaining an extensive database of international trade leads and Louisiana exporters, importers and service organizations (explore this website to see these types of activities). Applicants should have solid event planning experience and possess outstanding planning, organizational, communications (written and verbal) and computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite). Excellent people skills in this position are also essential. Spanish language ability would be an important plus. Please send cover letter with resume, business references, and salary requirements to: World Trade Center of New Orleans, Attn: Managing Director, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130. No phone calls please.

Membership Marketing Assistant - The World Trade Center is seeking an Administrative Assistant for the Membership Department to replace Tori Meyer, who is relocating to Maracaibo, Venezuela. Position involves assisting the Membership Manager with marketing and promotion projects, direct mailing, and public relations activities. Applicants should possess excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills (Microsoft Suite). Please send cover letter with resume, business references, and salary requirements to: World Trade Center of New Orleans, Attn: Membership Department, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130. No phone calls please.

Alain Ndoudi is a successful analysis with proven achievements in project analysis, business/financial process review, and political and economic assessments. Mr. Ndoudi was a Business Analysis for Schulumberger and Tax/Royalties Manager for CMS Nomeco. Mr. Ndoudi graduated from the American University in 1995 with an MBA in international finance. He is fluent in French and English, computer literate and willing to travel. He is seeking a position with a company with operations in Africa. Mr. Ndoudi can be reached by phone at (337) 572-8472, by fax at (337) 268-9597, or by e-mail at: ndoudi@prodigy.net.

Jhane Perkins, a marketing student at the University of New Orleans, is currently seeking part-time employment or an internship position in marketing. She is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access and Macintosh computers. She has approximately five years retail sales experience and has worked in marketing as an assistant. Please call Ms. Perkins at (504) 391-1714 or (504) 259-7515.

Vida Fonseca-Belanouane is seeking an entry-level position that will use her exceptional writing, editing, foreign language, computer, research, diplomatic and intercultural skills. She has a BA in International Affairs from Sweet Briar College and obtained an MA in applied linguistics/ multicultural education from the University of New Orleans. She speaks, reads, and writes English, Spanish and French fluently and is learning Moroccan Arabic. Her work experience is in fields as diverse as event planning, academia, management, legal and health (clerical). She may be reached by phone at (504) 271-5035, by e-mail at dmeter@bellsouth.net, or by mail at 5906 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, LA 70117.

Maya Koleva is a businesswoman and economist with over 15 years of experience in consulting in the areas of real estate, housing and urban development. In 1991 she oganized the first private economic and management consulting firm in Bulgaria and directed that firm until emigrating to New Orleans in 1999. The firm had a large number of U.S. and other international clients and among other activities provided assistance on foreign aid projects in Bulgaria. Ms. Koleva is seeking a position in international trade where she can apply her business skills, as well as her knowledge of Eastern European markets and business practices. She can be reached at (504) 899-9853 or by e-mail at mtkoleva@bellsouth.net.

CeBIT 2000 HIGH-TECHNOLOGY SHOW IN HANNOVER, GERMANY

The U.S. Commercial Service invites all high-technology firms to participate at CeBIT 2000, the world's largest information technology show, taking place in Hannover, Germany on February 24-March 1, 2000. Nowhere else in the world, in just one week, can your company reach over 700,000 industry professionals, including 139,000 distributors, representing 100 countries. The Commercial Service is offering three participation options for U.S. high-tech companies at the show: catalog show ($550); co-exhibitor ($2,400); and the CEO program ($2,200 - $4,400 depending on the number of days). Whichever option you choose, the U.S. Commerce Service will assist you in making your mark at this global forum. Space is limited so call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for registration information.

DIRECTORY OF SUBSIDIARIES OF GERMAN FIRMS IN THE U.S.

The German American Chamber of Commerce has published the 24th edition of its Directory of Subsidaries of German Firms in the United States. This publication has evolved virtually into a classical Who’s Who of German-American business relations. This edition, dated 1999-2000, contains addresses and information pertaining to approximately 1,800 subsidiaries located in the United States, along with the addresses of their parent companies in Germany. Also included are indices of companies according to their product, as well as by states.

This directory is available for $79, including postage and handling. For ordering or further information, contact the German-American Chamber of Commerce, Western Region, by mail at 5599 San Felipe, Suite 510, Houston, TX 77056, by telephone at (713) 877-1114, or by fax at (713) 887-1602.

ROCHON NAMED U.S. COAST GUARD’S CAPTAIN OF THE PORT

Captain Steven W. Rochon, USCG, was recently appointed Captain of the Port of New Orleans for the U.S. Coast Guard’s 8th District. Rochon, a native New Orleanian, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1970. He is a graduate of Xavier University and earned a Masters degree from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

ARGENTINE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WEBCAST

Log on to www.globalspeak.com to see the healthcare industry webcast, "Argentina: Export-ease." This joint venture by the U.S. Commercial Service in Buenos Aires and the Commerce Healthcare Technologies Team is a great tool for exporters of healthcare equipment and services. Discover the trends, tips, and tools to access the Argentine market and hear from seasoned exporters. The site is available 24 hours every day.

INDIAN HANDICRAFTS AND GIFTS FAIR IN FEBRUARY

Covering a total floor space of 300,000 square feet, the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair is currently the largest handicraft and gifts fair in Asia. Some 1,000 of India’s select and leading manufacturers and exporters will display more than 25,000 varieties of crafts at the Fair, which will next be held in New Delhi February 11-14, 2000. The product range of handicrafts and giftware that India offers to the world is enormous: metalcrafts, woodcrafts, fashion and costume jewelry, traditional textiles, laces and embroidery, jute handicrafts, iron crafts, crafted stones, paper mache, musical instruments, medieval swords and firearms, hand printed textiles, dress materials, and furnishings are just a few in the huge range of handicrafts and giftware available from India.

For Fair invitations and further information contact Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts by telephone at (011) 91-11-6145355, by fax at (011) 91-11-6143772, or visit the website at www.epch.asiansources.com, or send an e-mail to secyepch@axcess.net.in.

MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER CONTRIBUTES TO ECONOMY

Since its inception 14 years ago, the Ernest Morial Convention Center has been a major economic catalyst for the state of Louisiana and the economy of the New Orleans metropolitan area. In 1998, just prior to the opening of the Phase III expansion, the Morial Convention Center's statewide economic impact hit $3.3 billion. Statewide tax revenues also increased to $175.9 million, of which $78.3 million flowed directly to the New Orleans area. The added space of Phase III in 1999 almost doubles the facility's size, allowing it to accommodate new business and produce stronger economic benefits statewide.

PLASTICS EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE IN INDIA

Plastindia Foundation, the umbrella organization of India’s plastics industry associations, will sponsor an International Buyer-Seller Meet on February 21-22, 2000. This event will be held concurrently with Plastindia 2000, the 4th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from February 19-24.

Plastindia 2000 is the largest plastics trade fair in Asia and the third largest in the world. This fair will be spread over 500,000 sq. ft. at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. It is expected to attract almost a million visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors from 35 foreign countries.

The Indian plastics industry has experienced high rates of growth and is expected to register double-digit growth well into the next decade. The industry today provides great opportunities in two-way trade of raw materials, finished goods, plant and machinery, molds and dies, additives, technology, and consulting opportunities. The Buyer-Seller Meet is the perfect opportunity to establish joint ventures, collaborations, and trade in all areas of the plastics industry.

Further details may be obtained via e-mail at buyersellermeet@plastindia.org, or fax at (011) 91- 22- 6711906, or (011) 91- 22- 621124

NEW MONTHLY EXPORT AMERICA PUBLICATION FROM COMMERCE

In November, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the inaugural issue of Export America, the International Trade Administration’s new magazine designed to provide practical export advice to U.S. small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). Export America is the successor to the former Business America and will play a vital role in ITA’s mission to help U.S. business succeed in the global marketplace.

Every month Export America will draw on the extensive resources of the International Trade Administration and other government agencies to feature regional developments, success stories, country and sector market opportunities, and other news.

Not only will each of these articles be specifically focused on SMEs’ needs, but Export America will also include invaluable sections on technical topics, such as export documentation and market research. This combination of featured stories and hands-on exporting advice should make Export America an essential resource for any exporter looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace.

The cost of a one-year subscription (12 monthly issues) to Export America is $61. To subscribe, contact the U.S. Superintendent of Documents by mail at P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, by phone at (202) 512-1800, or by fax at (202) 512-2250, or visit the website at www.access.gpo.gov/su-docs/sale.

LOUISIANA’S ASIA HAD PRODUCTIVE VISIT TO STATE

The director of the State of Louisiana’s Asia Trade Office, Mr. Steve Lee, addressed a gathering at the World Trade Center on August 12 on emerging opportunities in Asia for Louisiana companies. Mr. Lee was in the state with a delegation of Taiwanese venture capitalists interested in technologies being developed in the state. The nine-member delegation -- headed by Mr. Cheng-Xin -- were in Louisiana August 8-11. The delegation’s principal purpose was to identify first and second-stage technologies for possible investment opportunities. To this end, the delegation attended a technology development symposium on August 9 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. At the seminar, principal investigators from the LSU-Baton Rouge campus and the LSU Agricultural Center presented the group with information on 14 selected projects. In addition to the symposium, members of the delegation met with Governor Mike Foster and his staff, a number of the state’s high-tech firms and Louisiana venture capital firms, and officers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the Biomedical Research Foundation in Shreveport.

While in the state, Mr. Lee traveled to Lafayette for meetings with Le Centre International, and met with the Chancellor of the University of New Orleans and members of UNO’s intellectual property management office. Mr. Lee also dined with members of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce-Louisiana Branch, which was also attended by the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston’s Commercial Division.

Mr. Lee can be reached at the Taipei World Trade Center, RM. 7D-13, 5 Hsin Yi Road, Sec. 5 Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C., by telephone at 886-22-723-1921, by fax at 886-22-723-1862, or e-mail at s723192@ms2.hinet.net. For more information on the Louisiana Department of Economic Development’s International Marketing Division and the International Trade Division, visit the department’s website at www.lded.state.la.us, or contact Larry Collins, Director, International Trade Division, or Frank Mulhern, Director, International Marketing Division, P.O. Box 94185, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, by telephone at (225) 342-6000, or fax at (225) 342-5389.

TRADE LEADS

Ceramic Coatings: Member of WTC Sao Paulo seeks importers of ceramic coatings for wall and floor tiles. Contact Renato Secol via e-mail at busclub@wtcclub.com.br.

Beauty Products: Member of WTC Amman seeks buyers/distributors of beauty products that contain minerals extracted from the Dead Sea. Contact Mr. Jamel Khouri in California via fax at (949) 583-7350, or via phone at (949) 583-7300.

Granola: Member of WTC Caracas seeks importers/ distributors of granola (100% natural). Contact Laura Ingino via fax at (011) 58-2-952-0077, or via e-mail at wtclaura@telcel.net.ve.

Alarm Device: Member of WTC Osaka seeks buyers/distributors of an anti-shoplifting alarm device for displays in retail stores. Contact Sumitomo Corporation via fax at (011) 81-92-451-9369, or via e-mail at yoshihisa.okada@sumitomocorp.co.jp.

Chemicals: Mineral fertilizer chemical plant in Uzbekistan seeks an American partner interested in privatizing the plant or becoming a shareholder. Contact Mr. Gasanov via phone at (011) 998-662-24-37-55.

Chicory: Company in the Ukraine has available chicory for exporting. Contact Maxim Kurylyak via e-mail at max@oreol-ua.com.

Leather Products: Manufacturing company in India seeks agents and distributors for its leather goods, which include jackets, wallets, and leather belts. Contact Mr. Surtani via e-mail at surtani@bom5.vsnl.net.in.

Security Systems: Ellipse company in Armenia seeks a U.S. joint venture partner to produce and assemble security systems in Armenia. Ellipse also seeks a dealership agreement with a U.S. security system supplier. The company can conduct business in English. Contact Astghik Zakarian via fax at (011) 374-2-151-420 (attn: Ellipse), or via e-mail at ellips@mbox.intarnet.com.

Catering Companies: WTC Qatar seeks catering companies for a large project in Qatar. Contact Mr. Omar Abu Salma via fax at (011) 0974-423048, or via e-mail at wtcdoha@qatar.net.qa.

Furniture: Member of WTC Jakarta seeks buyers of imported furniture. Contact Slamet Suparno via fax at (011) 62-272-21177, or via e-mail at tunas@klaten.wasantara.net.id.