REVIUS ORTIQUE TO SPEAK AT U.N. ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON

The United Nations Association of Greater New Orleans, the World Trade Center and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon briefing at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, July 13 in the Plimsoll Club featuring Justice Revius Ortique.

Revius Ortique is the Chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board and a retired Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He served as a U.S Representative to the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations (August 1999 - July 2000) and will discuss that experience at the luncheon program.

To register for the July 13 luncheon briefing, click here or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

CONFERENCE ON STATE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is sponsoring a Conference on Updating the Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan from July 30 through August 1 at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans.

The purpose of the conference will be to identify the major transportation issues which should be addressed in the next 30 years and update the Louisiana Statewide Intermodal Transportation Plan, which was adopted as the state’s official transportation plan in 1996. Louisiana was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation as one of six states that would develop model statewide intermodal plans to serve as guides by other states to develop plans of their own in accordance with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991.

The Statewide Intermodal Transportation Plan represents an umbrella plan that deals with highways, railroads, ports, and airports. The plan includes a three-tiered recommendation to coincide with three levels of committed funding: an increase of $30 million per year, an increase of $95 million per year, and an increase of $175 million per year.

The original plan projected that between 1990 and 2020, the state’s population will grow from 4.2 million to 4.8 million, vehicle miles traveled on state highways will increase by 100%, waterborne freight in Louisiana will increase by 47%, and air cargo in the state will increase by 600%.

For further information about the upcoming conference and to register, call Wanda Vick at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development at (225) 274-4116.

TAIWAN WEBSITE AVAILABLE TO LOUISIANA EXPORTERS

The Commercial Section of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has launched a Chinese-language website, USA Sources, to promote U.S. products to Taiwan importers and buyers. The State of Louisiana Asia Trade and Investment Office is working with the Commercial Section of AIT to promote the website and to inform Louisiana exporters of this opportunity. For a limited time, Louisiana’s Taiwan Office is offering, free to Louisiana exporters and service providers, the opportunity to reach Taiwan buyers through the USA Sources website ( www.usasources.org). The Taiwan Office is translating and posting Louisiana exporters’ product information in Chinese, making it easier for Taiwan importers to browse and quickly find Louisiana sources of supply.

The Taiwan Office has had 10 Louisiana companies put their information on this website thus far, including, Water King, Royce Instrument Corp., Delta Environmental, Quality Industries, Oil Stop, and Fleet Medical Resources. Most of these firms have had trade inquiries from Taiwan companies. If your Louisiana company would like to join this program, you should request a participation agreement by contacting Steve Lee, the Director of Louisiana’s Asia Trade and Investment office via e-mail at s7231921@ms2.hinet.net, or via fax at (886) (2) 2723-1862.

CALENDAR OF LOUISIANA EVENTS

July 13 -United Nations Association Luncheon at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. The featured speaker is Justice Revius Ortique, who served as a U.S. Representative to the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations. For details and to register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

July 24 -"Import/Export Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the WTC. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

July 26 -"Pricing, Terms, Quotations and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the WTC. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

July 30- -Conference on Louisiana Statewide Intermodal Transportation Plan at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans. Call Wanda Vick at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development at (225) 274-4116.

July 31 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the World Trade Center. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

E-COMMERCE WITH CANADA MADE EASIER

A new Canadian-based web site called Borderfree.com is creating an electronic portal to make cross-border e-commerce easier for Canadian customers and U.S. retailers. Borderfree.com allows U.S. merchants to sell to Canadian customers without dealing with any of the border issues such as Canadian taxes, currency exchange rates, international shipping, and customs brokers. Borderfree.com charges a service fee to the Canadian consumer and receives a commission from U.S. merchants using the service.

For more information on Borderfree.com or on exporting to Canada, call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504)589-6546.

BRAZIL DROPS U.S. WOOD PACKING REQUIREMENT

The United States is no longer on the list of countries required to provide a phyto-sanitary certificate when using solid wood packing in shipments to Brazil. This measure is titled Directive 146. For more information, call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

LIST OF ISRAELI BUILDING MATERIAL IMPORTERS

Israel’s Ministry of Housing recently prepared a five-page report on the housing industry in Israel, which includes a short list of Israeli importers of building materials. For a copy of the report, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

GRANDPRE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF WORLD TRADE CLUB

The following individuals have been elected as the new officers of the World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans: President, Peggy W. Grandpré, Port of New Orleans; First Vice President, Jan W. Tanner, Hibernia National Bank; Second Vice President, June H. Kennedy, Access Transportation Services, Inc.; and Secretary/Treasurer, Keith M. Merritt, Omni Bank.

NEW RULES ON TRADING WITH NORTH KOREA

Following the Clinton Administration's decision to ease sanctions on North Korea, the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) implemented new regulations on trading with North Korea, effective June 19, 2000. Many items may now be exported or re-exported to North Korea without a license. Exporters should be aware that certain types of production equipment and software were added to the Commerce Control List in order to maintain licensing requirements for shipments of those items to North Korea. The General Prohibitions pertaining to end-use and end-user restrictions continue to apply to North Korea and other countries.

Other government agencies have taken related measures to ease sanctions on North Korea. The Transportation Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Commerce Department, published a rule to lift the ban on U.S. ships and aircraft transporting goods or traveling to North Korea. The Treasury Department has amended its regulations to allow certain financial, trade, and other transactions. The Treasury Department requires a notification and approval process for all imports from North Korea.

Log on to the BXA web site at www.bxa.doc.gov to learn more about the new rules for exports to North Korea. Call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for more information on exporting to North Korea.

LOUISIANA TRADE MISSION PLANNED FOR SENEGAL

Robinson International Company, Ltd. of Baton Rouge, in cooperation with the International Trade Division of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, is tentatively planning a trade mission to Senegal, September 10-14.

The recent election of a pro-U.S. business president in Senegal, coupled with a favorable climate in Congress towards Africa, point to the potential for increased business activity. There is an immediate demand in Senegal for services from the energy (power and petroleum), paper, hospitality, construction, food and seafood processing, and agricultural sectors.

For details on the planned trade mission to Senegal, call Len Robinson at Robinson International at (225) 201-9794 or (225) 387-2832.

JULY 25 CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON AREA

A Caribbean Reconstruction and Development Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 at the Rosslyn Spectrum Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia. The conference is being organized by the Center for Reconstruction and Development, a division of Equity International, Inc.

This conference is designed for all companies and organizations interested in the reconstruction of flood-damaged Venezuela, $1.3 billion in new aid to Colombia, the reconstruction of hurricane-damaged Central America and the Dominican Republic; development and investment opportunities in Panama, Jamaica, and Haiti; and the proposed legislation allowing U.S. exports of food and medicine to Cuba.

In addition to Venezuelan Vice President Isaias Rodriguez, top speakers include an impressive array of financing and development officials from key U.S. and multilateral agencies and ministers and ambassadors from 10 Caribbean and Central American countries.

Companies from the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and Latin America are encouraged to attend, especially firms involved in banking/financing; bridges; construction; prefabricated housing; building materials; engineering; environment; hotels; power generation; railways; roads; telecommunications; water and wastewater; water ports; and other infrastructure-related sectors.

For program details and registration information on the July 25 conference, call the Center for Reconstruction and Development at (202) 828-6287, or visit the conference website at www.rec-dev.com.

INDONESIA NOW ACCEPTS USED CAPITAL EQUIPMENT

The Indonesian government recently issued a decree allowing the import of second-hand capital equipment into Indonesia. Due to its weak economy, Indonesia needs machines, machine tools, and capital goods at prices more affordable than the cost of new equipment. For additional information on exporting to Indonesia, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS EXPAND IN VENEZUELA

The Venezuelan gas business has mainly been developed to supply the industrial energy needs of the country, with a limited supply for the residential sectors in the larger cities. To foster the gas business development, the Venezuelan Government passed the Organic Law on Gaseous Hydrocarbons. The law provides opportunities for domestic and private investors to participate in different areas of the business.

One of these areas is the expansion of distribution networks in order to encourage the distribution of gas to industrial and residential sectors in regions where there is limited or no gas supplies. The regional gas distribution is expected to increase Venezuela's use of energy and the development of non-traditional technologies such as air conditioning water heating, co-generation, or tri-generation.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines and Petroleos de Venezuela (the national oil company of Venezuela) recently announced the awarding of 10 gas distribution concessions by the end of this year. For additional information on this topic, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

HOUSE AGREES TO RELAX SANCTIONS ON CUBA

Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have agreed to a relaxation of U.S. trade sanctions against Cuba and to allow shipments of food and medicine to the island nation. GOP leaders hope to include the negotiated compromise in a supplemental spending bill, but if that fails, the language will likely be added to the Agriculture Department budget for the 2001 fiscal year.

Intense lobbying by the American Farm Bureau Federation over low commodity prices and a three-year campaign by Rep. George Nethercutt of Washington succeeded in bringing this issue to the House floor after years of resistance to opening up trade with Cuba, which has been under a U.S. embargo since 1960. A similar measure adopted by the Senate last year was prevented from ever reaching the House floor.

Under the House-approved bill, U.S. exporters will be barred from using government credits or subsidies to finance future sales to Cuba, and they will have to work through third-country banks to complete deals. Furthermore, Cuba will continue to be denied access to U.S. markets. Besides Cuba, this bill would also affect Iran, Libya, North Korea, and Sudan, which have all had unilateral sanctions imposed on them by the United States.

LOUISIANA’S EXPORTS UP 9.7% IN FIRST QUARTER

Louisiana’s worldwide exports increased by 9.7% to $4.9 billion during the first quarter of 2000, compared to the first quarter of 1999, according to a report released by the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTC). Almost half of the $434 million increase in total exports from Louisiana during the January-March period this year is due to a nearly tripling of the value of shipments to China, which boosted the country into second place after Japan among the state’s export markets.

"The large increase in exports to China is good news for Louisiana. With the impending passage of the China Trade Bill and continued economic growth in Asia, there should be excellent opportunities for future growth in exports to that region," said Larry Collins, International Trade Director for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

The WTC report, which covers the export of both Louisiana-made products and goods produced in other states which are shipped abroad through Louisiana’s ports, is generated by the Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research (MISER) and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Japan remained Louisiana’s number one export destination during the first quarter of 2000, taking $581 million of the state’s international shipments, which represented a 10% decrease from the first quarter of 1999. As noted above, China was Louisiana’s second-largest export market for the quarter, with an increase of 174% to $332 million, compared to $121 million for the same time last year. The NAFTA countries, Mexico and Canada, were third and fourth, respectively, with Mexico posting a 1% increase to $327 million, while Louisiana’s shipments to Canada increased by 13% to $295 million. The state’s fifth-largest market was the Netherlands, which imported $283 million in Louisiana goods, a 12.9% increase.

Of Louisiana’s top-ten export destinations, four were located in Asia (Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan), three were in Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain), two were in the Western Hemisphere (Mexico and Canada), and one was in the Middle East (Egypt).

Louisiana’s number one worldwide export sector, agricultural commodities, increased in total value during the first quarter of 2000 by 11% to $2.4 billion. Chemicals and allied products were the state’s second-largest export category at $984 million, a 32% increase over the first quarter of last year. Processed food exports were third at $738 million, a decline of 12%. Petroleum and coal products placed fourth with a 35% increase to $254 million, while paper and allied products rounded out the top five Louisiana exports with $86 million, a 21% increase over the first quarter of 1999.

Louisiana, which generally places in the top-ten exporting states, slipped to eleventh overall during the first quarter of 2000 from ninth during the first quarter of 1999. For the U.S. as a whole, exports increased by 12.6% to $187 billion. California was the top exporting state with $29 billion in exports, followed by Texas ($26 billion).

Trade reports that provide information on 33 product categories of Louisiana exports to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available on this website. Printed reports are available by calling the WTC at (504) 529-1601 or by writing to the World Trade Center, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Shawna K. Turner is a recent graduate of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Her Master’s degree in Public Affairs focuses on international trade and economic integration with an emphasis on U.S./Africa trade. She lived and worked in Southern Africa for four years with the U.S. Department of State, assisting Africans with small businesses and other economic development projects. She is presently interning at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and working on the implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Ms. Turner is seeking a position based in New Orleans involving international trade, preferably with Africa, and can be reached at (405) 275-2989 or by e-mail at lpaz232@hotmail.com.

Aswini Kumar Acharya is a management professional in India with 25 years of experience in domestic, export marketing, and grounding of projects. Mr. Acharya has completed studies at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in New Delhi, a premier institute for management professionals in India. He is currently seeking a suitable placement overseas in a senior position in marketing or management. Contact Mr. Acharya by mail at N-3/194, Nayapally, Bhubaneswar 751015, India, by fax at 0091674 550442 or by e-mail at aswini_kumar@satyam.net.in.

Darin Boue is seeking an entry-level management position in international business: import/export, international marketing, banking, commercial law, trade or tourism promotion and marketing. Mr. Boue obtained a B.A. degree in international relations and economics from the American University in Washington, D.C. and studied for two years in France. He has held part-time jobs and internships in the fields of tourism and import/export, as well as gained valuable entrepreneurship experience through two small business ventures. Call (504) 466-9172.

Robin Davis recently graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in International Business, with a focus in French and Marketing. She is seeking full-time employment in New Orleans in international marketing, supply chain management, or other import/export areas. Her experience includes internships in Vancouver, Canada and at the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. Her flexibility, along with her computer, organizational and interpersonal skills, will make her an asset to any team. Contact Ms. Davis at (318) 686-8434 or by e-mail at robin_m_davis@yahoo.com.

N.O. AIRPORT ANNOUNCES $170 MILLION OF PROJECTS

The New Orleans Aviation Board recently announced over $170 million in additional improvements to the New Orleans International Airport on the heels of the final phase of an $850 million building renovation and expansion program that the Board announced six years ago. Justice Revius O. Ortique, Chairman of the Aviation Board, pointed out that the improvements will be funded from airport revenue without the inclusion of state or federal funds. Passenger volume at the airport is expected to reach 10million this year.

Included among the new improvements are a consolidated rental car facility, the reconfiguration of two concourses, a new parking lot that will be accessible from Veterans Boulevard, the construction of a third passenger bridge from the covered parking garage to the expanded West Terminal, and the construction of a truck marshalling yard designed to increase the flow of cargo. This list does not include already existing plans for a new 3,000-space covered garage or a 300-room luxury hotel that will be built on airport property.

BOOKS FOR SALE AT THE WTC

The World Trade Center offers a wide range of useful trade reference books for sale, including "Incoterms for Americans" by Frank Reynolds. This 140-page publication describes the latest developments in commercial practice and modifies some of the 13 international trade Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc).The purchase price is $40, plus a shipping and handling charge.

The World Trade Center also has a new selection entitled "The Spanish in New Orleans and Louisiana" by JosŽ Montero de Pedro, the MarquŽs de Casa Mena, and translated from the Spanish by Richard E. Chandler of Lafayette, Louisiana, a retired university professor. The book examines Louisiana’s Spanish colonial period (1763-1803) and its effect on the region’s cuisine, architecture, and language. The author has special ties to the area, having served as Consul General of Spain in New Orleans from 1976-1980. He also was instrumental in bringing the Spanish Plaza project along the riverfront to completion. The purchase price of the book is $24.95.

For additional information or to order any of the WTC’s international trade and reference materials, visit www.wtc-no.org/publications/ or call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222. (WTC members receive a 15% discount on all orders.)

AZUCAR BALL TO BE HELD IN NEW ORLEANS ON AUGUST 26

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation will host its tenth annual fundraiser, the "Azucar Ball," on Saturday, August 26 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The theme of the gala event is "Noche De Plata" or Shimmering Night.

This black-tie affair will take place in the lobby of the Whitney National Bank, 228 St. Charles Avenue, in New Orleans. Dinner will be provided by some of the city’s finest restaurants. Dancing will be to the non-stop music of Fredy Omar and his band and the romantic duo of Julio y Cesar. A special feature of the gala will be a silent auction which will include many enticing items.

The proceeds from the "Azucar Ball" will provide much needed funding for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s scholarship fund. Last year 25 outstanding Hispanic students were awarded scholarships from the proceeds of the ball. For ticket information, call Rosa Rodriguez at (504) 523-2600, ext. 139.

CONSULAR CORPS CHANGES

Ms. Mayra Grimaldi, the Consul General of Nicaragua in New Orleans for the past nine years and the Dean of the Consular Corps for the past six years, stepped down recently. The new Dean is Alejandro de la Canal Knapp, the Consul General of Mexico. He can be reached at (504) 522-3596. The new Consul General of Nicaragua is Ms. Gertrudis Velasquez de Lacayo (523-1507). Mr. Emilio Suarez Clavijo (525-5580) recently arrived in New Orleans to assume his duties as the new Consul General of Colombia. Dr. Lola Aniyar de Castro, the Consul General of Venezuela (522-3284), recently completed her assignment in New Orleans and returned to Venezuela. Her replacement has not yet been named. The government of El Salvador closed its Consulate General in New Orleans on May 31 and Mr. Emilio Garcia Prieto, the Consul General for the past nine years, returned to San Salvador. An Honorary Consul is expected to be named to replace him. Mr. William Hines was recently appointed as Honorary Consul of Portugal (582-8272). Finally, the international community in Louisiana was saddened to learn of the passing in June of the longtime Honorary Consul of Sweden, James Schupp.

BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS

The French organizations of New Orleans invite you to attend the following events to celebrate the French National Day of July 14:

Friday, July 14

8-10 a.m. -French American Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting and complimentary breakfast (FACC members only).

4:30 p.m. -Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Joan of Arc Statue in the French Quarter. Call 866-9088

6-9 p.m. -Reception of the Consulate General of France (by invitation only). Call 523-5772

9 p.m. -Creole Connection Concert featuring Amadou& Mariam from Mali. The House of Blues. Call 529-BLUE

Saturday, July 15

8 a.m.-Noon -L’Alliance Francais at the Crescent City Farmer’s Market. Call 568-0770

Sunday, July 16

10:30 a.m. French Mass, St. Louis Cathedral

Noon -Bastille Day Celebration lunch at Jackson Brewery. Call 282-1421

3 p.m. -Waiter’s Race, Joan of Arc Statue, French Quarter