FEB. 8 BRIEFING ON U.S.-LATIN AMERICA OUTLOOK

The World Trade Center and other organizations are sponsoring a breakfast briefing on February 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the WTC on “Outlook on U.S.-Latin America Relations Under the Bush Administration,” featuring Cresencio (Chris) Arcos, Regional Vice President and Managing Director of International Public Affairs for Latin America and Canada for AT &T Corporation.

A former Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador Arcos served in a number of key diplomatic posts and positions during a distinguished 25-year career, including Ambassador to Honduras, Senior Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Crime, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America. A native of San Antonio, Ambassador Arcos earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas, Austin and his M.A. from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

To register for the breakfast, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.
 
 

FEB. 14 SEMINAR ON NEW FSC REPLACEMENT LEGISLATION

New Orleans CPA and international tax specialist Edward K. Dwyer will conduct a luncheon seminar on Wednesday, February 14 in the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center on “U.S. Tax Incentives: Benefiting from the New FSC Replacement Legislation.”

Facing the possibility of $4 billion in tariff retaliations on U.S. products by the European Union (EU), Congress and the White House have created legislation that repeals the Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The new legislation replaces the FSC provisions with incentives similar in scope and effect, but designed to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. For U.S. companies the proposed changes are a win-win situation—the statute provides equal treatment for all foreign sales whether the goods are manufactured in the U.S. or abroad, as long as 50 percent of the fair market value of the goods is produced within the U.S.

The seminar qualifies for up to 2 CPE credits for CPAs and 1.2 CLE credit hours for attorneys. To register for the luncheon, call the W.T.C. at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or click here.
 
 

WTC-LITC TO HOLD FEB. 16 INCOTERMS SEMINAR

Ruperto Chavarri, Director of the Louisiana International Trade Center, and Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, will conduct a luncheon seminar at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on Friday, February 16 on “Using Incoterms 2000 Correctly.” The seminar will use an easy-to-follow, step-by-step case study showing the “flow” of a product from the seller to the buyer in an international transaction.

INCOTERMS, which are issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), are the most commonly used trade terms in international sales contracts. These 13 terms (FOB, CIF, etc.) represent shorthand definitions of the respective rights and responsibilities of sellers and buyers in their sales contracts. Although the ICC is not a government agency, the INCOTERMS are recognized globally by courts, government, banks, and other authorities and are used by most companies throughout the world which are successfully engaged in exporting and importing. The INCOTERMS were revised and updated for incorporation into international sales contracts starting on January 1, 2000.

A solid grasp of the principal INCOTERMS will save you time, money and frustration. They are essential in determining: (1) which party (the buyer or seller) assumes the risk of loss at any given point during the transaction; (2) which party pays for the various costs associated with delivery; (3) the point of obligation of the buyer to pay; and (4) the dutiable value under U.S. law and the customs laws of most foreign countries.

The February 16 luncheon seminar is sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, the New Orleans Export Assistance Center, the Louisiana International Trade Center, and the World Trade Center of New Orleans. To register for the February 16 luncheon seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or or click here.
 
 

INDUSTRY MARKET INSIGHT REPORTS

Following is a list of informative Industry Market Insight Reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service. For the entire report(s), call Jo Daugherty at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

• Brazil - Homecare: A Giant Market to be Explored
• Guatemala - Lower Import Duties for Textiles, Tires, Footwear
• India - Pipeline Opportunities in India
• India - Politics and Doing Business in India
• Indonesia - New Refinery Projects
• Israel - Contact List for Defense Sector
• Israel - Plans for Turnkey Desalination Plant
• Kuwait - $7.6 Billion for Oil Sector Projects
• Mexico - Construction of an International Border Aquadect (Baja)
• Mexico - Guadalajara Trade Shows for 2001
• Poland - Modernization of Heating System in Nowa Ruda
• Pakistan - Agricultural Machinery & Equipment
   
   

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

Feb. 5- ‑WTC New Orleans Foreign Language Classes. Offering Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and English as a Second Language. Call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.

Feb. 8 ‑“Outlook on U.S. Latin American Relations Under the Bush Administration,” a breakfast briefing from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the World Trade Center in New Orleans. The featured speaker is Cresencio (Cris) Arcos, an AT&T Vice President based in Coral Gables who served as U.S. Ambassador to Honduras and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America during a 25-year career in the Foreign Service. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Feb . 8 ‑“Internet Taxes - How Will They Affect You?” a breakfast panel discussion at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Internet Coalition. Call (504) 394-9366.

Feb. 12 ‑“Dining Internationally,” an evening series sponsored by the Foreign Relations Association of New Orleans, features a dinner at CafŽ Indo, a French-Vietnamese restaurant located at 216 North Carrollton Ave., beginning with a cash bar reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Call the FRA at (504) 523-2201.

Feb. 14 ‑A luncheon seminar on “U.S. Tax Incentives: Benefiting from the New FSC Replacement Legislation” featuring New Orleans CPA Edward Dwyer. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Feb. 15 ‑The Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana is holding a luncheon meeting at 12:00 noon at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. Featured speaker is Wayne Anderson, Sales Manager of Scandinavian Airlines in Chicago. Call the Chamber at (504) 529-3088 to register.

Feb. 16 ‑A luncheon seminar at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on “Using Incoterms 2000 Correctly,” conducted by Ruperto Chavarri, Director of the Louisiana International Trade Center, and WTC Managing Director Eugene Schreiber. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271 or click here.

Feb. 21 ‑The Greater New Orleans Maritime Trade Alliance is holding a luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Vice Admiral A. J. Herberger, Director, U.S. Maritime Administration. To register, call (504) 779-5671.
 
 

DINING INTERNATIONALLY

The Foreign Relations Association of New Orleans (FRA) will be hosting another evening in its “Dining Internationally” series at CafŽ Indo, a French-Vietnamese restaurant at 216 North Carrollton Avenue on Monday, February 12. Chef Kevin Cadow, a graduate of Cordon Bleu and trained in Michelin star restaurants, will discuss the fusion of French and Oriental cuisine. Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. with a choice of appetizer and entree and two glasses of wine, preceded by a cash bar at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35 for FRA members and $40 for non-members. For reservations, call the FRA office at (504) 523-2201.
 
 

BALDWIN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF TRADE

James M. Baldwin was recently elected to serve as President of the New Orleans Board of Trade, Limited for 2001. Mr. Baldwin is Vice-President/General Manager of Forest Lines, Inc. Other officers elected are Lawrence B. Eustis, Jr., First Vice President (Vice-President of Insurance Underwriters, Ltd.); Miriam Hollar, Second Vice President (Miriam Hollar, Esquire); H. Merritt Lane, III, Third Vice President (President/CEO of Canal Barge Co., Inc.); and Robert A. Bories, Treasurer (Vice-President, Gulf South Operations, Inc.). Gene J. Hymel was reappointed as Executive Director/Secretary.

The following members were elected to serve as directors for the term 2001-2002: Allan B. Colley (President, Dupuy Storage and Forwarding Corporation); Gerald H. Hutchison, (General Manager, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad); Henry G. Joffray (President, Joffray Maritime); William H. Langenstein (Attorney, McCloskey, Langenstein & Stollar, LLP); Michael R. Lorio (President, Associated Branch Pilots); Ashton R. O’Dwyer (Partner, Lemle & Kelleher, LLP); James W. Pellerin (President/CEO, Pellerin Milner Corporation); Andrew L. Gerfin (Consultant); Thomas D. Westfeldt (President, Westfeldt Brothers, Inc.); William C. McNeal (Consultant); Ronald M. Ackerman (Marketing Manager, Forest Lines Inc.); Stephen F. Leech (President, Intermare Agency Services, Inc.); David P. Schulingkamp (Vice-President, M.G. Maher & Co., Inc.).
 
 

WTC SPRING LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN FEB. 5

For the 53rd consecutive year, the World Trade Center will offer its spring session of foreign language classes from the week of February 5 through the week of April 23 at the WTC Building in New Orleans. The classes are conducted by the faculty of Alpha Tech Communications. The emphasis is on business usage and conversation. Small classes led by experienced teachers ensure good individual attention. The session will last 11 weeks: classes will meet once a week for two hours, except the week of February 26 due to Mardi Gras Holidays. The following languages will be offered: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and English as a Second Language. Tuition is $130 for WTC members and their spouses, and $260 for non-members. (Registration and materials cost $45) Free parking is available in the WTC Garage. For additional information and to register, call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.
 
 

U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE APPOINTS DEC MEMBERS

Several representatives of the Louisiana international business community were recently appointed to the Louisiana District Export Council. The District Export Council (DEC) is a non-profit organization created to promote U.S. trade with the world. Each state is represented by a local DEC. Members are appointed to a limited term by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on behalf of the President; memberships may be renewed at the discretion of the Secretary. Chosen for their personal knowledge and experience in exporting, DEC members are many of the country’s successful business leaders in international trade. Major exporting firms are represented, as well as freight forwarders; international consultants; city, state and federal government agencies; and other groups directly engaged in the day-to-day business of foreign trade.

The Louisiana DEC works closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce and statewide international trade groups to improve conditions for foreign commerce and thereby foster economic growth. The DEC sponsors export seminars, workshops and conferences to educate exporters, and sponsors trade missions, trade fairs, and other events to bring buyers and sellers together. Though not an “advisory body” in the legal sense of the term, the LADEC provides valuable information and advice to Federal agencies, State legislators, and trade policymakers at both the local and national levels.

The new DEC appointments are:

Sidney Alexander—Tempico, Madisonville

Jim Campe—Point Eight Power, Belle Chasse

Lawrence Collins—Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Baton Rouge

W. E. “Billy” Coyle, Jr.—Bilco Tools, Houma

Vince Cuevas—Allen Process Systems, New Iberia

William Cummins—Bank One International Corporation, New Orleans

James Dartez—Royce Instrument Corporation, New Orleans (LADEC Chairman)

James Duke—Jetpac Group, Shreveport

Marysol Lombana—Interep Company, Kenner

Lisa Ponce de Leon—Louisiana Tax Free Shopping, New Orleans

Allison Randolph—U.S. Small Business Administration, New Orleans

Eugene Schreiber—World Trade Center of New Orleans, New Orleans

Corinne Titus—Baker, Lyman & Company, Metairie

The previously appointed members of the DEC are:

Donald Bohach—Stupp Corporation, Baton Rouge

Michael Conwell—Hibernia National Bank, New Orleans

Christine Duhon—Hibernia National Bank, Lafayette

Edward Dwyer—Certified Public Accountant, New Orleans (LADEC Treasurer)

Geralyn Graphia—F. C. Schaffer & Associates, Baton Rouge

Steven Jaeger—Port of New Orleans, New Orleans

Edwin “Ned” Jewett—CMI Consultants (LADEC Vice Chairman)

Wallace Landry—Crucial, Gretna

Charles Penuell—Calsilite-Ruston, Grambling

Michael Rongey—Reliable Industries, Metairie

Dr. David Shaffer—International Trade Consultant, Covington

Diana Simek—Ark-La-Tex Regional Export and Technology, Shreveport

Paul Wegener—M. G. Maher & Company, New Orleans

Timothy Zaunbrecher—Red Wing Service and Supply, Lafayette

The Louisiana District Export Council has two chapters. Donald van de Werken (Director, New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center) is the Executive Secretary of the South Chapter; Patricia Holt (Manager, Shreveport U.S. Export Assistance Center) is Executive Secretary of the North Chapter.

For more information on the District Export Council, log on to the Internet address www.ita.doc.gov/fcs/usfcs/usf/dec/dec.html, or call Jo Daugherty at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.
 
 

UPCOMING EXPORT TRADE EVENTS ABROAD

Following are a number of upcoming U.S. Commercial Service trade events of special interest to Louisiana companies. Call Jo Daugherty at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for details.

• Zoomark International - Pet Foods/Supplies - Italy; March 1-4
• RepCan Vancouver 2001 - All Industry Sectors - Canada; March 12-13
• RepCan Toronto 2001 - All Industry Sectors - Canada; June 12-13
• RepCan Montreal 2001 - All Industry Sectors - Canada; Sept. 20-21
• Convergence India - Telecom Equipment/Services - New Delhi, March 14-16
• Franchising Matchmaker - Franchising - Milan, Italy; March 18-23
• Made in USA - All Industry Sectors - Tel Aviv, Israel; March 18
• Israel Medical Week/Medax - Medical Equipment - Tel Aviv; March 20-22
• Cairo International Fair - All Industry Sectors - Egypt; March 21-30
• ExpoZoo 2001 - Pet Products/Foods - Paris, France; March 24-26
• International Dental Show - Medical - Cologne, Germany; March 27-31
• Agro-Food Tech 2001 - Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, Food Processing and Packaging Equipment - China; April 24-26
• Envitec - Environmental Technologies - Dusseldorf, Germany; May 14-19
• Expo Medica Hospital 2001 - Medical Industry - Mexico; June 6-8
   
   

LA’S EXPORTS UP 6.7% IN 2000 FIRST THREE QUARTERS

Louisiana’s worldwide exports rose to $13.3 billion during the first nine months of 2000, an increase of 6.7% over the same period in 1999, according to a report released by the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTC). The WTC report, which covers the export of both Louisiana-made products and goods produced in other states that 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. The January-September 2000 increase of $832 million is due mainly to larger shipments to Mexico, Canada, and China.

The state’s exports to smaller countries have played an important role as well. “The diversity of Louisiana’s trading partners provides a balance to the normal fluctuations of the world market,” said Larry Collins, International Trade Director for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. “For instance, Louisiana’s exports to Colombia, Indonesia, and the Philippines were up 51%, 49% and 52%, respectively for the first nine months of 2000, which more than made up for a 45% decrease in exports to Venezuela.”

Despite a 7% decrease in purchases from Louisiana, Japan maintained its position as the state’s number one export destination during the first three quarters of 2000, taking $1.6 billion of Louisiana’s international shipments. Mexico was Louisiana’s second-largest export market, with an increase of 23% to $1.2 billion, compared to $989 million for the same period the previous year. Canada was third, posting a 10% increase to $886 million from $803 million in 1999, while China was fourth, buying $791 million of products representing an increase of over 70%. The state’s fifth-largest market was Taiwan, which imported $430 million in Louisiana goods, a 6% decrease for the first three quarters of 2000.

Louisiana’s principal worldwide export sector, agricultural commodities, increased in total value during the first nine months of 2000 by almost 3%, reaching $5.8 billion. Chemicals and allied products were the state’s second-largest export category at $3 billion, a 27% increase over the same period in 1999. Processed food exports were third at $1.8 billion, a decline of 14%. Petroleum and coal products placed fourth with an 82% increase to $1 billion, while industrial machinery and computer equipment rounded out the top five Louisiana exports with $293 million, a 19% decrease compared to the first nine months of 1999.

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 the WTC’s website by clicking here. Printed reports are available by calling the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 262, or by writing to the World Trade Center, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130.
 
 

WTC ENHANCES WEBSITE, OPENS VIRTUAL STORE

The Members-Only section of the World Trade Center website for the WTC’s 2,100 members (www.wtc-no.org/memberarea) continues to expand. The content includes Plimsoll Club information (daily menu specials, a la carte menu, recipe of the month, and special events); a searchable database of Reciprocity Clubs, the complete Membership Benefits Handbook; special sections for members of WTC advisory committees; recent trade leads from other WTCs worldwide; special discounts and offers; and a “What’s New” section with recent news for members. Also, an Internet tip-of-the-month has been added to help enhance users’ on-line experience. Members simply need their username and password to access this portion of the site.

Also, the WTC has just opened a new WTC Store on its website for members and non-members. Visitors may purchase most of the products which the WTC and Plimsoll Club have to offer directly and securely on-line. Products include international trade reference books, videotapes of WTC events; satellite maps on CD; and Plimsoll Club items (ties, scarves, watches, pins, electronic currency converters, umbrellas, etc). WTC members receive discounts on most of the products offered. For additional information, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or e-mail ibdintern@wtc-no.org.
 
 

U.S. Trade Policy News

‑President George W. Bush has named Robert B. Zoellick to the post of U.S. Trade Representative and has decided to maintain the top trade negotiator position at Cabinet level status. Mr. Zoellick was an Under Secretary of State in the administration of President George Bush, where he worked on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the accord that developed the World Trade Organization (WTO). The nomination has been met with initial bipartisan support in Congress, but some labor groups fear that his strong free-trade views will make him insensitive to their concerns.

‑Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA), which would unite the entire Western Hemisphere into a single free trade zone, are proceeding quickly with talk of completion as early as 2003 rather than 2005, as was initially expected. The nine negotiating groups of the FTAA have completed an initial draft reflecting the positions of all participating countries that will be submitted to the FTAA Ministers at their next meeting in Buenos Aries on April 6-7. President Bush, who stated throughout his campaign that the Western Hemisphere would be a high priority in his administration, is expected to attend the Summit of the Americas in Quebec on April 20-22.

‑China’s anticipated entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) has suffered a setback over a disagreement regarding agricultural subsidies provided to its 900 million farmers. The talks, which ended on January 17, will probably reconvene in late-February or early-March.

‑The European Union has requested formal consultations at the World Trade Organization over the Byrd Amendment, which allows U.S. manufacturers to receive revenues collected in anti-dumping or countervailing duty cases. The EU, which has argued that the law gives companies a strong incentive to bring anti-dumping suits, made the request jointly with Australia, Brazil, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. EU official Pascal Lamy has said that the legislation “is not a U.S.-EU problem but a U.S-rest of the world problem.”
 
 

FEB. 8 BREAKFAST PANEL ON INTERNET TAXES

The Internet Coalition, a New Orleans-based organization focused on raising the level of Internet awareness, will hold a breakfast panel discussion on “Internet Taxes - How Will They Affect You?” from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 8 at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club. Currently, Louisiana is collecting a “Use Tax” on certain Internet catalog and mail order purchases. The Internet Tax Freedom Act moratorium expires in October. The State House Ways and Means Committee is designated to study this issue.

Panelists at the February 8 program will discuss how state government and private industries are preparing for this new law. The panelists include: Bill Backstrom, Jones Walker law firm; Hadley Leach, Arthur Andersen; Darrin McAuliffe, Turbo Trip.com; and Steve Sabludowski, Attorney. The program is sponsored by EMC.

The admission cost is $20, which includes continental breakfast and free validated parking at the WTC garage. Attendees should RSVP by calling (504) 394-9366 or sending an e-mail to rsvp@internetcoalition.org.
 
 

NEW CONSUL OF GREECE

Mr. Theodore Economou-Kamarinous assumed his duties as Consul of Greece in New Orleans in the fall of 2000. He joined the Greek Diplomatic Corps in 1989 and previously served abroad in Brussels in Greece’s Mission to the European Union and in Greece’s Embassies in Kuwait, Romania and Kenya prior to his assignment to New Orleans. Mr. Economou-Kamarinous is a native of Athens and holds a law degree from the Democritos University of Thrace in Greece and an M.Sc. degree in international law from St. Andrews University in Scotland. His office is located in the World Trade Center in New Orleans; he can be reached at (504) 523-1167.
 
 

INBOUND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FROM EUROPE

The following European companies are interested in identifying potential joint venture partners or other cooperative arrangements in Louisiana. For details, contact Mr. Frank Mulhern, Director, International Marketing Division of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development via phone (225) 342-4322 or e-mail at Mulhern@lded.state.la.us. 

PYMAG, SA, Barcelona, Spain - PYMAG, a privately owned company with 65 employees, manufactures a complete range of chemical products for the textile industry, including antistats, flame retardants, fungicidal products, anti-slipping agents and fluorcarbons. Textile industry customers include vertical textiles, laundries, dying and finishing, and textile printers and resins. PYMAG would like to enter the U.S. market and is seeking a qualified chemical/textile company sales partner to market/distribute their products in the U.S.

HMR, GMBH, Weinheim, Germany - HMR is active in the field of industrial automation. Key customers include: Audi, VW, Daimler-Chrysler, Bayer, Fuchs, DEA, and Unilever. HMR automation solutions for the following industries include robots in industrial automation, insulation technology, the automotive industry, chemistry/ pharmaceuticals, the textile industry, and the rubber/plastics industry. HMR wants to establish a U.S. office to serve as a service and training center, space parts inventory and marketing/sales branch operation. They would be receptive to some type of cooperation with a U.S. company in a related industry or their own independent U.S. branch operation.

Profilex, AG, Berlin, Germany - Profilex operates worldwide in the engineering and production of technology specialized theromo-plastic dies. The company has not been active in the U.S. market but is now interested in entering this market with one product - packing tubes for electronic components, which are produced by Profilex in China. Profilex is currently seeking a U.S. company in the electronics industry for the sales/marketing/distribution of their products. They are also interested in finding a U.S. partner with the ability to provide required tooling and special machinery for the production of custom-made parts in the U.S. using the latest state-of-the-art CAD/CAM systems.