EU AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. TO SPEAK AT APRIL 26 DINNER

European Union Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Guenter Burghardt will speak at a special dinner to be held in his honor at the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Thursday, April 26 starting at 7:00 p.m. (cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.). Dr. Burghardt will address the "Prospects for EU-U.S. Trade Relations." He will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rita Byl.

Dr. Burghardt previously served as Director General for External Relations under Commissioner Chris Patten in the new European Commission. During his 30-year career with the Commission, Dr. Burghardt has also served as Director General for External Relations, Political Director in the Secretariat General of the Commission, and Deputy Head of Cabinet. After entering the Commission as a member of the Legal Service in 1970, Dr. Burghardt was desk officer for relations with the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Dr. Burghardt speaks German, French, English, Dutch, and Italian.

CANCELED

EX-IM TRADE FINANCE SEMINAR ON APRIL 27

The Export-Import Bank of the United States will conduct an all-day "Trade Finance Seminar for Lenders" on Friday, April 27 in the WTC’s 29th floor Board Room from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This comprehensive training seminar is designed to give lenders and finance professionals a hands-on approach to learning about Ex-Im Bank and the financing products needed by U.S. exporters and foreign buyers. The seminar presentation transforms dry, difficult reading material into an enjoyable interactive learning experience with other professionals and will be conducted by a senior staff member of the Ex-Im Bank Washington D.C. headquarters. The seminar is geared towards bankers, lenders, U.S. exporters, government officials, educators, business students, and anyone else who has taken on trade finance responsibilities.

The Export-Import Bank is an independent agency of the United States government with the mission of creating and sustaining U.S. jobs by supporting exports. To learn more about Ex-Im Bank, visit their website at www.exim.gov. For more information on the seminar contact the Ex-Im Bank by phone at (800) 565-3946, ext. 3912 or by e-mail at heidi.weaver@exim.gov.

U. S. AMBASSADOR TO HONDURAS TO SPEAK AT APRIL 17 DINNER

The U. S. Ambassador to Honduras, Frank Almaguer, will be the featured speaker at a special dinner to be held at the Plimsoll Club on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. (cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.). The subject of Amb. Almaguer’s speech is "Doing Business in Honduras." He will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Antoinette Almaguer. To register for the dinner, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or or click here.

Ambassador Almaguer, a Career Minister in the Senior Foreign Service, has been serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras since July 1999. He previously held senior positions with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), including Mission Director in Bolivia. He also served as Country Director for the U.S. Peace Corps in Honduras, and Associate Country Director in Belize. From 1967 to 1969 he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Orange Walk Town, Belize.

INDONESIA LUNCHEON SEMINAR AT WTC ON APRIL 20

The World Trade Center and Indo Success are holding a luncheon seminar in the New Orleans at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, on "Doing Business in the Vast Indonesia Market." The speakers include Dr. David Lowry, Vice President of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. in New Orleans, who will discuss "Freeport’s Experience in Indonesia; Dr. Joseph Stimptl, Director for International Education at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, who will talk on "U.S. and Indonesian Perceptions;" and Hon. Dr. R. M. Talib Puspokusumo, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston, who will speak on "Capturing Opportunities in Changing Indonesia: A Shifting Paradigm." For details, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or click here.

JOSÉ CRUZ ELECTED DEAN OF THE CONSULAR CORP

José Cruz, the Consul General of Ecuador, was recently elected Dean of the Consular Corps of New Orleans. Voyce Durling-Jones, the Honorary Consul General of Liberia, is Vice Dean; Arnaldo Partesotti, the Honorary Consul of Italy, is Treasurer, and Nancy Marinovic, Honorary Consul of Mali, is Secretary.

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

Apr. 4 -"Pricing, Terms, Quotations and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar at the WTC in New Orleans from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The seminar will cover export and import licenses, preparing products for export and import, pricing strategies, terms of sale and quotations, customs entry procedures, and the cultural environment of international business. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 for details.

Apr. 5 -The World Trade Center’s Young Members Network will hold a Dinner for India Earthquake Relief at the India Palace Restaurant in Metairie. For additional details, call the WTC at 592-1601, ext. 226.

Apr. 9 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the WTC in New Orleans. The seminar will cover international banking in Louisiana, methods of payment, SBA and Eximbank financing programs, international freight forwarders and customs brokers, and export and import documentation. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 for details.

Apr. 11 -The Foreign Relations Association of New Orleans (FRA) is sponsoring "Mexico Moving Forward" with John M. Bruton, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, at 5:30 p.m. at the Port of New Orleans. For reservations call the FRA office at (504) 523-2201.

Apr. 17 -Dinner program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business with Honduras" featuring U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Frank Almaguer. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Apr. 20 -Luncheon seminar at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business in the Vast Indonesian Market." Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Apr. 26 -European Union Ambassador to the U.S. Guenter Burghardt will speak at a dinner at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Prospects for EU-U.S. Trade Relations." Call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 271.  Canceled.

Apr. 27 -All-day Ex-Im Bank Seminar at the WTC in New Orleans on "Trade Finance for Lenders," Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

COMMERCIAL NEWS USA PROMOTES U.S. EXPORTS

Advertising in the U.S. Department of Commerce ‘s publication Commercial News USA is a low-cost way for Louisiana companies to promote their products or services around the world. Copies are distributed in 145 countries, plus your ad will appear online to receive even greater exposure. Rates start at $495 for a 1/9 page black and white ad, up to $695 for color. Log onto www.cnewsusa.com, or call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for details and a sample copy.

CHINESE PORT OFFICIALS TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS

A ten-member delegation from the Yangtze River Port Association in China will be in New Orleans May 13-19. The purpose of their visit is to establish long-term cooperation between the Yangtze River Transportation Administration Bureau and Port Association, and the Ports of New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge. Representatives of port service companies (engineering, construction, etc.) who would like to meet with the Chinese delegates should call Clif Gaston of the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6548 to schedule an appointment.

SUSTA SEEKING MARKETING SPECIALIST

The Southern U.S. Trade Association seeks a Marketing Specialist to perform the following duties: manage all marketing activities to promote the organization and its programs to U.S. companies as well as foreign contacts, handle all advertising/promotion/public relations activities, responsible for design and maintenance of website, edit bi-monthly newsletter, manage projects using federal grants, coordinate outreach program, manage all publications and promotional materials, make presentations to industry professionals and government authorities, frequent domestic and occasional international travel, work closely with state and federal government as well as private companies. Minimum two years experience and Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required. Excellent benefits and salary 28-30k, depending on experience and qualifications. For more information, visit http://www.susta.org/jobs.stm. To apply, send cover letter, resume, and writing sample by fax, mail, or e-mail to: SUSTA, Attn: Marketing Position, 2 Canal Street Suite 2515, World Trade Center, New Orleans, LA 70130, Fax: 504-568-6010, E-mail: susta@susta.org, Website: www.susta.org.

UPCOMING EXPORT TRADE EVENTS ABROAD

Listed below are various U.S. Commercial Service international trade events. Call Jo Daugherty at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for details.

• Green Building Materials Trade Mission - Building Products, Architectural, Construction and Engineering - Hong Kong, China; May 10-11

• Envitec - Environmental Technologies - Dusseldorf, Germany; May 14-19

• IT 2001 Brisbane - Computers/Peripherals - Brisbane, Australia; May 15-17

• Women in Trade Business Development Mission - Cross Industry - Milan, Italy; Athens, Greece; May 20-24

• U.S. Pavilion at Seoul International Book Fair - Books and Periodicals - Seoul, South Korea; June 1-6

EXPORT ENFORCEMENT WORKSHOP IN HOUSTON

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, will present its Business Executive Enforcement Team ("BEET") workshop on Thursday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Greater Houston Partnership, Two Allen Center Building, in Houston.

From its inception in 1991, the BEET has become the forum for industry executives to stay current with the latest "hands-on" export enforcement topics. More than 3,000 business executives have participated in this program, taking advantage of the unique opportunity to present their concerns and communicate directly with senior U.S. law enforcement officials and to learn about new and on-going enforcement initiatives. As Export Enforcement reshapes its mission to reflect enhanced controls on weapons technologies, interaction with senior corporate officers of industry affected by these controls is welcome.

The agenda for the May 17 workshop includes presentations by officials from the Office of Export Enforcement, the Office of Chief Counsel, the Office of Anti-Boycott Compliance, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Office of Foreign Trade of the Bureau of Census. The cost of the workshop is $40 and includes a continental breakfast and all conference materials. For more information about the BEET workshop and to request a registration form, contact Cari Broderson at the Greater Houston Partnership at (713) 844-3600 or "cbroderson@houston.org" or Special Agent Paul Straughn at the Office of Enforcement, Dallas Field Office, at (214) 767-4026 or "pstraughn@bxa.doc.gov"

U.S. OFFICE IN AUSTRALIA OFFERS EXPORT PUBLICATIONS

The U.S. Commercial Service in Sydney offers the following free trade publications:

• The Australian Export Opportunities Bulletin - designed to help U.S. companies find business in Australia;

• Australian Environment - environmental trade leads;

• Defense Focus - defense market opportunities and items of interest on Australian defense procurement matters;

• Franchising - U.S. master franchise business opportunities.

To be included on the mailing list for any of these items, contact the U.S. Commercial Service at fax 61-2-9221-0573 or e-mail: sydney.office.box@mail.doc.gov.

MAY 17 SUSTA SEMINAR ON MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM

The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) will hold a free seminar on the Matching Funds Program (MAP Branded) at the World Trade Center in New Orleans on May 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The seminar will be held in the Crescent City Room on the 18th floor of the WTC. One-on-one meetings with SUSTA representatives are available on Friday, May 18. A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the St. James Hotel at 330 Magazine Street for $139 per night. Please call 1-888-211-3447 and reference SUSTA when making your reservations no later than May 2. For more information, visit the SUSTA website at: www.susta.org/branded/mapseminars.stm or contact SUSTA at (504) 568-5986 or susta@susta.org.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR FRENCH CULINARY STUDENTS

A class of 18 students from the Lycée Professionnel Renée Bonnet in Toulouse, France will visit Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans April 10-17. The group includes nine young men and nine young women ages 18 to 21. The students are in their last year of training to prepare them for a profession in the restaurant industry. The French-American Chamber of Commerce is coordinating their program of visits with professionals in the restaurant industry and is making arrangements for their housing with host families during their stay. If you are interested in hosting students April 12 in Lafayette and April 13 to April 16 in New Orleans, please call Valérie Guillet, Program Coordinator, at (504) 949-5076.

JOHN BRUTON TO SPEAK ON MEXICO ON APRIL 11

On Wednesday, April 11 the Foreign Relations Association of New Orleans (FRA) will discuss "Mexico Moving Forward" with John M. Bruton, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.

Founded in 1917, AmCham/Mexico is the largest American Chamber abroad with over 2,800 corporate members nationally who represent over 85 percent of the U.S. direct private investment in Mexico. Mr. Bruton has been with the Chamber for 29 years and has served 23 of those years in his present position. He also manages the Guadalajara and Monterrey branches of AmCham/Mexico. Additionally, Mr. Bruton is currently the Vice President for Membership Relations of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America. In that capacity he works on the growth and development strategies of the Association, which represents the U.S. business presence throughout the hemisphere.

The FRA event will take place at the Port of New Orleans, beginning with refreshments at 5:30 p.m., and Mr. Bruton’s presentation at 6:00 p.m. FRA members are invited to attend for $10 and nonmembers for $15. For reservations call the FRA office at (504) 523-2201.

BANK ONE RANKED IN EX-IM BANK LENDING

Bank One Corporation was listed as the number one lender of Working Capital Loans with the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, according to International Trade Finance Report magazine. In addition to ranking as the top Working Capital Loans lender, Bank One was listed fifth for total number of transactions and eighth for top insurance lenders, as well as ranked tenth among the top lenders for all programs and eleventh in all international lending.

LA. EXPORTS RISE 5.6%, LED BY CHINA, MEXICO GROWTH

Louisiana exports rose to $18.1 billion in 2000, an increase of 5.6% over 1999, according to a report released by the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTC). The increase of $954 million in 2000 was due mainly to larger shipments to Mexico (an increase of $419 million over 1999) and China (an increase of $413 million).

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.

Larry Collins, International Trade Director for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, noted that along with Mexico, the increase in exports to China was particularly significant, reflecting a 59% increase over the prior year in the case of China. "With the signing of a major agreement last year normalizing trade relations between the U.S. and China, as well as China’s anticipated entry into the World Trade Organization, we would expect to see the state’s exports to that country grow further," Collins stated.

Despite a 6.5% decrease in shipments from Louisiana to Japan, Japan maintained its position as the state’s number one destination in 2000, taking $2.1 billion of Louisiana’s exports. Mexico was Louisiana’s second-largest export market, with an increase of 32% to $1.7 billion. Canada was third, posting a 4% increase to $1.2 billion, while China was fourth, buying $1.1 billion of products, representing an increase of 59%. The state’s fifth-largest market was the Netherlands, which imported $812 million in Louisiana goods, a 13% increase over 1999.

"Louisiana’s opportunities for increased exports to Latin America are extremely promising," stated Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade Center, especially in light of the upcoming April 20-22 Summit of the Americas to be held in Quebec City. "President Bush and 33 other heads of state from the Western Hemisphere will discuss the creation of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)," Schreiber noted.

Louisiana’s principal worldwide export sector, agricultural commodities, increased in 2000 by almost 2%, reaching $8.0 billion. Chemicals and allied products were the state’s second-largest export category at $4.0 billion, a 23% increase over the same period in 1999. Processed food exports were third at $2.4 billion, a decline of 19%. Petroleum and coal products placed fourth with a 90% increase to $1.5 billion, while industrial machinery and computer equipment rounded out the top five Louisiana exports with $395 million, a 14% decrease compared to 1999.

Louisiana’s 5.6% increase to $18.1 billion of exports in 2000 ranked it 13th among the states, while total U.S. exports increased 12.6% to $780 billion. California remained the top exporting state with $130 billion, followed by Texas ($112 billion), and New York ($47 billion).

Trade reports with information on 33 product categories of Louisiana exports to more than 200 countries worldwide are available by or clicking here.

USED EQUIPMENT MISSION TO CENTRAL AMERICA

The U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a used equipment trade mission to Guatemala and Honduras on June 3-8. There are virtually no special government regulations on used equipment imports into these two countries. Companies dealing in used agricultural, construction/mining, food processing/ packaging equipment are invited to participate. Space is limited to the first ten firms to qualify. The participation fee is $1,700 per company, which does not include airfare, hotels, or meals. Call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for more information.

WALK RECEIVES SOCIETY OF MILITARY ENGINEERS AWARD

Frank H. Walk, Sr., a New Orleans business leader and founder and director of the engineering firm Walk, Haydel & Associates, received the Golden Eagle Award from the Academy of Fellows of the Society of American Military Engineers at the Academy’s annual dinner on March 17 in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes a professional engineer who has made significant contributions to the profession and to America’s national defense.

HIBERNIA RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXPORT SERVICE

Hibernia National Bank became the first bank from the region and only the 10th nationally since 1969 to receive the country’s highest recognition for fostering U.S. trade abroad: the President’s "E Star" Award for Export Service. The award recognizes Hibernia’s outstanding service through education and funding that has helped regional businesses expand into international markets.

In announcing the award, U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans said the bank "clearly stands out among U.S. financial institutions by tailoring export services to the needs of its consumer market and demonstrating a growth in export financing that has more than doubled in the last four years." Tom Strauss, the Commerce Department’s acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations, presented the award on March 8 to J. Herbert Boydstun, Hibernia’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Sandra Gerley, the Commerce Department’s Regional Director in St. Louis, and Donald Van de Werken, Director of the New Orleans Export Assistance Center, also attended.

Boydstun said Hibernia sees exports as a major driver for regional economic development. "One of our objectives is to help small-and medium-size companies grow," Boydstun stated. "Growth in exports creates jobs, expands the economic base, and raises standards of living." He also cited the leadership of Michael Conwell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Hibernia’s International Banking Department; Jan Tanner, Vice President for marketing international products, and Juan Csillagi, Vice President for Latin America.

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND

A new feature has been added to the WTC’s website which allows visitors to easily e-mail to a friend or colleague any page they are browsing on the WTC site. On the bottom of nearly every page, a visitor will find the link "E-mail this page to a friend." Clicking this link will pull up a simple form where the user will fill in the e-mail address of the individual the page is to be sent to, and if the user wishes, a small personal note. The recipient will then receive an e-mail with a hyperlink to the suggested page along with the personal note.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN SUMMIT IN NIGERIA IN MAY

The sixth African-American Summit will be held May 21-25 in Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 10,000 delegates from across the U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean are expected to attend, including 25 African heads of state. For additional information, call Carl Galmon, Deputy Director of African Affairs in the New Orleans Mayor’s Office of International Relations and Trade Development, at (504) 565-7230.

SOUTHEASTERN TO HOST REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

The Second Annual Southeast Louisiana Regional Economic Summit will be held on May 3-4 at the Southeastern University Center in Hammond. This important economic event will present "Emerging Economic Engines for Southeast Louisiana." The event platform features prominent international speakers as well as economic development experts on topics addressing regional development. Please visit www.selu.edu/Summit or call (985) 549-3831 for more information.

WTCA SPRING MEETING IN SEOUL, KOREA

WTC members and non-members are invited to participate in the Louisiana Business Mission to Seoul, Korea for the Spring Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association from April 22-26. This is an excellent opportunity to make productive contacts with delegations in attendance from all over the world and have one-on-one match making appointments with Korean companies. Also included in the Assembly’s program are informative trade seminars and briefings, exhibits, cultural and networking events, and industrial site visits. For additional information, go on-line to www.wtcseoul.com, or call Natalie Rideau, WTC Membership Director, at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

INDUSTRY MARKET INSIGHT REPORTS

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

• Brazil - The Brazilian Market for Confectionery Machinery
• Chile - Louisiana Pacific to Begin Board Production
• China - Medical Device Regulation System (w/contact list)
• Colombia - New Import Tax
• Egypt - New Foreign Exchange Rules
• Indonesia - The Proposed Indonesian Oil and Gas Bill
• Indonesia - Opens Bid for 23 New Oil, Gas Fields
• Israel - Vitamins Market (w/contact list)
• Japan - Oil Spill Symposium (End of Show Highlights)
• Japan - Analytical Instruments Show 2001 (Sept 5-7)
• Kazakhstan - Oil and Gas Output in Kazakhstan (potential for U.S. Companies)
• Kuwait - Four New Oil Export Piers
• Lithuania - Information Technologies and Telecom Market
• Mexico - Major Projects in Mexico: Port of Altamira
• Mongolia - Company Wants American Grain Silos
• Morocco - Offshore Oil Exploration Permits
• Netherlands - New Notified Body for Medical Devices
• New Zealand - Agriculture Equipment (Used)
• New Zealand - Sports Equipment
• Norway - Norway Reduces Import Fees and Red Tape
• Pakistan - Incentives for New Investors in Fertilizer Industry
• Pakistan - Special Import Requirements for Used/ Reconditioned Equipment
• Philippines - Defense Opportunities
• Peru - Petroleum Upstream Update
• Turkey - New Foreign Investment Law