NEW MISSISSIPPI RIVER GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE FROM WTC

The Steamship Association of Louisiana’s 2002-2003 Guide to the Mississippi River and Mississippi River Gulf Outlet is now available through the World Trade Center of New Orleans. This overview of the Lower Mississippi River port complex, from the Gulf of Mexico to the head of deep-draft navigation in the Port of Baton Rouge, features 22 detailed color maps depicting facilities, anchorages and barge fleets, plus nine new maps of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, including the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal. The guide also includes indices of anchorages, deep draft ports, and docks and facilities.

The cost is $22.50 for World Trade Center members and $25.00 for non-members. To purchase the new Guide, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS

World Trade Magazine will hold a Secure World Exhibition and Conference on transportation security from September 29 to October 1 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel. The conference will allow shippers, government officials, and transportation executives to exchange information on transportation logistics, programs, and equipment for supply chain security. For details, go on-line to www.milestoneshows.com/cc or www.irta.org. To register for the conference, call Mark Stone at Milestone Presentations at (800) 996-3233, or e-mail milestone@bod.net.

U.S. COMMERCE PRODUCT LITERATURE CENTERS

A Product Literature Center (PLC) offers space for a firm’s promotional and sales materials at an international trade fair booth organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and staffed by industry specialists. Visitors to the booth may peruse company literature either at the booth or take material to read later. After the trade show, participating companies receive sales leads collected by DOC personnel.

Some PLCs will display actual products with the literature, show company videos, and distribute CD-ROMs. This is an excellent marketing venue for the U.S. firm because there are no booth space rental fees. An Exhibitors Directory listing company and marketing information is provided to all PLC visitors. Fees normally fall in the $300 to $600 range, but costs vary depending on the sophistication of the show as well as the industry. Log on to www.export.gov/ trade events. html, and select "Catalog Show" under the section "International Trade Events" to download a list of upcoming PLC events.

TRADE OPPORTUNITIES WITH ECUADOR

The World Trade Center has received a number of excellent business leads from the American Chamber of Commerce in Guayaquil, Ecuador. They include:

• CAROSEM, a company that imports and distributes janitorial products and is looking for U.S. manufacturers and sellers of fragrance dispensers and concentrates.

• INMAIA, an industrial manufacturer of tropical wood, that has its own forests, mills, and industrial factory, is seeking buyers, distributors, and/or representatives of its teak and other woods, parquet floors, and doors.

• OCEANEXA C.A., a company that produces and processes commercialized fresh frozen shrimp, and is seeking a partner for a shrimp-breeding farm venture.

For more information on these and other trade leads, visit the WTC website at: http://wtc-no.org/hotleads/wtcleads.htm or contact Jorge Farah at the American Chamber of Commerce in Guayaquil by e-mail at eccaecam@interactive.net.ec, or by phone at (593 4) 2693471.

FOREIGN TRADE ZONE SEMINAR SEPTEMBER 20

The Ports Association of Louisiana, the Port of South Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and the World Trade Center are sponsoring a luncheon seminar with four speakers on "Louisiana Foreign Trade Zones - How Your Business Can Profit" at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans on Friday, September 20 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m.

Foreign trade zones are designated sites licensed by the FTZ Board (the U.S. Secretary of Commerce is Chairman) at which special U.S. Customs procedures may be used. FTZ procedures allow domestic activity involving foreign items to take place as if it were outside Customs territory, thus offsetting Customs advantages available to overseas producers who export in competition with products made in the U.S. For more information or to register for the seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

FREE GLOBAL TRADE ONLINE NEWSLETTER

Register at www.tradecompass.com (click on "Daily Brief") to receive a free e-mail newsletter from Global Information Network. The material features breaking news on international trade, regional news, finance, and regulatory issues. You will have access to trade leads and nine reference tools that may help streamline your global trade transactions.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 9, 10, 11 -Export and Import Seminars (in Spanish) conducted by the Louisiana International Trade Center SBDC, at the World Trade Center of New Orleans, 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Seminar topics include Export/Import Strategies and Market Research, Pricing, Terms, Quotations, Customs Entry Procedures, International Banking, Financing, Transportation and Documentation. Call (504) 568-8222.

Sept. 20 -Foreign Trade Zones luncheon seminar at the WTC. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

KUWAITI SCAM TRANSACTIONS

U.S. firms have been scammed by individuals purporting to represent Kuwaiti government agencies or the Central Bank of Kuwait. Some of the deals include payment arrangements via offices in Madrid, Spain. The Central Bank of Kuwait’s website (www.cbk.gov.kw) has a "Scams and Frauds" page with information on how to check on individuals claiming to act for the Central Bank.

PROPOSED EU TAX CHANGE

The European Union (EU) currently allows U.S.-based suppliers to sell items such as downloadable software to EU final consumers without charging the Value Added Tax (VAT); the proposed changes would require that they do. VAT is ultimately paid by consumers, but once it is included in the final price, the cost of a U.S.-supplied electronic service to that consumer could rise by as much as 25%. The new system will be valid in the EU beginning July 1, 2003.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SHOW

With the new Market Access Program (MAP) for Branded Products beginning October 1, eligible small to medium-sized food and agriculture firms should not delay in submitting applications to receive up to 50% reimbursement for promotional activities in foreign markets. In order to qualify, companies must have gross sales over $100,000, meet the SBA guidelines of a "small" business, sell products with at least 50% U.S. origin, and be willing to promote products as "Made in USA." For details, call the Southern United States Trade Association at (504) 568-5986, or go online to www.susta.org/branded.

WEBSITE ON CHINA

The Federation of International Trade Associations has identified a very useful site for getting to know China. Established jointly by the Chinese government and the World Bank, this English-language site provides access to data, investment opportunities, current events, travel advice, and information on key topics such as education, high technology, agriculture, poverty, and industry. The site can be found at http://www.chinagate.com.cn/english/index.htm.

IDB PROJECT FINANCING

Firms interested in doing business in Latin America and the Caribbean through Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded projects should attend the seminar on "Opportunities in Financing Private Sector Projects." The forum is an excellent venue to network with others in the fields of energy, transportation, manufacturing, water and sanitation, higher education, and environment. The seminar will be held on September 30 at IDB headquarters in Washington, D.C. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for details.

MACEDONIA CATALOG SHOW

The U.S. Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia, and the local American Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a U.S. Catalog Show on October 1-5. The show is free and focuses on three product sectors: agricultural machinery/equipment; meat and dairy equipment; and veterinary equipment/supplies. The U.S. Embassy in Skopje must receive your materials by September 20. Visit www.mac.doc.gov/ceebic for details.

ONLINE EMPLOYMENT ADS

Visit the Employment Opportunities section of the World Trade Center’s website to view advertisements of persons seeking jobs in the field of international business or related disciplines or those of Louisiana companies offering job opportunities in international fields. The ads are complimentary and can be posted for residents of Louisiana, graduates of a Louisiana University, or for persons relocating to Louisiana. If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of this service, you may submit a five-sentence summary including job experience, academic degrees, computer and language skills, and contact information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Alain Muregancuro is seeking a position in the New Orleans area that would match his education in foreign languages and his international and professional experience acquired living and working in Belgium, France, England, Italy, and the U.S. for the last eight years. He has a BA and MA in Translation (French, English, Italian, and Spanish) and extensive professional experience as a linguist (teaching and translating). He spent three years working in the U.S. for a Belgian governmental agency as supervisor of a foreign language program in charge of 60 Belgian teachers placed in about 20 parishes in Louisiana to teach French.

For the last eight months, Alain was Director of International Operations with the Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, Inc., where he was involved with protocol work for the Baton Rouge Mayor-President’s office and many other activities, including event planning and grant writing. He is a people-oriented person with a lot of hands-on experience in communication and public relations. His computer skills include experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Works, and Internet research on a daily basis. He can be reached at (504) 943-6690 (home), (504) 427-1242 (mobile.), or Almuregan@yahoo.com.

HAITIAN CULTURAL MISSION VISITS LOUISIANA

A cultural and educational delegation visited Louisiana in July as part of an effort by the Haitian government to showcase Haiti and Louisiana’s shared history and culture in celebration of its 200th independence anniversary in 2004. The delegation included a number of high-ranking officials: Hon. Leslie Voltaire, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad; Hon. Martine Deverson, Minister of Tourism; H.E. Jacques Edouard Alexis, former Prime Minister of Haiti (currently serving as President of the Education and Society Foundation); Hon. Guy Gerald Victor, Consul General of Haiti in Miami; Gelin Collot, Dean of the Law School of Haiti; Dr. Evelyne Moise, MD, Medical Administrator for the School of Medicine of Haiti; and Dr. Aldy Castor, MD, President of the Haitian Resource Foundation in Miami.

In 1804, Haitian rebels successfully staged one of the largest slave rebellions in the Western Hemisphere and defeated military forces from France, Spain, and Britain. During the struggle, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to sell another of France’s colonies in the new world, Louisiana, to the United States in 1803 in order to raise money for the battle in Haiti. The government of Haiti is planning a number of projects as a result of this significant historical connection, including an International Black Arts and Cultural Festival organized to highlight the heroic contribution of the Haitian people to the global struggle for freedom of people of African descent. Also, the Haiti Support Project is negotiating with the Royal Caribbean cruise line to charter two mega-ships to transport up to 6,000 passengers to Haiti.

The Haitian delegates who visited Louisiana in July attended meetings with the Louisiana Bar Association and the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) in Lafayette, and met with representatives from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and Southern University in Baton Rouge. In New Orleans, the Haitians met with representatives of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the French Market Corporation, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Louisiana State Museum, the Zulu Mardi Gras Club, and the World Trade Center.

The Haitian delegates and their Louisiana hosts discussed the promotion of mutual tourism between Haiti and Louisiana, Haitian art expositions, participation by Haitian musicians in the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the recruitment of Haitians to teach French in Louisiana, the reformation of the Haitian justice system, "virtual" universities via the Internet, and Haiti’s participation in Louisiana’s own 200th anniversary celebration of the Louisiana Purchase in 2003. For more information about the delegation’s activities and future projects, contact Dr. Sylvain Fran�ois at (504) 866-0598.

U.S. AGENT FOR MEDICAL DEVICE IMPORTERS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires all foreign medical device manufacturers to have a U.S. Agent residing in this country to handle FDA regulatory matters. U.S. Customs has begun enforcing this new regulation and is now stopping medical products from entering the U.S. that come from foreign companies without a United States Agent. To view this new regulation, visit the FDA’s Foreign Establishment Registration and Listing page online at http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/112701a.htm.

Regulatory Insight, Inc. has experienced U.S. Agents for many foreign companies. To learn more about how the firm may help importers and companies with overseas facilities to comply with this new FDA requirement, visit www.reginsight.com and click on the "United States Agent" button, or contact Principal Consultant Kevin Walls at kevin@reginsight.com.

GUIDELINES FOR SHIPPING HUMANITARIAN ITEMS

Many U.S. firms engage in humanitarian efforts around the world. From sending blankets to hurricane victims in Mexico or medical supplies to Cuba, there are many logistics involved in charitable shipments. Unlike commercial shipments, humanitarian aid shippers often seek exemption from duties and taxes and therefore need to follow special import procedures. A country may or may not have special requirements for humanitarian shipments, so it is important for the U.S. exporter to work closely with the receiving organization to ensure the product’s timely arrival.

Ms. Ashley Miller of U.S. Commerce Trade Information Center/Trade Development recently prepared an article for "Export America" with detailed guidelines on shipping humanitarian items overseas. For a copy of the article and a sample copy of Commerce’s "Export America" magazine, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

CANADIAN OFFSHORE EXPO/CONFERENCE

Find out the key to unlocking Nova Scotia’s offshore energy potential by attending the Canadian Offshore Resources Exhibition and Conference (CORE) in Halifax on October 8-11. The event includes: 160 exhibitors; two full days of business and technical sessions; expert speakers on global energy trends; and details on the $1.6 billion in exploration commitments in the region. Le Centre International de Lafayette invites Louisiana service companies involved in exploration, drilling, and production to participate in a trade mission to CORE. A complete travel package is available upon request. Deadline for registration for visiting the conference and exhibition only is September 30. Contact Delilah DeSouza at Le Centre International at (337) 291-5474, e-mail: delilah@lecentre.org for more information on this conference and trade mission.

CARNETS AVAILABLE ONLINE

The Carnet allows for temporary dutyfree customs clearance of commercial samples, professional equipment, and items for exhibitions and fairs into more than 75 countries around the world. Carnets eliminate the payment of VAT and duties, can be used for unlimited trips for a period of up to one year, and act as a U.S. Customs registration. Carnets are now available online. Online Carnet applications make it possible for a 24-hour turnaround without an expedited service fee. Simply log onto www.uscib.org, click in the Apply Online section of ATA Carnet Export Service and begin. For additional information, contact Maria Rea of Carnet HQ at the U.S. Council for International Business at (212) 703-5087 or send an e-mail to mrea@uscib.org.

IT SECURITY TRADE MISSION

The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce/Office of Information Technologies will lead an Information Security Trade Mission to Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam from October 28 to November 1.

U.S. suppliers of information security technologies and services are invited to participate. Mission benefits include:

• One day of pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments with potential business partners at each stop.

• Participation in a senior-level conference on government-level information security initiatives, and resulting market opportunities, in Europe.

• In-country market briefings by U.S. Embassy staff and local business representatives at each stop.

• A networking reception in each city with local business representatives and government officials.

• To discuss or apply for the trade mission, contact Eric Fredell at SIIA by phone at (202) 289-7442, Ext. 137, or by e-mail at Efredell@siia.net.

NEW CONSULS

Three new Consuls General have recently taken up their posts in New Orleans:

Honduras: Hon. Maria Eugenia Lobo

(Tel. 504/522-3118)

 

France: Hon. Patrick Rolot

(Tel. 504/523-5772)

 

Venezuela: Hon. Lourdes Madriz

(Tel. 504/522-3284)