OPPENHEIMER FUNDS MANAGER TO SPEAK ON GLOBAL MARKETS

William L. Wilby, Director of Global Equities with OppenheimerFunds Inc. in New York, will speak at a special luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Friday, October 4 on "Global Stocks: Is the Bear Market Over?"

OppenheimerFunds is the 9th largest U.S mutual fund company, with assets under management of $127 billion. Bill Wilby heads the global equity investment team at Oppenheimer, which manages over $14 billion in 20 global and international mutual funds and has been consistently ranked as one of the best international management teams in the U.S. mutual fund industry. In addition to heading the team, Mr. Wilby personally manages the $8.4 billion Oppenheimer Global Fund and the $2.2 billion Global Securities Fund/VA.

To register for the October 4 luncheon program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL SALES AGREEMENTS

The World Trade Center, Bank One International, Jones, Walker law firm, and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development are sponsoring a luncheon seminar on Thursday, October 3 at the WTC on "International Sales and Distribution Agreements" conducted by Patrick B. Fazzone, an international trade attorney with Tighe Patton Armstrong Teasdale, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C.

Seminar topics include: formation of export sales agreements; direct sales to end-user customers; using distributors and agents for export sales; distinction between distributor and sales agent; finding and selecting the best distributor or sales agent; U.S. and foreign laws affecting distribution agreements; key provisions of distributor and sales agent agreements; and a foreign distributorship/agency agreement checklist.

Since 1989, Mr. Fazzone has advised a large number of U.S and foreign companies and other entities on international trade issues. He is a regular speaker in the U.S. and abroad on issues and developments in international trade and investment, as well as on opportunities for companies in the globalization of commerce.

To register for the October 3 luncheon program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

LABI TO HOLD EXPORT SEMINAR IN BATON ROUGE

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) will host an export seminar on October 2 and 3. The seminar will be held in LABI’s Conference Center, located next to the LABI offices at 3113 Valley Creek Drive in Baton Rouge. Although this seminar is primarily designed to assist small and medium enterprises, it will provide exporting information for all businesses with an interest in expanding their markets.

The seminar encompasses a two-day, intensive workshop on international sales and the exporting business. National experts and international trade professionals will present key information and answer questions regarding foreign market research, export finance, insurance and law, transportation, logistics, and customs controls. Featured seminar presenters are two Louisiana small business owners who have successfully ventured into exporting. Other presenters include government export assistance agency representatives, who will discuss the exporting resources they provide.

Course materials, continental breakfasts, a buffet lunch, and an evening reception are included in the registration fee. Contact Bruce Bradley at (225) 928-5388 or via e-mail at bruceb@labi.org.

REPORT ON RUSSIAN BUSINESS REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

The U.S. Commercial Service in Moscow recently prepared an updated report on the business registration forms and procedures for foreign companies in Russia. Depending on the purpose of doing business in Russia, U.S. business people may set up a company, open a branch of a company, or accredit (register) a representative office. The report explains differences in the legal status of the above entities and describes registration procedures for each.

It is illegal for foreign firms to conduct business in Russia without a registration. All legal entities established (registered) in Russia before August 8, 2001, are required to re-register with local State Tax Inspectorates. Foreign firms failing to re-register by January 1, 2003, will be liquidated.

The Commercial Service in Moscow can provide details on this subject and a list of U.S. and Russian consulting companies offering professional legal advice on business registration in Russia. Contact Commercial Specialist Marina Parshukova at email: marina.parshukova@mail.doc.gov for assistance.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 2-3 -LABI Export Seminar in Baton Rouge. Call(225) 928-5388 for details.

Oct. 3 -A WTC luncheon seminar on "International Sales and Distribution Agreements" conducted by Patrick B. Fazzone. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

Oct. 4 -Luncheon program at the WTC on "Global Stocks: Is the Bear Market Over?" featuring William L. Wilby, OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

Oct. 10 -Luncheon briefing at the WTC on "Building the Gulf of Mexico Commercial Superhighway: New Business Opportunities for Louisiana Companies" featuring Gary L. Springer, Secretary-General, Gulf of Mexico States Accord. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Through various agreements, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is permitted to partner with U.S. firms in pursuing international work in order to improve the U.S. firms’ chances of competing internationally. International projects performed by U.S. firms under Corps agreements include:

• Technical Assistance Agreements with U.S. companies were used to investigate solutions to sedimentation problems on Canal del Dique, a navigation canal diverting flow from the Magdalena River, Colombia, and to assess the viability of a deep-water port facility at Dos Bocas, Mexico.

• Cooperative Research and Development Agreements were used for Corps laboratories (i.e. Coastal and Hydraulics Lab, Environmental Lab, Geotechnical and Structures Lab, Construction Engineering Research Lab, Topographic Engineering Lab, and Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab) in support of collaborative research with U.S. firms in Argentina and Panama.

• Subsequent to signing a Participating Agency Service Agreement in 1998 with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Corps contracted with several U.S. firms toward the restoration efforts for Hurricane Mitch recovery in Central America.

For more infomation, contact Stephen R. Collinsworth at phone (251) 690-2042; fax (251) 690-2754; e-mail: stephen.r.collinsworth@sam.usace.army.mil. Also log on to www.usace.army.mil/ and start by clicking on "Services for the Public." Topics to review include: Interagency and International Services; Interagency and Intergovernmental Support; Services to U.S. Private Firms; U.S. Firms Bidding on Overseas Work; Technical Assistance Program; Policy and Procedures Guidelines Appendix A - Standard TAA.

BEAUJOLAIS GALA 2002

The French-American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Chapter will host the Beaujolais Gala 2002 on Friday, November 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Grand Ballroom. The Beaujolais Gala celebrates the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau 2002 wines and the official release of the exclusively labeled "Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial" Beaujolais wines selected, bottled, and labeled specifically to celebrate this watershed event in our state’s history.

A French-inspired Silent Auction and a Live Auction will feature an array of artwork, restaurant meals, luxury services, and exotic trips and stays at Ritz-Carlton Hotels worldwide, including Singapore, Bali, Jamaica, New York and Laguna Niguel, California (flagship Ritz-Carlton hotel in the U.S.). Travel to these destinations will be by Air France and Delta Air Lines. These "five-star excursions" will be auctioned off live the evening of the event. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the French-American Chamber of Commerce and WRBH Reading Radio.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased by calling the Ritz-Carlton at (504) 670-2843. For more information, contact the French-American Chamber of Commerce at 524-2042.

WANTED: JAPANESE-SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REP

Intralox, Inc., a growing manufacturing division of The Laitram Corporation, has an exciting opportunity for a Japanese-speaking Customer Service Representative. Primary responsibilities are to provide technical assistance for Intralox's all-plastic conveyor belting products, supporting the Japan Field Sales Staff, and resolving Japan customer problems. This position requires working a schedule from 5:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Additional requirements include the ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Japanese, two-plus years of customer service or inside sales experience, strong telephone/interpersonal skills, the ability to work within a team environment, and a technical aptitude. A working knowledge of Windows-based software coupled with a minimum typing speed of 35 WPM is required. A B.S. degree is preferred but not required. Interested candidates should forward (or e-mail via the website: www.laitram.com) a resume complete with salary history, in confidence, to: The Laitram Corporation/Japan Representative, Attn: Human Resources, 220 Laitram Lane, Harahan, LA 70123.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Miller Engelhardt is seeking a Business Development/ Marketing position in or near New Orleans. He has experience in international sales and setting up distributorships and agents in all regions of the world with an emphasis on Latin America and Asia. His industry experience includes technology, food, real estate, and oil and gas. He has also lived in Central America. In addition to his work experience, he has a J.D. and an M.B.A. in Finance. He can be reached at (504) 891-9895 or mbengelhar@mindspring.com.

NEW CONSULS

Three new Honorary Consuls based in New Orleans have been appointed recently: Belgium: Hon. Roland M. Vandenweghe, Jr., (504/585-0151); Croatia: Hon. James O. Coleman (504/586-8300); Malta: Capt. Elias A. Katsaros (504/837-7700).

NEW PROGRAM AND RULES FOR EXPORTING FOOD TO CHINA

With China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the emphasis on common standards and transparency, getting food products into China is now more difficult. Labeling in Chinese became a nationwide requirement on July 1. In addition to product contents (ingredients), net weight, production date and place, product life, storage method, producer name and address, the label must also list the name and contact information for the local agent responsible for the product. Finding a local agent has become the first step in exporting to China.

The U.S. Agricultural Trade Office at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou launched a Product Assessment Support Service (PASS) to help U.S. food exporters decide if they wish to export to China. To use the PASS, the U.S. firm needs to send one kilogram of product sample to the U.S. Consulate/Guangzhou. Three local importers in Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Guilin, will be asked to assess the product’s sales potential in the South China markets, and to state at what price and quantity they or their peers might buy the product, and whom they might recommend as a local agent for the product. The U.S. Consulate will pay the service charges and in-country shipping cost of each assessment and send the PASS results to the U.S. exporter.

If U.S. exporters are interested in following up, they can enter into a contractual arrangement with one of the assessors/importers or other importers to serve as their local agent. The selected local agent will be responsible for translating the product label, applying for label clearance and registration, and submitting the product for food safety inspection. After the label is approved, the agent will send it to the U.S. exporters for reproduction and attachment to the product. The product with the approved label is then shipped to China and the local agent will distribute through the agent’s sales network and contacts.

Generally, at the label clearance stage, the U.S. exporters need to send three kilograms of their products as samples for inspection and registration. While the product is being approved for sale in China, the exporters need to decide how to promote their products and who is responsible for what cost in the promotion. They also need to decide on the role of the local agents -- whether they are to receive a flat fee for their service, a commission on the sale of product, or an outright buyer of the products.

The products most marketable in South China are food for children, especially those of school age; health and nutrition products, snack food, and other consumer-ready food products. U.S. exporters must pay close attention to the health regulations for these products.

The cost of registering a label is 350 yuan (US$43), the import tax for food products is 19 per cent, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) is 17 per cent. Most supermarkets charge an entry fee of 100-200 yuan (US$13-26) for each product item. The cost of a one-month/one square meter of display area is 1,000 yuan (US$121). Fees and/or currency exchange rates are always subject to change.

If you are interested in the PASS program, contact Ms. Sharon Zhang at fax number 011-8620-8666-0703, or write to Ms. Zhang at the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office, China Hotel Office Tower, 14th Floor, Liu Hua Lu, Guangzhou, China 510150.

BuyUSA.com SPELLS SALES FOR STABIL DRILL

Stabil Drill Specialties is a Layayette, Louisiana manufacturer of down-hole tools used in drilling oil and gas wells. It also makes specialized mud motor parts and parts for measurement-while-drilling tools that are sold to major service companies. The firm is a subsidiary of Superior Energy Services, Inc. of Harvey, Louisiana.

Through a variety of U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) programs, the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center has been working with Stabil Drill International’s Sales Manager, Mr. Roder Russo, to help increase the firm’s export sales. For example, Mr. Russo participated in a recent USCS energy trade mission to Sakhalin Island, Russia. He said the mission was a complete success and anticipates overseas sales from the contacts he made.

In early-2002, Mr. Russo registered his firm on BuyUSA, a U.S. Commercial Service online trade website. A few months later, Stabil Drill realized export sales generated directly from BuyUSA. Mr. Russo offers this testimonial of the program: "As a direct result of our signing on to BuyUSA, we received an inquiry from a firm in Nigeria.  Last month we received a purchase order for down-hole drilling equipment.  I recently returned from Port Harcourt (Nigeria) where I received additional orders and a commitment of more to come. If it were not for BuyUSA we would never have made this contact and the sales." Stabil Drill also made sales to Egypt, which also were generated from BuyUSA.

Log on to www.BuyUSA.com for details on BuyUSA and other Commercial Service programs, or call the U.S. Export Assistance Centers in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

HISPANIC SUMMIT

U.S. Rep. David Vitter invited six New Orleans area residents to represent Louisiana at the National Hispanic Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. in mid-September. The D.C. summit gathered prominent Hispanic leaders from across the country, where members of Congress and members of the Bush Administration led high-level discussions on the future course of the nation. The Louisiana representatives were Jean Benard of Marrero, Conchita Sulli of Kenner, and George Fowler, Denise Jochum, Daniel Litchel, and Deanna Rodriquez of New Orleans.

USEAC STAFF ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to Jean Collins and Jo Daugherty on their anniversaries this month with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Both are International Trade Assistants at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans. Jean Collins, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, has been with Commerce for 26 years. Jo Daugherty moved to New Orleans in 1976; she joined Commerce 20 years ago.

REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT CONFERENCE OCT. 14-15

World Trade Magazine will host a Critical Cargoes Conference on October 14 and 15 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans for shippers and transportation executives to network within the refrigerated transportation industry. Held concurrently with the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit, the conference will address the refrigerated transport of flowers, fruit, fish, meat, poultry, dairy products and other perishables. For more information, go online to www.milestoneshows.com/cc or www.irta.org. To register for the conference, call Mark Stone at Milesteone Presentations, LLC at (800) 996-3233 or e-mail milestone@bod.net.

LUNCHEON PROGRAM ON GULF OF MEXICO STATES ACCORD

Mr. Gary Springer, Secretary-General of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, will be the featured speaker at a special luncheon program at the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Thursday, October 10. The subject of his presentation is "Building the Gulf of Mexico Commercial Superhighway: New Business Opportunities for Louisiana Companies."

At the luncheon, Mr. Springer will give an overview of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, its current activities, and its future projects. Members of the Accord Executive Committee from the U.S. states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, and the Mexican states of Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Tabasco Campache, and Tamaulipas will be present at the luncheon and available in the afternoon to meet with the representatives of individual companies interested in doing business in the Gulf of Mexico states.

By way of background, the Gulf of Mexico States Accord (GOMSA) is an international cooperative agreement among the 11 Mexican and U.S. states along the Gulf of Mexico, which was formally begun in 1995 by the 11 state governors. Over 62 million consumers live within the Gulf of Mexico basin. The State of Louisiana is hosting a meeting of the Accord Executive Committee in New Orleans on October 9-10. Further information on the Accord can be found at www.gomsa.org

To register for the October 10 luncheon program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.