JUNE 5 LUNCHEON SEMINAR ON SALES AGREEMENTS

On Thursday, June 5 the World Trade Center, Bank One, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon seminar in the WTC’s 29th Floor Executive Offices on "International Sales and Distribution Agreements" featuring Patrick B. Fazzone, an international attorney, based in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Fazzone’s presentation will include the following topics: formation of export sales agreements; direct sales to end-user customers; using distributors and agents; and U.S. and foreign laws affecting sales agreements. He also will discuss pricing; territory and exclusivity; trademarks and copyrights; warranties and product liability; termination; dispute resolution; and over-invoicing and under-invoicing. To register for the luncheon, call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

AUSTRIAN TRADE OFFICIAL TO SPEAK ON EU EXPANSION

On Tuesday, June 3 the World Trade Center, the Honorary Consulate of Austria, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club on "Austria Within an Enlarged European Union: Implications for U.S. Business" featuring Gudrun Hager, Austrian Trade Commissioner in Chicago. To register for the luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

EX-IM BANK OFFICIAL TO SPEAK ON JUNE 18

The World Trade Center and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club on Wednesday, June 18 on "The Outlook on International Trade and Trade Finance" featuring Michael Spivey, Director of Business Development with the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Mr. Spivey directs the marketing, product development, customer service efforts, and the general business development strategies for the Ex-Im Bank. Before heading the Business Development Division, he served as the Assistant General Counsel for Ex-Im Bank’s New & Small Business Group and managed a broad portfolio of structured transactions in Latin America, the NIS and Eastern Europe.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the U.S. Its mission is to finance creditworthy exports that the private sector is unwilling or unable to finance. Ex-Im Bank’s financing support helps create and sustain U.S. jobs. The Bank supports approximately $12 billion in exports annually. The website is www.exim.gov.

To register for the luncheon, call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

LOUISIANA TRADE MISSION TO COSTA RICA JULY 1-5

MetroVision and the World Trade Center, in conjunction with Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and Taca Airlines, are organizing a major statewide Louisiana Trade Mission to San Jose, Costa Rica from July 1 to July 5. The purpose of the mission is to promote Louisiana’s trade, transportation, tourism, cultural and other reciprocal interests with Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a strong economy and offers marvelous opportunities for Louisiana business and tourism.

Another potential benefit to doing business in Costa Rica is the current round of negotiations for a U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (also see CAFTA article on page 4).

The highlight event of the mission (as was the case last year in Honduras and the year before in Nicaragua) is U.S. Ambassador John Danilovich’s Fourth of July reception at his residence for 300 top Costa Rican officials and many of the country’s business, professional, cultural, and other leaders. The members of the Louisiana mission will be special featured guests at Ambassador Danilovich’s reception and the cuisine will include many Louisiana specialties, once again prepared by Chef Roy Lyons of the Frog City Cafe in Rayne.

In addition, a series of meetings, site visits, and other events in San Jose will be held with Costa Rican counterparts to discuss a wide range of business, economic development, and other opportunities. The principal thrust of the mission is in four areas: (1) Trade and Transportation; (2) Sports Management; (3) Tourism; and (4) Health Care. For details on the mission, please contact Susannah Coolidge at the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY APPOINTS MEMBERS TO LOUISIANA DEC

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 in 1961 by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to promote U.S. trade with the world. The Secretary approves the membership for limited terms, on behalf of the President of the United States. Membership renewals are at the Secretary’s discretion.

Chosen for their personal knowledge and experience in exporting, DEC members are many of the country’s successful business leaders in global trading. 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 international 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 the local and national levels.

New appointments and renewed memberships include:

James L. Ake - Southern United States Trade Association, New Orleans (new)

Guy S. Barone, Jr. - Xenetech, Inc., Baton Rouge (new)

Geralyn C. Contini - Schaffer & Associates International, Baton Rouge

James R. Dartez : Royce Technologies, New Orleans (LADEC Chairman)

Edward K. Dwyer - Certified Public Accountant, Metairie

Philippe Gustin - Le Centre International de Lafayette (new)

Edwin G. Jewett, Jr. : CMI Consultants, Baton Rouge

Rehan Kamal - Computrols, Inc., New Orleans (new)

Rochelle S. Mefferd - Geo Basics, Inc., Lake Charles (new)

Roger P. Richard - Port of Greater Baton Rouge, (new)

Roder J. Russo - Stabil Drill Specialties, Lafayette (new)

Jan W. Tanner - Hibernia National Bank, New Orleans (new)

Paul F. Wegener - M. G. Maher & Company, New Orleans

Barrett J. Wilson, Jr. - Whitney National Bank, N.O. (new)

The above join the following current LADEC members:

Sidney D. Alexander - Tempico Medical Processing, Hammond

Lawrence C. Collins—Louisiana Economic Development, Baton Rouge

William Coyle - Bilco Tools, Houma

William C. Cummins - Bank One, N. O. (LADEC Treasurer)

Marysol C. Lombana - Interep Company, Kenner

Lisa M. Ponce de Leon - Louisiana Tax Free Shopping, N.O.

Allison B. Randolph III - U.S. Small Business Administration, New Orleans

Eugene J. Schreiber - World Trade Center of New Orleans

Corinne M. Titus - Baker, Lyman & Co., Metairie

Donald C. van de Werken - U.S. Export Assistance Center, New Orleans (Executive Secretary)

Louisiana has two District Export Councils. The Louisiana DEC represents the area south of Alexandria; the North Louisiana DEC covers the territory north of and including Alexandria. For information on the DEC, go online at: www.ita.doc.gov/fcs/usfcs/usf/dec/dec. html, or www.ldec.org, or call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

WTC SUMMER LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN JUNE 4

The World Trade Center will offer its summer session of foreign language classes starting the week of June 2 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 6 weeks: classes will meet once a week for two hours. The following languages will be offered: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and English as a Second Language. Tuition is $95 for WTC members and their spouses and $190 for non-members. (Registration and materials cost $45.) Free parking is available in the WTC Garage. Call Alpha Tech at 454-6554.

U.S. VISA PROGRAM

In an effort to better communicate U.S. visa procedures, the U.S. State Department recently launched an initiative called "Secure Borders. Open Doors." The new website at www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov is the official source of information on U.S. visa policy and procedures.

REBUILDING AFGHANISTAN: CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

U.S. companies interested in Afghanistan must be prepared to think long-term in pursuing commercial opportunities. Challenges include the lack of a banking system, proper telecommunications, and a functioning legal system. The Afghan government, working with the international community, has made progress in addressing these issues. In September 2002, an investment law was passed, and more than 2,000 businesses have registered with the Afghan High Commission on Investment. In January of this year, the Afghan government successfully completed the introduction of a new currency. The U.S. government is creating provincial reconstruction teams (consisting of U.S. Army Civil Affairs units and representatives from the U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development) to assist with reconstruction activities while enhancing security throughout Afghanistan.

U.S. companies interested in information about reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and major project tenders can sign up to receive alerts by sending an e-mail to afghaninfo@ita.doc.gov. For business counseling on opportunities, call the task force at (202) 482-1812, or visit www.export.gov/afghanistan.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, best prospects for U.S. companies include:

• Architectural, construction, and engineering services;
• Building materials for residential and commercial properties;
• Heavy equipment, including trucks, trailers, buses, motor graders, concrete mixers, dumpers, paving finishers, and bulldozers;
• Irrigation planning and technologies;
• Road upgrades, lighting, and signage;
• Civil aviation sector and airport construction.

Short-term opportunities in Afghanistan are related to reconstruction projects led by U.S. agencies and international donors. Such projects and sources of financing are available through the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Information about these sources and how to pursue the opportunities is available on the Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force Web site.

U.S. companies interested in serving as a subcontractor or supplier should visit the Louis Berger site (www.bergerafghanistan.com). The Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force can also counsel interested U.S. companies; log on to www.export.gov/afghanistan for details. For in-depth information about the construction sector in Afghanistan, read "The Afghan Construction Sector: Opportunities and Obstacles", on the Internet at www.export.gov/afghanistan.

(Note: The above information is from a four-page "Export America" article by Jana Nelhybel with the U.S. Commerce Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force/Office of Trade Development. Go online at www.trade.gov/exportamerica to read the entire article, or call the New Orleans USEAC at (504) 589-6546 to request a copy.)

INTERNATIONAL MIXER SET FOR JUNE 11

The World Trade Center, in conjunction with 14 other international trade and transportation organizations in the New Orleans area, will host an "International Mixer" on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Plimsoll Club. This event is being held to celebrate World Trade Centers Association Day and reaffirm the commitment of more than 300 WTCs in 91 countries to promoting world peace and stability through trade and to highlight WTC New Orleans’ role as the first World Trade Center in the world.

The Consular Corps of New Orleans will be special guests of honor at the Mixer. The event sponsor is UPS.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, free parking, door prizes and great networking with local chapters of the following organizations:

Council for International Visitors

French-American Chamber of Commerce/La Chapter

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana

International Committee of the Young Leadership Council

Intl. Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Assn.

Mississippi Valley Trade and Transport Council

New Orleans Air Cargo Association

New Orleans Board of Trade

Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce

Propeller Club of the U. S., Port of New Orleans

Steamship Association of Louisiana

Traffic & Transportation Club of Greater New Orleans

World Affairs Council of New Orleans

World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans

World Trade Center of New Orleans

Please RSVP by calling (504) 529-1601 ext. 220 or click here. Guests and prospective members are welcome, but must be registered prior to the event. The registration deadline is June 10.

FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER HOSTS MUSCADET FESTIVAL

The French-American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Chapter will host the fifth annual Muscadet Wine Festival on Friday June 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans.

Partnered with the Nantes Wine Council, the French-American Chamber will pair several crisp white Muscadet wines with the cuisine of the chefs of leading New Orleans area restaurants. Live music and impressionistic decor will transport guests to the lively turn of the century era when Parisians gathered in open-air cafes to enjoy music, meals, and light wines. All ticketed guests will be eligible for a drawing of two Air France tickets to Paris. A special drawing will reward the chefs for their participation in the event: a trip for two to Nantes, France.

For further information, call the FACC/LA office at (504) 561-0070; fax: (504) 592-9999; e-mail: info@faccla.com.

NEW ORLEANS TO HOST CAFTA NEGOTIATIONS IN JULY

Mayor C. Ray Nagin has announced that the U.S. Trade Representative has chosen the City of New Orleans to host the 5th round of the Central American Free Trade Agreement negotiations from July 28 to August 1.

"New Orleans has a long history of economic ties with Central America," Mayor Nagin said. "These trade negotiations mark a new day of cooperation in our hemisphere. As our countries build new relationships, it is only appropriate that New Orleans is on the front lines and that we take advantage of new business opportunities that will arise."

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is part of a larger movement to form a Free Trade Area of the Americas. "CAFTA will give Americans better access to affordable goods and promote U.S. exports and jobs, even as it advances Central America’s prospects for development," said Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative. "This free trade agreement will reinforce free-market reforms in the region."

Nine rounds of negotiations for the trade agreement will take place before the agreement can be considered in Congress. The first round was held January 8 in San Jose, Costa Rica, and the final round will take place in Washington D.C. at the end of the year.

CAFTA would lift tariffs between the United States and five countries in Central America: Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador. The deal will complement the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has eliminated tariffs between the U.S, Canada and Mexico. The CAFTA partner countries have combined economies of $57 billion and approximately $20 billion in imports and exports with the United States.

The trade negotiations will attract more than 50 high-ranking government officials, such as ministers of trade, finance and agriculture. In addition, hundreds of executives who want to use the trade agreement to grow their businesses are expected.

"We intend to use this meeting to highlight New Orleans’ strong international trade roots and to promote its bright future as an international business center," said Beth James, the Mayor’s Executive Assistant for Economic Development.