SPANISH AMBASSADOR TO SPEAK AT AUGUST 28 LUNCHEON

As part of his forthcoming visit to Louisiana to inaugurate the Heart of Spain Exhibition in Alexandria, H.E. Javier Ruperez, the Ambassador of Spain to the U.S., will speak at a luncheon at the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Thursday, August 28 on the topic "The United States and Spain: A Promising Future." (The luncheon will be held in the Plimsoll Club’s Galvez Room, which is named for Bernardo de Galvez, the Spanish Governor-General of the Louisiana territory from 1777-1785.)

The Heart of Spain Exhibition, one of the premiere events of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Celebration, will be held at the Alexandria Museum of Art from September 1 to November 30. Included in the exhibit are 103 works of art representing 2000 years of Spanish religious transformation, including paintings, tapestries, sculpture, jewelry and manuscripts. Among the works are paintings by Goya, El Greco, Murillo, Velasquez, Mengs, Cano, Ribera, and many other Spanish masters. The Alexandria Museum of Art is holding the exhibition in cooperation with Spain’s Museo del Prado, Madrid’s Archeological Museum, the Decorative Arts Museum, the National Museum of Sculpture, the Fundacion Lazaro Galdiano, and the Patrimonio Nacional, which oversees Spain’s royal palaces.

Another important part of the Heart of Spain event is its 1,300-page educational curriculum currently available throughout Louisiana, with plans for worldwide distribution. To register for the WTC luncheon on August 28, please call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or register online by clicking here. For information about the Heart of Spain exhibit in Alexandria, visit www.HeartOfSpain.com

GOING GLOBAL INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR ON AUGUST 13

Ruperto Chavarri, Director of the Louisiana International Trade Center/SBDC (LITC) and Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, will conduct a luncheon seminar on "Going Global: Getting Started in Exporting and Importing" from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 13, in Suite 2900 of the WTC. The seminar will focus on the fundamentals of an international transaction and present an overview of the basic import-export process. To register for the luncheon seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or register on-line by clicking here. Note: This basic seminar also will serve as an excellent introduction to the 18-hour four-evening "Export and Import" course which the LITC is offering at the WTC on August 18, 20, 25 and 27. Call (504) 568-8222 for registration fees and information

PASSPORT AND TRAVEL INFO

Travelers needing a new or renewed U.S. passport should log on to the U.S. State Department website at www.travel.state.gov/passport_services for information that may help streamline the application process. Some of the many topics include:

• How to Apply in Person for a U.S. Passport
• Where to Apply for a Passport Nationwide
• Get Your Passport in a Hurry
• Passport Fees
• Speak with a Customer Service Representative
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Warning of Fraudulent Passport Websites
• Travel Warnings
• Top Ten Tips for Travelers

CHANGES AT U.S. CUSTOMS

When the U.S. Customs Service was recently reassigned from Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security, the Agency went through a few structural changes. U.S. Customs is now organized into two separate bureaus of the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security (BTS) and has two separate bureaus within the organization - the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The CBP oversees inbound and outbound movement of goods across U.S. borders; ICE consolidated the former Customs Service investigative and enforcement activities with those same functions of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. Please log on to www.cbp.gov for more information on these new bureaus.

ADVOCACY AND TRADE COMPLIANCE CENTERS

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Advocacy Center uses the resources and authority of the U.S. Government to assist U.S. exporters resolve problems such as: (1) foreign competitors receiving assistance from their home governments to pressure a customer into a buying decision; (2) unfair treatment by foreign government decision-makers, preventing a U.S. firm from a chance to compete; (3) procurement process politicized by linking the award to concessionary financing, promises of technology transfer, or flow of aid; and (4) tenders tied up in bureaucratic red tape, resulting in lost opportunities and unfair advantage to a U.S. competitor. Log on to www.ita.doc.gov/advocacy for additional information.

The Trade Compliance Center (TCC) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the U.S. Government’s focal point for monitoring foreign compliance with trade agreements to see that U.S. firms and workers get the maximum benefits from the agreements. The TCC is a one-stop shop for getting U.S. government assistance in resolving the trade barriers or unfair situation a U.S. firm may encounter in foreign markets. When a U.S. company calls the TCC with a problem, TCC examines the claim to determine if one of the more than 290 U.S. trade agreements (including the World Trade Organization agreements and the North American Free Trade Agreement) gives the United States trade rights in the U.S. company’s situation; if so, TCC assigns a team of experts to work to resolve the problem. The team works with foreign governments to ensure that the American firm receives the full rights bargained for by the U.S. Government. If the situation warrants, TCC will work with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate enforcement action under dispute settlement procedures. Visit www.export.gov/tcc to learn more about the Trade Compliance Center.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OVERSEAS TRADE EVENTS

Trade Missions:

Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Industries

Hong Kong - Sept. 4-7, 2003

Shanghai, China - Sept. 7-10

Beijing, China - Sept. 10-11

Contact: Sam Dhir (202) 482-0178; Sam.Dhir@mail.doc.gov

 

Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission - Medical Products & Equipment/Telemedicine

* Led by Deputy Assistant Secretary Neal Burnham

London, United Kingdom - Sept. 15-17

Dublin, Ireland - Sept. 17-19

Contact: Bill Kutson (202) 482-2839; William.Kutson@mail.doc.gov 

 

Automotive Supply Chain Trade Mission to Central Mexico

Aguascalientes, Mexico - Sept. 21-22

Silao, Mexico - Sept. 23-24

Contact: Eric Nielsen (520) 670-5540; Eric.Nielsen@mail.doc.gov 

 

Secretarial Oil and Gas Business Development Mission to U.S./Russia Commercial Energy Summit

* Led by Donald L. Evans, Secretary of Commerce

St. Petersburg, Russia - Sept. 21-23

Moscow, Russia - Sept. 23-25

Contact: Dan McCardell (202) 482-1360; Dmccardell@mail.doc.gov 

http://www.commerce.com/russiamission2003 

 

Oil and Gas Equipment and Service Mission to Kazakhstan

* Led by Deputy Assistant Secretary Kevin Murphy

Almaty, Kazakhstan - Oct. 2-3

Astana, Kazakhstan - Oct. 3-4

Atyrau, Kazakhstan - Oct. 4-10

Contacts: Rachel Halpern (202) 482-4423; Fluker@mail.doc.gov 

 

Tourism Infrastructure and Development Exhibition and Conference

Athens, Greece - Oct. 17-20

Contact: Phyllis Bradley (202) 482-2085; Phyllis.Bradley@mail.doc.gov 

Trade Fairs:

ChinaPlas 2003 - Plastics & Rubber

Beijing, China - Sept. 9-12

Contact: William Corfitzen (202) 482-0584; William.Corfitzen@mail.doc.gov 

 

Enviro-Pro/Tecomex 2003 - Environmental Equipment and Services

Mexico City, Mexico - Sept. 9-11

Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908; Elizabeth. Ausberry@mail.doc.gov

 

EXPOCRUZ - Multisectoral

Santa Cruz, Bolivia -Sept. 18-28

Contact: Helen Simpson-Davis (202) 482-1882; Helen. Simpson-Davis@mail.doc.gov

 

Aquatech Asia - Water Technology, Product, and Services

Bangkok, Thailand - Oct. 4-6

Contact: Dave Hardy (202) 482-1247; Dave.Hardy@mail.doc.gov 

 

Expo Cihac 2003 - Building Supplies and Housing Exhibition

Mexico City, Mexico - Oct. 16-21

Contact: Helen Simpson-Davis (202) 482-1882; Helen. Simpson-Davis@mail.doc.gov

 

Tokyo Motor Show - Automobiles and Automotive Parts

Tokyo, Japan - Oct. 24 - Nov. 5

Contact: Don Huber (202) 482-2525; Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov 

International Catalog Exhibitions:

New Products USA 2003 - General Industrial Equipment

Chengdu, China - Sept. 15-16

Male, Maldives - Sept. 17-18

Bangkok, Thailand -Sept. 18-19

Manila, Phillipines - Sept. 22-23

Taipei, Taiwan - Sept. 25-26

Contact: Louis Quay (202) 482-3973; Louis.Quay@mail.doc.gov 

UNO ANNOUNCES NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DEGREE

The University of New Orleans has announced a new degree program, the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which will prepare a new generation of students for careers in diplomacy, government service, and intergovernmental and non-governmental international organizations. Students graduating from this program will not only have a broad understanding of the cultural/political traditions of the United States and the West in general, but they also will have an understanding of the unique attributes of the cross-cultural "community" that the world is rapidly becoming.

For fulfillment of their major area of concentration, students have two options. They can focus on any one of the College’s four area studies programs (African, Asian, European, or Latin American and Caribbean Studies), or they can focus on a topical concentration reflecting a particular interest, such as American Foreign Policy and Practice. One of the degree requirements is an internship experience with either a governmental or non-governmental agency or corporation with vital interests in the international sector. Prospective students interested in learning more about the program should contact the Director, Dr. John Hazlett at (504) 280-6142 or jhazlett@uno.edu.

WTCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The 34TH Annual General Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association will be held in Washington, D.C. on October 12-15. The focus of this year’s Assembly is to provide global business leaders with a greater understanding of, and increased access to, international business, U.S. Government and diplomatic connections. Participants will include WTC leaders from across the globe and their business delegations, multilateral institutions including the World Bank, the international diplomatic and embassy community, U.S. Government agencies that support international trade, and the greater Washington, D.C. business community. The program includes briefings featuring local speakers from the World Bank, U.S. Government and other business associations, programs designed to help business delegations increase access to procurement and projects, networking opportunities with business leaders from around the world. For more information, please visit www.itcdc.com or contact Natalie Rideau at 529-1601, ext. 226.

POSITION AVAILABLE WITH EXPORT FIRM

Rochester Midland, a manufacturer and exporter of industrial chemical and cleaning products, is seeking an individual as Assistant to the President, International Division in New Orleans. Part time, flexible, but regular hours. Applicants need to be marketing and sales oriented, with excellent writing and graphics computer skills. Second language fluency is a plus but not required. International experience or background very helpful. For consideration please reply in writing only to: rochestermidland@mindspring.com or by mail to Rochester Midland Corp., 2 Canal St., Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA 70130.

RODRIGUEZ NAMED NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Mario Rodriguez has been appointed as the Deputy Director of Planning and Development at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. He is responsible for Airport planning, design, and construction. He was previously airport development planner and program manager at the Palm Beach, Florida County Department of Airports. Mr. Rodriguez, who is Cuban-American, is one of the highest-ranking Hispanic officials in the New Orleans area. He is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and holds a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami.

FISHING INDUSTRY SHOW IN PERU NOVEMBER 20-22

Expo Pesca(November 20-22) is an international trade show of equipment, supplies, and services for the fishing and fish farming industries. Fishing is the second largest industry in Peru, representing more than five percent of the GDP and over ten percent of total exports. The U.S. Commercial Service in Lima will have a booth at the show and will host a catalog exhibition for U.S. firms unable to exhibit directly. For details, send an e-mail to Cesar Jochamowitz at: cesar.jochamowitz@mail.doc.gov.

WTC FALL LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 2

It’s not too early to start planning for the World Trade Center’s fall session of foreign language classes. Classes will start the week of September 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. The session will last 11 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 $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. Call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.  More info.

WTC SANTIAGO IS OFFERING TRADE SERVICES TO U.S. FIRMS

As a follow-up to the new U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Center of Santiago is offering a wide variety of international trade services to American companies that are interested in pursuing new business opportunities with Chile. They include providing trade information; market research; identification and selection of agents, distributors and suppliers; trade show assistance; logistical support; and other services. For additional information, contact Leopoldo Belmar, Trade Manager, WTC Santiago at genercia-comercial@wtcs.cl or visit their website at www.wtcs.cl (presently in Spanish but adding English text in August); telephone contact is (011) (562) 339 - 7026.

CHILE AND SINGAPORE TRADE PACTS APPROVED BY CONGRESS

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in late-July overwhelmingly approved the Administration’s proposed U.S. Free Trade Agreements with Chile and Singapore, the first South American and Asian nations to gain free trade relationships with the United States. On July 24 the House voted 270-156 in favor of the agreement with Chile and 272-155 on the Singapore pact. The July 31 vote in the Senate was 66-31 on Chile and 66-32 on Singapore. Following President Bush’s expected signing, the agreements are to take effect January 1, after which Chile and Singapore will join only four other nations that have agreed to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers: Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and Israel and Jordan in separate free trade agreements.

NEW ONLINE RUSSIAN CUSTOMS CLEARANCE HELP

The Trade Facilitation Link (TFLink) is a secured Internet-based system that allows U.S. exporters or their shipping agents to submit export cargo information to Russian customs brokers prior to cargo arrival for expedited customs clearance. Exporters can create, save, have validated, and submit their export document packets in this automated environment. Benefits include:

• Secure transmission of data to the customs broker in Russia
• Shipment information validated to meet requirements set by Russian Customs
• Electronic customs processing prior to cargo arrival, resulting in substantially expedited customs clearance.

TFLink was developed as part of the CLEAR-PAC Initiative, which is a U.S and Russian customs program funded by the U.S. Commerce Department and implemented by the Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation. Information is available at the Trade Facilitation Link website at www.tflink.com.

TRADE MISSION TO MEXICO

The U.S. Commerce Department invites you to participate in a trade mission to two of Mexico’s most important industrial cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey, on October 14-17. The cost is only $2,725 per person; registration closes September 5 so act quickly if you are considering being a part of this mission. Commercial Service Trade Specialists will personally match your company with up to seven one-on-one meetings with the best prospective partners, representative or distributor in each market. U.S. firms wishing to participate must certify that their goods or services are either manufactured or produced in the U.S. or if manufactured or produced outside the country, they must certify that the goods or services are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and that the final product has at least 51 percent U.S. content. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for details.

AZÚCAR BALL 2003

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation (NOHHF) will hold its 2003 Azúcar Ball entitled "Latin America Alive!" on Saturday, August 23 at the Whitney National Bank lobby in New Orleans. The proceeds of this colorful black-tie affair annual event are allocated to academic scholarships for Hispanic students, who otherwise would not be able to attend the best private high schools in the Greater New Orleans area. Currently 24 bright, deserving students are benefiting from the proceeds of last year’s Ball. Chef John Besh of the renowned August Restaurant has generously agreed to provide the food for the patron party. Fredy Omar Con Su Banda and Julio y Cesar’s musical group will provide the entertainment from 8:00 p.m. - ‘til. There will also be a silent auction including choice art works. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Rosa Rodriguez at (504) 523-2600.