INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK LUNCHEON SEMINAR

On Friday, September 5 the World Trade Center and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business with the Inter-American Development Bank: Opportunities for New Business in Latin America and the Caribbean" featuring Isabel Hagbrink, Office of External Relations, IDB, and Gene R. Harris, Director, U.S. Commercial Liaison Office, IDB. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the largest multilateral provider of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean, with a cumulative lending of $118 billion, offering substantial business opportunities. The Bank has an annual lending capacity of $8.5 billion and is generating business opportunities in the form of approximately 6,000 contracts for goods and services per year. IDB lending in the past year for projects specifically in the private sector surpassed $415 million and mobilized over $194 million from commercial lenders. For additional information or to register for the luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

DOING BUSINESS WITH RUSSIA, UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA

On Friday, September 12 the World Trade Center will hold a luncheon program at the Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business With Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova" featuring Michael Considine, Country Officer for Ukraine and Moldova, Department of Commerce/BISNIS; Andriy Vorobyov, Representative for Ukraine, Department of Commerce/BISNIS, Kiev, Ukraine; Marina Nechaeva, Representative for the Samara Region of Southern Russia, Department of Commerce/BISNIS, Samara, Russia; and Rachael Turner, Country Manager for Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, U.S. Trade and Development Agency. For additional information or to register for the luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

WTC TO HOLD SEMINAR ON MEXICO SEPTEMBER 24

On Wednesday, September 24 the World Trade Center and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon seminar at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business in Mexico: the NAFTA Advantage" featuring Eduardo Ibarolla, Consul General of Mexico in Houston; Jose Rivas, Trade Commissioner of Mexico in Miami; Gary Springer, Secretary-General of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord; and Gerard (Jay) Van Heuven, a Principal of the North American Trade and Investment Group.  For additional information or to register for the seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

SEMINAR ON USING AGENTS AND DISTRIBUTORS ABROAD

The World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon seminar at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 10 at the WTC on "Selling Abroad Through Agents and Distributors." The seminar will be conducted by Glenn Stoudt, President of the International Division of Rochester Midland Corporation. This seminar is designed for small-to-medium-size businesses and will cover the identification of suitable international markets, conducting market research, selecting overseas sales agents and distributors, and successfully managing a distribution network.

Rochester Midland Corporation is a 114-year-old manufacturing company with a specialty in chemical products for industrial maintenance applications. The company is operating through sales agents and distributors in more than 35 overseas markets.  For additional information or to register for the seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here. 

U.S. BUILDING SUPPLIERS OPPORTUNITIES IN MEXICO

The U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) is organizing a September 30 business opportunities visit to the Mexican border for U.S. building materials suppliers. Fifteen developments in the areas of Mexicali and San Felipe, Baja California will have 14,250 low and medium-end houses. The majority of these homes will be financed through INFONAVIT, Mexico’s Institute of Housing.

The $500 fee for the September 30 visit includes: a familiarization tour of major housing development areas in Mexicali. Each U.S. company will have individual meetings with three or four potential distributors or buyers, an interpreter, and cross-border shuttle services. For more information, contact Judith Valdes at the U.S. Commercial Service in Tijuana via Email: Judith.valdes@mail.doc.gov; phone 011-52-664-622-7495; or fax 011-52-622-7419.

NEW FEATURE ON ON COMMERCE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

The U.S. Department of Commerce has a new feature on its www.export.gov website: Commercial Service Market of the Month. The site will highlight an overseas market each month, with items such as success stories, news articles, market research, and upcoming trade events in the featured market. Hong Kong was featured in August. September will spotlight the United Arab Emirates, followed by Poland in October. U.S. firms are encouraged to visit the website for worldwide export information.

U.S. CATALOG SHOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

The U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service in Durban, South Africa invites U.S. firms to participate in the "South African Safari 2003" Catalog Show in October. The event is designed to introduce American products and services to buyers in South Africa’s three largest markets: Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

For only $150, you will reach thousands of South African businesses in three major cities; receive trade leads after each show; receive high-level exposure and publicity generated by the U.S. Embassy’s visit to all three cities; be listed in "South African Safari’s" directory at no extra charge. South Africa Safari will promote U.S. products and services in the following sectors identified as best prospects: Aerospace/Defense, Apparel/Textiles, Auto Parts, Consumer Goods, Environmental Technologies, Information/Communi-cations Technologies, Infrastructure/ Mining, Medical/ Healthcare/Cosmetics, Oil and Gas/Chemicals and Safety and Security. For details and to register, visit www.buyusa.gov/southafrica/en/page276.html.

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG EXPORT CERTIFICATES

Firms exporting products from the United States are often asked by foreign firms or foreign governments to supply a certification for products subject to the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDA Act), and other statutes administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The material below is excerpted from a five-page "Guidance for Industry/FDA Export Certificates" report. For the entire report, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

FDA currently issues the following Export Certificates:

• Certificate to Foreign Government: for the export of products that can be legally marketed in the U.S.

• Certificate of Exportability: for the export of products that cannot be legally marketed in the U.S. but meet FDA Act requirements and may be legally exported.

• Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product: conforms to the format established by the World Health Organization and is intended for use by the importing country when considering whether to license the product for sale in that country.

• Non-clinical Research Use Only Certificate: for the export of a product, material, or component, for non-clinical research use only, that is not intended for human use and which may be marketed in, and legally exported from the U.S. under the FDA Act.

• Certificate of Free Sale: for food and cosmetic products and dietary supplements that may be legally marketed in the U.S.

• Health Certificates for Food/Feed: required primarily by the European Union, usually consignment-specific, often contain language pertaining to compliance of the particular product/consignment with foreign regulations.

HELP WITH COMPLETING NAFTA FORM

For step-by-step instructions on completing the North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin form, log on to the U.S. Department of Commerce website at: http://web.ita.doc.gov/ticwebsite/ticit.nsf/ for details.

FREE CATALOG EXHIBITIONS IN TURKMENISTAN

The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and the U.S. Commerce Department invite eligible U.S. firms to participate in two free U.S. product and service catalog exhibitions. One of the exhibit venues is the U.S. Catalog Display Center in Ashgabat, where American product literature and videos will be showcased at the Center starting Fall 2003. Turkmenistan offers export opportunities for U.S. equipment, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Other opportunities include consumer goods, agricultural machinery, and food processing equipment. Catalogs for this display must be received at the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat by September 30.

At the September 24-26 Turkmenistan International Energy Exhibition and Conference, U.S. firms may showcase their product/service at no charge at the American Product Literature and Video Exhibit. Catalogs must arrive at the U.S. Embassy by September 19. Participating U.S. firms’ product or service must meet one of the following criteria: (1) Manufactured or produced in the United States; (2) If manufactured or produced outside the U.S., the product or service must be marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have U.S. content of at least 51 percent of the value of the finished goods or services. Firms interested in participating should call the U.S. Export Assistance in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for important guidelines and exact mailing instructions.

"ASIA NOW" ONLINE SERVICE

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) invites U.S. firms to visit its "Asia Now" online resource center. The site brings together the resources of USCS offices in 14 Asian countries and its Export Assistance Centers across the U.S. to provide firms information on regional trade events, USCS services, and market research. Log on to www.buyusa.gov/asianow/ for the following export markets: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, China, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, India, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

IMPORT/EXPORT SEMINAR SERIES IN BATON ROUGE

The Louisiana International Trade Center-SBDC (LITC) will conduct an "Export and Import" seminar series on September 9, 11, 15 and 18, from 3:45 p.m to 8:15 p.m. each day at Hibernia National Bank in Baton Rouge. The topics are: Export/Import Strategies and Market Research, Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures, International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation, Export/Import Marketing Plan. Call (504) 568-8222 for fees and registration.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAWS SEMINAR IN LAFAYETTE

The Louisiana International Trade Center-SBDC and Le Centre International de Lafayette will hold a seminar on "The Laws of International Trade" with three attorneys specializing in international trade law on September 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call (504) 568-8222 for fees and registration.

LAGCOE 2003: OPENING NEW MARKETS FOR EXHIBITORS

For the past 50 years, the biennial Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) in Lafayette has catered mainly to the U.S. and Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry. Show organizers have continually added new or unique services and amenities to benefit the exhibitors, as well as to increase attendance at the show. LAGCOE is one of the longest-established professional trade shows in Louisiana and the second largest oil and gas show in the United States.

This year on October 28-30, with the assistance of the International Center of Lafayette, Louisiana Economic Development, and the U. S. Department of Commerce, LAGCOE is opening new markets for its exhibitors and gaining widespread international attention through the U. S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program (IBP). LAGCOE 2003 is one of 28 U. S. trade shows selected from a wide range of applicants to participate in this program. Government officials, business executives, engineers and buyers from oil-rich nations around the globe are now hearing about the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition.

The International Center of Lafayette has published a multilingual brochure that is in the hands of many U.S. Commercial Attachés overseas. As part of the IBP promotion, Commercial Service officers in embassies and consulates, particularly in the oil-producing parts of the world, are screening and recruiting foreign buyers to attend the show. In addition, after the show the commercial officers will continue to promote the products or services of those exhibiting companies that have indicated an interest in exporting. Exhibitors wishing to sell overseas through the IBP must complete an Export Interest Survey form contained in their contract packet and return it as soon as possible. This information will be used to produce an Export Interest Directory. Louisiana companies attending LAGCOE but not exhibiting are encouraged to participate in the business matching as well by completing the Export Interest Survey form available by calling the International Center at (337) 291-5474.

Louisiana companies are renowned worldwide as pioneers and leaders in offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production. Commercial Service officers and oil industry specialists from Nova Scotia, Venezuela, West Africa, the Caspian regions of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Sakhalin Island (Russia) and Macaé (Brazil) all visited Lafayette within the past two years. During those visits they gave presentations on opportunities for the Louisiana oil and gas industry in their respective countries and met with local business people and officials. Because of the opportunities they saw and the enthusiastic reception they received from local oil and gas industry businesses, they plan to return with foreign company representatives to attend the LAGCOE show this year.

Business people from other countries such as Colombia , Saudi Arabia, UAE , and Taiwan are also expected. U. S. Department of Commerce industry and country specialists will be available during the show to assist companies with business matching and counseling, as well as for discussion of business opportunities in their specific countries. In addition, several international seminars will be offered during the show. For details on the International Buyer Program at LAGCOE, call Le Centre International de Lafayette at (337) 291-5474 or visit www.lagcoe.com

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS EVENTS

Monday, September 8 - Middle East, Dr. Joseph Ganit (tentative), co-sponsored with the World Affairs Forum at Tulane. Visit www.WorldAffairsForumTulane.com for details.

Friday, September 12 - Gubernatorial Luncheon Forum: "The Business of Business: Education/Workforce Development/Job Training & Their Role in Future Economic Development Opportunities," 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Delgado Community College, City Park Campus Student Life Center. $40 per person. Contact nhutte@dcc.edu or call 483-4118.

Wednesday, September 17 - "Terrorism, Trade & Truth: Why Louisiana Has a Stake in the Future of Saudi Arabia," Nail A. Al-Jubeir, 8:00 a.m. breakfast program, Plimsoll Club at the World Trade Center. WAC members $25, nonmembers $30, Students with I.D. $20. Reservations required by mailing check to the World Affairs Council of New Orleans at 2 Canal Street, WTC Suite 2940 C., New Orleans, LA 70130. Check must be received by Monday, September 15 to hold seating. Money refunded if cancellation received the day before the event.

Wednesday, September 17 - "Where Was Central Europe?" Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Executive Director, Austrian Fulbright Commission, UNO Center Austria. University of New Orleans Library Room 407. Free.

Friday, September 19 - Event co-sponsored with the World Affairs Forum at Tulane University. TBA (Visit www.WorldAffairsForumTulane.com for details.)

Thursday, September 25 - "Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry," P.W. Singer, co-sponsored with the World Affairs Forum at Tulane University. (Visit www.WorldAffairsForumTulane.com for details.)

SAINTS VP FIELKOW TO RECEIVE HEMISPHERIC AWARD

Arnold D. Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Administration for the New Orleans Saints, will receive the Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award at a gala dinner event on Saturday, September 13 at the Marriott New Orleans Hotel. Mr. Fielkow’s nomination was submitted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana to the Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which made the selection.

The Hemispheric Congress, an organization that developed the trade concept to unite business persons in Latin America and the United States, selected Arnie Fielkow from various candidates throughout the entire region. The Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith award honors a person’s active role with the Hispanic business community at the local, national, and international levels. Past recipients from the region include William H. Hines, Scott P. Howard, William M. Metcalf, Jr., J. Michael Brown, and John F. Schwegmann. For additional information about the September 13 award dinner, contact Roxanne Canales at hccla@bellsouth.net or (504) 885-4262.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS PROVIDE DETAILED DATA

Following is a list of various U.S. Commercial Service Industry Market Insight Reports:

Brazil: Brazilian Importers of Machine Tools/Plastics Production Machinery Create an Association of Importers

Brazil: Water/Wastewater Sector in Santa Catarina

Colombia: Export of Plant, Plant Products, or Sub-products

European Union: What U.S. Firms Need to Know about the EU Value Added Tax (VAT)

Mexico: Retail Stores Join Forces to Combat Wal-Mart

Panama: Opportunities in the Insurance Sector

Thailand: Opportunities for Energy-Saving Equipment Used in Building/Factories

West Bank: Regulations Change for Lubricant Oil into West Bank and Gaza

For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064.