DEC. 4 BRIEFING ON CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH IMPACT

The World Trade Center, Louisiana Technology Council, and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon briefing on Friday, December 4 at 12:00 Noon in the Plimsoll Club on "China 2020: Political Implications of Economic Growth" featuring Colonel Frank R. Gunter, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and an Associate Professor of Economics at Lehigh University. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271, or click here.

Topics at the briefing will include: economic trends expected to dominate the next two decades of the Middle Kingdom; three economic growth scenarios developed for the Chinese economy and the impact of each scenario on political stability; and implications of slowing Chinese economic growth on China-U.S. relations and regional stability.

Col. Gunter has a Doctorate in Political Economy from Johns Hopkins. His research is on country risk analysis and he has published multiple articles and edited two books on the subject. Col. Gunter has made multiple extended trips to the People’s Republic of China both for research and as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade. "China 2020" originated in a study that he wrote for the U.S. Department of the Navy.

DEC. 5 WORKSHOP ON NAFTA CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

On Friday, December 5 the WTC and other organizations will sponsor a half-day workshop at the WTC from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on "How to Properly Complete the NAFTA Certificate of Origin" conducted by Louisa Elder, Director of the State of Illinois’ NAFTA Opportunity Center. The workshop will provide a step-by-step process of how to complete this all-important document for exporting and importing with Canada and Mexico. It also will include an overview of NAFTA, tariff rates, rules of origin, and record-keeping in an easy to understand presentation, using specially prepared workshop materials. To register for the December 5 workshop, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271,  or click here.

DEC. 5 PROGRAM ON OLYMPICS AND TRADE WITH GREECE

On Friday, December 5 the World Trade Center, the Consulate of Greece, and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon program at 12:00 noon in the Plimsoll Club on the "Athens 2004 Olympic Games" featuring three Greek Olympic medalists, plus a briefing on "U.S.-Greece Trade Relations." Mr. Panagiotis Dermentzoglou of the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. will conduct the briefing. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271,  or click here.

DEC. 12 BUSINESS FORUM ON JAPAN AT WTC

On Friday, December 12 the World Trade Center, the Japan External Trade Organization, the Consulate of Japan, and other organizations will sponsor an expanded luncheon forum from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Plimsoll Club on "Japan: New Opportunities for Louisiana Businesses" featuring three officials of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and two representatives of Louisiana companies doing business in Japan. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271,  or click here.

Japan is the world’s second largest economy. Japanese consumers spend heavily and tend towards a variety of high quality items and services. Expenditures top the hundreds of billions of dollars in personal consumption of food, clothing, travel, entertainment and a wide variety of other consumer goods and services. Japanese imports from the U.S. amounted to over $51 billion in 2002, making it the U.S.’s second most important market after Canada.

HEALTHCARE TRADE MISSION TO BELGIUM AND HOLLAND

On February 9-13, the U.S. Department of Commerce will lead a Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission to Brussels, Belgium and Amsterdam, Holland. As a part of the mission participants will receive targeted appointments with pre-screened prospective distributors, agents, and strategic alliance partners in these well-developed medical markets. Sectors include medical devices and supplies, diagnostics, and healthcare services. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for details.

OUTREACH 2004: REBUILDING IRAQ

The Kallman Group will lead the first American-organized trade show designed to facilitate U.S. firms involved in the entire Middle East region, with a particular focus on the reconstruction of Iraq. Outreach 2004 is an exhibition/workshop program to be held in Amman, Jordan on January 11-14. The event is certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce and is expected to be one of the best opportunities for U.S. companies to develop business there. Targeted industries include construction, agriculture and food, IT and computers, healthcare, environmental systems, airports and port equipment, education and schools, oil and gas recovery, power generation, and life style products. With help from the Jordanian-American Business Association, and the U.S. Embassy in Amman, you can reach prospective distributors, agents and importers in Iraq. Amman is an ideal location for U.S. firms interested in Iraq, but not ready to locate in Baghdad. Log on to www.kallman.com for details.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

The following U.S. Department of Commerce website provides comprehensive information about the opportunities for U.S. companies under the $18.6 billion for Iraq reconstruction recently approved by Congress:

http://www.export.gov/iraq/businessops/index.html#11ro

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

The SBDC-Louisiana International Trade Center is looking for a part-time staff person. The candidate should have a Bachelors degree in a business-related field, preferably in marketing. Computer skills are required and international trade experience and foreign languages are a plus. The position offers attractive University of New Orleans benefits. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to rchavarr@uno.edu.

OPIC NEWSLETTER

For a free electronic subscription to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation’s (OPIC) monthly newsletter, "OPIC News" log onto www.opic.gov. OPIC News provides updates on developments in the world of investing overseas. As an agency of the U.S. government, OPIC insurance and finance programs support the growth of U.S. businesses of all sizes, advance U.S. foreign policy, encourage economic development in emerging markets, and generate U.S. job and export expansion.

FREE LISTING IN ASIAN ENVIRO PUBLICATION

A leading Asian environmental journal, "The Asian Water," will feature a write-up on North American suppliers of wastewater/water sector products and services. This is an excellent, no-cost opportunity to introduce U.S. firms to the Asian market. To be listed in the March 2004 edition, entries (200 words or less) and a captioned photo must be emailed to Vivian.how@mail.doc.gov before December 31. Email Vivian How for details.

USEFUL GUIDE ON ELECTRIC CURRENT ABROAD

A good resource for exporters, manufacturers, and travelers is "Electric Current Abroad", a 30-page illustrated booklet listing the characteristics of electric current and the type of attachment plugs used in over 150 countries. Online at www.ita.doc.gov/media/publications you may download a PDF format version or click on a link to order a copy.

HEMISPHERIC TRADE MINISTERS DISCUSS FTAA

Trade ministers representing the 34 democratic nations of the Western Hemisphere released a declaration on November 20 that outlines their vision for a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and provides instructions for the final phase of the hemispheric trade negotiations. The 39-point declaration was issued at the conclusion of the eighth FTAA trade ministerial meeting in Miami. According to regional officials, it reflects the trade ministers’ aspirations for an FTAA agreement that will create the world’s largest free-trade zone, featuring a combined gross domestic product of nearly $13 trillion and 800 million consumers. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said the conclusion of the ministerial meeting and the release of the declaration ushers in a new stage in the FTAA process.

HIGHER FINES FOR U.S. EXPORT VIOLATIONS

Under the Trading With the Enemy Act (TWEA), the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control proposes stiffer penalties for trade with Cuba, North Korea, and for trading certain strategic goods with Cuba, Iran, and members of the Organization of Independent States (former Soviet Union). If adopted, TWEA violation fines will be $1 million for companies and $55,000 for individuals, with higher fines and prison time if criminal penalties are warranted. Call the Office of Foreign Assets Control at (202) 622-6140 for a copy of the rule.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING AND COUNSELING

Make your New Year’s Resolution a reality! You can sign up for the 2004 Export and Import Seminars offered by the SBDC - Louisiana International Trade Center. These intensive seminars target executives and individuals interested in starting an export and import business.

You can complete the program during four evenings for a total of 16 hours. Topics include: Export and Import Strategies, International Market Research, Legislation, Modification of Products, Pricing, Incoterms, Preparation of Quotations, Customs Entry Procedures, Cultural Considerations, International Methods of Payment, Financing, Transportation, Documentation and the Preparation of Your Export or Import Marketing Plans.

These training programs are practical and will help you in starting exporting and importing as other attendees are doing. Also, you will receive an International Trade Certificate from the University of New Orleans. The dates are February 2, 4, 9 and 11 from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center in New Orleans. For more information call (504) 568-8222 or (504) 539-9292 or visit www.uno.edu/~litc. The SBDC International Trade Program will also provide free counseling in order to help you start your export and import business.

"WHO DUNNIT?" RELIAGENE FEATURED IN U.S. EXPORT MAGAZINE

Following are excerpts from a recent issue of "Export America," the U.S. Department of Commerce’s monthly publication on exporting. The article was written by Curt Cultice and ran under the headline "Who Dunnit? DNA Testing Exporter Helps Make the Case (or Not)." For a copy of the complete article, call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

"This past summer, people in southern Louisiana were frightened. Eight people had been murdered. Was there a serial killer loose, and if so, where would he strike next? The police, working hard to solve the case, soon arrested a suspect. Then the police turned to ReliaGene Technologies, a leading DNA laboratory and research facility specializing in human genetic identification and paternity testing. What would the evidence show? ReliaGene lab professionals went to work, identifying evidence from the fingernail of the sixth victim. It was matched with the suspect. Now awaiting trial, the suspected serial killer’s guilt will soon be determined by Louisiana’s judicial system.

"It is impossible to overstate the dramatic impact these genetic tests have had in law enforcement, but on a human scale as well," says Mr. Sudhir Sinha, president and laboratory director of the minority-owned New Orleans company. Looking at a readout of data, he continues: "Our testing can affect child support cases, the criminal justice system, and whether an accused person goes to jail or not." Sinha, who has more than 30 years of experience in chemical and biochemical research and management, started the firm in 1990 and oversees a staff of more than 60 scientists, analysts, researchers, and support personnel.

"Since 1990, ReliaGene has successfully produced genetic profiles of well over 300,000 biological samples:testing everything from saliva, semen, and tissue to loose and mounted hairs, bone teeth, fetal tissue, and nail scrapings. Many of these have involved difficult criminal cases:homicide, sexual assault, burglary, criminal paternity, and victim identification. According to Sinha, most of ReliaGene’s business comes from state crime labs, private citizens involved in paternity cases, and work contracted out by private labs.

"ReliaGene has also worked on a number of important cases for Canadian law enforcement agencies, and for the U.S. armed forces to help make identifications. In addition to doing work abroad, ReliaGene markets a genotyping kit that is exported to more than 40 countries, mainly in Asia and Europe. Its biggest application is forensic cases, often involving rape. The testing can actually distinguish between the DNA of two men, which is especially important in rape cases. Altogether, 10 percent of the firm’s sales are exports.

"ReliaGene is also pursuing trade leads provided by the Commerce Department’s New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center. The relationship first started in 2001, when Sinha attended a Commerce Department seminar on doing business in Japan and met local trade specialist Don Van de Werken and a senior Commercial Service officer from the U.S. embassy in Japan. Shortly thereafter, trade specialist Clif Gaston was "on the case." "We continue to identify several crime labs and organizations around the world that would benefit from ReliaGene’s genotyping kit," says Gaston. "These labs utilize DNA testing in their analysis, and this kit would give them better technology, enabling them to duplicate in their own labs what ReliaGene does at its facility."

"Sinha says his company cannot follow up on the leads fast enough, and he recently traveled to Italy to participate in the Gold Key Service, where he met with several potential business partners all vetted and organized by the Commercial Service. "Working with the U.S. Commercial Service gives us access to a global network of marketing and export counseling services, saving our firm time and money, and that’s especially important for a small company like ours," Sinha says. "We fully expect to generate even more exports as a direct result of this assistance." ReliaGene was also recently presented with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Achievement Certificate, which recognizes business clients of the U.S. Commercial Service that have attained success in exporting."

NEW RESOURCE FOR TRADE STATISTICS

TradeStats Express at www.tse.export.gov, is a live, public information resource. The interactive site displays U.S. merchandise trade statistics at national and state levels; in maps, graphs and tables; and as exports, imports and trade balances. You can easily retrieve, visualize, analyze, print and download trade data, all in custom-tailored output.

USA PAVILION AT BIOJAPAN

The Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy Tokyo invites bio-industry executives to visit the first-ever USA Pavilion at BioJapan 2004 on September 28-30. The exhibition, symposium, and matchmaking sessions are all part of the show, which is Japan’s largest and most prestigious bio-sector event. The USA Pavilion will showcase the variety and commitment of the U.S. biotech industry. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 or (318) 676-3064 to request a form to fax to the U.S. Embassy for an informational packet and application materials. Act quickly; the deadline to fax the form is December 31.

TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a U.S. Department of Commerce program designed for manufacturers adversely affected by imports. The program offers 50/50 cost sharing of projects aimed at improving a firm’s competitive position, up to a total of $100,000 in projects with a maximum TAA cost sharing of $50,000. Funds are applied toward the cost of consultants, engineers, or other outside professional service providers a firm chooses. Projects may fall into four categories: Manufacturing, Marketing, Financial, and General Management, and Information Technologies. To qualify, a manufacturing firm must have lost some domestic business to imports and experienced sales and employment declines over the last two years. Log on to www.taaceners.org for details.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS

Following is a list of various U.S. Commercial Service industry reports. For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

Argentina: Buenos Aires Establishes New Requirement for Foreign Companies

Argentina: Opportunities in Equipment Sales for Fishing Vessels

Canada: Major Forest Fires in British Columbia Create Need for Building Materials

Canada: Medical Device and Equipment Regulation Update

Ecuador: Oil Equipment

Jamaica: Update on Import Standards Requirements

Kazakhstan: Oil and Gas Field Equipment

Russia: Certification of Apparel/Textile Industry Sector in Russia

Russia: Establishing a Business Structure in Russia

Russia: Pleasure Boat Market

Ukraine: Services, Markets of Opportunity

Vietnam: Demand for Skilled Workers at Industrial Parks and Export Processing Zones

FOREIGN POLICY IN EAST ASIA

On Tuesday, December 9, the World Affairs Council of New Orleans will host Ambassador Stapleton Roy, who will discuss "Challenges of U.S. Foreign Policy in East Asia." Ambassador Roy’s presentation will take place at the offices of Jones Walker LLP at 201 St. Charles Avenue, 52nd floor from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The cost is $20 for WAC/N.O. members and students with I.D. and $25 for non-members. A private reception will be held afterwards for WAC/N.O. "Diplomat Level" members. Please call 523-2201 or contact wacno@bellsouth.net for details.

Ambassador Roy rose to become a three-time ambassador, serving as the top U.S. envoy in Singapore (1984-86), the People’s Republic of China (1991-95), and Indonesia (1996-99) during a career spanning 45 years with the U.S. Department of State. His assignments also included Bangkok (twice), Hong Kong, Taipei, and Moscow at the height of the Cold War. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service. Ambassador Roy’s final post with the State Department was as Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Research. He retired from the Foreign Service in January 2001.