MARCH 18 FORUM FEATURES CHINA BUSINESS DELEGATION

On Thursday, March 18 the World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, Le Centre International ,and other organizations will hold a seminar from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business in China" conducted by key members of a high-level 23-member trade mission of Chinese officials. The delegation will be led by Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and Vice Chairman of the China Chamber of International Commerce. Lunch will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., followed by one-on-one matchmaking from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The seminar will also feature a Louisiana panel of five corporate executives describing their China business experience. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

COMMERCE OFFICIAL TO SPEAK ON IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

On Wednesday, March 24 the WTC, the U.S. Export Assistance Center, and other organizations will hold a luncheon forum in the Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business in Iraq: Reconstruction Information and Resources" featuring William Lash III, U.S. Department of Commerce (Chairman of the Iraq and Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Forces, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance). The program will also include a perspective on the Iraq business experiences of two Louisiana companies by Lt. Gen. Michael P. DeLong (Ret. U.S. Marine Corps), Vice President of Global Operations with the Shaw Group Inc., and Gregory R. Rusovich, President of Transoceanic Shipping Company, Inc.

Topics include: an overview of Iraq and the security situation; the business climate; future commercial opportunities; and contract and subcontract information ($18.6 billion allotted by Congress for Iraq reconstruction). To register for the March 24 seminar, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

MARCH 26 PROGRAM ON INVESTING IN LOUISIANA

Three French companies (Air Liquide, Delta Catering, and Axa Advisors) will describe what attracted them to Louisiana, the challenges they face, and the success which encourages them to stay and grow at a breakfast program at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club on Friday, March 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Henry Battle, General Manager, Central Gulf Coast Region, Air Liquide America, Marcia Marney, President, Delta Catering, LLC, and Don Smith, Executive Vice President for Louisiana, Axa Advisors will describe their companies’ experiences in Louisiana.

The program is co-sponsored by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the Europe/Louisiana Business Council, and Air Liquide. The registration fee is $15 for FACC/LA and ELBC members, $20 for non-members. RSVP by March 24 at (504) 561-0070.

2004 LOUISIANA TRADE DIRECTORY NOW ON SALE

The 2004 edition of the Louisiana International Trade Directory, the official State of Louisiana import-export directory, is now available for purchase from the World Trade Center. The Directory contains over 1,700 updated listings of Louisiana exporters, importers, trade-related services, and international trade organizations. The hard-copy Directory costs $40 ($20 for WTC members) and the CD-Rom costs $100 ($50 for WTC members). 
To order the hard-copy, click here. 
To order the CD, click here.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS EVENTS

Tuesday, March 16 - "The Crisis on the Korean Peninsula," a luncheon panel discussion with David Straub, Director, Office of Korean Affairs, U.S. State Department; Choe Jong-hwa, Economic Minister, Embassy of Korea; and Joseph A.B. Winder, President, Korea Economic Institute. 12:00 noon, Plimsoll Club, World Trade Center.

Thursday, April 8 - "Anti-Americanism & the Clash of Civilizations," Prof. Richard Crockatt of the University of East Anglia, co-sponsored with the University of New Orleans’ CenterAustria.

Wednesday, May 5 - A luncheon program featuring Ambassador Edward L. Peck, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Mauritania and Deputy Director of the Vice-Presidential Task Force on Terrorism. 12:00 noon, Plimsoll Club, World Trade Center.

Thursday, June 10 - ANNUAL DINNER: "Israel & Palestine: Is Peace Possible?" Ambassador Philip Wilcox, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace in Washington, D.C.

For additional information, contact the WAC/N.O. office at (504) 523-2201 or wacno@bellsouth.net or access www.wacno.org.

TIPS ON INVITING CHINESE VISITORS TO THE U.S.

The Commercial Service (CS) at the American Embassy and U.S. Consulates in China are often contacted by representatives of American firms to approve visas for Chinese citizens traveling to the U.S. on business. The visa process is not under CS jurisdiction; it falls under the Non-Immigrant Visa Section. Senior Commercial Officer James Mayfield of the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai recently provided the following information for Americans inviting Chinese business travelers to the United States:

• An official of the American firm or organization should fax a letter to the Non-immigrant Visa Section of the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• The letter should include the Chinese visitor applicant’s name, passport number, date of birth, and the date/length/purpose of the visit.

• The Chinese applicant must make an appointment with the Visa Section; there is a four-week waiting list.

• During the Visa process meeting/interview, applicants must show the documentation noted above and an official invitation letter from the American firm.

• It is important to know that U.S. visa officials check the extent of an applicant’s ties to his/her home country. The applicant should bring proof of any applicable ties, such as a marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, pay stubs, mortgage documents, bank statements, and other documents.

• Review the U.S. Embassy’s website at www.usembassy-china.org.cn/shanghai/visa for the latest detailed information. The material is provided in English and Chinese.

NEW ONLINE DIRECTORY OF LOUISIANA BUSINESSES

A free State-sponsored online directory (an interactive database) developed by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) for Louisiana businesses to showcase their products and services to the world will go online March 15. The website will be: www.louisiana1st.com.

All Louisiana companies are being asked to supply information to prepopulate their company profile with accurate information, before March 15 if possible. If you have inquiries or see an opportunity, please ask companies that have not been contacted by ULL to provide a contact name, phone and fax number to Mike Sonnier at ULL (or someone on his staff). Mike will then send those individuals all the information they need to participate in this new program. Contact Mike Sonnier at (337) 482-0620 or by e-mail at mjs@louisiana.edu.

TRI-STATE TRADE MISSION TO CANADA IN MAY

Louisiana Economic Development, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Development Office, and Mississippi Development Authority will lead a trade mission to Toronto and Montreal, Canada, May 15-21. The mission will include matchmaking, industry specific appointments and country briefings in both cities.

Canada is the United States’ leading trading partner. In 2002, U.S. exports to Canada totaled over $693 billion, which was larger than total U.S. trade with the entire 15-country European Union. Canada is an ideal export and investment destination for American companies looking for an environment and marketplace most similar to their own. Canada is the logical first choice for export-ready U.S. firms, or for companies that are just beginning to think about exporting. Its business practices and attitudes are more similar to those in the United States than are those of any other country in the world.

Estimated costs for air travel, hotel accommodations, and land transfers are approximately $1,900. Matchmaking and Gold Key in Toronto and Montreal total $1,000. A limited number of grants are available to compensate the cost of appointments, based on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration deadline is April 2. To participate in the mission or request additional information, contact Frank Mulhern at Louisiana Economic Development at (225) 342-3000, or e-mail mulhern@led.state.la.us.

WTCA SPRING MEETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Members of the World Trade Center of New Orleans and prospective members are invited to join WTC President Charles Teamer in attending the Spring Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association from April 14-18 in Sun City, South Africa. This is an excellent opportunity to make productive contacts with delegations in attendance from all over the world and have one-on-one match-making appointments with South African companies.

The event will take place at the Lost City resort, a spectacular and distinctly African location. Delegates will have the opportunity to view South Africa’s remarkable wildlife and cultural diversity throughout the five-day program. Also included in the Assembly’s program are informative trade seminars and briefings, exhibits, cultural, and networking events. For more information, call Natalie Rideau at WTC New Orleans at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

AIR CARGO CONFERENCE IN BILOXI ON MAY 10-13

This year’s 13th Annual International Air Cargo Conference & Exhibit (Air, Land and Sea Shipping Services & Products Expo) will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi May 10-13. There will be 164 exhibitors comprised of small regional companies to large international enterprises including airports, airlines, express air carriers, freight forwarders, expedited motor carriers, consolidators, integrators, logistics, trucking, security, contractors and others in the cargo industry. For details, visit www.iacc-expo.com.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS NAMES LEMOS TRADE DIRECTOR

Jessica Lemos has been appointed Director of International Trade Development for the City of New Orleans. She previously served as Assistant Director for Business Retention and Expansion in the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, where she marketed and administered tax incentive programs while helping to attract, expand, and retain businesses. Ms. Lemos also worked in the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development assisting with the Sixth Round of the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. In this capacity, she worked with members of the Consular Corps and hosted visits for high-level delegations from around the world. Ms. Lemos can be reached at (504) 565-8100 or at jlemos@mayorofno.com.

SABIT GRANTS AVAILABLE

The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program promotes U.S. trade interest, market access, and public-private partnerships, while concurrently facilitating Eurasian economic development by providing innovative and targeted training to managers and scientists in U.S. business practices. SABIT helps American organizations form relationships with potential customers, distributors, or partners who can assist in facilitating profitable international transactions. The linkages formed through SABIT serve as a basis for new business development and often lead to tangible results. Eurasian markets served include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The 2004 SABIT Grant program is now accepting applications until April 23. For more information and to access the application, go to www.mac.doc.gov/sabit.

NEW DATES FOR MISSION TO SAKHALIN ISLAND

The first Louisiana Oil and Gas Trade Mission to Sakhalin Island, Russia scheduled for late-March has been postponed. The new dates for the mission are April 17-22. The cost is $3,500 per company, which will include pre-arranged and qualified one-on-one business meetings organized by the U. S. Commercial Service, a day of selected company site visits, a reception with the new governor, government officials and oil and gas industry leaders operating on the island, a dinner with established U. S. company representatives, interpreters at all meetings, ground transportation, and visa assistance. The deadline for submission of applications and payment of fees is March 15. Contact Delilah Desouza at (337) 291-5474 or ddesouza@lafayettegov.net, or Rebekah Robertson at (225) 342-5349 or rrobertson@led.state.la.us for additional information and registration materials.

ANNUAL NAFTA COMPLIANCE REVIEW

Exporters and importers trading under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) should conduct an annual NAFTA compliance review. This includes reviewing products for NAFTA-eligibility and sending a letter requesting NAFTA Certificates of Origin for the next year. Go to www.aacb.com/nafta to use the NAFTA Rules of Origin Tutorial.

REPCAN MATCHMAKING EVENT IN TORONTO JUNE 16-17

For the eighth consecutive year, the Commercial Service/U.S. Consulate-Toronto offers RepCan 2004. This is one of Canada’s premier events offering customized business matchmaking based on clients’ needs. The June 16-17 show is open to U.S. firms in all industry sectors. Features include: two days of individual meetings; "Selling to Canada" seminar; province-wide promotion; free listing on www.buyusa.gov/canada/en; business counseling before/during/after the event; assistance with logistics and display set-up; special hotel rates, and more. The registration deadline is April 30. Visit www.buyusa.gov/canada/en/repcan.html.

U.S. CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE TIPS NOW ONLINE

One of the primary objectives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Office of Trade Relations is to increase the public’s knowledge of U.S. Customs policies and procedures. Toward that end, the agency offers important information for United States exporters and importers on its website. A good place to start is by reviewing the section "Did You Know? Tips for Importers and Exporters" located at: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/communications_to_industry/diduknow.xml. Customs’ homepage address is: www.cbp.gov. While at the site, check out other important guidelines, such as "Prohibited and Restricted Items" (imports to the U.S.) and "What You Must Declare" (tips for travelers returning to the U.S). You may also call the U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for copies.

RUSSIA’S NEW CUSTOMS CODE

Russian’s new Customs Code, which went into force this year, should result in more streamlined, transparent and predictable customs procedures for businesses and bring Russia in compliance with international standards. The new code addresses a range of customs-related activities, including the legal regulation of customs regimes and procedures for payment collection. It also establishes additional guarantees for protecting the interest of importers and exporters. A detailed report on this topic, published by the U.S. Commercial Service in Moscow, is online in the "Country and Market Industry Reports" section at: www.export.gov/marketresearch.html, or call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for a copy.

CE MARK GUIDE ONLINE

The European Union (EU) requires imported products critical to consumer safety to bear the "CE" (Conformite Europeuenne) mark, which indicates conformity to European standards. To help U.S. exporters comply with the CE mark requirements, the U.S. Department of Commerce/International Trade Administration produced and offers an online guide at: www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic/ce_mark/ceindex1.htm. The guide has step-by-step instructions to navigate the CE mark certification process, along with other useful related information.

EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOUISIANA COMPANIES

Nutria Skins: A furrier in Turkey wants to buy raw nutria skins from the United States but is having a hard time finding any on the Internet and has asked for assistance. Contact via e-mail Ahmet Bal with Ari Fur & Leather Company at arikurk@yahoo.com or send a fax to 90-312-434-17-95.

Refrigerated Trailers: A trucking company in Chile is planning to purchase refrigerated trailers and chassis for transporting containers. For the specs, contact Don van de Werken at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6530 or e-mail Donald.vandeWerken@mail.doc.gov

Protective Coatings: A St. Petersburg, Russia-based company is looking for a U.S. supplier of protective coatings for sea and river ships. Contact Aleksey Karlikov with AMVIT at karlikov@Amvit.ru Their website is www.amvit.ru

U.S. - SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

On January 1, the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and Singapore went into force. All U.S. exports to Singapore enjoy a zero percent tariff rate, and for Singapore’s exports, 80 percent of existing U.S. tariffs have been eliminated, with the remaining being phased out over a 12-year period. The agreement includes extensive enhancements to the protection of intellectual property and trademarks.

Best prospects for U.S. exports to Singapore are: electronic components/equipment; aircraft and parts; pollution control equipment; education services; construction and equipment; scientific equipment and medical devices; information technologies; and franchising. The Singapore edition of "Information Week" (www. infoweek.com.sg) offers a free listing for new-to-market U.S. firms seeking distributors and partners in Singapore. For details, log on to: http://www.buyusa.gov/singapore/en/infoweek_free_listing.html.