CANADA BRIEFING ON TRADE AND CULTURAL TIES

On Wednesday, July 7, the World Trade Center, the Honorary Consulate of Canada, and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon briefing at 12:00 noon in the Plimsoll Club on "Canada and Louisiana: Expanding Trade & Cultural Ties" featuring Hon. Jean-Michel Roy, Consul General of Canada in Dallas, and Hon. Mitch Landrieu, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, with introductions by Patricia C. Denechaud, the new Honorary Consul of Canada in Louisiana.

Canada and the U.S. are the largest trading partners in the world with $1.1 billion in two-way trade crossing the Canada-U.S. border every day. Canada is also the largest single supplier of petroleum products to the U.S. and provides 100 percent of electricity imports, 83 percent of natural gas imports, and 35 percent of the uranium used in U.S. nuclear power plants. In 2002, Canada-Louisiana trade amounted to $1.7 billion, while 114,000 Canadian tourists spent $65 million in Louisiana.

To register for the program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

JULY 15 SEMINAR ON THE IMPORT PROCESS

On Thursday, July 15, the World Trade Center, Panalpina Inc., and other organizations will sponsor an all-day seminar on "The Import Process" at the WTC in New Orleans conducted by Donna L. Bade, an attorney in the Chicago office of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg. The seminar includes a morning session from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on "Clearing Your Imports Through Customs: A Step-by-Step Approach" followed by lunch and an afternoon session from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on "Improving your Customs Compliance: A Step-by-Step Review." To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

Designed for first-time or active importers, the first session will help attendees develop a thorough understanding of the major areas of concern under the Customs laws, including classification, valuation, and documentation. The second session on compliance in the afternoon will cover keys to a successful compliance program, how to prepare for a customs audit, and compliance with the new Free Trade Agreements. The two seminars qualify for a total of 6 hours of CLE credits for attorneys.

An attorney in the Chicago office of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, Ms. Bade’s practice is focused on Trade Regulation and Customs Law, Import and Export Trade Law, Regulatory Law and Transportation Law. She is a licensed customs broker and spent many years working as a customs broker and freight forwarder in Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago prior to attending law school. Ms. Bade has lectured extensively on issues pertaining to Import and Export Law and Procedures, and has several publications on related topics.

JULY 20 UPDATE ON BUSINESS CONDITIONS IN MEXICO

Jay Van Heuven, a New Orleans native who has been living and working in Mexico for over 20 years, will provide an "Update on Business Conditions and Opportunities in Mexico" at a breakfast briefing at the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Tuesday, July 20. Mr. Van Heuven is a Principal with North American Trade and Investment Group. He will discuss current political, economic, and social issues in Mexico and will address specific trade and investment opportunities for Louisiana companies in the energy, health care, high technology, gaming, and transportation industries. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 (details to be posted shortly).

CAFTA ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY ON LOUISIANA

On June 30 the World Trade Center, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other organizations hosted a very successful Business Forum on CAFTA (U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement) featuring five Ambassadors from Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Ambassadors and many other speakers discussed the numerous benefits of the agreement for those countries, the U.S., and Louisiana. Also, a group of organizations (Port of New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Inc., the City of New Orleans, and the WTC) released a detailed study at the Forum on CAFTA’s potential economic impact on Louisiana prepared by Dr. James Richardson of Louisiana State University. The complete study can be accessed at the Port’s website http://www.portno.com/CAFTA_home.htm.

SUSTA RECEIVES E-AWARD

The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) recently received the Presidential E-Award for Exporting, the highest honor the federal government gives to an American exporting company or organization. It recognizes recipients for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports. "SUSTA is a great example of how promoting business innovation and ingenuity is working to help build economic opportunity across our nation," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans from Washington, D.C.

SUSTA, based in New Orleans for over 20 years and headquartered at the World Trade Center, represents 15 southern states and Puerto Rico. The purpose of the non-profit agricultural and food product trade promotion organization is to promote southern value-added agricultural products overseas for small and medium-sized firms. It is a model trade organization whose promotional efforts increased exports from $65 million in 1999 to $221 million in 2002. Mr. James L. Ake is the Executive Director of SUSTA. Log on to www.susta.org for more information on the organization.

RETURN OF COMMERCE’S COMMERCIAL NEWS USA

Commercial News USA (CNUSA) is the official U. S. Department of Commerce export marketing magazine to showcase American-made products and services. The publication was in hiatus for a year, but is back and is now being published under a public-private sector initiative between USDOC and ThinkGlobal Incorporated of Northampton, Massachusetts. CNUSA has 80,000 subscribers located in more than 145 countries and each issue reaches an estimated 400,000 readers globally. The magazine, which is free to foreign subscribers, is mailed directly to qualified recipents and distributed by U.S. Commercial Service personnel at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. In 2003, the U.S. Commerce Department found that more than 850 success stories totaling $109 million in export sales and hundreds of business relationships resulted from U.S. firms advertising in Commercial News USA. Listng prices start at $695 for Black & White and $995 for 4-color. A web site listing is available for $295. For more information, visit www.export.gov/cnusa or call 1-800-581-8533.

HEALTHCARE TRADE MISSION TO CENTRAL EUROPE

Join the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission on September 13-17 and meet with prospective distributors, agents, and strategic alliance partners in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic. Commercial Service industry experts in each country will provide U.S. participants with:

• Pre-screened, targeted appointments
• Market briefings
• Business networking receptions
• Follow-up assistance

The Czech Republic’s $450-million medical market draws on foreign suppliers to meet 65 percent of its demand for products and technology. Hungary’s $200-million medical market is also dominated by imports and U.S. products are well-received there. The Slovak Republic imported $135 million in U.S. medical products in 2003. With a $69-million World Bank loan for modernizing the medical sector, the Slovak Republic provides great opportunities for U.S. firms. The cost is $2,500 for the Czech Republic and Hungary portion of the tour, and $500 extra for the optional spin-off in the Slovak Republic. Call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for more information.

LOUISIANA BUSINESSES INVITED TO WORLD ACADIAN CONGRESS

If you are one of the many Louisianans who will travel to Nova Scotia for the World Acadian Congress (Congrès Mondial Acadien) 2004, you should consider planning a visit to the regional welcome centers in Clare and Argyle (Evangeline Trail), Chéticamp and Richmond (Cap Breton). They have something new to offer throughout CMA 2004 (July 31-August 15): a "Trading Post" sponsored by Nova Scotia’s economic development council, the CDENE.

The "Trading Posts" will offer visitors information about local businesses and a chance to view samples of their products; guided tours of local businesses; business meetings with Acadian entrepreneurs; and the opportunity to request specialized meetings. Louisiana Acadians who want to display their products and test the marketplace will also be welcomed with prior notice. Most consumer products will be featured, especially those that have an Acadian/Cajun flavor, such as food products, souvenirs, and crafts.

As the World Acadian Congress 2004 closes, a final event opens: Expo Acadie 2004, a business conference from August 15-17 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Lafayette Consolidated Government will have a booth at Expo Acadie 2004 and will gladly use it as a rendezvous point for participating Louisiana companies.

For additional details, contact Lafayette’s International Center at (337) 291-5474 and visit the Expo website at www.expoacadie2004.com.

U.S. OIL AND GAS CATALOG SHOW IN KAZAKHSTAN

U.S. oil and gas sector firms interested in a low-cost venue to determine market interest in Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea region are invited to participate in the U.S. Commercial Service’s Catalog Show in Almaty, Kazakhstan on October 5-8. The catalog show is part of the 12th Annual Kazakhstan International Oil/Gas Exhibition and Conference, which is expected to draw representatives of more than 400 companies from 35 countries. Commercial Service staff will work on behalf of the American firms to display their catalogs/brochures and forward all leads to the participants. The cost is $250. Log on to www.buyusa.gov/kasakhstan or call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546 for details.

TURKISH BAZAAR NEWSLETTER

The Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey is now publishing a free newsletter, Turkish Bazaar, which will be of interest to U.S. firms exporting to Turkey. Email Ankara.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov to be placed on the mailing list. Visit www.buyusa.gov/turkey.en for more information on doing business in Turkey.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

The World Affairs Council of New Orleans has elected the following officers for the coming year: Kanwal Dhir, President; Scott Zander, First Vice President; Juan Valadez, Second Vice President; Max Reichard, Secretary; and Peg Armstrong, Treasurer. The following Board members were elected for 2004-2007: Wayde Benson, Guenter Bischof, William Forsyth, Steven Jaeger, Dorothy Duval Nelson, V.W. Peperone, and Scott Zander.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS

The following is a list of recent industry reports prepared by Commercial Service staff at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. 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: Certificate of Origin - Imports (Update)

Australia: Market Overview of Clinical/Diagnostic Sector

Austria: Market for Dental Equipment and Products

Brazil: Brazilian Customs will Adopt Pre-Clearance System

Bulgaria: Sources of Financing for U.S. Exporters/Investors

Canada: How to Win Business at Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Chile: Mall for Sports Fans Launched

Denmark: Healthcare and Laboratory Equipment

Dominican Republic: Opportunities for U.S. Exporters of Brewery Equipment

Dominican Republic: Refrigeration Equipment

Egypt: Reduces Fees for Imported Cosmetics

Germany: Hunting Equipment and Accessories

Germany: Standards and Certifications - Helping U.S. Exporters in Germany

India: Machine Tools and Metal-Working Equipment

Indonesia: Medical Equipment and Supplies

Indonesia: Obligation to Register Medical Devices and Household Health Supplies

Indonesia: Raw Material Demand for New Plastic Sack Factory in East Java

DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA ADVICE

(The following is an excerpt from an "Export America" article entitled "Look Before You Leap: Essential Advice for Doing Business in China." A copy of the eight-page article can be obtained by calling the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546. For more information on doing business in China, visit www.buyusa.gov/china.en)

Since adopting market reforms in 1978, China has been among the world’s fastest growing economies. In 1986, total trade between the U.S. and China was $7.9 billion. By 2003, this total had reached $170 billion, making China the United States’ third-largest trading partner.

Companies that are serious about doing business in China should supply company information in Chinese and be prepared to initiate contact in Chinese. Having Chinese-language materials prepared and a Chinese speaker or interpreter available makes a great first impression and demonstrates that a company is serious about doing business there. Small firms typically need to find a counterpart in China to make sales and deliver products for them. Representative offices, the most basic, least-expensive type of foreign commercial presence in China, may only perform "Liaison" activities; Chinese law does not allow such offices to sign sales contracts or bill customers directly. As a result, local agents and representatives are crucial. Firms can locate distributors or sales agents through a variety of methods, including trade shows, business connections, or the Commercial Service’s Gold Key Program (www.buyusa.gov/china/en/gks.html).

Exporters should not attempt to enter into an agreement without sound legal advice from their own legal counsel and they should not rely on legal advice from their Chinese partner/buyer. U.S. companies often enter into agreements in China with promises from local officials that central government rules will not be enforced in the provinces (which is often the case). However, problems arise when these rules are suddenly applied sometimes retroactively leaving a company with little recourse. Firms should always follow all World Trade Organization regulations.

Companies need to spend the time and money to analyze a business’s creditworthiness. The Commercial Service’s International Company Profile service can help firms understand the background of potential customers or business partners by providing reports on individual Chinese companies.

JO DAUGHERTY RECEIVES COMMERCE AWARD

On June 15 in Washington, D.C., Ms. Jo Daugherty, International Trade Assistant at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, received the U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award. The Bronze Medal is the highest honorary award given by the Under Secretary for outstanding performance and achievement of major significance to the U.S. Department of Commerce/International Trade Administration. Ms. Daugherty has been with Commerce since 1982.

RECLAIMING EU VALUE-ADDED TAX

Every member state of the European Union has a value-added tax (VAT). The rates vary from 15 to 25 percent among the member states and among certain types of products. VAT recovery claims may be filed at least every three months or once a year, subject to country-specific restrictions. Companies may reclaim most of their VAT expenses such as those paid on:

• Business travel costs (car rentals, hotel lodging, meals, gas expenses, telephone expenses, etc.)

• Business operating expenses (jet fuel, maintenance costs)

• Marketing/advertising and professional advice such as that obtained through business consultancy services

• Trade fair expenses

• Goods, machines and equipment

• Exports into Europe and inter-European transfers of goods

Two websites with good information on VAT are the European Union VAT (www.eurunion.org/legislat/VATweb.htm) and the Federation of International Trade Associations (www.fita.org/marketplace/vat.html). The sites have links to information about VAT rates, legislation, proposals, refund procedures, and much more.

LATIN AMERICAN LAW INSTITUTE

The Tulane Latin American Law Institute will address the business, political, and legal issues affecting Latin America on September 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans. This year’s speakers include U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Roger Noriega, former President of Costa Rica Miguel Angel Rodriguez (recently elected Secretary General of the OAS), former President of Bolivia Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, and Luis Marin, CEO of CITGO. Complete program and registration information is available at www.law.tulane.edu/lali.

AZUCAR BALL 2004

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation will host its fourteenth annual fundraiser, the Azucar Ball on Saturday, August 28. This year, the theme of the event will be "Artfully Latin." The Ball will be held in the elegant lobby of the FNBC Building at 210 Baronne Street in New Orleans and featuring food from the most famous restaurants of the city. Music by Avatar and Fredy Omar con su Banda will be the highlight of the night. The proceeds of the gala will provide scholarships for high school students. Last year, 24 students received scholarships to attend some of the most prestigious high schools in the city. For ticket information, call Rosa Rodriguez at (504) 523-2600, ext. 139.