INTERNATIONAL MIXER SET FOR JUNE 8 AT WTC

The World Trade Center, in conjunction with 16 other international trade and transportation organizations in the New Orleans area, will host an "International Mixer" on Wednesday, June 8 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Plimsoll Club in celebration of World Trade Centers Association Day. The event will be celebrated along with the WTC's nearly 300 partner World Trade Centers in 77 countries worldwide. The members of the Consular Corps of New Orleans will be special honored guests at the reception. The principal sponsor of the event is FedEx.

The mixer offers networking with local chapters of the following organizations: Air Cargo Association; Board of Trade; Council for International Visitors; French-American Chamber of Commerce; Greater New Orleans, Inc. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; International Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association; Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana International Trade Center, Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council; Port of New Orleans; Propeller Club; Steamship Association of Louisiana; Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce; Traffic & Transportation Club; World Trade Club; and the World Trade Center.

The cost of the event is $25 and includes hors d'oeuvres, two drink tickets, free parking, door prizes, and music by the Joe Simon Trio. RSVP by calling (504) 529-1601 ext. 226 or e-mail nrideau@wtcno.org or register by clicking here.

HOWARD BAKER TO SPEAK ON WORLD AFFAIRS

On Thursday, June 9 the World Trade Center, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC, and other organizations will co-sponsor a special luncheon briefing in the Plimsoll Club on "The United States and Its Global Role" by Hon. Howard H. Baker, Jr., former U.S. Senator, Presidential Advisor and, most recently, U.S. Ambassador to Japan. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or register by clicking here.

JUNE 21 WORKSHOP ON OVERSEAS AGENTS AND DISTRIBUTORS

The World Trade Center, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon workshop at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 21 in Suite 2900 of the WTC on "Selling Abroad through Agents and Distributors." The workshop will be conducted by Glenn Stoudt, President of the International Division of Rochester Midland Corporation.

The June 21 workshop 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. To register for the workshop, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or register by clicking here.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other secure accepted form of documentation to enter or re-enter the United States. The Travel Initiative will affect all U.S. citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. It will also impact certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the U.S., namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens. Details are online at  www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778).

STATE EXPORT OVERVIEWS OF CAFTA-DR AGREEMENT

U.S. merchandise exports to the CAFTA-DR (Central America-dominican Repbulic Free Trade Agreement) region totaled $15.7 billion in 2004, an increase of $2.2 billion above the 2000 level. Information sheets detailing the benefits of the CAFTA-DR for each state are online at: http://ita.doc.gov/cafta/state_exports_to_cafta/index.asp.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL JUNE 9 ANNUAL DINNER

On Thursday, June 9 the World Affairs Council of Greater New Orleans will hold its Annual Dinner. The featured speaker is John Cloonan, a prominent security consultant, consultant to ABC News on terrorism, and former FBI agent, who will discuss "Al-Qaeda: A View from the Inside." For eight years Mr. Cloonan investigated Osama Bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist network, traveling the world locating members of al-Qaeda; these men took him inside the al-Qaeda operation. From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. there will be a reception and cash bar, and dinner will be at 7:00 p.m. The cost for WAC/N.O. members is $50, and for non-members $55. For location details and reservations, contact the WAC/N.O. office at (504) 523-2201 or e-mail wacno@bellsouth.net.

LOUISIANA TRADE MISSION TO CUBA JULY 27-30

Louisiana Economic Development is planning a trade mission to Havana, Cuba July 27-30 for Louisiana-based agrifood and lumber companies. There is still room available for anyone interested in that market. Meetings with ALIMPORT, the Cuban government commodities purchasing agency, will be scheduled. Contact Felipe Martinez with Louisiana Economic Development at (225) 342-5883 or martinez@la.gov for information on the mission.

CHINA IS LOUISIANA'S TOP EXPORT MARKET IN FIRST QUARTER 2005

China was for the first time the number one market for Louisiana merchandise exports in the first quarter of 2005 with $708 million of shipments from the state, a 27.9 percent increase over the January-March 2004 period, according to a report issued by the World Trade Center of New Orleans. Louisiana export sales to Japan, the traditional frontrunner, ranked second in the first quarter this year with $572 million, 18.9 percent lower than in 2004.

Louisiana's worldwide merchandise exports totaled $5.3 billion in the first quarter, a 2.5 percent decline compared to the January-March 2004 period. The state continues to rank ninth in exporting among all states, according to the WTC report. Agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum and coal, and processed food products were Louisiana's top four export sectors. Agricultural shipments alone, which comprise nearly half of the state's total exports, were valued at $2.3 billion, a decline of 22.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2004.

The WTC report was generated by the World Institute of Strategic Economic Research (WISER) from U.S. Census Bureau data. It covers the exports of both Louisiana originating products and some major commingled bulk commodities (especially grain and coal) produced in other states that are shipped abroad from Louisiana's ports and recorded as Louisiana exports because of the difficulty of identifying the actual states of origin.

The continuing low dollar value on exchange rates clearly helped boost the foreign sales of most products produced in Louisiana, said Larry Collins, Director of International Services with Louisiana Economic Development. "However, the grain and other commodity exports that originate mainly in the Midwestern states and are shipped abroad from Louisiana's deepwater ports evidently did not increase much in volume because of the ongoing slowdown in the economies of some of the U.S.'s largest overseas markets in Europe and Japan."

Among the major industries in Louisiana, exports of chemical products reached $1.3 billion in the first quarter of the year, a 30.1 percent increase over the first three months of 2004. Petroleum and coal exports followed at $579 million, an increase of 40.5 percent.

The dollar exchange rate has been benefiting Louisiana producers of chemicals, petroleum, shipbuilding, machinery, paper, primary metals, minerals, and many other products, said Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade Center. "The prospect of expanded sales in nearby Central America if Congress approves the proposed U.S. free trade agreement with five countries in that region plus the Dominican Republic will further enhance Louisiana's export sales and cargo movements through our ports."

Of Louisiana's top-ten export destinations in the first quarter, three were located in Asia (China, Japan, and South Korea), three more were in the Western Hemisphere (Mexico, Canada, and Colombia), another three were in Europe (the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium), and one was in the Middle East (Egypt), according to the WTC report.

Many growing markets abroad offer Louisiana companies exceptional opportunities for their goods and services, said Donald van de Werken, Director of the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center. "Over 2,000 small and medium-size Louisiana companies continue to expand their exports to all parts of the world and create jobs throughout the state," van de Werken added.

The following three charts summarize the data reported above.

Trade reports that provide information on 32 industry categories of Louisiana exports (NAICS) and 97 commodities (HS) to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available on the WTC’s website by clicking the links below.

The following three charts summarize the data reported above.

Trade reports that provide information on 32 industry categories of Louisiana exports (NAICS) and 97 commodities (HS) to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available on the WTC’s website by clicking the links below.

Louisiana Exports by Country
(US $, NAICS Database)

 Louisiana Exports by Industry
(US $, NAICS Database)

 U.S. Exports by State
(US $, NAICS Database)

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division provided by World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER)

All data Origin of Movement Series

6TH ANNUAL MUSCADET WINE FESTIVAL ON JUNE 24

On Friday, June 24 the French American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) will hold the 6th Annual Muscadet Wine Festival, a refreshing evening of crisp French white wines, light seafood dishes, and turn-of-the century impressionist costumes.

A dozen well-known New Orleans area restaurants ,including René Bistro, Café Degas, Begue's, and La Madeleine French Bakery, will prepare and serve a summer dish to complement the six Muscadet wines featured at the event. Muscadet wine is a light, effervescent white wine with a taste of lemon, green apples, ripe fruit, and white flowers which is the ideal match to raw oysters raw oysters, seafood, and fish. Live music and impressionistic décor will transport guests to the lively atmosphere of the late 1800's when Parisians gathered in riverside pen-air cafés to enjoy music, meals, and light wines.

The Muscadet Wine Festival will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Call (504) 529 1232 or visit www.faccla.com to reserve your tickets and for additional information. The Festival is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Air Liquide, the City of New Orleans, First Bank and Trust, Group Direct, Inc., and Treasure Chest Casino.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE FEATURED MARKET: SOUTH KOREA

South Korea is the Commercial Service's featured international market this month. In 2003, South Korea was the 11th largest economy in the world, 3rd largest economy in East Asia, 7th largest U.S. trading partner, and 5th largest market for U.S. high technology goods and U.S. agricultural products. In 2004, America's exports to Korea totaled 26.3 billion. Best prospects for U.S. goods include: wireless broadband equipment/services, security products/services, cosmetics, health care products and defense/aerospace products/services. To learn more about exporting to South Korea, visit: www.buyusa.gov/korea/en/marketofthemonth.html, or contact the nearest U.S. Export Assistance Center (listed online at: www.buyusa.gov).

EU DIRECTIVES ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

Effective August 2005, companies selling a broad range of electrical goods in Europe will need to conform to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, and as of July 2006 those same companies will need to conform to the Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. Ten product categories under WEEE include: large household appliances; small household appliances; IT and Telecons equipment; consumer equipment; lighting equipment; electrical and electronic tools; toys, leisure and sports equipment; medical equipment; monitoring and control equipment; and automatic dispensers. For a copy of the report, which includes links to additional information resources, contact the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

NEW ONLINE AGRIBUSINESS RESOURCE FOR EXPORTERS

To assist U.S. agribusiness firms increase their export sales, the U.S. Department of Commerce/Commercial Service Agribusiness Team offers its "Agribusiness e-Market Express" newsletter at: www.buyusa.gov/eme/agribusiness.html. The online bulletin provides current reports from overseas agribusiness industry specialists working in the Commercial Sections and the Foreign Agricultural Service of American Embassies and Consulates. Included industries are: agricultural machinery and chemicals, food processing and packing equipment (including hotel and restaurant equipment and refrigeration equipment), processed foods and food ingredients, and pet foods and supplies.

SPECIAL CHINESE EDITION OF COMMERCIAL NEWS USA

The September-October 2005 issue of Commercial News USA (CNUSA) will be translated into Chinese. This is a value-added bonus that advertisers will receive at no additional cost. CNUSA is the official United States Department of Commerce showcase for American-made products and services. The catalog-style magazine is designed to help U.S. firms promote products and services to buyers in more than 145 countries at a fraction of the cost of other advertising options. Each issue reaches an estimated 400,000 readers worldwide. The deadline for advertising in the Chinese edition of CNUSA is July 8. Details and registration are online at www.export.gov/cnusa.

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES TOP U.S. TRADE PRIORITIES

In his May 17 remarks at the ceremonial swearing in of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Portman, President Bush stated that passing the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), completing the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations, and enforcing trade agreements (specifically citing agreements with China) are the U.S.'s top trade priorities. Regarding CAFTA-DR, the President said the agreement provides an historic opportunity to advance the common goals of prosperity and peace in Central America. He said that the WTO Doha Development Agenda framework would reduce and eliminate tariffs in key industry sectors, and unfair agricultural subsidies, and open the global market in services. The President cited a number of issues, including piracy of U.S. intellectual property and barriers to goods and services, where China still must meet existing WTO commitments. The full text of President Bush's remarks are available at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases.

ONLINE PRESENTATION OF COMMERCE OFFICIAL

The keynote luncheon speaker at the May 26 Fifth Annual Gulf Coast States World Trade Conference held at the World Trade Center was Douglas Baker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Services, Tourism and Finance. His presentation is posted on the WTC website and can be accessed by clicking here.

EXCLUDED PARTY LIST WEBSITE

The Excluded Party List System (EPLS) is now online at www.epls.arnet.gov/FAQEPLS.html. EPLS is the electronic version of the Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-procurement Programs, which identifies those parties excluded throughout the U.S. Government from receiving Federal contracts or certain subcontracts and from certain types of Federal financial and non-financial assistance and benefits. The website list replaces the monthly hardcopy version which is no longer being published.