EXPORT CONFERENCE IN ALEXANDRIA AUGUST 17-18

The Louisiana International Trade Center SBDC will present a "Louisiana Export Conference" at the Radisson Hotel Bentley in Alexandria on August 17 and 18. Attendees will have an excellent opportunity to meet with a team of more than 20 experts in international business. Anyone interested in knowing how to start exporting products or services should attend. The seminar can be used as continuing education credit for members of the Louisiana Forestry Association. The topics of discussion will include: Export Success Stories, International Marketing Services for Agriculture and Industry Sectors, International Transportation Services, International Banking, and Export Financing Programs. U.S. Congressman, John Cooksey, and the Mayor of Alexandria, Edward G. "Ned" Randolph, will also be in attendance. A reception and breakfast will be provided to the conference participants. For further information or to register, call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 in New Orleans or Jay Ellington at (337) 442-6671 in Alexandria.

LOUISIANA TRADE MISSION TO TAIWAN IN NOVEMBER

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development (DED) and the World Trade Center of New Orleans are planning a highly focused Louisiana Trade Mission to Taipei, Taiwan from November 11 to 17.

Taiwan is one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Steve Lee, DED’s representative in Taipei, will handle all of the local arrangements and make individual business appointments for mission members with potential agents, distributors, end users, suppliers, joint venture partners, and other counterparts. The National Trade Data Bank’s (NTDB) Country Commercial Guide (CCG) on Taiwan contains detailed information on the economy and specific U.S. export opportunities. You can access the NTDB on the Internet at www.stat-usa.gov/ccg.nsf, or call the Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222. The World Trade Center has posted a summary of the CCG highlights, including a list of "best prospects" for U.S. exporters, on its Internet website at www.wtc-no.org, or call (504) 529-1601 to request a copy by fax. Also, a good first-hand resource on Taiwan is Bill Fousch at DED, who can be reached by phone at (225) 342-4323.

In addition to the individual appointments in Taiwan, the mission members will receive high-level business briefings by officials of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the World Trade Center of Taipei on doing business in the country. Group luncheons and receptions are also planned with members of the business community in Taipei. An attractive price for the trip has been arranged. To receive more information, call Natalie Rideau at WTC New Orleans at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

LOUISIANA TRADE DIRECTORY POSTED ON WTC WEBSITE

The World Trade Center has posted the entire Louisiana International Trade Directory, the official export-import directory of the state of Louisiana, on the WTC website. It can be accessed from the search page at www.wtc-no.org/search. The searchable directory contains more than 2,000 listings of Louisiana exporters and importers, plus a host of allied service industries such as ports and airports, steamship agencies, freight forwarders, customs brokers, international banks, foreign consulates, attorneys, consultants, and other service providers.

If your Louisiana-based company is presently exporting or importing goods or services and is not already listed in the directory and you would like to be listed at no charge, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 254 or 271 and request a directory questionnaire.

OPENING FOR TRADE SPECIALIST AT NEW ORLEANS USEAC

The New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in New Orleans has an immediate vacancy for an International Trade Specialist at a GS 11/12 grade (annual salary range of $42,085 to $65,569). Applications must be received by August 11, 2000 at the U.S. Department of Commerce/CASC office in Kansas City, Missouri. For a detailed job description and qualifications required, call Vanassa Rucker-Barner at (816) 426-5016, ext. 309, or visit the Internet site at www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/ IM7013.HTM.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN SPAIN

MetroVision Economic Development Partnership, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, is tentatively planning a mission to Barcelona, Spain for November 20-25. The mission will involve participation in Barcelona at the Catalonian Institute of Technology’s (ICT) Business Transfer Workshop, a matchmaker event for trade and investment opportunities. In 1999, the event was attended by approximately 200 Catalonian companies and over 30 international business associations.

The major activity will be individual business appointments at the ICT matchmaker event. Other possible activities include company visits to Barcelona firms interested in investing in the U.S. or in trade development, and business meetings and receptions with other government agencies, business associations, and other appropriate entities for each participant from Louisiana. For details on the planned mission to Spain, call Marisol Canedo at MetroVision at (504) 524-3425 by August 25.

CALENDAR OF LOUISIANA EVENTS

August 17-18 "Louisiana Export Conference" on the 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the 18th at the Radisson Hotel Bentley in Alexandria. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center (LITL) at (504) 568-8222.

August 23 "Import/Export Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. at the WTC in New Orleans. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

August 28 "Pricing, Terms, Quotations and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the WTC in New Orleans. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

August 30 "International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the WTC in New Orleans. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

UPCOMING EXPORT TRADE EVENTS ABROAD

Listed below are various U.S. Commercial Service trade events. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for details.

¥ Medical Devices Trade Mission - Taipei, Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 8/19-31/00

• Offshore Northern Seas - Oil and Gas show; Stavanger, Norway; 8/22-25/00

• Tendence 2000 - Giftware show; Frankfurt, Germany; 8/25-29/00

• Exhibit USA - All sectors of U.S. products/services; Karachi, Pakistan; 9/00

• Furniture 3 - Decorations, interior design, furniture; Cairo, Egypt; 9/1-9/00

• ExpoAgro2000 - Agro-industry, livestock equip/supplies; Santiago, Chile; 9/6-9/00

• ExpoUSA 2000 - Exclusively featuring U.S. products and services; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; 9/14-16/00

• Golf Europe 2000 - Golf equipment, apparel, accessories; Munich, Germany; 9/24-26/0069

• Refurbished Medical Equipment 2000 - Used medical equipment; Mexico City; 10/17-19/00

• SAIE International Building Exhibition - Building products, construction equip; Bologna, Italy; 10/18-22/00

• Hospital Show 2000 - Exhibition of U.S. hospitals and medical services; Mexico City; 11/14-16/00

• Expopesca 2000 - Aquaculture industry; Santiago, Chile; 11/29/00 - 12/2/00

• Golf World Asia - Golf equipment, apparel, accessories, course and club design; Guangzhou, China; 12/1-3/00

• Repcom Mexico 2000 - All sectors; Mexico City; 12/5-7/00

INDUSTRY MARKET INSIGHT REPORTS

Listed below are excerpts from various U.S. Commercial Service Industry Market Insight Reports. For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

• Taiwan - Import of Crude Oil Now Allowed. Starting with the oil market liberalization at the end of June 2000, U.S. oil suppliers now have a good chance to expand their market share in Taiwan, mainly because many local private operators of gas stations plan to expand their operations. The report also contains key contacts in Taiwan.

• Vietnam - Oil/Gas Production and Exploration Industry. PetroVietnam, Vietnam’s national petroleum corporation, is the only company entitled to carry out petroleum operations throughout the country. PetroVietnam will purchase approximately $300 million of oil and gas production and exploration facilities in the first quarter of 2001 through selective competitive bids. The report contains key contacts in Vietnam.

• Saudi Arabia - Oil Processing Plant. Saudi Aramco announced that it awarded two lump sum turnkey contracts to replace three main power generation units at its oil facilities in Abqaiaq. U.S. manufacturers of turbines/parts, steam boilers/parts, heat exchangers/parts, pumps/parts, valves/related parts/fittings, power transmission equipment/parts, industrial chemicals and corrosion inhibitors should contact the company listed in the report.

• Nova Scotia - Gas Distribution Revisions. Sempra Atlantic Gas has revised its timetable and will commence construction on a Nova Scotia natural gas distribution system in September of 2000. Sempra was awarded a 25-year franchise to develop a natural gas distribution system for the province of Nova Scotia and plans to provide at least 78 percent of all Nova Scotia households with access to natural gas. Sempra Atlantic Gas is using BIDS Nova Scotia Limited as its vendor registration and tender distribution service on the East Coast. For U.S. companies interested in Sempra tenders for Atlantic Canada, current BIDS listings provide opportunities for sales.

• Chile - Top Ten Service Best Prospects. Chile’s economy has experienced rapid growth in the past 15 years, and Chileans are now demanding improvements in productivity and quality-of-life enhancing products and services. U.S. service exporters are well positioned for entering or expanding their presence in Chile. There is a strong market in the following 10 sectors: express shipping/delivery services; database development; franchising; Internet services; architectural services; engineering, surveying, and related services; environmental engineering and public utilities; equipment and machinery leasing, installation, and maintenance; maritime transportation services; education and training. The report contains more information on these 10 sectors.

• Saudi Arabia - New Regs on Importing Used Cars. Admidst allegations that used cars imported solely for use as spare parts were being sold to unknowing consumers, vehicles imported from the U.S. and Europe must now comply with 20 standards set by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organizations.

REP. JEFFERSON DISCUSSES NEW AFRICAN/CBI LEGISLATION

Congressman William J. Jefferson addressed a luncheon gathering at the World Trade Center on July 7 on the recently enacted "Trade and Development Act of 2000." The Congressman was one of the Act’s primary sponsors in the House of Representatives. The full text of his address at the WTC is posted on the WTC’s website at www.wtc-no.org.

The Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton on May 18, eases access to U.S. markets for many goods made in sub-Sahara Africa and the Caribbean Basin. At the WTC luncheon, Congressman Jefferson praised the new trade provisions and called attention to the many ways he believes this legislation will benefit Louisiana. Pointing to the opportunities for the state’s oil and gas sectors, Jefferson commented that almost all of the African countries included in the legislation produce oil and would comprise "wonderful markets for our oil and gas related industries." He also discussed provisions that would open Africa’s markets to Louisiana’s top agricultural exports.

Regarding the Caribbean, Congressman Jefferson stated that the Act would correct an unintended consequence of NAFTA, which diverted much investment from the Caribbean to Mexico by granting parity to CBI nations. He also stressed the importance of economic growth to stability and democratic rule in the region. Jefferson also discussed the benefits that will accrue to Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans through provisions that grant duty-free access to apparel made with U.S. yarn and fabrics. These provisions, according to Jefferson, will "encourage additional export of U.S. cotton and yarn."

Jefferson ended his speech by emphasizing the importance of the global economy to U.S. growth and prosperity and calling for an expanded trade agenda that also inlcudes final passage of the China Trade Bill.

CORRECTED INFORMATION ON SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL

The July Trade Bulletin included an article regarding using solid wood packing material (SWPM) in shipments to Argentina. The country should have been listed as Brazil, not Argentina. Brazil no longer requires U.S.-origin SWPM to be fumigated in the U.S. by a private company and endorsed by USDA-APHIS with a phytosanitary certificate before it is exported to Brazil. This action was accomplished by the publication of Portaria (Directive) 146, published in the Brazilian Diario Oficial. More information on this topic is available online at: www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/ SWPBrazil.html, or from the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans by calling (504) 589-6546.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW TRADE ACT RELATING TO AFRICA

President Clinton signed into law on May 18, 2000, the Trade and Development Act of 2000, which was originally composed of two separate pieces of legislation: the African Growth and Opportunity bill and the Caribbean and Central America Relief and Stabilization bill. The Africa portion of the Act is expected to encourage more trade with, and investment in, the 48 countries of sub-Sahara Africa. Specifically, the Act will:

• Elevate the level of trade and economic discussions between U.S. and African governments, with annual meetings required; meetings between the President and Africa heads of state should occur not less than once every two years;

• Ease the restrictions on African imports into the U.S., with exceptions remaining for textile products;

• Provide technical assistance to governments to assist with economic and trade policy reforms;

• Increase the number of countries in which the Commercial Service has full-time officers from four to ten, and increase the number of full-time employees to 20 in order to encourage U.S. exports to major African markets;

• Increase the equity investment funds supported in part by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to fund infrastructure projects and other private sector development, including those involving women entrepreneurs;

• Encourage the Export-Import Bank to expand the availability of its programs in Africa;

• Require the President to begin negotiations on free trade agreements with sub-Saharan African countries, as appropriate and where feasible.

For more information, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

WEBCASTS ON WTC SITE

The World Trade Center of New Orleans has become an "Affiliate Channel" partner with globalspeak.com. What this means is that globalspeak.com’s most up-to-date "Now Showing" webcasts can be viewed directly from the WTC website. This high-quality programming exchange is made possible through asp technology. You can now take advantage of a wealth of international trade-focused video presentations from the convenience of your laptop, home or office computer by simply logging on to www.wtc-no.org/programs/.

AZUCAR BALL TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 26 IN NEW ORLEANS

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation will host its tenth annual fundraiser, the "Azucar Ball," on Saturday, August 26 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The theme is "Noche De Plata" or Shimmering Night. This black-tie affair will take place in the lobby of the Whitney National Bank at 228 St. Charles Avenue. Dinner will be provided by some of the city’s finest restaurants. Dancing will be to the non-stop music of Fredy Omar and his band and the romantic duo of Julio y Cesar. A special feature of the gala will be a silent auction for many enticing items. The proceeds from the "Azucar Ball" will provide needed funding for the Foundation’s scholarship fund. For ticket information, call Rosa Rodriguez at (504) 523-2600, ext. 139.

INTERNATIONAL CLEAN ENERGY TRADE INITIATIVE MISSIONS

In recognition of the large potential global market for clean energy technologies and services, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched a trade promotion initiative linking U.S. companies with foreign markets to facilitate sales and dissemination of clean energy technologies, products and services, and clean fuel sources. Commerce-led trade missions will bring U.S. company representatives face-to-face with foreign government decision makers, as well as one-on-one meetings with representatives of public and private companies in the targeted markets in order to promote clean energy exports, trade leads, and project developments.

Year 2000 Mission Destinations:

• Indonesia - August 29-31. Sectors: natural gas sector development; utilization.

• Mexico - September 10-14. Fuel switching; natural gas combustion; and renewable energy technologies.

• Central Europe - October 2-5. Power generation efficiency; environmental technology; pollution control.

• Russia - October 15-21. District heating efficiency.

• United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman - October 24 - November 1. Natural gas infrastructure and power generation.

• Brazil - November 5-9. Energy efficiency and conservation; natural gas combustion technologies.

• South Africa - November 13-17. Power plant retrofitting; energy infrastructure; clean coal technology.

• India - November 26 - December 5. Power generation efficiency; clean coal; cogeneration; renewables; alternative fuels; emission control and energy saving.

• China - December 4-8. Natural gas development; clean coal technologies; power generation.

Participation fees range from $2,500 to $3,900 per country. Fees do not include air travel and lodging. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for additional information and registration material.

NEW AGRICULTURE MATCHMAKER SERVICE

Canada Connect is a new agriculture matchmaker service endorsed by the Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa to assist U.S. food and beverage producers in establishing commercial relationships with prospective agents/brokers and/or distributors in Canada. The program provides individual appointments and briefings on business opportunities, industry trends, and the competition. A one-day program costs $500; each additional day costs $250. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

USEFUL TRADE FINANCE RESOURCES

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a new website that provides trade finance information for companies seeking to begin or expand exporting products abroad. The Export Finance Matchmaker (EFM) is designed to match exporters with sources of export financing. To utilize this service, the exporter must fill out an online "Transaction Query" and click "submit" to be matched with information already collected from financing and risk mitigation firms. The site also provides users with a list of trade financing sources for each state, information on risk mitigation products, access to an export finance guide, and a section that reviews frequently asked questions about export financing. Anybody interested in this type of assistance should go to the Export Finance Matchmaker website at www.ita.doc.gov/td/efm.

Also, the World Trade Center of New Orleans has recently updated its year-old brochure on "International Trade Finance - A Resource Guide for Louisiana Companies." It summarizes the trade finance programs available to Louisiana companies and lists useful contacts in both the public and private sectors. The brochure is arranged by U.S. government export program and includes relevant information on the Small Business Administration (SBA), Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), and Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), including updated contact information. The brochure is available on the WTC’s web site at www.wtc-no.org or call (504) 529-1601 to request a free copy.

TWO NEW WEBCASTS FOR EXPORTERS

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Commercial Service Webcast Library provides small and medium-sized businesses information on export-related topics. The latest online shows are: "Exporting Building Materials to Japan" and "Internet, E-Commerce, and Wireless Business Opportunities in Korea". Visit www.usatrade.gov/ webcasts or www.globalspeak.com to view these new webcasts, or any of the following:

• Approaching the Dragon: Doing Business in China

• Argentina, Export-ease (for the Health Care Industry)

• E-Journey to Africa: The Virtual Nigeria Gold Key

• Export Secrets: Learn from the Experts

• Horizons for Development: Africa, Middle East and Asia

• ¥ Showcase Europe: Trade Opportunities for the EU

• Understanding E-Commerce for Small Business

• Interview with Marjory Searing, Acting Assistant Secretary and Director General, U.S. Commercial Service

Look for nine new webcasts to premiere in the coming months. For additional information, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

U.S. AND VIETNAM SIGN TRADE AGREEMENTTRADE AGREEMENT

The United States and Vietnam signed an agreement on July 13 that will clear the way for the development of normal trade relations between the two countries and put Vietnam on course to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). The 150-page accord ends nearly four years of negotiations that stalled last year after Vietnamese officials decided not to sign a similar agreement amidst charges that certain provisions were unfair.

According to some trade analysts, Vietnam’s decision to sign the agreement was prompted by the recent U.S. trade agreement with China and China’s imminent accession to the WTO. The agreement would grant Vietnam Normal Trade Relations (NTR), which would be subject to Congressional review every year.

Tariffs on Vietnamese goods entering the U.S. would drop from rates averaging 40 percent to roughly three percent. Vietnamese business analysts predict that exports from Vietnam to the U.S. could double in the next several years. The World Bank has estimated that the pact could add $800 million to Hanoi’s annual export revenues in the first year alone. For its part, Vietnam has also agreed to cut tariffs and gradually open its market to U.S. goods and services.

The agreement still requires approval by the U.S. Congress, but several groups are preparing to voice their concerns about the pact. The AFL-CIO has vowed to fight the measure on the grounds that it will harm labor standards and human rights. Key Congressional Democrats have also suggested that the bill could face trouble unless those and other matters are addressed, while the textile industry has promised to press for changes to protect U.S. industries from an increase in low-priced imports. It is currently unclear whether the legislation will come to a vote during this year’s Congressional session.

WTC FALL LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 5

For the 52nd consecutive year, the World Trade Center will offer its fall session of foreign language classes from the week of September 5 through the week of November 13 at the WTC Building in New Orleans. The classes are conducted by the faculty of Alpha Tech Communications. The emphasis is on business usage and conversation. Small classes led by experienced teachers ensure good individual attention. The session will last 11 weeks: classes will meet once a week for two hours. The following languages will be offered: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and English as a Second Language. Tuition is $130 for WTC members and their spouses, and $260 for non-members. (Registration and materials cost $45.) Free parking is available in the WTC Garage. For additional information and to register, call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.

MEXICO SIGNS TRADE PACT WITH CENTRAL AMERICANS

After eight years of negotiations, Mexico has signed a free-trade pact with three Central American nations that will lift tariffs on many agricultural and manufactured goods within 12 years. This treaty, which will take effect on January 1, 2001, caps a string of free trade agreements entered into by outgoing Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo in an effort to open Mexico to free trade as much as possible before he leaves office on December 1, 2000.

Mexico will eliminate tariffs on agricultural goods covered in the agreement with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras within 10 years, while the Central American countries will be given 12 years to reciprocate. For manufacturing exports, Mexico will end tariffs within nine years, while the other three nations are required to do so within 11 years.

Free trade agreements that Mexico signed with the European Union and Israel took effect on July 1, 2000. Discussions are scheduled to begin soon with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein, and Singapore, along with exploratory talks with other nations, including Japan..

NEW CHARTER SCHOOL TO OPEN IN FALL

The International School of Louisiana (ISL) announces the opening of two public kindergartens, one Spanish and one French, for the Fall 2000 school session. This newly established multi-parish charter school in New Orleans will offer an academically challenging and superior public education in a foreign language using the International Baccalaureate Organisation and French national curricula.

In addition to obtaining a Louisiana high school diploma, ISL graduates may also earn one or two internationally recognized diplomas: the International and/or French Baccalaureates. These prestigious degrees can earn the students the equivalent of one or two years of American university credit.

Children from across the State of Louisiana who are five years old by September 30, 2000 may enroll in either the French or Spanish kindergarten class. The school will expand by one grade level each subsequent year of operation and will eventually offer kindergarten through 12th grade education. Prior knowledge of French or Spanish is not necessary for admission into kindergarten.

ISL is located at 3401 Canal Street (the corner of Canal Street and Jefferson Davis Parkway) in the education wing of the First United Methodist Church of New Orleans. ISL is a state-funded, non-sectarian institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or religion. For more information, call (504) 726-0289, or access the website at www.isl-edu.org.

COMMERCE WEBCAST OFFERS EU GRANTS ASSISTANCE

The Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce recently launched a Webcast entitled "The $224 Billion EU Opportunity: How U.S. Businesses Can Tap In" on the international business broadcast and information channel, globalspeak.com, that could help Louisiana companies enter or expand the EU market. Here are the highlights:

• By the end of next summer, the European Union (EU) will approve $224 billion in economic development grants for projects to be implemented during 2000-2006.

• Small-and medium-sized U.S. businesses, when paired with a European partner, are eligible to receive the funds.

• A transatlantic business development strategy of the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service called PEPPER (Project Export Positioning and Promotion in the European Region ) offers grants assistance to U.S.-based companies and their European affiliates.

• The Commercial Service will help U.S. companies identify project opportunities, sources of financial support; form consortia; present proposals; obtain approvals and implement projects.

• Grant proposals should be submitted to the EU before December 31, 2000 for maximum grant support.

A direct link to the Webcast on the WTC New Orleans Website at www.wtc-no.org offers not only the broadcast but also complete grants application information, including a PEPPER Users Guide, the "PEPPER Made Simple: 10 Steps to Success" tutorial and details on how to contact the Commercial Service offices. In Louisiana, call (504) 589-6546.

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR MEETING PLANNERS

Meeting planners in the New Orleans area may find the websites of Gambit Weekly and the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to be valuable resources. Gambit Weekly’s website, www.bestofneworleans.com, lists a month-by-month calendar of events for the New Orleans area. The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s website, www.nawlins.com, also provides helpful information, including convention dates with the number of participants. Visitors to the NOMCVB site can also submit a request for meeting planning information, as well as a visitor’s guide to New Orleans.

$7.9 BILLION IN NEW PROJECTS IN LA. IN 1996-1999 PERIOD

During the first four years of the Foster Administration, the National and International Marketing Divisions of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development worked closely on location and/or expansion projects, with 305 companies that subsequently announced more than $7.9 billion in new projects in Louisiana. The projects created 24,212 new permanent jobs. Included in these figures were 234 U.S. companies that invested $4.4 billion in the state on projects that created 22,653 new permanent jobs, and 71 international companies that invested $3.5 billion in projects that created 1,557 new permanent jobs.

ANNUAL MEETING OF WORLD TRADE CENTERS IN BOSTON

WTC New Orleans President Dennis Kelly will be leading a group of Louisiana businessmen and women to the annual General Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), which will be held in Boston on October 15-18. You are invited to consider joining the delegation. These WTCA meetings are excellent networking vehicles for individuals interested in international trade, tourism, and economic development. They offer participants excellent opportunities for developing business contacts with hundreds of other executives from all over the world and customized one-on-one matchmaking appointments with other attendees.

The trade mission aspect of the Boston meeting will focus on high tech industries, technology, and its effects on trade. Forums will be organized with leading figures from the area’s major technology sectors, financial institutions, and universities to provide their insights on the forces that will shape business in the future. The "accompanying persons program" offers a wide variety of tours from the Salem Witchcraft area to historic Plymouth. Tours of Harvard and the MIT campus and the MIT Media Lab are also included.

The registration fee of $550 for WTC members ($650 for non-members) includes programming, cultural and networking events, tours, and the closing reception. For more information, including hotel options, contact WTC Membership Director Natalie Rideau by phone at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

MISSION TO CANADA A SUCCESS

Mr. Gilbert "Whitey" Lagasse of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (DED) reports that the June 10-15 Louisiana mission to the World Petroleum Conference in Calgary, Canada appears to have been very successful, judging from the positive feedback from the 25 mission participants.

Participating companies included Horizon Well Treatment Inc., Shreveport; Omni Industries, Inc., Greenwell Springs and Shreveport; Point Eight Power Inc., Belle Chasse; Ruelco Companies L.L.C., Harvey; and Transfer Systems International, Lake Charles. Red Wing Service and Supply, Lafayette, was also at the show exhibit occupying a booth.

The mission was a coordinated effort by DED’s Trade Division, the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce; Southwestern Electric Power Company, the U.S. Export Assistance Center, and the U.S. Consulate in Calgary.

During the recruiting process for the mission, a company profile of each Louisiana company was submitted to Sharon Atkins at the U.S. Consulate office in Calgary for a market assessment. Based on response from these reports by Canadian companies, appointments were scheduled. Ms. Atkins and her staff did an excellent job of matchmaking.

Prior to the trip, each company representative was presented with a comprehensive "briefing book" identifying economic trends and outlook, political environment, marketing of U.S. products and services techniques, trade regulations and standards, investment climate, trade and project financing, and business travel and customs advice.

For information about future DED trade missions, call Mr. Lagasse at (504) 529-1601, ext. 230.

LITC PROVIDES EXPORT-IMPORT ASSISTANCE

The Louisiana International Trade Center-SBDC, (LITC) was created in 1984 under the University of New Orleans’ College of Business Administration to increase the number of Louisiana businesses involved in international trade and foster economic development in Louisiana. The Center is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. The LITC is part of the Small Business Development Center network of more than 1,000 centers throughout the country to help small and medium-sized companies.

The LITC is a one-stop shop for International Trade Services. It provides export/import seminars, global trade on the Internet seminars, and other programs. It also provides counseling that is conducted by trade specialists, international bankers, freight forwarders and custom brokers, international attorneys, and Internet professionals.

The Center has developed several publications that are used to support the seminars. One recent publication used for the Internet seminar includes a list of more than 500 webpages for international trade assistance. The Center also prepares Market Research Reports and Country Guides. These publications are printed at the time that clients request them to learn more about foreign markets and countries. The LITC has one of the best libraries for international publications, including directories, newspapers, telephone directories, CD roms, videos, and other materials.

For more information, contact the LITC by phone at (504) 568-8222, or via e-mail at litc@uno.edu. Their website is www.uno.edu/~litc.

USEFUL TRAVEL WEBSITES

To check on foreign holidays, visit the Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center website at www.tradeinfo.doc.gov, click on "Country and Regional Market Information" and then select the link to "Business Holidays."

Dangerous local situations should be checked out by accessing the U.S. Department of State’s website at www.state.gov or by calling the Travel Advisory Hotline at (202) 647-5225. For health questions, vaccinations, etc., access the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov and follow the advice for each country.

Finally, before you leave on your trip you should contact the U.S. Customs Service if you are taking a laptop computer or other equipment you will be bringing back to the U.S. Customs will need the serial number, make, model, etc. of the equipment you are taking with you. Their website is at www.customs.ustreas.gov.

WEBSITE TRADE LEADS

The World Trade Center of New Orleans posts on its website (www.wtc-no.org/hotleads/) fresh trade leads received mainly from other WTC’s worldwide, plus a few other sources.

LOUISIANA PARTICIPATION IN ARGENTINA MARITIME EXPO

The International Trade Division of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development will lead a delegation to participate in the Expo Maritime Mercosur on October 25-27 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This annual exhibition and conference serves the marine and port-related industries of Argentina and surrounding countries and is considered to be South America’s largest port and maritime industries event.

The Louisiana Pavilion is the easiest and most economical way for small and mid-size suppliers to the maritime or port industries to meet potential customers or distributors in South America. Space is limited to four Louisiana companies, with each company receiving booth space, a table, two chairs, one electrical outlet and translation assistance. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Rebekah Robertson at (225) 342-4318.

CIV TO HOLD "BRUNCH AROUND THE WORLD"

The Council for International Visitors of Greater New Orleans (CIV) is holding a "Brunch Around the World" on Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Palmisano in Metairie. Over two dozen local restaurants are donating ethnic dishes for guests to savor. A silent auction and raffle also will be held during the event. International music will entertain the guests. Tickets are $40 per person. For tickets, call (504) 539-9432 Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The proceeds benefit the CIV, a nonprofit organization committed to international exchange and cultural awareness.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS TRADE MISSION TO AFRICA

Louisiana companies are invited to join the Assistant Secretary and Director General of the U.S. Commercial Service on the "Women in Business Development Trade Mission" to Cairo, Nairobi, and Johannesburg on October 1-7. As a member of this official U.S. trade delegation, you will receive:

• Prescreened business appointments

• In-depth market briefings

• Full logistical support

• In-country market promotion

• Participation in the "Global Summit of Women: Africa" conference in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 5-7, and

• Online promotion of your company.

Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for registration costs and other mission information. (Note: the trade mission is not limited solely to women-owned/managed companies.)

NEW ORLEANS TO HOST BREAKBULK CONFERENCE

The New Orleans Marriott Hotel will once again be the site of the 11th annual International BreakBulk Transpo Conference and Exposition. Organized by the Journal of Commerce Group, the Transpo will take place on October 1-3 and again be hosted by the Port of New Orleans. This year’s Transpo will feature an expanded exhibition floor providing attendees the opportunity to meet and evaluate even more of the latest advances in equipment and technology, as well as consulting and other types of solution-based services and will include JOC’s 5th Forest Product Transpo.

The conference program will address the rapidly changing global logistics strategies that are affecting the way breakbulk is shipped and handled. E-commerce and information technology, port and terminal management, and breakbulk handling are some of the issues that will be featured during the two-day conference. The speakers include: Kurt Nagle, President, American Association of Port Authorities; Henry Logan, Senior Vice President, TTX Company; Steven Tarr, Senior Business Development Manager, Union Pacific Railway, and Peter Merath, Director, Panalpina Projects, Basel, Switzerland. For further information or to register for this year’s event, call (800) 996-3233 or visit www.milestoneshows.com/bb

CORTIZAS NAMED DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial has appointed Richard Cortizas as the new Director of the City’s Office of International Relations and Trade Development. Cortizas is responsible for continuing and increasing trends that create cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between New Orleans and major cities throughout the world.

From 1994 to 1997, Cortizas served as the City’s Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and then as Deputy Director of International Relations and Trade Development. He was instrumental in coordinating the Western Hemisphere Finance Minister’s Conference in 1996 and facilitated the visit of former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev that same year. Most recently, he worked as the Director of Government and Community Affairs for the New Orleans Sports Foundation. Cortizas holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Loyola University and is fluent in Spanish.

Julio Guichard, the former Director of International Relations, now serves as Executive Assistant to the Mayor for the Division of Economic Development.