EADS SOGERMA CEO TO RECEIVE BUSINESS AWARD

Mr. Yves Richard, the President of EADS Sogerma Services of France, will receive the World Trade Center’s 2001 Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Business at a special luncheon program in the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on September 11. The award is presented to the head of a foreign corporation that has made a major investment in Louisiana which has resulted in the creation of new jobs and/or actual or potential increase in international trade.

This year’s award is in recognition of the major investment which EADS Sogerma Services has made in the EADS Aeroframe Services, L.L.C., based in Lake Charles, and the resulting economic development and international growth for Louisiana through its new maintenance facility to maintain, repair, and overhaul Airbus aircraft based in North and South America. Mr. Richard was nominated for the award by Mr. Donald Hoffman, Co-Chair of the French American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Chapter. The nomination was endorsed by Mr. Frank Mulhern, the Director of Marketing with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and Mr. Max Jones, the then-Executive Director of the Chennault Airport Authority in Lake Charles.

To register for the September 11 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or register on-line by clicking here.

Previous recipients of this award include: Dr. Hans-Joachin Kollmeier, Degussa-Hüls A.G., Germany; Dr. Luis Giusti Lopez, Chairman and CEO of Petroleos de Venezuela, SA (PDVESA); Dr. Jurgen Strube, Chairman of BASF AG, Germany; Mr. T.T. Chao, Chairman of the Board, The Westlake Group of Companies, Taiwan; Mr. Jean-Rene Fourtou, Chairman of the Board, Rhone-Poulenc, SA, France; Mr. Keizo Saji, Chairman of the Board and President, Suntory, Ltd., Japan; and Mr. Frederico Pacorini, Chairman, Pacorini Firanziaria, Italy.

LOUISIANA EXPORT CONFERENCE IN SHREVEPORT

The Louisiana International Trade Center (LITC) and local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in north Louisiana are hosting the Second Annual Louisiana Export Conference in Shreveport on August 23 and 24. Designed to assist both new and experienced exporters, the conference will provide information about developing an export strategy, conducting market research in foreign countries, arranging international banking and finance, and understanding basic freight forwarding, transportation and documentation issues relevant to exporting. Experts from across the state will address these and other topics at the two-day event.

The Louisiana Export Conference will be held at the Shreveport Holiday Inn located at 102 Lake Street. Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations by calling (318) 222-7717. Registration fees for the conference are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information and to register, call the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222.

CHINESE COMPANY SEEKING USED SHIPS FOR RESTORATION

A Chinese company would like to purchase inexpensive older ships that can be transported to China for restoration work. For more information, contact Ellen Christian at the Seattle U.S. Export Assistance Center/U.S. Commercial Service by phone at (206) 553-5615 or via e-mail at allen.christian@mail.doc.gov.

WTC LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 4

For the 53rd consecutive year, the World Trade Center will offer its fall session of foreign language classes starting the week of September 4 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. 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 World Trade Center Garage. Call Alpha Tech Communications at (504) 454-6554.

AUG. 29 LUNCHEON TO REVIEW 2001 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Louisiana state representatives and senators from throughout the New Orleans area will offer their views on the work of the 2001 Legislature and the challenges ahead for the state at the New Orleans Regional Chamber’s 3rd Annual Wrap-Up Luncheon on Wednesday, August 29 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The cost is $40 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members. For registration details, call the Chamber at (504) 527-6942.

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

Aug. 6 -"Import/Export Strategies and Market Research" seminar in New Orleans at the World Trade Center (WTC) from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center (LITC) at (504) 568-8222 for details.

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

Aug. 12 -A fundraiser to celebrate "Tope de Santo Domingo de Guzm‡n," in New Orleans. Call the Nicaraguan Consulate at 523-1507.

Aug. 13 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar in New Orleans at the WTC from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

Aug. 23-24 -"Louisiana Export Conference" in Shreveport. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center at (504) 568-8222 for details.

Sept. 4- -"WTC Foreign Language Classes" at the World Trade Center in New Orleans. Classes meet one evening a week for two hours. Call Alpha-Tech Communications at (504) 454-6554.

Sept. 7 -"Retirement Luncheon Honoring Whitey Lagasse, Louisiana Department of Economic Development" at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. Call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 271.

Sept. 11 -"International Business Achievement Award Luncheon" honoring Mr. Yves Richard, the President of EADS Sogerma Services of France, at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

STAT-USA PROVIDES TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

STAT-USA.gov, an Internet service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides vital economic, business, and international trade information. A new feature, the STAT-USA/Internet Companion to International Business, provides instruction on how to use the information contained in the STAT-USA database for analytical purposes. It also provides exercises to help the user transform the information into knowledge which businesses can use. Through completion of the 16 exercises offered in the Internet Companion, users will gain insight into what is going on in the world, why it is happening, and how to apply it to their business careers.

Other STAT-USA products and services include:

• USA Trade Online—delivers current U.S. Merchandise Trade data available within minutes of its release;

• EuroTrade Online, an up-to-date source of trade data for the 15 member nations of the European Union.

• National Trade Data Bank CD-ROM—a one-stop source for export promotion and international market reports collected by more than 40 U.S. Government agencies;

• Statistical Abstract on CD-ROM—provides data to help identify trends that could affect businesses;

• Energy InfoDisc—comprehensive collection of energy information and analysis tools , direct from the U.S. Department of Energy

For subscription fees and details of STAT-USA, log on to the Internet at www.stat-usa.gov, or call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) at (504) 589-6546, or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064.

NICARAGUAN FESTIVAL ON AUGUST 12

The Consulate General of Nicaragua and the First Lady of the Republic of Nicaragua are sponsoring a fundraiser to celebrate "Tope de Santo Domingo de Guzm‡n" on Sunday, August 12, at Lafayette Square in New Orleans from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For the past few years, New Orleans’ cuisine and music have been featured at the First Lady’s annual festival in Nicaragua for Managua’s patron saint "Santo Domingo de Guzm‡n." The all-day event in New Orleans will include games, prizes, Nicaraguan music, dance, and food. Proceeds will go to the First Lady’s foundation to build a senior citizens’ residence for the homeless and disabled in Managua. For more information and donations, call (504) 523-1507.

SEPT. 7 RETIREMENT SALUTE TO "WHITEY" LAGASSE OF DED

The World Trade Center and other friends of Gilbert "Whitey" Lagasse, Regional Manager of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, invite all of Whitey’s many friends and business associates over the years to a Retirement Luncheon Salute in the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on Friday, September 7.

Following 22 years with trade associations and the private sector, Mr. Lagasse entered state government in 1972 and was appointed the head of the Parks and Recreation Commission. In 1976, he was appointed by the Governor to head the Department of Economic Development. As Secretary of the Department, he was fully responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Department. He oversaw the reorganization of the Department and was instrumental in assisting companies throughout the state in their expansions and the establishment of new facilities.

After his appointment ended in 1980, Mr. Lagasse remained with the Department’s International Division, where he worked to promote the city and state as a center of international commerce. In 1992, Mr. Lagasse joined the new expanded International Trade Division of DED. His efforts to assist companies throughout the state have benefited numerous businesses, the maritime industry, and the airport, and have contributed to Louisiana’s economic progress.

For registration information on the September 7 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or register on-line by clicking here.

AZUCAR BALL AUGUST 18

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation will host its eleventh annual fundraiser, the Azucar Ball, on Saturday, August 18 in the lobby of the Whitney National Bank in New Orleans. This year’s theme is "Ballet de Fuego" (Dance of Fire). For ticket information, call Rosa Rodriguez at (504) 523-2600, ext. 139.

ARTURO PUENTE NEW CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO

Mr. Arturo Puente is the new Consul General of Mexico in New Orleans. He arrived in April from St. Louis, where he had served as Head Consul for four years.

Mr. Puente joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1977 and held a variety of increasingly responsible positions in Mexico City and in assignments abroad. These included service as Consul of Mexico in Montreal, Miami, Houston, and Chicago, as well as Minister of the Embassy of Mexico in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From 1994 to 1997 he served as President of the Mexican Foreign Service Association. He holds a law degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana and undertook graduate studies at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico and the University of Houston.

NEW EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM AT SOUTHERN U.

Southern University’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs now offers an Executive Certificate Program at the campus in Baton Rouge designed for civil servants, directors, secretaries of ministries, and policy makers. The two-week seminars are internationally oriented and offer sessions in September 2001 and May 2002. Session topics include: local governance, poverty alleviation, disaster management, project planning and management, NGO management, and program evaluation. For more information, call the Mandela School of Public Policy at (225) 771-3092, ext. 3094.

AIRPORT-ORIENTED TRADE MISSION TO HONDURAS

The MetroVision Economic Partnership and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are planning a trip to San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Honduras from August 8 to 14. The purpose of the trip is to promote business partnerships with manufacturers, distributors, importers, and exporters who could use the Airport as a regional distribution point. Participants on the mission can attend: (1) the 6th annual EXPO USA 2001 commercial trade fair in San Pedro Sula on August 9 and 10, and (2) two breakfast meetings on "Shipping Through the New Orleans Airport-Advantages and Opportunities" on August 10 in San Pedro Sula and August 13 in Tegucigalpa with importers and maquilador companies. For details, call Kathia Duran at the New Orleans Airport at (504) 464-2673.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS

Below is a list of various U.S. Commercial Service Industry Market Insight Reports. For the entire report(s), call Jo Daugherty at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

• Australia - Spaceport to be Built

• Egypt - List of Attorneys in Major Cities in Egypt

• India - -Guidelines for Import of All Types of Ships & Vessels

• India - Opportunities in the Plastic Processing Industry

• Kuwait - Trademark Registration in Kuwait

• Pakistan - Customs Duties Cut on the Import of Agricultural Chemicals

• Pakistan - Duty Free Import of Textile Raw Materials

• Pakistan - Duty Free Ship Imports

• South Africa - Development of Sable Oil Fields - Southern Cape

• Thailand - Healthcare Festival, October 26 - November 4

• Ukraine - Container Processing in Ukrainian Sea Ports

• Ukraine - Mineral Water Market: An Attractive Sector for U.S. Exporters

ALERTS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT PENDING TRADE ACTIONS

U.S. small-and-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have a new tool to learn about opportunities to comment on potential increases in U.S. import duties thanks to an innovative web site launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The site, located online at www.ita.doc.gov/301alert, keeps SMEs informed of pending U.S. Government actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is administered by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Section 301 authorizes USTR to take responsive action when foreign countries fail to comply with the results of dispute settlement under international trade agreements, and in certain other situations involving unfair restriction on U.S. exports. Such actions can include increasing U.S. import duties by 100 percent or more.

In advance of taking action under Section 301, USTR issues public notices and requests for comments. Notices are publicized through media reporting, the Federal Register, and government web sites. This new service will help disseminate information on opportunities to comment by allowing SMEs to register via the website to receive automatic e-mail alerts about potential U.S. actions under Section 301. Registered SMEs will receive an email shortly after a notice is published in the Federal Register. Businesses that do not wish to register can learn of opportunities to provide public comment by visiting the site regularly. The website is free of charge and open to all interested parties.

Call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) at (504) 589-6546, or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064 for more information.

OIL & GAS BUSINESS MISSION TO KAZAKHSTAN

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Office of Energy, Infrastructure and Machinery is organizing a trade mission to Kazakhstan from October 1 to 6, with an additional optional stop in Azerbaijan October 7 to 9.

Kazakhstan is rapidly emerging as an important new producer of oil and natural gas following several years of successful exploration. World class onshore fields requiring billions of dollars to develop now have been supplemented by the discovery of a major new field at Kashagan in the Caspian Sea. Commercial opportunities in Kazakhstan’s energy sector are tremendous for U.S. companies seeking to expand existing or develop new business.

Participants will take part in:

• U.S. Embassy briefings on the economic/commercial climates;

• Meeting with senior-level national and regional government officials;

• Private meetings with the business community at each stop tailored to participating company needs;

• Forums, roundtable, or other policy-focused discussion with senior officials.

Eligible companies must demonstrate a capacity to deliver relevant equipment or services to Kazakhstan and/or Azerbaijan. Firms must be incorporated in the United States. Their products and/or services must be either (a) manufactured in the U.S.; or (b) if manufactured or produced outside the U.S., are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have U.S. content representing at least 51 percent of the value of the finished product or service.

Space is limited so register early. The number of participants is expected to be between eight and fifteen companies. Registration is $3,000 ($500 for each additional representative on the same itinerary) for the Kazakhstan leg of the trip, and $1,200 ($350 for each additional rep on the same itinerary) for the Azerbaijan leg. The registration fee does not include airfare, meals, or lodging (low U.S. government rates available). The fee includes: marketing and publicity, receptions and other hospitality, meetings/conference room space rental, printing and mailing, extra telephone and fax to arrange meetings, temporary hires, interpreters, local group transportation and similar expenses, and airport greeting by local U.S. embassy staff.

Time is of the essence, so act quickly. All materials and payment must be received in by August 31, 2001. Call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) at (504) 589-6546 or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064 for more information.

GLOBAL JR. CHAMPIONSHIP TO PRECEDE SUPERBOWL

During the week of next January’s Super Bowl to be held in New Orleans, high school football teams from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan will compete in a series of four games for the 6th Global Jr. Championship. This event, which is sanctioned by the National Football League, was inaugurated in 1997 when the Super Bowl was last held in New Orleans. All of the games will be played at the Hahnville High School stadium in Boutte on January 23 and 26. (The Super Bowl itself is on January 27.) For additional details about the Global Jr. Championship, call Patrick Steenberg at (817) 326-3578, or visit the website at www.globalfootball.com.

NEW WEBSITE FOR US-ROC (TAIWAN) BUSINESS COUNCIL

The U.S.-ROC (Taiwan) Business Council is pleased to announce the release of its new and improved website at www.us-roc.org. The launch initiates Phase I of a three-tier plan for the site and features extensive revisions and additions, as well as a variety of interactive features such as streaming news updates, exchange rate and stock market updates, a currency converter, and online registration for Council events. The sections launched during Phase I are the front end of what will become a new portal to everything concerning business and trade relations between the U.S. and Taiwan.

The US-ROC (Taiwan) Business Council plans to initiate Phase II of the site during the autumn of 2001. A fully integrated and interactive member section will be the highlight of the second phase, which will also feature integrated access to translation services, access to online travel arrangements for travel to Taiwan, and other value added features.

The US-ROC (Taiwan) Business Council is a private non-profit association, founded in 1976 as the only non-governmental American-based organization to foster trade and business relations with the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. It is a membership organization comprised of both large and small companies currently conducting business in Taiwan or intending to conduct business in Taiwan. The new website represents a large step for the Council, as it will become the main interface for both members and non-members who wish to learn about, travel to, or build a business relationship with the Republic of China on Taiwan.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER GUIDE DEPICTS FACILITIES, DOCKS

The Steamship Association of Louisiana’s Mississippi River Guide 2001 Edition is now available at the World Trade Center of New Orleans. This overview of the Lower Mississippi River port complex, from the Gulf of Mexico to the head of deep-draft navigation in the Port of Baton Rouge, depicts facilities, anchorages, barge fleets and more. The guide features 22 detailed color maps and indices of anchorages, deep draft ports, and docks and facilities. The cost is $22.50 ($20.00 for World Trade Center members). To purchase the Mississippi River Guide, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

WTCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD IN SAO PAULO

The World Trade Center of New Orleans invites you to consider attending the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly, which will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil from October 14 to 17. This is an excellent way to make useful business contacts with executives from all over the world and have one-on-one matchmaking appointments with other attendees. Also featured in the Assembly’s program are informative trade seminars and briefings, exhibits, cultural and networking events, and excursions, all of which are included in the registration fee of $500. For more information, please visit WTC Sao Paulo’s website at www.wtc.org.br or contact WTC New Orleans’ Membership Director Natalie Rideau at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

INDONESIAN EXPORT SHOW OCTOBER 24-28

The National Agency for Export Development (NAFED), Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Indonesia will hold its 16th National Merchandise and Commodity Show: Resource Indonesia 2001 from October 24 to 28 in Jakarta. This international exhibition will display a variety of Indonesian export products, and is organized to facilitate personal business contacts between overseas buyers and Indonesian exporters and manufacturers. For more information, please contact the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. by phone at (202) 775-5350 or visit NAFED’s website www.nafed.go.id.

CHEMICAL OPPORTUNITIES IN EASTERN/CENTRAL EUROPE

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) is holding a conference in New Orleans on November 18-20 on "Chemical and Petrochemical Opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe." The event will be held at the Monteleone Hotel and will focus on specific opportunities for sales and investments in projects in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. It will feature projects in the chemical, petrochemical, and refinery sectors. Participating in the conference will be 30 European delegates from the chemicals industry hosted by TDA, including large project sponsors and the region’s market leaders.

The U.S.Trade and Development Agency assists in the creation of jobs for Americans by helping U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, TDA enables American businesses to compete for infrastructure and industrial projects in middle-income and developing countries. For more information about the November conference, call (703) 807-2745.

WTC CULTURAL MISSION TO MADRID AND BARCELONA

Join the World Trade Center for an exciting fall excursion to Spain November 2 to 10. The tour begins in Madrid, where the group will stay at the five-star Palace Hotel located in the heart of the city, just opposite the Prado and Thyssen Bornemisza museums. Highlights include curator tours of these world-class art collections and the Royal Palace. Special excursions have also been arranged to the palaces of La Granja de San Ildefonso, Aranjuez, and San Lorenzo de Escorial. For more information, call WTC Membership Director Natalie Rideau at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.

CONFERENCE ON EXPORTING CASPIAN OIL AND GAS

The first "International Investor-Government Roundtable on Exporting Caspian Oil and Gas Through Russia" will be held on September 18-19 at the Baltschug Kempinksi Hotel in Moscow. The conference organizers are RPI, Inc., and the CWC Group.

Key topics to be discussed include: government policies on the export and transit of Caspian oil and gas; the specific roles of Transneft, Kaztransoil, Druzhba, private oil and gas companies, the international transportation consortia, and investing in financing the modernization and expansion of the FSU oil and gas pipeline network. For details on the conference, e-mail caspian@tpi-inc.com or call Judith Robinson at the U.S. Department of Commerce at (202) 482-2022.

WILLIAMS NAMED NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT DIRECTOR

Mr. Roy A. Williams, an airport administrator with international experience, has been appointed Director of Aviation at the recently renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The appointment was announced by New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial and Aviation Board Chairman Justice Revius Ortique, Jr.

Mr. Williams was born in Idaho and holds a B.A. degree in economics from Harvard University and a law degree from Georgetown University. He previously worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Air, and from 1991 to 1998 served as Director of Aviation of the Dayton, Ohio International Airport. Prior to his selection for the New Orleans position, Mr. Williams was Regional Director of Airports for the U.K. and Europe with Airport Group International and also worked as a senior aviation consultant with four major firms, which included experience directing the rebuilding, renovation and administration of the main airports in Bolivia.

LOUISIANA TRADE MISSION TO CHINA AUG. 24 - SEPT. 6

Le Centre International de Lafayette, in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, and the World Trade Center, is organizing a trade mission to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the International Business Exchange in Zhengzhou from August 24 to September 6. The mission includes participation in a national commercial exhibition in Zhengzhou, and one-on-one business meetings in Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Before departing on the mission, a live videoconference will be held in Louisiana with the U.S. Commercial Service in Shanghai.

The International Business Exchange is a business matchmaking event, with pre-scheduled, pre-screened appointments prepared for each participant. The cost for the mission is $2,900 per person (based on hotel double occupancy). This price includes: roundtrip coach air travel; transportation in China for scheduled meetings and planned sightseeing; scheduled meals; registration for the International Business Exchange; private appointments with senior government officials and business representatives; and interpreting services. A two-day continuation to Beijing is offered for an additional $450.

In addition to business-related travelers on the mission to China, non-business participants are also welcome to sign up. For additional information call Le Centre International de Lafayette at (337)291-5474.

U.S. CUSTOMS EXAM COURSE NOW ON-LINE

The International Import-Export Institute (IIEI), an agency that develops and maintains international standards in import-export management, now offers its U.S. Customs Exam Preparation Course on-line. Courses last from three to six weeks and are conducted in a virtual classroom that allows students to participate according to their individual schedules. The IIEI also offers a range of other on-line International Trade Certification Programs year-round. For details, visit the IIEI website at www.expandglobal.com, or call (800) 474-8013 or outside the U.S. (602) 648-5750.

WORKSHOP ON CENTRAL AMERICAN FOOD MARKETS

The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) is conducting a one-day workshop on "Central American Markets for U.S. Food Products" on August 23 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta. The speakers include James Ake, Executive Director of SUSTA, Alan Hrapsky, Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in San JosÉ, Costa Rica, Daniel Orellana, FAS Market Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, and Scott Deibert, Director of Purchasing for Central America with McDonald’s Corporation in Panama. For workshop details, call the Alabama International Trade Center at (800) 737-AITC.