BUYUSA.com YOUR ONLINE INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE

The New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) and the Shreveport USEAC announce the launching of BuyUSA.com, an e-marketplace combining online matchmaking and transaction capabilities with one-on-one export assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s worldwide network of trade experts.

BuyUSA gives small-and-medium-size U.S. companies electronic access to thousands of qualified representatives, distributors, and buyers around the world. It provides automated e-mail alerts for trade leads matching your interest profile. It enables you to post business opportunities online to a worldwide business audience. And it will (later this year) provide automated access to information on shipping logistics, trade finance, foreign customs duties, foreign market research, and much more. In addition, BuyUSA.com gives you the option of posting your own online catalog - your own Internet storefront, as it were - and placing a live Internet link to your company website.

As a subscriber to BuyUSA.com, you will receive the following benefits:

• Instant access to qualified foreign distributors, buyers and sales leads
• Automated trade lead matching and email alerts
• Online catalog
• Business opportunity postings online
• Exposure at promotional events worldwide
• Customized international business counseling from Commercial Service trade experts in the U.S. and abroad
• International dispute resolution assistance through your local trade specialist
• Shipment logistics guidance through personal counseling services
• International market research on countries and industries worldwide and much more!

The basic annual subscription costs only $300 per year (additional options are available).

Justice Revius Ortique to Receive New WTC Award

The President of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, Francis E. Lauricella, has announced that retired Supreme Court Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. will be the first recipient of the new WTC President’s Award for Distinguished International Service. This award is to be conferred upon a member of the World Trade Center in those years when the current President recommends, with the approval of the Executive Committee, an individual who has achieved "exceptional international distinction in the cause of world peace, trade and understanding."

Justice Ortique, who is Chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board among many other areas of service, will receive the award at a special luncheon to be held in the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on Tuesday, September 25 in recognition of his many years of distinguished international work, including his recent service as a U.S. Representative to the United Nations. To register for the luncheon, contact the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or click here.

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.

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

BRAZILIAN AMBASSADOR TO SPEAK AT OCT. 5 SEMINAR

The New Orleans World Trade Center is partnering with the Brazilian Embassy and the Brazil-U.S. Business Council to host "Outlook for Brazil-Louisiana Business". This seminar and luncheon will take place on October 5 at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is part of the "Brazil 2001 Program", a joint initiative of the Embassy and the Council aimed at raising the profile of Brazil-U.S. bilateral trade and investment opportunities in U.S. states with the strongest business ties to Brazil.

"Outlook for Brazil-Louisiana Business" is a tremendous opportunity for businesses looking to get an insider’s perspective on the business environment in the world’s 8th largest economy and the 12th largest market for U.S. exports in the world. The program will feature Brazil’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rubens Barbosa, and Rep. William Jefferson, who will deliver keynote luncheon addresses. Preceding the luncheon there will be a private sector panel on doing business in Brazil featuring representatives of Delta Airlines, Ernst & Young and the Castro, Barros, Sobral, Vidigal e Gomes law firm in Brazil.

For more information about the October 5 seminar, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601 ext. 271 or the Council at (202) 463-5485 or visit the Council home page at www.brazilcouncil.org.

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

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

Sept. 6 -Live international webcast from Tokyo and San Francisco on Japan-U.S. aspects of the global economy and East Asia security at the Pan American Life Building inNew Orleans from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call the Japan Society at (504) 529-2101.

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 (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Sept. 7 -Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting featuring Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub at Andrea’s Restaurant in Metairie. Call Karen Canales at 885-4262.

Sept. 10 -Panel discussion on present and future Japan-U.S. relations at 7:00 p.m. at the Tulane University Law School in New Orleans. Call the Japan Society at (504) 529-2101.

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.

Sept. 25 -Luncheon at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club honoring Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. with the new WTC President’s Award for Distinguished International Service. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

Sept. 27 -Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Networking Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Call Claudia Velasco at (504) 569-0970.

Sept. 28 -Luncheon briefing on the proposed Millennium Port project by William Coyle, President of the Millennium Port Commission, and Thomas Sands, the Commission’s Interim Executive Director, at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271.

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 click here.

OKTOBERFEST IN NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans’ Deutsches Haus invites everyone to celebrate Oktoberfest 2001, which is being held every Friday and Saturday evening starting at 6:00 p.m. from September 28-29 through October 26-27 with authentic German food (sauerbraten, bratwurst, knackwurst, pretzels, and more) beer, wine, schnapps, and traditional entertainment. Deutsches Haus is located at 200 South Galvez Street in New Orleans between the Central Business District and Mid-City. For details, call (504) 522-8014 or visit the website at www.acadiacom.net/deuthaus.

GULFPORT SYMPOSIUM ON HEMISPHERE TRADE

PRO FORMA INVOICES HELP CLOSE EXPORT SALES

An important document used in closing an export sale is the "pro forma invoice." A pro forma invoice covers important aspects of the proposed transaction, and, if written properly, can help avoid potential misunderstandings between buyer and seller that could prove costly later.

The pro forma invoice is not a contract; it is a document issued by the exporter (seller) to the potential buyer in advance of the transaction. In many developing countries with balance-of-payment problems, the pro forma invoice is used by the buyer to obtain import and foreign exchange permits.

Below are key elements that should be included in any pro forma invoice:

• Be sure to write an adequate description of the product. Often a rather simple description will suffice, but other times you will need to be very specific, depending on the product. Use metric instead of English measurements. If the device runs on electric current, be sure to specify the type of current.

• The seller should list the currency and mode of payment—U.S. dollars, Japanese yen, etc; a 30-day draft basis, irrevocable letter of credit, etc. Be exact in stating how you want to be paid.

• Decide how much of the freight and insurance cost you will include in your quoted price. Suppose you are offering merchandise for $30,000, FOB New Orleans, Louisiana. A competing U.S. exporter is offering the same merchandise for $30,115, CIF Rotterdam with duty unpaid. Your competitor’s overall price is lower than your price because his quote includes freight and insurance all the way to the destination port.

• Your pro forma invoice should include a time limit on your quoted prices and terms. Without a time limit, the importer could tell you any time later that he finally got his permits and will take the merchandise at the price you quoted him months earlier. Your costs may have gone up by then, but you will be tied to the earlier quote because you failed to set a time limit on the pro forma invoice.

Proper use of pro forma invoices will protect your interests in export transactions and leave both buyer and seller more confident about each other.

(This article was edited from original material provided by Clif Gaston, Senior Trade Specialist at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center. Mr. Gaston can be contacted at (504) 589-6548; e-mail: clif.gaston@mail.doc.gov.)

SEPT. 6 AND SEPT. 10 EVENTS FOCUS ON JAPAN-U.S. RELATIONS

The Japan-U.S. partnership over the past 50 years will be commemorated in two free events organized by the Japan Society of New Orleans and other organizations in which Louisiana residents can participate as part of the Japan-Louisiana Autumn Festival 2001.

The first event, commemorating the anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty which effectively ended the Allied Occupation of Japan and returned the country to sovereignty, is being remembered in Tokyo and in 31 U.S. cities, including New Orleans. Residents of the New Orleans area are invited to review a live two-hour international webcast on Thursday, September 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the 11th floor of the Pan American Life Building at 601 Poydras Street in downtown New Orleans. The webcast will be a panel discussion entitled "20/20 Vision: On a Legacy of 50 Years of Friendship, the New Generation Looks Forward." The panel will include Japanese and American scholars, businessmen and legislators, and will be preceded by a 5:00 p.m. reception. Jointly held in San Francisco and Tokyo, the panel will feature two one-hour segments focusing on security in East Asia and the new global economy. The latest technology will facilitate interactive participation from the audience in 31 U.S. cities and Tokyo.

The commemoration continues on Monday, September 10th with a 7:00 p.m. "A/50 Caravan" seminar and reception at the Tulane University Law School featuring Ambassador Kagechika Matano, Senior Advisor to the Maeda Corp. and former ambassador to Sweden, Vietnam, and Latvia, Masami Tashiro, Senior Director of the Keizai Koho Center, and Motoko Mekata of the Tokyo Foundation. The three experts will discuss the present and future of U.S.-Japan relations, providing insight into contemporary changes in Japanese society, business, and government. The "A/50 Caravan" comprises in its title an "A" for appreciation from the Japanese people for the many contributions the U.S. has made to Japan during the post-war reconstruction period, and the "50" which represents the 50th anniversary, the 50 states and the hopes for the next 50 years.

For more information about the two events described above and other activities during the Japan-Louisiana Autumn Festival 2001, please contact the Consulate General of Japan inNew Orleans by phone at (504) 529-2101 or by e-mail at cgjpnola@cmq.net. You can also visit the Consulate’s website at www.embjapan.org/neworleans.

MILLENNIUM PORT LUNCHEON BRIEFING

William Coyle, President of the Millennium Port Commission, and Thomas Sands, the Commission’s Interim Executive Director, will conduct a comprehensive luncheon briefing on the proposed Millennium Port project on Friday, September 28 at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. For registration details, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271, or or click here.

JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES

On August 29, The Rt. Hon. P.J. Patterson, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, spoke at a World Trade Center luncheon on "Jamaica-Louisiana Opportunities for Trade and Tourism." The Prime Minister noted the common business and cultural ties between Jamaica and Louisiana and he cited Kingston as a major transshipment port. On the economic side, Jamaica achieved single-digit inflation for the sixth consecutive year in 2000, and net international reserves rose to $1.3 billion. The priority sectors for investment are: information technology, tourism, film, music and cultural services, non-metallic minerals, high-value agribusiness, and apparel. For the full text of Mr. Patterson’s address, click here.

INDUSTRY MARKET INSIGHT 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 - Tariff Cuts on Imported Capital Goods
• Brazil - U.S. Medical Equipment Opportunities in Bahia
• Czech Republic - Chemical and Petrochemical Profiles of Leading Firms
• India - Agricultural Machinery Market
• Indonesia - Guidance to U.S. Exporters of Used Equipment
• Italy - Leads for Sporting Goods Manufacturers
• Jamaica - Seeking Architects and Structural Engineers to Design New Milk Processing Plant and U.S. Firms Interested in Supplying Milk and Food Processing Equipment
• Kuwait - Opportunities for U.S. Health Care and Medical Equipment Firms
• Mexico - Refurbished Medical Equipment Show in Mexico City, October 23-25, 2001
• Russia - Contacts in NW Russia for U.S. Firms Exploring Commercial Opportunities
• South Africa - Port Upgrade: U.S. Export Potential
• Ukraine - U.S. Commercial Service will Display Your Catalogs at Oil and Gas Show
• Uzbekistan - New Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Sector
• Vietnam - Saigon Petro Needs Help to Produce Unleaded Gasoline

BREAKBULK CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS

The Journal of Commerce Group is holding its 12th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition once again in New Orleans from September 30 to October 2 at the Marriott Hotel. The featured speakers include: David Phelps, President of the American Institute for International Steel; Jerry Hingle, Director of International Marketing, Southern Forest Products Association; Thomas Griffin, Senior Vice President, Transoceanic Shipping Co; Ken Mayeux, President, Gulfship Maritime, Inc.; Bertram Rickmers, Chairman, Rickmers Reederei Line; and Eric Hansen, Vice President, Cooper/T. Smith. For details and to register online, visit www.joc.com/jocinformation/ jocon.shtml or call (800) 223-0243, ext. 7154.

GERMAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM SEEKING CANDIDATES

As the countries of the world become more interdependent, the Robert Bosch Foundation offers an excellent opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of a different political, economic, and cultural environment. Each year the Robert Bosch Foundation in Stuttgart, Germany gives 20 young American professionals the chance to work in full-time internships in Germany. During the nine-month program, Bosch Foundation Fellows work in Germany in branches of the federal government, the federal parliament headquarters of private corporations and in other high-level internships relating to their interests and experience.

The internships are supplemented by a variety of seminars in Berlin, Paris, Brussels, and Poland with top-level elected officials as well as leading representatives from industry and academia. Candidates for the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program are competitively chosen from the fields of business administration, economics, journalism, and mass communication, law, political science and public affairs. If needed, German language training will be provided. Since 1984, over 250 Americans have been provided with this unique opportunity. Most of those selected to participate in this program are very likely to become leaders in their professional fields in the future and commit themselves to the long-term stabilization and growth of German-American relations.

Applications must be received by October 15, 2001 for the program beginning in September 2002. For further information, contact CDS International, Mr. Martin Block, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY, 10017, call (212) 497-3518 or e-mail bosch@cdsintl.org. The web address is www.csdintl.org/ rbfpintro.html.

EXPORT AMERICA MAGAZINE PROVIDES USEFUL TRADE INFO

Export America, the monthly magazine from the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has all the information a small or medium-sized business needs in order to export profitably in the new global business environment. Each issue is full of information about international trade opportunities, trade events, success stories of top exporters, export statistics, and advice that can give your company a competitive edge in the international marketplace. Check out Export America’s website at exportamerica.doc.gov. Recent articles featured:

• Doing business in Africa,
• Following proper business etiquette abroad,
• Registering a trademark overseas,
• Finding reliable logistics companies, and
• Locating market opportunities in Latin America.

You will find the format and information indispensable for growing your business overseas. Subscribing is quick and easy with Export America online forms or you may subscribe by fax, phone or mail through the Superintendent of Documents. Annual subscriptions are $55. Call toll free (866) 512-1800, visit http://bookstore.gpo.gov or exportamerica.doc.gov to subscribe. Act now to receive the September issue, devoted to Trade Promotion Authority and how it will benefit American business in international trade.

COGNAC TASTING TO BENEFIT CODOFIL FOUNDATION

La Fondation CODOFIL, in collaboration with the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana chapter, will host "La SoirÉe de Cognac," an elegant evening featuring fine French cognacs to be held at the Alumni Center of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, on Saturday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m.

"La SoirÉe de Cognac" will feature a tasting of Pierre Ferrand cognacs. Guests will enjoy the finest cognacs from the 300 year old cognac house, ranging from the 10-year-old golden light Pierre Ferrand Ambre to the rich, thick, earthy and spicy Pierre Ferrand Selection des Anges aged in oak barrels for 30 years. Jean-Fran�ois BonnetÉ of Pierre Ferrand will guide the tasting for a truly unique experience. A wine and cheese reception, compliments of Magnolia Liquors, will kick off the evening and culminate with the unveiling of a bronze bust honoring James Domengeaux, founder of CODOFIL. Guests can participate in the raffle for a drawing of two Air France round-trip tickets Houston-Paris and three nights lodging in Paris.

Tickets are $50 per person. All proceeds benefit Fondation CODOFIL, a non-profit private corporation dedicated to preserving and promoting the French language in Louisiana by providing scholarships for students studying French at home and abroad and financial support for Louisiana/Francophone performing artists and education initiatives. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information, call Fondation CODOFIL at (337) 262-5810.

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU GALA ON NOVEMBER 15

Following a 20-year tradition of French chambers of commerce abroad, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana chapter will host the official event in Louisiana celebrating the arrival of the first Beaujolais Nouveau 2001 at the Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans on Thursday, November 15, 2001, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau Gala 2001 will feature a selection of the best Beaujolais Nouveaux 2001, while Windsor Court Chef James Overbaugh and Executive sous-Chef Philippe Pinon will delight guests with foie gras, frog legs, chocolate mousse and other French "classics" pairing the wines. Ronnie Kole, the musical ambassador of French wines, will play some of his keynote selections to top off what will be a most memorable evening.

A French-inspired Silent Auction will feature an array of exotic trips and stays at five-star Orient Express Hotels worldwide including Tahiti/Bora Bora, Machu Picchu in Peru, Nice and Carcassone, France, and the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the French-American Chamber of Commerce and a charitable organization. The grand prize will be a trip for two aboard the Orient Express Train London-Paris-Venice with transatlantic business class tickets, compliments of Delta Air Lines.

Tickets are $70 per person. For more information, please call the French-American Chamber of Commerce at (504) 561-0070 or visit the gala web site at www.faccla.com/ festival.htm.

VENEZUELAN AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES NEW ENERGY LAW

At a luncheon on August 20 sponsored by the World Trade Center of New Orleans, Venezuela’s Ambassador to the United States, Ignacio Arcaya, described Venezuela’s proposed new energy law. This measure would allow private companies to participate in areas of oil production, refining and commercialization for the first time since Venezuela nationalized the oil industry in 1975.

"The new draft Hydrocarbons Law will complete the first modernization and unification of our energy laws since 1943, long before the nationalization of oil in 1975," Amb. Arcaya said. "For the first time since nationalization of the oil companies, it will allow U.S. companies—and any other private enterprises—to participate clearly and uncontrovertibly in ‘primary activities,’ that is, exploration, extraction, transport by special means, and storage of non-gaseous hydrocarbons. Private enterprises will be able to participate in primary activities as minority shareholders in mixed-capital (state-private) operating companies. The new Law will eliminate the controversy that surrounded the interpretation of the Fifth Article of the Nationalization Law.

"Also for the first time since nationalization, domestic and foreign private enterprises will be able clearly to participate in what the law defines as ‘industrial activities,’ that is, distillation, purification and transformation of non-gaseous hydrocarbons. Not only mixed-capital companies, but also fully private enterprises, will be allowed to take part in these businesses.

"Finally, for the first time since nationalization, the commercialization of certain products derived from natural hydrocarbons will be open to the private sector - through both mixed capital companies and totally private companies. This law is moving forward under a kind of ‘fast-track’ authority that has been a feature of Venezuelan constitutions for many years. Both the former constitutions and the new constitution enacted last year under President Chavez’s leadership allows the National Assembly to give the Chief Executive expedited authority to prepare and decree laws on vital national economic matters.

"President Chavez has made the final deliberations and actions on the new Hydrocarbons Law a very open process. This month, the government posted the draft law on the World Wide Web. We invite comments not only from our own citizens but also from business people who are potential operating partners and investors in the Venezuelan energy sector."

Amb. Arcaya also said Venezuela is working urgently to complete a new Bilateral Investment Treaty with the U.S. A Bilateral Income Tax Treaty has been in force since January 2000, and negotiations to conclude a Bilateral Investment Treaty with the U.S. are expected to move forward this year to a successful conclusion. He also urged Congress to extend and enlarge the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to include Venezuela. Venezuela is the only Andean Community nation not presently included in the ATPA. Venezuela was the largest importer of American products in the Andean Community in 2000, accounting for 45 percent of the $12.2 billion exported to the region by the United States.

For the complete text of Amb. Arcaya’s speech, click here.

WTC LANGUAGE CLASSES 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. To register, call Alpha Tech Communications at (504) 454-6554.

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 by phone at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.