MAY 16 SEMINAR ON EXPORTING TO THE ANDEAN REGION

The New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, the World Trade Center and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon seminar on "Louisiana Export Opportunities in the Andean Region" from 11:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Plimsoll Club on Thursday, May 16. The program features four U.S. Commercial Counselors based in the Andean countries: Karla King (Colombia), Rebecca Armand (Peru), Jim Sullivan (Ecuador), and Louis Santamaria (Venezuela). For more information on the seminar or to register, call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

LOUISIANA PURCHASE DELEGATION TO FRANCE

As the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase in 2003 approaches, the Louisiana Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC/LA) is coordinating a high-profile visit to France in October 2002 of a delegation of political, business, educational, and cultural leaders, and other residents of Louisiana who are interested in France and wish to be a part of this outstanding program. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Adrian Duplantier, Louisiana Senate President John Hainkel, and other senior state officials will be among the leaders of the delegation.

The delegation will promote the official celebration of the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase in meetings with senior French government officials, through interviews and promotional placements in the media, and in contacts with regional and municipal officials. Another purpose of the trip is to promote further French investment and commerce with Louisiana.

The delegation will depart New Orleans on Saturday, October 12, spend three days in Paris, two days in Normandy, and three days in the Lyon area, and return to New Orleans on Sunday, October 20. The program provides for high-level business networking (a luncheon in Paris with MEDEV - the association of CEOs of the leading companies of France, as well as receptions and business meetings with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Rouen-Normandy and Lyon) and functions with France’s political leaders (including a luncheon at the Palais du Luxembourg hosted by the President of the French Senate).

For reservations and additional information (and to obtain the program brochure), contact Damien Regnard at Group Direct Inc. by phone at (504) 283-7080, by fax at (504) 283-7455, or by e-mail at info@groupdirect.org or Ken Scott at FACC/LA by phone at (504) 561-0070, by fax at (504) 592-9999, or by e-mail at info@faccla.com.

Reservations and a $1,000 deposit must be received by May 15, so please reserve immediately. Availability is on a first come, first served basis.

MAY 17 FEDERALIST SOCIETY LUNCHEON ON IMPORT TARIFFS

The Federalist Society is hosting a luncheon on "Import Tariffs" at 12 Noon on Friday, May 17 in the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans. The speakers will include: Leonard Leo, Vice President, Lawyers Division of the Federalist Society; Ron Brinson, former President of the Port of New Orleans and the American Association of Port Authorities; and Gary LaGrange, Executive Director, Port of New Orleans. To register for the luncheon, call Jerri Meyers at (504) 582-8287, or e-mail jmeyers@joneswalker.com.

TULANE LATIN AMERICAN LAW INSTITUTE IN JUNE

Tulane Law School will hold its new Latin American Law Institute on "Energy Law, Free Trade Agreements, and Law Reform in Latin America" on June 26 - 28. The biannual institute established by the Law School and local international law firms is designed to provide a permanent forum to freely discuss legal and business issues pertinent to Latin America and the United States.

Honorary Chairman of the Latin American Law Institute Senator Mary Landrieu will speak at the June forum. Additional speakers include: Nicaraguan President Enrique Bola–os; Ambassador Otto Juan Reich, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; Ambassador Roger Noriega, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS); Dean Taylor, President, Tidewater, Inc.; James L. McCulloch, General Counsel, GlobalSantaFe; José Antonio Ceballos, Chief Operating Officer, PEMEX; Jorge Mas, Chairman, Mastec and the Cuban American National Foundation; Luis Giusti, Senior Advisor, CSIS and former CEO of Petroleos de Venezuela; José Pardo, General Counsel, Exxon Mobil in Argentina; and Eduardo Javier Solis Sanchez, Ministry of Commerce of Mexico. For more information, call Paige Lemieux at (504) 865-5900 or email at plemieux@law.tulane.edu.  Information about the Latin American Law Institute is also available online at www.law.tulane.edu/lali.

BUYUSA.COM FREE TRIAL

Qualified U.S. firms may now sign up for a free trial listing on BuyUSA.com. The limited listing would include basic contact information, user name/password, and a brief company profile. To learn if your business qualifies and for more information, call the U.S. Export Assistance Centers in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for details.

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

May 1, 6, 8 -Export and import Seminars by the Louisiana International Trade Center-SBDC, at the World Trade Center of New Orleans, 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Seminar topics include Export/Import Strategies and Market Research, Pricing, Terms, Quotations and Customs Entry Procedures, International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation. Call (504) 568-8222.

May 11-17 -National Transportation Week activities at the Port of New Orleans. Call (504) 528-3222.

May 13-24 -International Program for Port Planning and Management (IPPPM) seminar. Call (504) 280-6519 for more information or visit the IPPPM website at www.uno.edu/cupa/ipppm.html.

May 16 -"Louisiana Export Opportunities in the Andean Region" luncheon seminar at the WTC. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

May 17 -Federalist Society luncheon program on "Import Tariffs" featuring Leonard Leo, Vice President, Lawyers Division of the Federalist Society; Ron Brinson, former President of the Port of New Orleans and the American Association of Port Authorities; and Gary LaGrange, Executive Director, Port of New Orleans. Call (504) 582-8287.

May 21 -Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana networking meeting, Andrea’s Restaurant, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Contact Ms. Denise Jochum at (504) 849-2261.

June 7 -Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana quarterly luncheon at Andrea’s Restaurant at 12:00 noon. Call (504) 885-4262.

June 13 -Development Opportunities in Chinese Inland Waterway Ports all-day seminar at the WTC. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

NORTH AMERICAN TRADE CONFERENCE IN MEXICO

The City of New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and the World Trade Center are organizing a Louisiana business delegation to attend the Fourth Summit Conference of the North American International Trade Corridor (NAITC) to be held in the historic city of Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico on May 15-18. The purpose of the NAITC initiative is to establish a network of communities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to work jointly to promote trade, investment, technology exchange, and economic development on the north-south axis. Current NAITC members from the U.S. include Austin, Fort Worth, Laredo, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Wichita.

New Orleans Councilman Marlin Gusman; Larry Collins, the Director of International Trade with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development; and WTC Managing Director Eugene Schreiber will lead the delegation from Louisiana to the Querétaro conference. You are invited to join the delegation and take advantage of this special learning, networking, and business development opportunity in Mexico, which is the U.S. and Louisiana’s second largest trading partner. Louisiana participants at the May 15-18 NAITC conference will be able to display their company literature at a special booth sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. For registration details on joining the Louisiana delegation for the conference, call Susannah Coolidge at the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222. For additional information, visit Querétaro’s website at www.naitcpsummit.org and also the World Trade Center’s website by clicking here.

The City of Querétaro previously donated a renowned Querétaro fountain, which is being placed in the Mississippi River Heritage Park on Convention Center Boulevard. New Orleans and Querétaro celebrated the groundbreaking for the fountain on March 1 with a large delegation of Querétaro musical performers, city officials, and business leaders.

NEW CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA

A mandatory Harmonized System code requirement on certain commercial shipments to Canada became effective on May 1, 2002. The rule applies to all paper and electronic "release with minimum documents" and "pre-arrival review system" releases valued at CAN $1,600 or more. The Canadian Customs Invoice form will not change. This 10-digit requirement does not apply to the NAFTA Certificate of Origin. Note that U.S. codes under the Harmonized System correspond to Canada and other countries on the first six digits only. Contact Canadian customs to determine the last four digits you need. Log on to www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/cn410eq for more information.

COMMERCIAL NEWS USA

The U.S. Commerce Department’s advertising publication Commercial News USA is an excellent, low-cost way to advertise your products worldwide. Following is a list of industry sectors to be featured in the July issue (register by June 4):

• Environmental
• Safety and Security
• Agriculture and Agricultural Equipment
• Medical/Scientific Products and Equipment
• Special Spanish edition

For a complete listing of industry highlights for 2002, a sample copy of Commercial News USA, application form, and a list of advertising costs, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or in the Shreveport area call (318) 676-3064.

SEMINAR ON CHINESE INLAND WATERWAYS PORTS

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) will hold an all-day briefing on development opportunities in inland waterway projects in China at the World Trade Center on Thursday, June 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

An 11-member Chinese delegation of inland port authority officials will be available during the briefing for one-on-one meetings. The delegates seek contact with U.S. developers, investors, and suppliers in the inland waterway sector who can provide tug boats, dredging vessels, work boats, push boats, port handling equipment for loading and off-loading, vessel traffic and navigation systems, equipment pollution control and recovery equipment, and flood control equipment. The inland port projects under development in China could hold significant business or export potential for Louisiana companies.

The Chinese delegates include: Mr. Xu Guang, Deputy Director-General, Department of Water Transportation, Ministry of Communications; Mr. Chen JianHua, Director of Port Management Division, Department of Water Transportation, Ministry of Communications; Mr. Peng XiaoBo, Department of American and Oceanic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation; Mr. Yao ShangFu, Director, Anqing Port Administration Bureau; Mr. Fang LuXiang, Deputy General Director, Headquarters of Shanghai Deepwater Port Construction; Mr. Shi JinGen, Deputy Manager of Port Coordination Department, Headquarters of Shanghai Deepwater Port Construction; Mr. Shi BoXiang, Director, Nantong Port Authority; Mr. Guo XingFa, Section Chief of Port Construction Office, Nantong Port Authority; Mr. Wu XingYuan, Director of Engineering Administration Department, Shanghai Waterway Bureau; Dr. Jia DaShan, Director, Transportation Research and Consultant Department, WTI; Mr. Zhu LiXiang, President, CTE Guangzhou Design and Consulting Corporation; Ms. Cao ZhiMei, Commercial Information Assistant, U.S. Commercial Service, Shanghai.

Registration for the all-day briefing is $50 and includes breakfast and lunch. To register for the June 13 program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

BIS REPLACES BXA AGENCY WITHIN COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) is being renamed the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to reflect more accurately the broad scope of the agency’s responsibilities.

Commerce Under Secretary Kenneth I. Juster, who heads the Bureau, said: "The Bureau of Industry and Security serves the public in many ways where industry and national security intersect, including not just export licensing and enforcement, but also defense trade advocacy and critical infrastructure protection. The new name better reflects the breadth of the Bureau’s activities in the spheres of national, homeland, economic, and cyber security".

Administering export controls on dual-use items remains a core BIS responsibility, but the Bureau also coordinates all of the Department’s homeland security activities, leads the federal government’s outreach to the private sector regarding critical infrastructure protection and cyber security, and assists U.S. industry in complying with the Chemical Weapons Convention and other international arms agreements. The agency also spearheads the Department of Commerce’s efforts in defense trade advocacy and monitors the health of the U.S. defense-industrial base.

The Bureau of Industry and Security, which includes the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office (CIAO) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 field offices nationwide. The change in name does not substantively affect its activities, or those of its sister organization, the International Trade Administration, which remains responsible for the Department’s trade promotion and policy activities.

NEW EXPORT RULES

The U.S. Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (formerly known as the Bureau of Export Administration) has changed its export regulations for Cuba, Iran, Libya and Sudan. These changes include agricultural commodities to Cuba, and agricultural commodities, medicine and medical devices to Iran, Libya and Sudan. For details, call (202) 482-3283.

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION WEEK ACTIVITIES

The World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans and the Port of New Orleans have organized a number of activities in celebration of National Transportation Week, from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17. All activities are open to the public and include a Mississippi River 5k run, an open house at the Port of New Orleans, a special luncheon on transportation issues, a golf tournament, crawfish boil, and many other events. For more information, or for a full schedule of the week’s activities, call the Port of New Orleans at (504) 528-3222.

PRESIDENT’S "E" AWARD FOR EXPORTING

The President’s "E" Award was established 40 years ago to recognize persons, firms, or organizations that make significant contributions to increasing U.S. exports. The award is not competitive and there is no deadline for applying, but applicants must meet certain criteria. To apply, go online at www.usatrade.gov, under Special Initiative, then click on E-Awards. Download the Application to a Microsoft Word document. Applications must be approved by your local U.S. Export Assistance Center before being sent to Washington for consideration. Call the New Orleans USEAC at (504) 589-6546, or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064 for details.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS

Following below is a list of various U.S. Commercial Service Industry Market Insight Reports. For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Centers in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

Argentina: Used and Refurbished Medical Equipment Import Guidelines

China: WTO and China’s Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry

Greece: Upgrading/Expanding Port Presents Opportunities for U.S. Firms

Kazakhstan: Kazmnaigaz - New Oil and Gas Integrated Company

Mexico: Pemex Reform

Russia: Oil Patch Investments Heat Up

Russia: Value Added Tax on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment

Switzerland: New Federal Law on Medical Products and Medical Devices

OLYMPICS PROVIDE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and the 2008 Games in Beijing, China offer many export opportunities for U.S. companies. Businesses and suppliers in the areas of information and telecommunication technology, catering, accommodation, sports equipment, healthcare services, construction (stadium, hotels, roads, railways, etc.), and audiovisual facilities will be in demand to outfit both Olympic infrastructures. For more information, call the New Orleans USEAC at (504) 589-6546, or the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064.

INTERNATIONAL PORT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Senior port officials and maritime industry executives interested in learning the latest port operation, planning and management techniques can participate in the 18th annual International Program for Port Planning and Management (IPPPM), to be held at the World Trade Center in New Orleans from May 13 to 24.

This program is truly international in scope: over the past 17 years, 525 participants from 99 countries have graduated from IPPPM. The program fosters closer ties between the United States and other countries, facilitates international trade between Louisiana and world ports, increases maritime expertise around the world, builds a network of international problem-solvers and contributes to world peace and understanding.

This intensive training program offers maritime industry leaders from around the world a unique opportunity for further professional education and personal enrichment. IPPPM is sponsored by the Port of New Orleans, the World Trade Center, the University of New Orleans National Ports and Waterways Institute/College of Urban and Public Affairs.

The 2002 program includes seminars on: Port Planning and Development, Port Pricing/Economics/Tariffs and Cargo Projections, Port Operations, Productivity and Capacity,Strategic Planning and Port Sector Reform, Container Terminal Operations and Management, Developments in Ship Types, Size, Characteristics, and Cargo Transfer, Institutional Reform and Privatization, Port Environmental Considerations, Port Operations and Cargo Handling Technologies.

Additional segments may address Port Authority Marketing, Port Engineering and Maintenance, The Role of Ports in the World Economy, Port Computerization, Port Terminal Operations, Capital Projects Management, Port Safety and Security, Marine Risk and Management Safety Issues, Overview of Cargo Transportation - Modes and Economics. This general curriculum is supplemented by site visits to Port of New Orleans terminal facilities and riverfront development projects.

All courses are taught in English by a distinguished faculty composed of public and private sector maritime industry leaders from the U.S. and abroad; personnel from the Port of New Orleans; the University of New Orleans National Ports and Waterways Institute faculty; and practitioners from the local maritime industry.

Tuition is $2,100 U.S. Accommodations can be made at the Marriott Residence Inn Downtown for $109 plus tax per room, per night. Financial assistance for foreign participants may be available from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).

For an application or more information, write to: Director, IPPPM; CUPA/LUTAC; University of New Orleans; New Orleans, LA 70148; U.S.A. Or call (504) 280-6519; fax (504) 280-6272; send an e-mail to psimon@uno.edu. The IPPPM website can be accessed at www.uno.edu/cupa/ipppm.html.

NEW REPORT ON TRADE WITH SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Sub-Saharan Africa, a region with 48 countries and 643 million people, accounts for nearly 10 percent of the world’s population and the largest regional block both in the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. U.S. exports contribute significantly to building, developing, and modernizing Sub-Saharan Africa’s infrastructure. Principal U.S. exports include the following product categories: aircraft and parts; oil and gas filed equipment; motor vehicles and parts; industrial chemicals; computers and peripherals; construction machinery and parts; telecommunications equipment; and agricultural machinery. For an eight-page report that includes information on the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and Best Prospects for U.S. Exports to Southern Africa, call the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

VIDEOTAPES AVAILABLE OF RECENT WTC PROGRAMS

Videotapes of recent World Trade Center programs are now available for purchase. Among the newly produced videos are:

• "Building a Maritime Policy for the 21st Century" luncheon briefing by Capt. William Schubert, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, on February 21.

• "The New Querétaro-New Orleans Relationship" luncheon program featuring Dr. Rolando Garc’a Ortiz, Mayor of Querétaro, Mexico, on March 1.

• "The Role of Women in International Affairs" luncheon briefing featuring Her Excellency Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S., on March 8.

• "Brazil-Louisiana Business Conference" keynote luncheon addresses by Minister Pedro Parente, Head of the Energy Crisis Management Committee and Chief of Staff to Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso; and His Excellency Rubens Barbosa, Ambassador of Brazil to the U.S.; and Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, on March 22.

The text of Capt. Schubert’s speech from the February 21 luncheon program is also available on the WTC’s website.  Videotapes cost $10 for WTC members and $20 for non-members. For a complete listing of videotaped programs or to place an order, call (504) 529-1601.

LAFAYETTE CONDUCTOR LEADS MISSION TO CHINA

Lafayette Maestro Xiao-Lu Li has been invited to conduct the National Symphony of China in Beijing on June 22. A number of Louisiana business leaders, in conjunction with colleagues from Connecticut and Massachusetts, will attend the event in Beijing and have sponsored a business and cultural tour of China from June 10-23. Maestro Li and the accompanying delegation will meet with Chinese political, business, and cultural leaders, as well as visit several major tourist sites in Shanghai, ShuZhou, Xian, and Beijing. One-on-one business meetings are available upon request. The cost per person (double occupancy) is $2,795, with a $600 supplement for single occupancy. A shorter itinerary can also be arranged for those unable to participate in the full two-week tour. For more information, call Le Centre International de Lafayette at (337) 291-5474.

WTC SUMMER LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN JUNE 3

For the 54th consecutive year, the World Trade Center will offer its summer session of foreign language classes starting the week of June 3 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 summer session will last 6 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 $95 for WTC members and their spouses and $190 for non-members. (Registration and materials cost $45.) Free parking is available in the WTC Garage. Call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.

SUSTA MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM

The Market Access Program (MAP) of the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) assists small companies to promote products overseas. Eligible companies may receive up to 50% reimbursement for promotional activities in foreign markets. In order to qualify, companies must have gross sales over $100,000, meet the SBA guidelines of a "small" business, sell products with at least 50% U.S. origin, and be willing to promote products as "Made in USA." For more information, call SUSTA at (504) 568-5986 or go online to www.susta.org/branded.

WORLD GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The International Gymnastics Federation, USA Gymnastics, and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation will host the 2002 Rhythmic Group World Championships at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on July 12-14. This is the first time that the Rhythmic World Championships have been held in the U.S. and over 25 nations are expected to contend for the world champion title. For more information about the July championship call (317) 829-5666 or go online to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

IMPROVED EXPORTER WEBSITE

The U.S. Commerce Trade Compliance Center now offers new and simpler exporting tools through its redesigned website at www.export.gov/tcc.

"Our top priority is to ensure that U.S. firms and workers receive the full benefits negotiated in our trade agreements and that foreign governments comply with their trade obligations to the United States," said William H. Lash, III, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance.

The site offers important resources such as:

• Hotline to report trade barriers;

• One-touch access to Trade and Related Agreements database with nearly 300 agreements;

• Links to Exporter’s Guides;

• Search by content areas, including Agreements, Market Access News and Country Market Reports;

• Links to all U.S. Commerce export resources via Export.gov and to Export Alert! for notifications of proposed technical regulations in global markets.

MATCHING GRANTS FOR EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT

The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) is a competitive matching grants program that provides federal assistance to non-profit export multipliers such as states, trade associations, chambers of commerce, world trade centers and other non-profit industry groups that are particularly effective in reaching small and medium-size enterprises. MDCP awards help to underwrite the start-up costs of new export marketing ventures which these groups are often reluctant to undertake without Federal Government support. For up-to-date information, prospective applicants are encouraged to view the material posted on the MDCP website at www.export.gov/mdcp. The site lists details on the program, including topics such as determining if you are eligible, reviewing a mock application, and frequently asked questions.

NINTH ANNUAL CASPIAN OIL AND GAS EVENT

The U.S. Embassy/Commercial Service in Azerbaijan is a co-organizer of the Ninth International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference on June 4-7 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This show is an excellent opportunity to market your business and meet with key foreign buyers. At the USA Pavilion representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Embassy Commercial Service will provide business counseling, market research, and a key network to develop new business in Azerbaijan. At the Caspian Finance Seminar on June 4, Commercial Service Officers and others will provide counseling on how to access trade and project financing in the region. Log on to www.caspianoilgas.co.uk, or email caspian@spearhead.co.uk. for more information.

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 www.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 www.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.

The Louisiana International Trade Centers Helps Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Learn About Export and Import Opportunities

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.