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A monthly partnership publication of
the Louisiana Department of Economic Development
the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center
and the World Trade Center of New Orleans |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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On Tuesday, March 2, David P. Schulingkamp will receive the C.
Alvin Bertel Award at a luncheon at 12:00 noon at the Plimsoll Club for
his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Greater New
Orleans port area.
Mr. Schulingkamp is the President of BargeLink LLC and MBLX Inc.
barge logistics companies and a customs broker and Vice President of M.G.
Maher & Co. He also is a past President of the New Orleans Board of
Trade and past Chairman and current Commissioner of the Port of New
Orleans and serves as the Honorary Consul of Brazil for Louisiana. In
those capacities Mr. Schulingkamp has vigorously championed the cause of
free trade and the maritime industry at home and abroad.
With the threat—and eventual imposition—of highly restrictive
U.S. import tariffs on numerous steel products in 2001, which severely
impacted the New Orleans port area, Mr. Schulingkamp helped to spearhead
the creation of the Free Trade in Steel Coalition, a large nationwide
group of port authorities, steel importers, labor unions, and maritime
organizations that created visible and effective opposition to the
restrictions, which were removed by the Administration in December 2003.
The Bertel Award was established in 1967 and is presented on
behalf of 11 international trade, transportation, and economic development
organizations in the New Orleans area. It is named after C. Alvin Bertel,
who was the prime mover in the early 1940s in bringing about a
constitutional amendment which provided for the non-political selection of
Port of New Orleans commissioners.
To register for the Bertel Award luncheon, call the WTC at (504)
529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.
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The World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, Omni
Bank, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon workshop at 12:00
Noon on Wednesday, February 18 in Suite 2900 of the WTC on "Selling
Abroad Through Agents and Distributors." The workshop will be
conducted by Glenn Stoudt, President of the International Division of
Rochester Midland Corporation.
This workshop is designed for small-to-medium-size businesses and
will cover the identification of suitable international markets,
conducting market research, selecting overseas sales agents and
distributors, and successfully managing a distribution network.
Rochester Midland Corporation is a 114-year-old manufacturing
company with a specialty in chemical products for industrial maintenance
applications. The company is operating through sales agents and
distributors in more than 35 overseas markets.
To register for the February 18 workshop, call the WTC at (504)
529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.
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On Tuesday, February 17 the World Trade Center will host a
breakfast meeting from 8:00- 9:30 a.m. on the "Peace Corps
Partnership Program: Contributing to the Global Community". The
program will feature remarks by Peace Corps Partnership Program
Specialists Karen Fjeld and April Szuchyt, who will discuss private sector
sponsorship of Peace Corps projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin
America, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
This forum is designed to reach out to the greater New Orleans
community for support of the work being done by Peace Corps Volunteers and
the role the private sector plays in this work. 2004 marks 40 years of
Peace Corps/Private Sector collaboration, linking donors to the global
community at the grassroots level. The meeting participants will learn
about the valuable work being done by Peace Corps Volunteers around the
world and the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation that provides
maximum social return on investment. 100 percent of donations to
Partnership Program go towards programming.
There is no cost to attend the breakfast program. Advance
registration is requested. To register, call the World Trade Center at
(504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.
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Louisiana Economic Development, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce,
Alabama Development Office, and Mississippi Development Authority will
lead a trade mission to Toronto and Montreal, Canada, May 15-21. The
mission will include matchmaking, industry specific appointments and
country briefings in both cities.
Canada is the United States’ leading trading partner. In 2002,
U.S. exports to Canada totaled over $693 billion, which was larger than
total U.S. trade with the entire 15-country European Union. Canada is an
ideal export and investment destination for American companies looking for
an environment and marketplace most similar to their own. Canada is the
logical first choice for export-ready US firms, or for companies that are
just beginning to think about exporting. Its business practices and
attitudes are more similar to those in the United States than are those of
any other country in the world.
Estimated costs for air travel, hotel accommodations, and land
transfers are approximately $1,900. Matchmaking and Gold Key in Toronto
and Montreal total $1,000. A limited number of grants are available to
compensate the cost of appointments, based on a first-come, first-served
basis. To participate in the mission or request additional information,
contact Frank Mulhern at Louisiana Economic Development at (225) 342-3000,
or e-mail mulhern@led.state.la.us.
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The 16th International Business Exchange (IBE) will be held in
Parma, Italy on June 16-18. Business people, university, chamber and
government officials from a dozen countries will attend this annual
matchmaking event for the purpose of setting up one-on-one meetings
between people from various areas to explore the possibilities for
mutually beneficial cooperative programs. Among the sectors targeted for
this year’s event are: (a) agriculture and food; (b) fashion; (c)
cultural tourism; and (d) biomedical. Representatives of universities,
chambers of commerce and offices of tourism will meet with their
counterparts from other nations to discuss means of making their
respective institutions more accessible to foreign students, business
people and tourists.
Among the topics to be explored by the university representatives
are current and future exchange programs and joint research programs at
the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as faculty exchanges.
Chamber of commerce and office of tourism representatives will compare
notes on their respective operations and methods of assisting their
business communities.
Each region attending the IBE will have an information booth, and
economic development agencies will be on hand to answer questions.
Participants from Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, France, Italy,
Portugal, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom are expected at this year’s
IBE. The event organizers will provide interpreters as needed.
The registration fee for the IBE is only $200 per person, plus
hotel and airfare. Registration includes a welcoming reception, three
luncheons and two dinners, and plenty of opportunities for networking with
participants from other parts of the world. For further information and
registration details, call Le Centre International in Lafayette at (337)
291-5474.
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Access Eastern Mediterranean (AEM) is a joint initiative of the
U.S. Commercial Service in Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and
West Bank/Gaza. AEM offers U.S. exporters a way to explore six markets
simultaneously. Company and product descriptions will be posted on a
password-accessed website and Commercial Specialists in each area will
promote U.S. participants’ products/services to local contacts, and
identify potential agents and distributors in each of their respective
markets. Company literature will be displayed and promoted at local,
industry-specific trade events. Costs vary; log on to http://www.buyusa.gov/israel/en/
for details. Upcoming sectors and months are:
- March - Environmental Technologies Services and Equip.
- April - Architecture, Construction and Engineering Services,
and Building and Construction Equipment
- May - Energy, Oil and Gas, Eelectrical Power Equipment
- June - Medical Equipment and Healthcare Services
- June - Information and Communications Technologies
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Thursday, February 26 : "Trans-Atlantic Growth in a Global
Economy," Michael Maibach, President and CEO, European American
Business Council, 11:30 a.m. cash bar, noon lunch, Ambassador Room of the
Plimsoll Club, WTC. Co-sponsored by the Europe/Louisiana Business Council.
Members of WAC/N.O. and ELBC $30, Non-members $35.
Tuesday, March 16 : "The Crisis on the Korean
Peninsula," panel discussion with David Straub, Director, Office of
Korean Affairs, U.S. State Department; Choe Jong-wha, Economic Minister,
Embassy of Korea; Joseph A.B. Winder, President, Korea Economic Institute.
Thursday, April 8 : "Anti-Americanism & the Clash of
Civilizations," Prof. Richard Crockatt of the University of East
Anglia, co-sponsored with UNO CenterAustria.
Thursday, June 10, 2004 : ANNUAL DINNER: "Israel &
Palestine: Is Peace Possible?" Amb. Philip Wilcox, President,
Foundation for Middle East Peace.
For additional information, call the World Affairs Council at
(504) 523-2201.
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The International Center of Lafayette, in conjunction with
Louisiana Economic Development, is recruiting Louisiana Oil & Gas
industry companies to participate in the following overseas trade
shows/missions:
- 1st Louisiana Oil & Gas Trade Mission to Sakhalin Island,
Russia - March 27-April 1
- Latin American Petroleum Show - Maracaibo, Venezuela - June
15-17
- Rio Oil & Gas Exhibition Show - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -
October 4-7
Louisiana Economic Development is co-sponsoring the Sakhalin trip
and will co-sponsor a Louisiana booth at the Maracaibo and Rio shows.
Space/participation is limited and companies will be accepted on a
first-come, first-served basis. Contact Delilah DeSouza at (337) 291-5474
or ddesouza@lafayettegov.net
for details.
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The "China Commercial Brief" is a free bi-weekly
publication by the U.S. Commercial Service at the American Embassy in
Beijing. The newsletter features summaries about developments in China’s
various commercial sectors, tips on doing business in China, and U.S.
Embassy news. Log on to www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ccb031226.html
to view current and past issues, or to subscribe.
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The U.S. Commerce Department advises the following:
Iraq: Persons claiming to be former officials in the Saddam
Hussein regime are sending e-mails requesting bank account numbers so they
may deposit and share with you large sums of money. Your information is
then used to withdraw funds from your account.
Ghana: U.S. exporters should not proceed without payment in full
prior to shipping to Ghana. Numerous reports by U.S. companies claim that
fraudulent credit card numbers are being used for transactions from Ghana.
The U.S. embassy advises all government and private sector visitors not to
use a credit card at all while in Ghana.
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The World Trade Center of New Orleans, a non-profit trade
association with 2,000 members, is seeking a Marketing Assistant for the
Membership Department. The position involves marketing and promotion
projects, direct mailing, and public relations activities. Applicants
should possess excellent organizational, communications, and computer
skills (Microsoft Office Suite). Interested candidates should send a cover
letter with their resume and qualifications to nrideau@wtcno.org.
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A booklet prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce/Office of
Machinery highlights outstanding markets for U.S.-made machinery products,
ranked by potential gain in export sales over the next two years. For each
of twelve key machinery sectors, ten countries were identified as having
the strongest market potential for U.S. products. For a free copy of
"Top Markets for Machinery", call the U.S. Export Assistance
Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318)
676-3064.
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The U.S. Commercial Service-Brazil recently published a report on
how importers in Brazil may request a reduction of import duties, in
certain situations. When there is no national production of the imported
equipment or raw material, it is not necessary to protect the local
industry for the foreign competitors, and no reason for the import tax.
The importer may request to have the duty reduced. For a copy of the
report, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504)
589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.
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The Greater New Orleans Maritime Trade Alliance will hold its
next luncheon meeting on Wednesday, February 11 at the Plimsoll Club of
the World Trade Center. The speaker is Rick Abramson, President of The
Delta Queen Steamboat Company, (DQSC), who will discuss the resurgence of
the New Orleans-based cruise line since it was purchased in May 2002 by
hospitality management company Delaware North Companies, Inc. For luncheon
reservations, call (504) 779-5671 or email colleen@wtcgno.org.
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Greg Johnson, Port of Greater Baton Rouge Director of Business
Development, has been elected President of the Traffic and Transportation
Club of Baton Rouge. Other officers elected include Dennis Bowles,
Canadian National Railroad, Vice President and Med Hogg, T. Med Hogg Inc.,
Secretary/Treasurer.
Members of the Board of Directors recently elected include Debbie
Guillory, D & G Warehouse; Sal Varisco, Material Delivery Service;
Chad Blouin, Marchand Machinery Maintenance; Jimmy Jones, Celtic Marine
Corp.; Ken Waller, Ad Specialties by Ken; Jim Liddell, Norfolk Southern
Railroad; Jose Beruvides Jr., Southeastern Motor Freight Inc.; Richard A.
Toberman, MHF Logistical Solutions Inc.; and William Chiodin, Canadian
National/Illinois Central RR. A plaque was presented to the outstanding
member of the year, Ken Waller.
The Traffic and Transportation Club of Baton Rouge has been in
existence since 1949. Its membership is comprised of area shippers and
companies providing transportation by all modes, including truck, rail and
waterborne commerce.
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In coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the
International Center of Lafayette, Louisiana Economic Development is
organizing an oil and gas trade mission to Sakhalin Island, Russia from
March 27 to April 1.
Oil and gas projects on Sakhalin Island are attracting one in
every four dollars of direct investment in Russia and this mission offers
an ideal, cost-effective, and efficient opportunity for Louisiana
companies to explore new business opportunities in this market, which is
projected to reach $30-$45 billion within the next few years.
Participation on the mission includes pre-arranged, pre-qualified
one-on-one meetings with potential partners and customers, as well as site
visits. The deadline for registration is February 18. For additional
information, contact Delilah Desouza at (337) 291-5474 or ddesouza@lafayettegov.net , or
Rebekah Robertson at (225) 342-4318 or rrobertson@led.state.la.us
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The Export Promotion Services and the Trade Development offices
of the U.S. Department of Commerce offer the following export trade
events:
- Trade Missions:
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- Information/Communication Technologies
- Computer/Communications Technology/Equipment
- Singapore, Singapore 03/15/2004 - 03/17/2004
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 03/17/2004 - 03/19/2004
- Bangkok, Thailand 03/22/2004 - 03/23/2004
- Contact: Mathew Wright (202) 482-2567;
- Email: Matthew.Wright@mail.doc.gov
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- Women’s Apparel/Accessories Trade
- Dusseldorf, Germany 03/15/2004 - 03/16/2004
- London, England 03/18/2004 - 03/19/2004
- Stockholm, Sweden 03/22/2004 - 03/23/2004
- Contact: Rachel Alarid (202) 482-5154;
- Email: Rachel.Alarid@ita.doc.gov
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- Executive Aerospace Service/Manufacturing
- New Delhi and Bangalore, India 03/22/2004 - 03/26/2004
- Contact: Sean McAlister (202) 482-6239;
- Email: Sean_Mcalister@ita.doc.gov
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- Pollution Control Equipment/Water Resources
- Equipment/Services
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 03/29/2004 - 03/30/2004
- Bangkok, Thailand 04/01/2004 - 04/02/2004
- Hanoi, Vietnam 04/05/2004 - 04/06/2004
- Contact: Yvonne Jackson (202) 482-2675;
- Yvonne.Jackson@mail.doc.gov
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- Natural Health Products
- Montreal, Canada 03/29/2004 - 03/30/2004
- Contact: Pierre Richer (514) 398-9695;
- Email: Pierre.Richer@mail.doc.gov
- Information/Communication Technologies—Telecom, Computer
Hardware/Software
- Toronto, Canada 04/21/2004 - 04/22/2004
- Contact: Viktoria Palfi (416) 595-5412 x229;
- Email: Viktoria.Palfi@mail.doc.gov
- Plastics Trade Mission—Plastics Equipment/Machinery and
Products
- Toronto, Canada 05/03/2004 - 05/04/2004
- Contact: Madellon Lopes (416) 595-5412 x227;
- Email: Madellon.Lopes@mail.doc.gov
- REPCAN 2004 -- All Industries
- Toronto, Canada 06/16/2004 - 06/16/2004
- Contact: Rita Patlan (416) 595-5412 x223;
- Email: Rita.Patlan@mail.doc.gov
- Trade Fairs:
- Hong Kong International Jewelry Show
- Hong Kong March - 03/02/2004 - 03/05/2004
- Contact: Don Huber (202) 482-2525;
- Email: Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov
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- Expo Manufactura 2004 - Manufacturing Technology
- Monterrey, Mexico 03/02/2004 - 03/04/2004
- Contact:William Corfitzen (202) 482-0584;
- Email: William.Corfirzen@mail.doc.gov
- Exintex 2004 - Textiles
- Puebla, Mexico 03/09/2004 - 03/12/2004
- Contact: Jennifer Harrington (202) 482-0595;
- Email: Jennifer.Harrington@mail.doc.gov
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- International Franchise Fair
- Mexico City, Mexico 03/10/2004 - 03/12/2004
- Contact: Sam Dhir (202) 482-4756;
- Email: Sam.Dhir@mail.doc.gov
- COMDEX Saudi Arabia -
- Construction Equipment/Computers/Telecommunications
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 03/14/2004 - 03/19/2004
- Contact: Jennifer Harrington (202) 482-0595;
- Email: Jennifer.Harrington@mail.doc.gov
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- Oil and Gas West Asia - Field Machinery
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates 03/15/2004 - 03/17/2004
- Contact: Jennifer Harrington (202) 482-059;
- Email: Jennifer.Harrington@mail.doc.gov
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- Convergence India—
- Telecommunications Equipment/Services
- New Delhi, India 03/18/2004 - 03/20/2004
- Contact: Miguel Olivares (202) 482-4918;
- Email: Miguel.Olivares@mail.doc.gov
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- Aerospace Testing & Aircraft Interiors Expos
- Hamburg, Germany 03/30/2004 - 04/01/2004
- Contact: Joe Ruland (202) 482-3974;
- Email: Joseph.Ruland@mail.doc.gov
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- INTERTRAFFIC Amsterdam -
- Architectural/Construction/Engineering
- Amsterdam, Netherlands 03/30/2004 - 04/02/2004
- Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908;
- Email: Elizabeth.Ausberry@mail.doc.gov
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- Globe 2004 - Environmental
- Vancouver, Canada 03/31/2004 - 04/02/2004
- Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908;
- Email: Elizabeth.Ausberry@mail.doc.gov
- Destino USA 2004 - Tourism
- Buenos Aires, Argentina 04/01/2004 - 04/02/2004
- Contact: Don Huber (202) 482-2525;
- Email: Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov
- Medicare India 2004 -- Medical Services/Equipment
- New Delhi, India 04/06/2004 - 04/08/2004
- Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908;
- Email: Elizabeth.Ausberry@mail.doc.gov
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- DSA 2004 - Defense Technology/Products/Services
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 04/12/2004 - 04/15/2004
- Contact: William Corfitzen (202) 482-0584;
- Email: William.Corfitzen@mail.doc.gov
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- Hong Kong Info Infrastructure—
- Computer/Telecommunication Technology/Services
- Hong Kong, Hong Kong 04/14/2004 - 04/17/2004
- Contact: Andy Bihun (202) 482-3363;
- Email: Andy.Bihun@mail.doc.gov
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- Bagalore Bio 2004 -- Biotechnology
- Bangalore, India 04/15/2004 - 04/17/2004
- Contact: Wake Margo (202) 482-2026;
- Email: Wake.Margo@mail.doc.gov
- Food & Hotel Asia 2004 - Food Services/Equipment
- Singapore 04/20/2004 - 04/23/2004
- Contact: Frances Lee (202) 482-1650;
- Email: Frances.Lee@mail.doc.gov
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- EXPOMIN 2004 - Mining Industry Equipment
- Santiago, Chile 04/20/2004 - 04/24/2004
- Contact: Matthew Wright (202) 482-2567;
- Email: Matthew.Wright@mail.doc.gov
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- CIM Tradex Mining Exhibition 2004 --
- Mining Products/Services
- Edmonton, Canada 05/09/2004 - 05/12/2004
- Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908;
- Email: Elizabeth.Ausberry@mail.doc.gov
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- International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences
- Berlin, Germany 05/10/2004 - 05/16/2004
- Contact: Joe Ruland (202) 482-3974;
- Email: Joseph.Ruland@mail.doc.gov
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- Gulf Beauty - Beauty Products
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates 05/24/2004 - 05/26/2004
- Contact: Don Huber (202) 482-2525;
- Email: Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov
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- U.S. Pavilion in the Apparel Sourcing Show -
- Textile Fabrics/Textile Machinery/Equipment
- Guatemala City, Guatemala 05/24/2004 -- 05/26/2004
- Contact: Don Huber (202) 482-2525;
- Email: Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov
- Hospitalar - Healthcare Services/Medical Equipment
- Sao Paulo, Brazil 06/01/2004 - 06/04/2004
- Contact: Elizabeth Ausberry (202) 482-4908;
- Email: Elizabeth.Ausberry@mail.doc.gov
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- GPEC 2004 - General Police Equipment
- Leipzig, Germany 06/08/2004 - 06/10/2004
- Contact: Helen Simpson-Davis (202) 482-1882;
- Email: Helen.Simpson-Davis@mail.doc.gov
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- Eurosatory 2004 - Defense Industry Equipment/Services
- Paris, France 06/14/2004 - 06/18/2004
- Contact: Dave Hardy (202) 482-1247;
- Email: Dave.Hardy@mail.doc.gov
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- COMMUNICA ASIA 2004 - Information Services
- Singapore 06/15/2004 - 06/18/2004
- Contact: Sweehoon Chia (65) 6476 9037;
- Email: Sweehoon.Chia@mail.doc.gov
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- Asian Elenex 2004/Asian Automation 2004 -
- Building Materials
- Hong Kong 06/15/2004 - 06/16/2004
- Contact: Don Huber 202-482-2525;
- Email: Don.Huber@mail.doc.gov
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Senior port officials and maritime industry executives interested
in learning the latest port operation, planning and management techniques
are invited to participate in the 20th annual International Program for
Port Planning and Management (IPPPM) to be held in New Orleans May 17 - 28
at the World Trade Center.
This program is truly international in scope: over the past 19
years, 565 participants from 102 countries have graduated from IPPPM.
IPPPM 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.
IPPPM is sponsored by the Port of New Orleans, the World Trade
Center, and the University of New Orleans National Ports and Waterways
Institute/College of Urban and Public Affairs.
The 2004 program topics include:
- 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
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.
For an application or more information, contact: Director, IPPPM;
CUPA/LUTAC; University of New Orleans; New Orleans, LA 70148; U.S.A. Or
call: (504) 280-6519; fax (504) 280-6272; e-mail: psimon@uno.edu. Please visit the website
at: www.uno.edu/cupa/ipppm.html
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The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport served
9,275,690 passengers in 2003, a slight increase over the 9,251,773
passengers that used the Airport in 2002. The last quarter showed marked
increases each month. December passengers totaled 776,318, a 6.1% increase
over the 731,654 passengers that used the Airport in December 2002.
"We’re pleased with the strength of the year-end numbers,"
said Roy A. Williams, Director of Aviation at the airport. "The
results have outperformed the industry, which was down 2.7% for the
year."
Air cargo for 2003 totaled 80,831 metric tons, down 3.9% from the
84,150 metric tons handled in 2002.
Passenger volume leader Southwest Airlines captured 30.5% of the
passenger market, serving 2,824,506 passengers in 2003. AirTran posted the
largest passenger volume increase with 13.2%. American and American Eagle
posted the second-highest gain with a 12.9% increase in passenger volume.
Northwest posted a 5.7% gain, United and United Express Carriers posted a
3% gain and Delta and Delta Connection Carriers posted an increase of
2.8%.
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U.S. exporters seeking distributors in the European Union (EU)
should be aware of certain EU rules that may limit the restrictions that
can legally be included in an agreement. Similar to antitrust laws in the
U.S., the European Union competition rules (applicable to goods and
services circulating within EU countries) prohibit certain practices
concerning vertical restrictions. Companies are required to make a
proactive assessment of the compatibility of their agreements with the
regulations. For a copy of a seven-page report on this topic, call the
U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or
Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.
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Members of the World Trade Center of New Orleans and prospective
members are invited to attend the Spring Assembly of the World Trade
Centers Association from April 14-18 in Sun City, South Africa. This is an
excellent opportunity to make productive contacts with delegations in
attendance from all over the world and have one-on-one match-making
appointments with South African companies.
The event will take place at the Lost City resort, a spectacular
and distinctly African location. Delegates will have the opportunity to
view South Africa’s remarkable wildlife and cultural diversity
throughout the five-day program. Also included in the Assembly’s program
are informative trade seminars and briefings, exhibits, cultural, and
networking events. For more information, call Natalie Rideau at WTC New
Orleans at (504) 529-1601, ext. 226.
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A new weekly short-sea shipping service for containers via barge
has started between the Ports of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, responding
to demand from local industry.
Osprey Line operates the container terminal at the Baton Rouge
Port’s Inland Rivers Marine Terminal and launched the first weekly
shipment on January 9 to the Napoleon Street Wharf Container Terminal in
New Orleans.
In Europe, container-on-barge transportation is the shipping mode
of choice, where half of all cargo is moved via inland waterways. In North
America, only 10 percent of cargo is moved via rivers. Port of Greater
Baton Rouge Director of Business Development Greg Johnson said, "We
believe the container-on-barge service will steadily increase in
popularity. It’s been proven in Europe."
Built specifically to handle container-on-barge cargo, the
terminal at the Baton Rouge port is the first of its kind on the
Mississippi River. The $3.6 million facility is the result of a
cooperative effort between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development’s Port Priority Program, Louisiana Economic Development and
the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Trucks, trains and barges are loaded and
unloaded at the four-acre marshalling area and warehouse; the site can
store 150 containers.
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The Louisiana Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce
(FACC/LA) is coordinating a high-profile visit to France in June by
Louisiana delegation of political, business, and cultural leaders who will
be a part of the ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard will be among the leaders of
the delegation.
The delegation will promote Louisiana with senior French
government officials, through interviews and promotional placements in the
media, and in contacts with regional and municipal officials and business
leaders.
The delegation will depart New Orleans on May 31, spend three
days in Paris, five days in Normandy with participation at the ceremonies
of the D-Day anniversary, and two days again in Paris, returning to New
Orleans on June 11.
The price of the trip is $3,817 per person with double occupancy.
Reservations and a $500 deposit must be received prior to February 15.
Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations and
additional information, contact Damien Regnard at (504) 283-7080, or at info@groupdirect.org, or the FACC/LA
office by phone at (504) 561-0070, or by e-mail at info@faccla.com.
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To help identify the challenges facing the American manufacturing
sector, the U.S. Department of Commerce held over 20 pubic roundtables
during 2003. One of the meetings was held at the World Trade Center in New
Orleans. The discussions included representatives from small, medium, and
large companies from a range of industries, including auto parts,
aerospace, biotechnology, and semiconductors. The Department also studied
official data that helped gauge the health of the manufacturing sector.
In January, Commerce issued an 88-page report that provides an
overview of the domestic and international economic environment facing
American manufacturing, highlights the expressed views of manufacturers
regarding the challenges they face, and advances policy recommendations to
help ensure that government is creating the conditions necessary for U.S.
manufacturers to maximize their competitiveness. The recommendations
represent a step toward crafting the strategy to help address the
challenges facing American manufacturers.
To view or print a copy of the report, click here
(Note: The lengthy document takes a few
minutes to appear onscreen.).
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The Louisiana International Trade Bulletin is a monthly
partnership publication of the:
Louisiana Department of Economic Development
New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center
World Trade Center of New Orleans
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