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The World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, and other
organizations will sponsor a luncheon briefing program at 12:00 noon on
August 13 on "Expanding Louisiana’s Role in the Global
Economy" featuring Michael Olivier, the new Louisiana Secretary of
Economic Development. To register for the program, call the WTC at (504)
529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.
A Louisiana native, Mr. Olivier served as the Executive Director and
Chief Executive Officer of the Harrison County Development Commission in
Gulfport, Mississippi for over 17 years. As the leader of the county-wide
economic development agency, Mr. Olivier managed and developed 2,500 acres
of industrial park property representing a $50 million capital investment.
He specialized in planning, implementing and marketing where he promoted
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast to national and international businesses.
Prior to his position in Mississippi, Mr. Olivier was with a Lafayette
economic development group and served nine years in several administrative
positions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Mr. Olivier is a
graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he earned a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Agri-Business and a Master of Science Degree
in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He earned his Certified Economic
Developer accreditation from the Economic Development Institute at the
University of Oklahoma.
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Ruperto Chavarri, Program Director of the Louisiana International Trade
Center/SBDC, and Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade
Center, will conduct a luncheon workshop on "Going Global: Getting
Started in Exporting and Importing" from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, August 18 in Suite 2900 of the WTC. The workshop will focus on
the fundamentals of an international transaction and present an overview
of the basic import-export process. To register for the workshop, call the
WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.
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On July 30 two Lafayette firms, C & C Technologies and Oil Center
Research International, received U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC)
Export Achievement Certificates for accomplishments in the global
marketplace. The presentation took place at the Louisiana District Export
Council meeting held at Stuller, Inc. in Lafayette. Also during the
meeting, Le Centre International de Lafayette and Louisiana Economic
Development/International Trade received USDOC Certificates of
Appreciation for creating international trade opportunities.
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The following information highlights the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) Office of International Trade finance programs
available to U.S. small business exporters. For complete details, visit
the SBA website at www.sba.gov/oit/finance/programs.html, or contact the
U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in
Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.
- Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) encourages lenders to offer
export working capital loans for a term of up to one year, by
guaranteeing repayment of up to $1 million, or 90 percent of a loan
amount, whichever is less. Financing may be done for a single export
order or multiple sales under a revolving line of credit. The loan may
be used to: (1) acquire inventory; (2) pay manufacturing costs of
goods for export; (3) purchase goods for export; (4) pay for costs
associated with service contracts with foreign buyers; (5) support
standby letters of credit used for bid and performance bonds; and (6)
finance foreign accounts receivable.
- International Trade Loan Program (ITL) working capital loan has
terms of up to 25 years. Loans are made by lending institutions, with
SBA guaranteeing a portion of the loan, up to $1.25 million. The
applicant must establish either that the loan proceeds will
significantly expand existing export markets, or develop new export
markets, or that the small business is adversely affected by import
competition. Proceeds may be used for working capital and/or
facilities or equipment.
- SBA Export Express allows lenders to use streamlined and expedited
loan review and approval procedures to process SBA guaranteed loans of
up to $150,000. Loan proceeds may be used for most business purposes,
including: market development activity such as participation in a
foreign trade mission; transaction-specific financing; general lines
of credit for export purposes; and term loans for permanent working
capital and fixed-asset financing.
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The World Trade Center’s fall session of foreign language classes,
conducted by the faculty of Alpha Tech Language Solutions, will start the
week of September 13. The emphasis is on business usage and conversation.
The session will last 12 weeks: classes will meet once a week for two
hours. The following languages will be offered: French, Spanish, German,
Italian, and Japanese. Tuition is $180 for WTC members and their spouses,
and $360 for non-members. (Registration and materials cost $60.) Free
parking is available in the WTC Garage. For information, call Alpha Tech
at (504) 454-6554 or click here.
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The U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Postal Service co-published the
"2004 International Marketing Resource Guide," which provides
material on conducting international business, global trade resources, and
other export information. Call the New Orleans USEAC at (504) 589-6546 or
the Shreveport USEAC at (318) 676-3064 for a free copy.
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The following is a list of recent industry reports prepared by
Commercial Service staff at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. For
the entire reports, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans
at (504) 589-6546, or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.
- Bangladesh: Phosphoric Acid Export Opportunity
- Bangladesh: Wheat Export Opportunity for U.S. Firms
- Canada: Forest Fire Equipment in Demand
- Costa Rica: Changes in the Costa Rican Plastics Industry
- India: Diagnostic/Clinical Laboratory Market
- Indonesia: Market Demand for Medical Equipment Grows
- Italy: Opportunities for American Fitness, Health Food and
Nutritional Supplements
- Italy: Opportunities for American Companies to Combat Child and
Adolescent Obesity
- Mexico: Import Requirements for Computer Used/Refurbished Equipment
- Russia: Packaging and Food Processing Equipment Market
- Turkey: Catalog Show at Enviro Tech Show, Nov 25-27
- Uruguay: Business Opp. for U.S. Suppliers of Crude Plaster
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EX-IM) has issued a new
version of its Environmental Procedures and Guidelines. The guidelines
make quantitative and qualitative assessments of EX-IM-financed projects
in terms of potential impact on air quality, water use and quality, waste
management, natural hazards, ecology, involuntary resettlement, indigenous
peoples, places of cultural significance, and noise. Log on to http://www.exim.gov/products/policies/environment/environment.html
for a copy of the guidelines.
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The U.S. Commerce Department’s Trade Development office has issued a
new report, "NAFTA: 10 Years Later," which highlights how
provisions of the North America Free Trade Agreement have affected U.S.
trade, investment, and employment. The report includes an overview and 12
industry sector reports (agricultural equipment; chemicals; environmental
technologies; information communication technologies; medical equipment;
motor vehicles and parts; paper and pulp; pharmaceuticals; processed foods
and beverages; scientific equipment; services; and textile and apparel.)
You can download a copy at www.ita.doc.gov/td/industry/OTEA/nafta/nafta-index.html
or call the USEAC in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at
(318) 676-3064.
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The United States and Mexico recently began a Free and Secure Trade
(FAST) lane at the World Trade Bridge between Laredo, Texas and Nuevo
Laredo, Mexico. The program provides importers expedited release for
qualifying low-risk commercial shipments. FAST cuts truck-wait times from
an average of two hours down to approximately 20 minutes. Companies may
apply for participation in the program by proving that their facilities
are secure and that their shipments are low-risk. For details log on to
the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov under the
"FAST Application Information" section.
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The New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) often receives
requests for information on shipping cars to foreign countries. Topical
information is on the U.S. Customs website at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/export/export_docs/motor_vehicle.xml.
For a 14-page "Car Exporting Introduction Guide," call the USEAC
at (504) 589-6546, or download the report at www.importexporthelp.com/car-exporting.htm.
Although the guide was prepared by a private sector firm and is not a U.S.
Government publication, it provides an overview of the documents and
procedures required to comply with the vehicle export regulations found in
the Code of Federal Regulations.
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WTC New Orleans will lead a delegation of members to Geneva,
Switzerland for the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly on
October 3-6. This is an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from
WTCs all over the world and have one-on-one match-making appointments with
Swiss companies. The meeting includes:
- Worldwide networking with hundreds of businessmen and women and WTC
representatives from around the globe
- International trade seminars and briefings
- Special meeting and reception at the United Nations Geneva
headquarters
- Matchmaking business appointments (optional)
- Optional day trips to Lausanne, Montreux/Vevey and Chillon Castle,
Gstaad & Gruyeres
- Special hotel rates (the Noga Hilton is the meeting site)
WTC Membership Director Natalie Rideau will assist WTC New Orleans
members who attend the General Assembly with networking, information, and
logistics during the meeting. She also will advise those who do not have a
travel agent or access to the Internet how to locate the best travel and
hotel arrangements. For more information, call Natalie at at (504)
529-1601, ext. 226 or visit www.wtca35ga.org (for those interested individuals who
are not already members of WTC New Orleans, information on membership is
available by clicking here).
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The U.S. Embassy in China recently launched the "IPR Tool
Kit" to guide American companies, particularly small and medium-size,
on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in
China. Included in the guide are chapters on Intellectual Property Rights,
Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, and Industry Specific Issues. Go online
at www.usembassy-china.org.cn/ipr
to view the material.
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The Gulf Coast I-10 Research Directory 2004 is a 450-page directory
designed to highlight the region’s multibillion-dollar research and
development activity. Compiled by independent researchers with backgrounds
in journalism, the Directory details the considerable science and
technology/R&D efforts along a four-state slice of the Central Gulf
Coast consisting of the Baton Rouge, New Orleans,
Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, Mobile, Pensacola, and Fort Walton Beach
metropolitan statistical areas.
The Directory was designed for economic development officials,
researchers, site selection experts, universities, students, and anyone
else interested in knowing more about the region’s key players in this
multibillion-dollar enterprise. The Directory includes contact information
and two chapters on "where the money is," for both incentives
and R&D funding opportunities. The Directory is available for purchase
in various formats from the authors/editors, David and Gloria Tortorano.
For more information or to order a Directory, visit www.gulfcoastresearchdirectory.com.
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The U.S. Secretary of the Interior is sponsoring an event that is ideal
for those interested in doing business with the Pacific Islands, including
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of
Micronesia. The "Pacific Islands Business Opportunities
Conference" will be held on September 23-24 in Los Angeles. The
registration fee will be waived for U.S. companies that register via the
Honolulu U.S. Export Assistance Center’s website at www.buyusa.gov/hawaii/27.html.
For detailed conference information, log on to the website above or the
Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs website at www.doi.gov/oia/.
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The New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) announces the
departure of two of its International Trade Specialists, Moya McCaskill
and Belinda McCorkle. Belinda’s last day at the New Orleans office was
July 30. She is moving with her family to Oklahoma. Moya will transfer to
the USEAC in San Jose, California on August 6. No replacements have been
named at this time, but clients of both trade specialists will continue to
receive export assistance through the New Orleans USEAC. Farewell messages
for Belinda may be sent via the USEAC email at: new_orleans_office_box@mail.doc.gov.
Moya’s email will remain the same (moya.mccaskill@mail.doc.gov).
The USEAC staff extends best wishes to Belinda and Moya in their new
endeavors.
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Israel is the U.S. Commercial Service’s "Market of the
Month" for August. Best prospects for U.S. exports to Israel include:
electricity/gas equipment; defense equipment; medical equipment and
disposable products; industrial chemicals; telecommunications equipment;
electronic components; building products; safety/security equipment;
non-prescription drugs; and travel/tourism services. For details, visit
the website at: www.export.gov/comm_svd/press_room/marketofthemonth/Israel/israel.html.
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Recent business leads are available from the Asia Investment &
Trade Office for the State of Louisiana. The opportunities are from China,
Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Singapore and are posted on the World Trade
Center’s website at www.wtcno.org/hotleads/wtcleads.htm.
Also posted are the August editions of the China Newsletter and the
Biotechnology Newsletter. For more information, contact Steve Lee at: s7231921@ms2.hinet.net.
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Ms. Patricia C. Denechaud has been named the new Honorary Consul of
Canada for Louisiana. Ms. Denechaud is the President of Crescent City
Consultants and a past President of the World Trade Center of New Orleans.
She is seeking a part-time French/English-speaking assistant who is
computer proficient. Interested individuals should send an e-mail résumé
to ccc@ccc-nola.com.
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The 28th Annual CCAA Conference on the Caribbean Basin, "An
Integrated Third Border," will be held on December 6-8 at the
Inter-Continental Hotel in Miami. The Conference will focus on regional
integration efforts in the Caribbean and Central America and their impact
on investment and economic development. Against the backdrop of a U.S.
Presidential election, the Conference will address issues such as the
implementation of the proposed U.S. and Dominican Republic-Central
American Free Trade Agreement (D-CAFTA); the future of the FTAA
negotiations; the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME) and its
relevance to the Caribbean’s competitiveness; and the effects of
international security measures on trade, investment, and tourism in the
Caribbean Basin. For further information, visit www.c-caa.org.
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The World Trade Center is in the process of updating the 2004 Louisiana
International Trade Directory. Jointly published by Louisiana Economic
Development, the Export Assistance Center, and the WTC, the Directory is
posted on the WTC’s website with a free link to websites. The Directory
contains over 1,700 detailed listings of Louisiana exporters, importers,
trade services, and organizations. To see if your company is already
listed, click here. If your
company is based in Louisiana and is presently exporting or importing
goods or services and is not already listed in the Directory and you would
like to be listed at no charge, please complete the online form by
clicking here, or call the WTC at
(504) 529-1601, ext. 271 and request a Directory questionnaire. To order a
Directory, click here: hard-copy or CD.
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Published by the U.S. Commercial Service, "Contact China" is
a resource guide for U.S. exporters. The handbook contains key information
for American firms entering the Chinese market, including explaining the
different divisions of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, services offered by
the Commercial Section, industry sector briefs, and a vast list of key
contacts. Log on to www.buyusa.gov/china/en/contactchina.html
to order a hardcopy or to download a free copy in PDF format.
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The Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs was honored on June 13 with a
regional Innovator award as part of the Globally Positioning the South
Conference held in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry presented
the award from the Southern Growth Policies Board to Monika Olivier,
President of the Center. Founded in 1997, the Center promotes Baton Rouge
through international economic development, education, and cultural
awareness. It directs a variety of programs, including the Mayor’s
International Relations Commission, an annual International Heritage
Celebration, and an annual Consular Day and Gala. The Center’s
activities have encouraged the development of many ethnic organizations
and clubs in the Baton Rouge area.
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