LATIN AMERICAN LAW INSTITUTE TO BE HELD IN NEW ORLEANS

Registrants from 14 countries have signed up to attend the second Latin American Law Institute, sponsored by Tulane University Law School, on September 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans. The two-and-a-half-day program will focus on 25 separate issues affecting Latin America (note: special registration rates apply for individuals wishing to attend a one-day session of the conference at $225 or a half-day session at $100).

Congressman David Vitter of Louisiana is honorary Chair and will discuss whether the U.S. has a viable energy policy for Latin America. Other featured speakers include:

• H.E. Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, former President of Bolivia
• Jorge Mas Santos, Cuban American National Foundation.
• Kris Urs, U.S. Department of State
• Luis Marin, Chief Executive Officer, CITGO
• Alvaro Silva Calderon, former Secretary General, OPEC
• Jose Sariego, Senior Vice President, HBO Latin America
• Elmer A. Johnston, General Counsel, Harken Energy
• Gary Paulson, Asst. General Counsel, British Petroleum
• Claiborne Deming, CEO, Murphy Oil Corporation

Registration and additional information regarding the Latin American Law Institute may be found at www.law.tulane.edu/lali. For more information, please contact the Tulane Law School Office of Continuing Legal Education Office by telephone at (504) 865-5900 or email at aschumac@law.tulane.edu.

SEPTEMBER 10 PROGRAM ON PEMEX IN LAFAYETTE

Le Centre International will host a luncheon program in Lafayette on Friday, September 10 entitled "How to do Business with Pemex." The program will be held at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To register for the luncheon, please call Le Centre International at (337) 291-5474 to obtain a registration form.

The featured speakers will include: Heberto Ramos Rodriguez, Deputy Director, and Ramon Figuerola Pi–era, Finance and Administration Manager, both of Pemex Exploration and Production, Southern Region. Joining them will be Mario de la Cruz, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion and Foreign Trade, State of Tabasco; and Jose Antonio Rivas, of Bancomext. Topics include: new challenges and opportunities; how to do business with Pemex; oil industry opportunities in Tabasco; and the Bancomext partnering program for the oil industry. A question and answer session will follow the presentation, and private consultations will be available between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Also present at the program will be Gary L. Springer, Secretary General of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, of which Governor Blanco is the new President, and Larry Collins, International Services Director, Louisiana Economic Development, who is the incoming Executive Committee President for the Gulf of Mexico States Accord. The Accord was signed in the city of Campeche, Mexico in 1995 by the representatives of the 11 states of the United States and Mexico that share the Gulf of Mexico region, with the objective of establishing working partnerships among these states to promote economic and infrastructure development.

HUTCHINSON TO SPEAK ON NEW ORLEANS’ GLOBAL POSITION

On Wednesday, September 22, Don Hutchinson, the new Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Economic Development in New Orleans, will be the featured speaker at a special luncheon program at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club on "Positioning New Orleans in the Global Economy." The event is sponsored by the WTC, the City of New Orleans, Port of New Orleans, Louisiana Economic Development, and other organizations.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Hutchinson served for four years as Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, where his main focus was on enhancing the state’s industrial base and diversifying the economy by leading the state’s efforts to attract more technology companies to Louisiana. To register for the September 22 program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

HONG KONG BRIEFING AT WTC ON SEPTEMBER 28

On Tuesday, September 28 the World Trade Center and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon briefing at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on "Hong Kong: The Place to Do Business with China and Asia" featuring Ms. Sarah Wu, Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York. Located at the southern tip of South China, Hong Kong is within four hours’ flying distance to most major cities in the region. Hong Kong is Asia’s transport and logistics hub, the world’s busiest container port, and the world’s busiest airport. As mainland China’s closest trading partner, Hong Kong’s role as the gateway city serving China and the rest of Asia has been greatly enhanced by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) which came into effect on January 1, 2004. This landmark free trade agreement between Hong Kong and China provides many new advantages for Hong Kong businesses as well as U.S. businesses to enter the Chinese market. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

SYMPOSIUM ON SAUDI ARABIA AT LOYOLA ON SEPTEMBER 15

On Wednesday, September 15, the World Affairs Council of New Orleans and other organizations are sponsoring a symposium from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Loyola University’s Danna Center on "The Role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Mid-East Politics." The keynote speaker is Les Janka, President of the Council on American-Saudi Dialogue and Vice President of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. Mr. Janka has more than 25 years experience as a senior international affairs expert and has held several key positions in the U.S. government. Dr. Conrad Raabe, Professor of Political Science at Loyola; Dr. Sarah Galtieri, Professor at the University of Chicago; and Dr. Osama Arabia, Professor at Xavier University, will participate in a panel that will respond to the keynote speaker, followed by a Q &A period with wine and cheese. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Heather at (504) 897-6110.

SEPTEMBER 8 WORKSHOP ON GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION

The World Trade Center, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and other organizations are sponsoring a luncheon workshop at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, September 8 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. To register, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

SEPTEMBER 14 SEMINAR ON GLOBAL CORPORATE SECURITY

The World Trade Center and other organizations will hold a luncheon seminar on Tuesday, September 14 at 12:00 noon in the WTC’s Executive Offices in Suite 2900 on "Corporate and Personal Security in the Global Environment" featuring Juan Valadez, a security consultant. Mr. Valadez is a Senior Consultant with Clayton Consultants, Inc., a security services company specializing in corporate and private risk assessment and crisis management worldwide. He retired from the Central Intelligence Agency in 1998 as a Senior Intelligence Service Officer after serving 27 years in the Directorate of Operations. To register for the September 14 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

OCTOBER 5 USTDA ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS BRIEFING ON CROATIA

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is conducting a Business Briefing in New Orleans at the Windsor Court Hotel on Tuesday, October 5 for a high-level group of Croatian officials to meet with U.S. firms in the environmental technologies sector, particularly as it pertains to wastewater. This Business Briefing relates directly to the efforts of the World Bank, which has approved a $145 million loan to Croatia Waters as part of the Bank’s Coastal Cities Pollution Control Program.

Biograd, Zadar, and Opatija have been selected as three priority cities that qualify for the World Bank loan and have preliminary plans to upgrade their wastewater facilities (specifically where biological treatment in addition to mechanical treatment is anticipated). These projects entail the construction and development of wastewater drainage systems and sewage works, which require a significant amount of equipment and technology. The delegation visiting New Orleans is comprised of decision makers from Croatian Waters, the national water authority for Croatia, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, the Ministry of Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development, as well as representatives from municipal authorities of coastal cities in Croatia.

U.S. firms will learn about opportunities in the Croatia environmental technology sector during USTDA’s Business Briefing. Following project presentations by the delegates, the firms will meet in pre-arranged, private, one-on-one meetings with the delegates to present their products, services, and technology. U. S. companies may register for the Business Briefing at www.ustdacroatiaov.com or contact USTDA contractor GMC for further information online at obrescia@gmc-ideas.com or by telephone at (1) (781) 641-2900.

SEPTEMBER 29 WORKSHOP ON SBA EXPORT CAPITAL PROGRAM

The World Trade Center, Small Business Administration, and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon workshop on Wednesday, September 29 in the WTC’s 29th floor Board Room on "Using SBA’s Export Working Capital Program" featuring Rick Schulze, Regional Manager for International Trade Programs, North Texas Export Assistance Center, Small Business Administration. The SBA’s Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) supports export financing to small businesses when that financing is not otherwise available on reasonable terms. The program encourages lenders to offer export working capital loans by guaranteeing repayment of up to $1.5 million or 90 percent of a loan amount, whichever is less. Mr. Schulze has served ins his present position since 1995. As the regional manager, he advises businesses on financing their international transactions and underwrites trade finance loan guaranty requests. In 2003, 175 SBA loans to exporters totaling $53.5 million were made in Mr. Schulze’s region, resulting in export sales of $92.3 million. To register for the September 29 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

LAGRANGE TO DELIVER STATE OF THE PORT ADDRESS

The World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans will hold its annual "State of the Port" luncheon on Wednesday, September 15 at the World Trade Center’s Plimsoll Club. Gary LaGrange, the President/CEO of the Port of New Orleans, will be the speaker. For reservations, call Colleen Mulhern at (504) 779-5671 or e-mail colleen@wtcgno.org.

INDUSTRY MARKET REPORTS

The following is a list of recent industry reports prepared by Commercial Service staff at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546, or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064.

Argentina: Need for New and Used/Refurbished Printing Equipment

Bolivia: Need for Polyethylene Accessories

China: Demand for Security and Safety Equipment

Indonesia: Textile and Garment Industries Need New Machinery

Italy: Opportunities for Home Security Companies

Italy: Opportunities for U.S. Security Equipment Firms

Middle East: Police Equipment Exhibition (MEPOL)

Mexico: Health Insurance Opportunities for U.S. Firms

Russia: Fashion/Apparel Trade Shows in Russia

Russia: Russian Fishing Industry

Russia Far East: Construction Market Demand for Cast Polymer Products

South Africa: Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa

Turkey: Turkish Firm Seeks U.S. Manufacturer of Auto Rear View Mirrors

Turkey: Turkish Company Seeks Women’s Health Care Products and Health Foods

United Kingdom: Plastics Processing Industry

Ukraine: Oil & Gas Sector Market Brief

Venezuela: New Standards for Radio Equipment

U.S.-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED

On August 3, President Bush signed the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Australia is America’s tenth largest export market, and the total annual two-way trade of U.S. and Australian goods and services stands at $28 billion. Best prospects for U.S. exports to Australia include: Information Technology Services; Computers and Peripherals; Computer Software; Medical Equipment; Telecommunications Parts/Equipment/Services; Travel/Tourism; Aircraft/Parts; Environmental Products/Services; Automotive Parts/ Accessories; Safety/Security Equipment; Biotechnology; and Construction Machinery. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 for detailed information on doing business in Australia.

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE OPENS BAGHDAD OFFICE

The U.S. Commercial Service recently opened an office in Baghdad to assist U.S. businesses in Iraq. A wide range of products and services are needed in Iraq as the country strives to recover after nearly 20 years of economic stagnation. U.S. companies interested in doing business in Iraq should log on to www.export.gov/iraq for a tremendous amount of information provided by the U.S. Commercial Service and many other public and private sector agencies.

NEW RULE ON EXPORTS TO IRAQ

The Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) has published the following rule, which implements the "reversion to the Department of Commerce from the Department of the Treasury of the licensing responsibility for exports and re-exports to Iraq of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)". It is important to note that, as the above implies, exports to Iraq that are NOT subject to the EAR (i.e. EAR 99 items), may or may not require a license depending on the circumstances, or in the case of defense-related articles, may be subject to other U.S. export controls such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Details on this topic can be accessed online at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17532.htm. The new regulation became effective on July 30, 2004.

TWO NEW INSURANCE PROGRAMS FROM OPIC

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) recently launched two new insurance products designed to protect American businesses as they grow and invest overseas. "Small Business Insurance Wrap" is for companies with annual revenues under $35 million, and offers clients a reduced rate for political risk insurance with a one-time fee for the life of the loan. "Stand-Alone Terrorism Insurance" is available to firms of any size and is designed to cover loss resulting from violent acts that are intended to achieve a political objective, including threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. Go online at www.opic.gov for details.

WORLDWIDE MEETING OF WTCS IN GENEVA

WTC New Orleans President Charles Teamer 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. 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 Rideau 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.

LOUISIANA FIRMS RECEIVE U.S. COMMERCE AWARD

On August 12, Crucial Inc. and Medical Export Services of Louisiana received U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) Export Achievement Certificates for recent U.S. export accomplishments. The event took place during an international trade networking reception at the World Trade Center in New Orleans and was hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service, Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana District Export Council, and the WTC. Tim Thompson, Director of USDOC’s Office of Global Trade Programs presented the awards. Crucial, Inc. is based in Gretna; and Medical Export Services is in New Orleans.

NEW RULINGS ON EXPORTS TO CUBA

On June 30, the U.S. Department of Commerce/Bureau of Industry and Security placed new limitations on gift parcels and personal baggage and revised licensing policy vessels going to Cuba. To obtain the ruling, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546.

CIV TO HOST ANNUAL BRUNCH AROUND THE WORLD FUNDRAISER

The Council for International Visitors of Greater New Orleans (CIV) is hosting its annual fundraiser "Brunch Around the World" on Sunday, October 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Garden District home of Mary Ellen Roy and her husband John Harkins. Guests will enjoy sipping wine and savoring a wide variety of ethnic dishes donated by over two-dozen local restaurateurs. The silent auction will include overnight stays at local hotels, tickets to the performing arts, membership in local museums, gift certificates to area restaurants, gift items and much more! Classical and jazz pianist Jesse Reeks will provide musical entertainment. The event proceeds directly benefit CIV, a nonprofit membership organization committed to international exchange and cross-cultural awareness. CIV staff and volunteers arrange professional appointments for nearly 400 international leaders sent to New Orleans annually by the U.S. Department of State. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (504) 539-9432. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.