LUNCHEON PROGRAM ON PANAMA ON JANUARY 6

On Thursday, January 6, the World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, the Consulate General of Panama, and other organizations will sponsor a luncheon briefing at 12:00 noon in the Plimsoll Club on "Doing Business in Panama" by Karla King, U.S. Commercial Counselor at the American Embassy in Panama City. The briefing will also include perspectives by Edward Hayes, an international trade attorney, on Panama’s World Trade Organization commitments and the current U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This event is being held in connection with the January 19-22 Louisiana Trade Mission to Panama (see article on right).

Panama has a vibrant economy that offers numerous opportunities for Louisiana companies in many sectors. The U.S. and Panama are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, which will further expand the opportunities for doing business. To register for the January 6 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or register online by clicking here.

Karla King is the Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Panama. She is responsible for promoting trade and investment between the United States and Panama and providing trade facilitation services for U.S. companies looking to establish business relationships in Panama. Ms. King is a career foreign service officer with the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce and has had a long and distinguished career in international economic and commercial diplomacy. Prior to her present post in Panama, she served in Colombia, Thailand, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kenya.

LAST CALL FOR JANUARY 19-22 TRADE MISSION TO PANAMA

There may still be time for you to participate on the January 19-22 Louisiana Trade Mission to Panama if you act quickly. Over 40 business executives, professionals, state and city government officials, port and airport directors, economic development planners, and trade association leaders are registered to date. You can be included too, subject to airline and hotel availability.

The purpose of the mission is to promote Louisiana’s trade, transportation, tourism, educational, health care, and other reciprocal interests with Panama. The co-leaders of the mission are Michael Olivier, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development; Gary LaGrange, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans; and Charles Nelson. the 2005 President of the World Trade Center and Chairman of Waldemar S. Nelson & Co. engineers and architects.

Additionally, Donald van de Werken, Director of the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, will be traveling with the mission to assist prospective Louisiana exporters of goods and services on individual business appointments with potential Panamanian agents, distributors, joint venture partners, and other business counterparts that are being arranged by the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Section.

The mission agenda includes high-level briefings, meetings, and networking events with leading members of the Panamanian business community, government officials, the Panama Canal Authority, the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other key contacts for developing new business in Panama. For complete details on the mission, visit www.wtcno.org/panama or call Susannah Coolidge at the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

SEMINAR ON LETTERS OF CREDIT AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The World Trade Center, Louisiana Economic Development, Port of New Orleans, Hibernia Bank, and other organizations are co-sponsoring a luncheon seminar on "The ABC’s of Letters of Credit and Foreign Exchange" to be held at the WTC on Wednesday, January 26. The seminar will be conducted by Jan W. Tanner, Vice President, International Department, Hibernia National Bank. The topics to be covered include:

• Where is the payment risk on international transactions and should you take it?

• How should you pay or be paid?

• U.S. dollars or foreign currency?

Since joining Hibernia in 1989, Jan Tanner has regularly served as a speaker on international trade finance at programs organized by the American Management Association, the World Trade Center, the Louisiana Center for International Trade, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, and local Chambers of Commerce throughout the state. For additional information and to register for the January 26 seminar, click here or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

WTC LANGUAGE CLASSES TO BEGIN JANUARY 13

The World Trade Center’s spring session of foreign language classes, conducted by the faculty of Alpha Tech Language Solutions, will start the week of January 10. 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. Registration closes on January 6. For details, call Alpha Tech at (504) 454-6554.  More info.

CENSUS OFFERS FREE PCLINK SOFTWARE FOR EXPORTERS

With mandatory Automated Export System (AES) electronic filing for all exports requiring Shipper’s Export Declarations (SED) beginning in early-2005, new improvements to the Census AES system are extremely timely. AESDirect, the free Census-supported AES Internet application, has released a network edition of its AESPcLink software, enabling AESDirect on a corporate network (multi-user) basis. The software is the Windows-based desktop PC component of the AESDirect Service. It allows AESDirect filers to enter their SEDs off-line and connect to AESDirect using the Internet to submit SEDs. AESPcLink Network Edition will allow companies to set up and manage an in-house enterprise-wide version of AESPcLink that will be linked automatically to their AESDirect filing account. For details, contact AESDirect at www.aesdirect.gov, or AESPcLink at www.aesdirect.gov/pclink.html.

REBUILD IRAQ 2005 TRADE FAIR

The U.S. Government has set aside $18.6 billion for the rehabilitation of Iraq’s infrastructure, and global donors have committed another $33 billion to projects in that country (nearly 2,500 projects already are under way). Rebuild Iraq 2005, a U.S. Commerce Certified Trade Fair, will be held on April 4-7 at the Amman International Fair in Marj Al Hammam, Jordan, a country that is not on the U.S. State Department’s list of Current Travel Warnings. The show is the only U.S.- supported trade fair in the Middle East where U.S. exhibitors in the electricity, water, oil, health, transportation, agriculture and communication sectors can showcase the products and services needed to meet Iraq’s massive demand for such items. Full information on participating in the American Pavilion at Rebuild Iraq 2005 is available from Mr. Bechara Nacouzi at phone (514) 685-3530; e-mail: bnacouzi@videotron.ca; or online at www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/. Other information on Iraq reconstruction is available from the U.S. Commerce’s Iraq Reconstruction Task Force at phone (866) 352-4727, and the Trade Information Center at (800) 872-8723.

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE TAKES NEW INITIATIVES IN CHINA

In an attempt to increase U.S. exports to China, the U.S. Commercial Service has a new initiative that will involve the installation of U.S. Pavilions at over 25 China exhibitions in 2005. The venues will offer American firms new opportunities to be involved with key international trade shows throughout China. Following is a list of the events; details are online at: http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/upcomingshows.html.

• March 1-4, China Building, Beijing
• March 8-11, Water, Wastewater and Water Treatment, Guangzhou
• March 18-21, Interzum (Furniture), Guangzhou
• March 15-17, SEMICON China, Shanghai
• April 5-7, CIPPE Petroleum & Equipment Expo, Beijing
• April 11-17, China International Machine Tool Show, Beijing
• April 12-14, Fieldbus/IA 05, Beijing
• April 12-14, China Refrigeration, Beijing
• April 12-15, NEPCON, Shanghai
• April 24-27, China Med, Beijing
• June 7-10, CIEPEC Enviro Protection (Asia Now) Beijing
• June 8-9, China Power, Beijing
• June 28-30, Food and Hotel China, Beijing
• July 1-4, SINOCES Consumer Electronics, Qingdao
• July 6-9, China International Building & Decoration, Guangzhou
• September 1-5, Book Fair, Beijing
• September 18-21, International Exhibition on Financial Banking, Beijing
• September 20-23, Electrical Power, Shanghai
• September 26-28, China Irrigation Expo, Beijing
• September 26-28, Agro Foodtech China, Beijing
• October 12-17, China Hi-Tech, Shenzhen
• October 31-November 1, International Franchising Expo, Beijing
• November 15-18, Food and Hotel China, Shanghai
• November 23-25, Automechanika, Beijing
• December 6-9, Marintec China, Shanghai
• December 8-10, Printed Circuit & Electronic Assembly, Guangzhou

ADVICE FOR SEEKING FOREIGN PATENTS

The U.S. General Accounting Office, in consultation with a group of patent law attorneys, produced a report on obtaining foreign patents. Included in this report is a list of steps small businesses should take in order to improve their foreign patent efforts. Some of the key steps include:

• Be familiar with key dates and deadlines that are specified under U.S., foreign, and international law, and take foreign filing actions accordingly.

• Manage patent portfolio as an asset and regularly review foreign portfolio.

• Only file in countries where protection will be meaningful and the patent will produce a return on investment.

• Consider filing under international and regional treaties (Patent Cooperation Treaty, European Patent Office, etc.)

To request an e-mailed copy of the 66-page report, contact the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at phone (504) 589-6546; e-mail: jo.daugherty@mail.doc.gov, or in Shreveport at phone (318) 676-3046; e-mail: patricia.holt@mail.doc.gov.

TRADE LEADS ONLINE AT EXPORT.GOV

The U.S. Commercial Service’s online trade leads database is an excellent no-cost resource for U.S. exporters. The website lists announcements from qualified international companies looking to source U.S. products and services. The website also includes foreign government tender projects. All leads are pre-screened by U.S. embassy or consulate staff overseas. Leads are searchable by industry or by country. Visit the website at: http://www.export.gov/comm_svc/tradeleads/tradeleads.html.

MICROELECTRONICS SECTOR TRADE MISSION TO CHINA

The U.S. Commercial Services’ Microelectronics Trade Mission to Shanghai on March 14-18 is an ideal way to establish or maintain a competitive position in China’s lucrative market. The mission is scheduled to coincide with the annual Shanghai exhibition Electronica and Productronica China 2005. Participation is open to U.S. firms specializing in design, manufacture, and distribution of a range of microelectronics products. Interested parties should contact Marlene Ruffen by phone at (202) 482-0570 or email: Marlene.Ruffin@mail.doc.gov.

U.S. HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES TRADE MISSION

Join the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission to Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines on March 11-18 and meet with prospective distributors, agents, and strategic partners in each country. U.S. participants will receive: pre-screened appointments with quality contacts from the overseas healthcare sector; country market briefings; follow-up assistance from the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service staff. As a no-cost bonus, mission members receive entry to KIMES, Korea’s largest medical trade show and they receive promotion of their company at the show through a catalog display in the U.S. Commercial Service booth. Call Bill Kutson at (202) 482-2839 or e-mail: William.Kutson@mail.doc.gov for details.

NEW TRADE PACTS WITH LAOS AND ARMENIA

President Bush recently signed into law a broad trade package that extends normal trade relations to Laos and Armenia, suspends tariffs on hundreds of products not produced domestically, and repeals a dumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization. The entire article appears on the U.S. State Department website at: http://usinfo.state.gov/eur/Archive/2004/Dec/07-732694.html.

COMMERCE MAGAZINE PROMOTES U.S. GOODS

"Commercial News USA" is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s catalog-style worldwide showcase of American products. The deadline for advertising in the March/April 2005 issue is January 12. Call (1) (800) 581-8533 or visit www.export.gov/cnusa to place an ad or for details.

CHARLES NELSON ELECTED WTC PRESIDENT FOR 2005

The Board of Directors of the World Trade Center has elected Charles W. Nelson as President of the WTC for 2005. Mr. Nelson is President and Chairman of Waldemar S. Nelson and Company, Inc. engineers and architects.

Other WTC officers elected for 2005 are: President-elect, Leon R. Fulton, Chairman, Fulton, Johnson, Newman & Pittman Insurance Agency; Vice Presidents - Ronnie Kole, Morrow Management, Inc.; J. Dwight LeBlanc, Jr., Partner, Chaffe McCall Phillips Toler & Sarpy, LLP; Constance C. Willems, McGlinchey Law Firm; Treasurer, Bobby Brannon, Executive Vice President and Treasurer, Ochsner Clinic Foundation; Secretary, Ray Liuzza, President, Holiday Inn Select; Chairman of the Board, Dr. Charles C. Teamer, Chairman, Dryades Savings Bank; and Richard Allen and Eugene Schreiber, Managing Directors.

New Directors elected to the WTC Board are: Olin Kropog, Vice President, Cox Communications; Walter Rhodes, Vice President, Entergy Services, Inc.; Ben Jones, Regional International Sales Manager, FedEx; Kam Movassaghi, President, Movassaghi Group; Bernard Charbonnet, Jr., President, Charbonnet & Associates Planners & Consultants; Rajender Pannu, Director, Pannu Enterprises; Wade Walk, Project Development Manager, URS Walk Haydel; Patricia Hightower, Partner, Bayou Imports; Mark Singletary, Publisher, New Orleans City Business; and Juan Valadez, Juan Valadez Consulting Services.

USDOC OFFERS GLOBAL BUSINESS ETHICS MANUAL

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Good Governance Program recently published a resource and training tool for enterprises operating in emerging market economies. "Business Ethics: A Manual for Managing a Responsible Business in Emerging Market Economies" will be useful to any organization designing and implementing an ethics program that conforms to global standards. To order a copy or to view the online version, visit http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/publications/blurbs/ethics2004blurb.html.

U.S. OIL AND GAS CATALOG SHOW IN BAHRAIN

The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain are organizing a catalog show for U.S. companies at the Middle East Oil and Gas Show 2005 (MEOS) in Bahrain from March 12-15. Participating American firms will have their product literature showcased at the U.S. Commerce Department booth staffed by Commercial Specialists with the Dhahran and Bahrain offices. Immediately after the show, the U.S. firms will receive contact information on all interested business visitors, and their catalogs will be distributed to selected Saudi companies that were unable to attend the event. The cost is only $150. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 or in Shreveport at (318) 676-3064 to register.

AACCLA FORUM ON OUTLOOK IN LATIN AMERICA IN 2005

The Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) will hold its "Outlook on the Americas: Renewing the Agenda for Growth" conference on January 28 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. The conference annually attracts numerous business executives and political leaders, in addition to the leadership of the 23 American Chambers of Commerce throughout the hemisphere for a frank, open dialogue on the economic and political issues that will have the greatest impact on hemispheric trade in 2005. AACCLA is the leading advocate of trade and investment in the Americas. Representing 23 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) in 21 Latin American and Caribbean nations, its 20,000 member companies manage more than 80% of all U.S. investment in the region. For details, contact Marjorie Brands at (202) 778-2402 or mbrands@uschamber.com.

FEBRUARY 3 IDB SEMINAR IN WASHINGTON, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will hold a Business Seminar on Environment, Agriculture and Water & Sanitation, to be held at the Bank’s Washington, D.C. headquarters on Thursday, February 3. IDB specialists will describe a variety of operations being financed by the Bank in the region, focusing on operations currently in execution and projects in the pipeline. Some of the areas of special emphasis, in addition to focus on traditional public sector projects, are eco-tourism, land titling, disaster prevention and relief, and governance and transparency. The registration fee of US $195 includes continental breakfast, seminar sessions, publications, a briefing book, the IDB phone directory, and a networking luncheon. For a flyer, agenda, and registration form, go to http://www.iadb.org/biz/index.cfm?language=english. For detailed information on the Bank and its activities, please go to http://www.iadb.org.

FREE LISTING IN LOUISIANA TRADE DIRECTORY

The World Trade Center is in the process of compiling data for the 2005 Louisiana International Trade Directory. Jointly published by Louisiana Economic Development, the Export Assistance Center, and the WTC, the Directory is published annually and also posted on the WTC’s website with a free link to listed companies’ 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, or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 271 and request a Directory questionnaire. To order a Directory, click one of the following links:

• Purchase the Directory in hard-copy or on CD