The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service Thursday, October 18, 2007 |
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| MITC Member Status: FY08 Member | |
Upcoming Programs:Join two regional experts to discuss the recent growth, possible barriers and impediments to trade, and growing market potential in Central and Eastern Europe Thursday, October 25, 2007 ~ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm MITC Office, Portland Innovation and Opportunities in Quebec's Defense and Security Industries Thursday, November 29, 2007 ~ 9:00 am - 11:00 am MITC Office, Portland |
Sponsored by:
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| TRADE ALERTS | |
WARNING TO EXPORTERS: U.S. Exports Facilitated by Fraudulent Credit Card Transactions are on the Rise - The U.S. Commercial Service, American Embassy Singapore, has received multiple complaints from U.S. merchants reporting fraudulent credit card transactions committed by companies/individuals purporting to be in Singapore. The initial investigation of the fraudulent transactions has revealed that the shipments are actually being sent to freight forwarders in Singapore and diverted to unknown consignees in neighboring countries. Read Full Article Here Trade Gap Shrinks 2.4%; Weak Dollar Is Wild Card - Export sales in August rose to a record and the monthly trade deficit fell to its lowest level since January, the Commerce Department said yesterday. The report suggested a rosier outlook for third-quarter growth, but analysts warned that a weakening dollar could drag down domestic demand in the months ahead. Read Full Article Here UNCTAD: Global Economy to expand - United Nations Conference Trade and Development - UNCTAD, Trade and Development Report 2007, has predicted a fifth consecutive year of overall global output growth. The UNCTAD 2007 Trade and Development Report says the world economy, is set to expand by 3.4 per cent this year. |
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| TRADE NEWS | |
When What’s Down Is Up - You wouldn't want to bet on a sick, underfed horse. So when it comes time to invest overseas, it makes sense to focus on the countries with the healthiest economies, such as oil-rich countries like the United Arab Emirates. Right? Nations must move now to save WTO round - U.S. - A long-delayed global free trade deal can still be done but countries such as Japan, Brazil and China must show flexibility or risk being blamed for failure, the top U.S. negotiator said on Thursday October, 2. Read Full Article Here OECD to publish its first Economic Survey of India on 9 October 2007 - The OECD published its first Economic Survey of India – the world’s third largest economy after the US and China (1) - on Tuesday 9 October 2007. It argues that continuing market-orientated reforms is essential to ensuring strong economic growth and reducing poverty. The survey also looks at policies to improve areas such as infrastructure and education. Read Full Article Here Bahrain-US trade to hit $1.2bn - US Ambassador Joseph Ereli said the trade volume between Bahrain and the United States will exceed $1.2bn by year-end, reported the Bahrain Tribune. The size of commercial exchange between the two countries had increased by 1.9% or $660.9m during the last seven months of 2006 and would reach $721.1m during the same period in 2007. He said several US firms had expressed interest in investing in Bahrain in various sectors. Read Full Article Here |
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| TRADE MISSIONS AND SEMINARS | |
2007 Gubernatorial Trade Mission To South Korea and Japan MITC is coordinating a gubernatorial trade mission to South Korea and Japan from Oct. 27-Nov. 3 to offer Maine businesses the opportunity to establish contacts in Asia and expand trade to both country’s growing economies. MITC will provide one-on-one business appointments, in-country market research, visit preparation, market briefings and networking events as part of the trade mission. The New Europe – MITC Office - Portland, ME October 25, 2007 Join the Maine International Trade Center on October 25 as we welcome two regional experts, attorney John Gulliver and University of Maine Professor Ivan Manev, to discuss the recent growth, possible barriers and impediments to trade, and growing market potential in The New Europe. This program is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
The Virtual Matchmaker Program offers the busy executive a cost-effective way to explore an overseas market and meet international business prospects and market experts. Virtual Matchmakers are industry specific and allow companies the opportunity to get answers to their market questions in an interactive, two-hour video conference. FMI: http://www.export.gov/salesandmarketing/virtual_trade_mission.asp
WORLDWIDE FOOD EXPO 2007 - Chicago October 24 –27 This show is the largest and fastest-growing food manufacturing event in the Western Hemisphere. More than 100 hours of educational programs will be available to help companies learn how to cut costs, to develop new products, to increase production efficiency, and to add value to the bottom line. Registration is $150, but international visitors who are members of an official delegation sponsored by the U.S. embassy will receive a 50 percent discount. For more information, contact Edward Kimmel of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-3640; e-mail: edward.kimmel@mail.doc.gov Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission to Istanbul, Turkey; Amman, Jordan; and Cairo, Egypt October 24 to November 1, 2007 Led by the United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service, and Office of Global Trade Programs. Contact: Ms. Lisa C. Huot, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, room 2118, Washington, DC 20230 Tel: 202-482-2796; Fax: 202-482-0975 E-Mail: Lisa_Huot@ita.doc.gov
10TH AMERICAS FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW, MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER, MIAMI BEACH, FL. OCTOBER 29 – 31 The largest Americas-focused trade show in the world for the F&B industry. The Americas Food & Beverage features more than 300 exhibitors from 28 countries introducing 80 to 100 new-to-market products ready for import or distribution. For additional details on the 2007 Americas Food & Beverage Show, to exhibit or to register as an attendee, visit http://www.americasfoodandbeverageshow.com or contact Jelena Meisel, jmeisel@worldtrade.org; Phone +1.305.871.7910.
ON THE HORIZON: INDEX 2007- DUBAI, UAE NOVEMBER 1-5, 2007 Manufacturers of furniture and interior-related products should consider participating in this event because there is a huge demand for those products throughout the Middle East. In 2006, this show attracted 1,575 companies and 36,994 visitors. Manufacturers of products with U.S. content that represents 51 percent of the value of the finished goods can participate in the U.S. pavilion. For more information, contact Mary Lynn Landgraf of the Office of Textiles and Apparel, tel.: (202) 482-7909; e-mail: mary-lynn.landgraf@ita.doc.gov. Team Canada Atlantic - Boston, MA November 5-7 Don't miss this exceptional business and technology event! Led by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Canada's Minister of National Defense and Premiers Ghiz, Graham, MacDonald and Williams, a delegation of 65 business and technology organizations. The political leaders and the delegates want to increase exports, to foster cross-border investment and to nurture technology cooperation. Whatever is your interest or sector of activity, if you are seeking innovative products, leading edge technologies or skilled labor, Team Canada Atlantic is your best opportunity to expand your contacts. For more information on TCA, please contact Eddie Rutanga: eddie.rutanga@international.gc.ca or T: 617-262-3760 ext. 3352 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO SAUDI ARABIA NOVEMBER 1-7, 2007 The U.S.–Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) and the Eastern Trade Council (ETC) will lead a delegation of Northeast businesses on a Business Development Mission to Saudi Arabia. For further information, please contact Mona Helmy at (202) 879-4377 or via e-mail: mhelmy@us-sabc.org Juice: Powering the Creative Economy - Rockland, ME November 16 & 17 Creativity and innovation are the links between Maine’s vital industry clusters: from boatbuilding and composite research to visual art and new media, to music and finance. This is a statewide summit of creative economy leaders. FMI: www.juiceconference.org MEDICA - Dusseldorf, Germany November 14-17, 2007 In support of Maine companies interested in MEDICA 2006 - the world’s largest and most prestigious international medical trade fair – the Maine International Trade Center (MITC) will participate in a trade mission to MEDICA November 14 – 17, 2007 in Düsseldorf, Germany. BUSINESS MISSION TO MOROCCO JANUARY 28-31,2008 Morocco offers excellent growth opportunities for U.S. companies. In the next 3 years, major government led projects totaling over $10 billion will be funded. It has positioned itself as a platform to access Europe by implementing free trade agreements with both the EU and the US. Contact: Fatiha Coulombe, fcoulombe@bellshouth.net, (706) 882-0288 for more information. HOSPIMedica AUSTRALIA, PHARMACEUTICAL, MEDICAL & REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA MAY 13 – 15, 2008 For more information: Ryan Klemm, (312) 781-5180, www.hospimedica-australia.com . Finding Trade Shows- http://www.eventseye.com/ Events Eye provides an extensive list of upcoming trade shows throughout a broad range of industries and countries |
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| USEFUL WEBSITES: Essentials of Exporting and 2007 Gubernatorial Trade Mission | |
A Basic Guide to Exporting: http://www.unzco.com/basicguide/index.html
Customs Counselors System in Japan-Tokyo Headquarters: www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/index_e.htm
Japan Tariff Association: www.kanzei.or.jp/english/ |
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| JOB OPPORTUNITIES: | |
The Northern Maine Development Commission is currently seeking qualified applicants for a Director of the Office of Planning and Transportation to oversee the day to day operations of the Planning Office. The successful applicant will supervise the Office’s work program, including the development of new studies and programs in the areas of comprehensive planning, land use planning, solid waste, transportation, housing, public facilities, capital investments planning, recreation, historic preservation, natural resource and environmental management. The Director will also be responsible for the implementation of the North-South Highway Corridor Management Plan as identified in the Aroostook County Transportation Study Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Please send resume and three references to: Rudy Bradbury, Director of Operations, Northern Maine Development Commission, P.O. Box 779, Caribou, ME 04736, rbradbury@nmdc.org
The following announcement opened Monday, October 15th for the Director vacancy in the Middletown (Connecticut) USEAC: Jim Cox, Northeast Network Director |
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| USEFUL RESOURCES | |
TradeAgreements.gov
This website is a new interagency effort by the United States Government to provide the public with the latest information on America's trade agreements. A joint effort between the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, State, Treasury and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, this site will be regularly updated with news about existing agreements, as well as pending free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and South Korea. With the world transforming at a fast pace this website will allow members to find changing trade agreement information immediately, saving costly time. |
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As a reminder, MITC membership includes unlimited trade assistance. We look forward to answering your questions and providing you with market research and statistics. For more information, please contact Trade Assistance Manager Anne Hurst at hurst@mitc.com or 541-7418. |
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For more information about the Maine International Trade Center, please visit our website or contact us today. Website: www.mitc.com Bangor Office: 207-990-3161 Lewiston Office: 207-753-0574 Portland Office: 207-541-7400 |
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Maine International Trade Center 511 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101 |
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