MITC Trade Bulletin


MITC Trade Bulletin The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service - A Members Only Benefit Tuesday, December 9, 2003

Governor John Baldacci and the
Maine International Trade Center
are pleased to announce the

Are you getting your free Mainebiz? Mainebiz is offering MITC Members a complimentary 1-year subscription to their publication. Get to know Maine’s business news source. To take advantage of this offer, follow the link to this form: http://www.mitc.com/PDF/MainebizCompForm.pdf Fill out the information and return by fax or mail to Mainebiz: 30 Milk Street, 3rd Floor, Portland, Maine 04101 Fax: (207) 761-0732

TRADE ALERTS

Bioterrorism Act: New Requirements Effective Dec. 12, 2003 To help protect the U.S. food supply from acts of bioterrorism or intentional contamination, several key components of the regulations go into effect on December 12, 2003. These include four major provisions: facilities registration, prior notice, record keeping, and administrative detention. The owner, operator, or agent in charge of a facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for domestic consumption in the U.S. (for either human or animal use) must register with the U.S. government. This includes all food and animal feed, as well as dietary supplements, beverages, and food additives. FDA is accepting food facilities registration through the Internet, by surface mail (paper or CD-ROM), or by fax. For more information, contact Audrey Talley with the Food Safety and Technical Services Division at 202-720-9408 or audrey.talley@fas.usda.gov.

Beijing 2008 Olympics: US Business Opportunities, Thursday, December 11, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: UMass Boston's Provost's Conference Room, 8th Floor, Healey Library Building. Cost: $50 ($60 on site). RSVP required. Contact Shawn He, info@MeetChinaBiz.org Beijing will spend $46 BILLION on its 2008 Olympics. From its slogan "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics, People's Olympics", one may conclude that a > lot of those dollars will be spent on environmental, high tech, bio-med, healthcare and service industry contracts and purchases. If you are interested in learning first-hand about how the whole 'GAME' plan is being developed and what opportunities there might be for your business, you would not want to miss this event. For more information, visit: www.MeetChinaBiz.org

The Future of Biotechnology: The Borders and Beyond - December 16th 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at MITC, 511 Congress Street, Portland. MITC is pleased to co-host this program with the Biotechnology Association of Maine and the Maine College of Art. The program includes two panel sessions - Funding of R&D for Maine Biotech and Marketing Maine Biotech - as well as a luncheon and legislative reception, which follows the program from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. For more information and to register, contact the Biotechnology Association of Maine at (207) 623-3790 or visit their website: http://www.mainebiotech.org/press/default.asp?id=58

Arab-Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian Trade Event, January 1 - March 31, 2004 . This is an unique opportunity for American exporters of high-quality apparel. The U.S. Commercial Service in Jerusalem and Amman jointly announce a unique U.S. apparel export promotion event for the Jordanian, Palestinian, and Arab-Israeli markets. For more information: http://www.buyusa.gov/westbank/en/page47.html

Outreach 2004: The US Department of Commerce Endorsed Multinational Exhibition & Conference for a New Iraq, Jan. 11-13, 2004. Amman, Jordan. This will be an international exhibition and conference to address the rebuilding of Iraq. Targeted industries for OUTREACH 2004 include: construction, agriculture and food, IT and computers, healthcare, environmental systems, airports and port equipment, education and schools, oil and gas recovery, and power generation. See: www.kallman.com

German-American Trade and Investment Relations – Common Interests & Concerns - January 14, 2004, University of Maine at Orono. Presented by the World Affairs Council of Maine with featured speaker Consul General Rolf-Dieter Schnelle. For more information and to register, contact 207-780-4551 or http://www.wacmaine.org/upcoming.html

India Aviation Security Orientation Visit. January 17-29 2004. A delegation of officials from India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security will visit the United States to learn about U.S. airport security systems, technologies, services and current trends. The officials also will brief U.S. airport suppliers on their current and future security projects and challenges.A technology expo and business briefing will be held on January 26, 2004 in Washington, DC. Contact: Rebeca Gil: rgil@decisionanalysis.net

2004 International CES, Las Vegas, NV, Jan. 8-11, 2004. Attendees from more than 110 countries plus the United States, Canada and Mexico include manufacturers, retailers, content providers and creators, broadband developers, wireless carriers, cable and satellite TV providers, installers, engineers, corporate buyers, government leaders, financial analysts and the media from all around the world. For more information: www.cesweb.org

JETRO Techno Business Forum 2004, January 28-30, 2004, at the JETRO Akasaka Exhibition Hall & BSC Hall in Tokyo. The exhibition is designed to help non-Japanese IT and BIO firms explore opportunities for business partnerships with Japanese firms, including technical tie-ups, sales alliances Visit http://www.jetro.go.jp/maa/e/techno/index.html or contact Hiroki Matsumoto at Hiroki_Matsumoto@jetro.go.jp for further information.

PRODEXPO, February 9-13, 2004, Moscow, Russia (American Cafe). Prodexpo is the largest show and arguably, the most prestigious food show in Russia. Prodexpo is the 11^th International Exhibition in Moscow for the restaurant, foodservice, supermarket, and food processing sectors. Last year, this show drew more than 1900 exhibitors and about 60,000 visitors. Contact: Tobitha.Jones@usda.gov

ExpoComm Mexico 2004, February 10-13, 2004: The U.S. Embassy in

Mexico, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and E.J. Krause are pleased to announce the second USA Pavilion at EXPO COMM MEXICO 2004,

Mexico’s leading telecom, IT, wireless, networking, and Internet technologies exhibition and conference. Participation in the USA Pavilion is limited to

U.S.

companies or their representatives and subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Commerce. For information contact Beth Horton, E.J. Krause at 301-493-5500 x3312, or Horton@ejkrause.com

Christmasworld, January 31-February 4, 2004, Frankfurt, Germany. Christmasworld features Christmas, holiday, and party items, floral items, fireworks, and shop and display products. For more information visit, www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

Paperworld, January 31-February 4, 2004, Frankfurt, Germany. Paperworld is a trade fair specializing in paper, office supplies, writing instruments, school materials, stationery, computer accessories, and art and graphic supplies.

Hofex 2004 Hong Kong, February 10-13, 2004, Hong Kong. Attracting approximately 30,000 trade visitors from approximately 75 countries, Hofex 2004 is an excellent opportunity to meet with quality buyers and top decision makers from the Asian region, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. Contact: Khaliaka Meardry at (202) 720-3065 or by email to Khaliaka.Meardry@usda.gov

Canadian Food & Beverage Show - February 15-17, 2004, Toronto, Canada. Largest food service show held in Canada’s largest metropolitan area (with a population of 4-5 million) with 11,000 attendees, 700 exhibitors, and 9 foreign pavilions in 2002. This show attracts owners, managers, purchasing agents, chefs, dieticians, teachers and food service students. This show drew over 12,000 visitors in 2003, and the major buyers and brokers in the industry attended. The show media coordinator helps increase the exposure of the USA Pavilion, the U.S. exhibitors and their products. Contact: Teresina.Chin@usda.gov

Stadia China InfraSport 2004. Feb. 16-18, 2004. This is a trade show geared toward the development of all sports facilities and supporting municipal infrastructure necessary for the successful staging of the 2008 Olympic Games. For more information: http://www.stadiachina.com/english/enindex.htm

BIOFACH - February 19-22, 2004, Nuernberg, Germany. BioFach, held annually, is the world’s largest organic trade event. The FAS Trade Show Office is partnering with B-FOR International and FAS/Berlin in organizing a USA Pavilion. A 9 square meter walk-on booth package is being offered for $4,275 (larger, smaller, and corner booths available at variable rates). First-time exhibitors can purchase a Work Station (3 sqm) for only $1,650. For more information, please contact: Sharon.Cook@usda.gov

Ambiente, February 20-24, 2004, Frankfurt, Germany. Ambiente is a trade fair specializing in Tables and kitchenware, gifts, jewelry, and home furnishing. For more information visit, www.ambiente-frankfurt.de

Food and Hotel Korea 2004. March 3-5, 2004. South Korea s the third largest market for imported consumer food and beverages, with a value of almost $5 billion per annum. Total 2003 imports of agricultural and fishery products are forecast at $13.5 billion, a 5 percent increase from 2002. Attend Food and Hotel Korea and test market your products, meet thousands of trade-only visitors, obtain agent and distributor agreements, and make on-site sales! Contact Khaliaka Meardry at: Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov.

Beautyworld, March 5-8, 2004, Frankfurt, Germany. Beautyworld is a trade fair specializing in cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries, and salon and healthcare products. For more information visit, www.beautyworld.messefrankfurt.com

Lifetime, March 5-8, 2004, Frankfurt Germany. Lifetime is a trade fair for the professional spa and wellness industry. For more information visit, www.lifetime-messe.de

Passione, March 5-8 2004, Frankfurt, Germany. Passione is an international trade fair for personal accessories including bags, jewelry, watches, smoking and wine accessories, small leather goods, and lingerie. For more information visit, http://passione.messefrankfurt.com

ALIMENTARIA – March 8-12, 2004, Barcelona, Spain. Alimentaria, a biennial event, is the largest food and beverage exposition on the Iberian Peninsula. The FAS Trade Show Office is partnering with REED Exhibitions and FAS/Madrid in organizing a USA Pavilion. Since its inception in 1976, Alimentaria has been steadily growing. Some of the products that will be in high demand at Alimentaria 2004 include: processed fruits and vegetables, sauces, beer, bourbon, fruit juices, nonalcoholic beverages, seafood (lobster, hake, salmon, whiting, frozen seafood, squid, octopus), nuts, frozen vegetables, prunes, raisins, snack foods, low-calorie products, microwaveable foods, kosher foods and organic food products. Contact: Sharon.Cook@usda.gov

FOODEX JAPAN 2004: 29^th International Food and Beverage Exhibition Tokyo, Japan, March 9-12, 2004. Foodex is the largest food and beverage tradeshow in Asia with almost 100,000 industry visitors and over 2,500 international exhibitors. Japan is the largest overseas market of US food and agriculture exports. In 2003, 90 exhibitors participated in the USA Pavilion and over 100 exhibitors are expected in 2004. Contact; Kelly Wheatley at: kellyW@imexmgt.com

ANTAD - March 14-16, 2004, Guadalajara, Mexico. This is Mexico’s biggest and most prestigious food and supermarket show and has become an important venue for U.S. and Mexican businesses to take advantage of trade liberalization under NAFTA. If U.S. suppliers are interested in positioning their products into the rapidly growing and dynamic retail food and beverage market in Mexico, this is a must event. All key importers and distributors servicing the retail food and beverage sector of Mexico attend this event. Close to 800 exhibitors food and equipment trade show participated in the last event in 2003. Contact: Teresina.Chin@usda.gov

CeBIT Hannover, Germany, March 18-24, 2004. CeBIT is the largest and most influential international information and communication technology trade show with 700,000 industry professionals and 139,000 distributors from 100 countries will attend. For more information: http://www.cebit.de/homepage_e NOTE: Maine companies interested in information on shared booth space, contact Wade Merritt, MITC Bangor Office, 207-990-3161 or email: merritt@mitc.com.

CAFTA Marketplace, March 22-April 1, 2004. With CAFTA negotiations on track for completion by the end of this year, U.S. companies stand much to gain from open markets, expanded business opportunities, and stronger trade ties with Central America. The compact itinerary of CAFTA Marketplace is designed to maximize your time away from the office and will include a follow-on show in Panama. Contact: Nancy Hesser at 202-482-4663 or via email: Nancy.Hesser@mail.doc.gov

IFIA Japan 2004, May 26-28, 2004, Tokyo, Japan, Asia’s largest food ingredients and addictives event. Combining large collection of manufacturers, distributors with a showcase of the largest products and services for the industry. For more information contact Kathy Giannetti via email: giannetti@ejkrause.com

SIAL China - March 31-April 1, 2004, Shanghai, China. SIAL China 2004 is an excellent venue for US food exporters to tap into China’s market. China is the largest food market in the world with over 1.3 billion inhabitants, of which 350 million are urban consumers. The event will welcome around 35,000 professional visitors from all different areas of China. Contact: Khaliaka Meardry at (202) 720-3065 or by email to Khaliaka.Meardry@usda.gov

VINITALY – April 1-5, 2004, Verona, Italy. Vinitaly, held annually, is the world’s largest international wine and spirit show. The FAS Trade Show Office is partnering with Veronafiere and FAS/Rome for the first time in organizing a USA Pavilion. Vinitaly offers a great opportunity for the American wine industry to showcase their diverse and unique wines; to meet not only the Italian trade, but the large number of international visitors and trade members; to educate the European consumer and press about the characteristics of wine regions of America; to study the latest trends; to analyze and discuss the newest technologies; to enter the European market. Contact: Sharon.Cook@usda.gov

Giftionery Taipei - April 22-25, 2004, Taipei International Gift & Stationery Spring Show, Taipei, Taiwan. Seasonal gifts, souvenirs, ceramics, handicrafts, and more...For more information: www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw

2004 FMI Show - May 2-4, 2004. Chicago, IL. NEW at FMI 2004! Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is partnering with the U.S. Food Export Showcase (sponsored by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture), All Things Organic, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, and the Fancy Food Show. For information on exhibiting in the U.S. Food Export Showcase, please contact: Sharon.Cook@usda.gov

APAS - May 10-13, 2004, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Sao Paulo State Supermarket Association (APAS) show is an annual trade show dedicated to the retail sector. The show is considered the third largest supermarket trade event in the world. This show is well known for its business orientation and it is a respected showcase for food and beverage products, equipment and services to the retail sector. It is opened only to sector professionals. In 2003, ATO Sao Paulo promoted 174 U.S. products under the “U.S. Contemporary Food” concept with 25 new-to-market U.S. companies who reported projected sales of $124,000. Contact: Teresina.Chin@usda.gov

EXPHOTEL - June 9-11, 2004, Cancun, Mexico. This is the most complete and important trade event for food and beverage products in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean. If U.S. suppliers are interested in positioning their products into the most important and rapidly growing hotel, restaurant and tourist venue in all of Mexico, they must attend this event. All key importers and distributors servicing this important destination attend this show. At last year’s show, over 4,800 key contacts from the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, industrial cafeterias, bars, and discos, visited the show. There were over 28 companies who exhibited in the USA Pavilion. Contact: Teresina.Chin@usda.gov

Food Taipei - June 17-20, 2004, Taipei International Food Show, Taipei, Taiwan. Beverages, condiments, frozen foods, and more...For more information: www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw

Commercial Vehicle and Bus Trade Fair, Sept. 9-2, 2004, Moscow, Russia. Due to little competition from Russian truck manufacturers, growing freight volumes and an annual replacement demand for heavy trucks and trailers, conditions are favorable for new market entrants. Contact: Ken Cardelle at Kcardelle@iegexpo.com or see www.iegexpo.com

All Asia Food Expo, New York City, October 2004. All Asia Food Expo is a trade event featuring Asian food and beverage products organized by Diversified Business Communications, which is based in Portland, Maine. For more information, visit: www.divbusiness.com or contact Julie Bernier at jbernier@divcom.com

State of Maine Economic Mission to Quebec City, February 11-13, 2004. Building on Maine’s longstanding legislative participation at Winter Carnival,
the Maine International Trade Center is organizing an economic mission to Québec. Québec is a beautiful and thriving city with a diverse economy. From advanced industries like biotechnology and IT to traditional strengths such as construction materials and consumer goods, Québec has a market or partner for your firm. For more information, contact Wade Merritt in the MITC Bangor office 990-3161 or merritt@mitc.com . Or get more details and a registration form on our website: http://www.mitc.com/Features/QuebecTradeMissionHighlights.html

FAS Mission to Central America, March 7-12, 2004, El Salvador and Panama. Here’s your opportunity to visit two countries and meet buyers from six! Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama constitute a combined market of 30 million consumers who imported $339 million in consumer-oriented agricultural products from the US in 2002. Eligible expenses are reimbursable through the MAP branded program, administered by commodity organizations and state regional trade groups. Contact: Shani Zebooker at (202) 720-2075 or email to Shani.Zebooker@fas.usda.gov

Greek Trade Mission - Details Coming Soon! The trade mission will focus on high-value foods and wines for the foodservice and retail sectors. Catering contracts have recently been announced for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. During 2004, visitors to Greece will more than double to 25 million visitors. Greece is an import-dependent country, so these caterers will be looking for sources of supply to meet their requirements. This mission will be taking place in early 2004 – details will be coming soon to our website – www.fas.usda.gov. Eligible expenses are reimbursable through the MAP branded program, administered by commodity organizations and State regional trade groups. Contact: Shani Zebooker at (202) 720-2075 or email to Shani.Zebooker@fas.usda.gov

Market Research Mission for US Exporters to China - April 19-23,2004 US-China Build is planning a fact-finding mission to China for US building product manufacturers and exporters. The fee to participate in theis program will be $650 for EBPA members, $750 for non-members. Contact: Rose Braden at rbraden@uschinabuild.org

FAS Mission to Malaysia - April 24-27, 2004, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. FAS is sponsoring a Trade Mission to Malaysia, directly after Food & Hotel Asia 2004 in Singapore, to provide a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the Malaysian markets for U.S. food products in a concise informative program. Participants will tour local wet markets and supermarkets, as well as have one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers. Eligible expenses are reimbursable through the MAP branded program, administered by commodity organizations and State regional trade groups. Contact: Shani Zebooker at (202) 720-2075 or email to Shani.Zebooker@fas.usda.gov

FAS Mission to Thailand - April 24-28, 2004, Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand. This mission is focused on the retail and food service sectors and is directly after Food & Hotel Asia. Thailand has a booming tourist industry with nearly eleven million international visitors in 2002, driving up demand for imported food, beverage, and spirits. In 2002, consumer-oriented agricultural product imports from the U.S. were $80 million, a 22% increase over 2001’s imports of $65 million. The mission is limited to 10 participants. Eligible expenses are reimbursable through the MAP branded program, administered by commodity organizations and State regional trade groups. Contact: Shani Zebooker at (202) 720-2075 or email to Shani.Zebooker@fas.usda.gov

Commerce Department Encourages Removal of Standards Related Trade Barriers
On November 5,2003 Commerce Deputy Secretary Sam Bodman awarded $399,853 to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) Forum to help fund its Hemispheric Digital Television (DTV) Initiative. The awarded funds are expected to help generate nearly $7.8 billion in exports to Latin America and create close to 156,000 jobs for the American people by 2014. See: http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/2003_Releases/November/03_bodman_ATSCForum_release.htm

U.S. Has No Plans to Lift Cuba Embargo, Says Commerce Official
According to a Tuscaloosa News article, Commerce Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance William Lash III stated on November 6 that, despite a loosening of the trade embargo the U.S. has maintained against Cuba since 1961, the embargo will not be lifted until Cuban leader Fidel Castro allows free elections in the island country. Lash said that the U.S. currently allows cash sales of agricultural and medical supplies to Cuba because they are deemed items that will benefit Cuban citizens. Any further lifting of the embargo to allow other goods would only serve to enrich Castro, he said. Lash said the Bush administration has been pushing to open up trade opportunities with South Africa, Bahrain and Central America, among other areas, to ensure that their tariffs remain low and their economies open to exports from the U.S. See: http://www.mac.doc.gov/PressMain/Nov2003/AlabamaNovember6.htm

Commerce Secretary Evans Hails Boeing, G.E. Aircraft Engines Contract Signings with China. On November 12, Commerce Secretary Don Evans hailed Boeing’s and G.E. Aircraft Engines’ signings of contracts with China, commenting “Without a doubt, these sales are strong proof that free trade benefits both America and China.” The Secretary stated, “These contracts reflect [President Bush’s] policy of engaging other nations openly and candidly on trade, especially China,” and added, “These latest commercial sales are a sign that China wants to build a better trade relationship with the United States.” Secretary Evans said, “The March to free and fair trade is a long march. And we must not rest until it is complete. These sales today are small steps in that direction. But clearly they are steps in the right direction.” See article at: http://www.tcc.mac.doc.gov/cgi-bin/doit.cgi?204:52:602361918:939

DICTIONARY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE TERMS

Every industry has its unique terms, and international trade is no different. Words like "bailment", "mala fides", and "tender" have their own special meanings in the business of trade, and if you want to learn them, go to the Dictionary of International Trade Terms. This dictionary, part of the International Trade Data System of the U.S. Customs Service, has hundreds of definitions of trade terms, written in layman's language. You'll get an education in international trade just by browsing the entries at this site. You'll also find downloadable harmonized tariff schedules here, as well as dozens of other useful links for trade (under Importing/Exporting Resources).

http://www.itds.treas.gov/glossaryfrm.html

NOTE: This information is from the newsletter Really Useful Sites for International Trade Professionals, a free, bi-weekly email publication of FITA - The Federation of International Trade Associations. Please feel free to subscribe to this newsletter: http://fita.org/useful

MITC Trade Bulletin is published biweekly by the Maine International Trade Center as a members only benefit. For information about MITC membership, please contact us.

Portland: Phone (207) 541-7400, Facsimile (207) 541-7420
Bangor: Phone (207) 990-3161 Facsimile (207) 942-3548
Lewiston: Phone (207) 753-0574 Facsimile (207) 786-4412
Website: www.mitc.com/News-Trade_Bulletin.html