MITC Trade Bulletin


MITC Trade Bulletin The Maine International Trade Center's Biweekly Electronic News Service. A Members Only Benefit . Monday June 16, 2003

MITC PROGRAMS

Accessing Government Tenders: June 25, 2003 at the Target Technology Center in Orono; 12:00-4:00 pm. Learn the marketing and research techniques needed to win government contracts. Rick Alexander of the Market Development Center and Lucy Latka of the U.S. Embassy Ottawa will present overviews of the U.S. and Canadian procurement markets, including best sectors, best practices, and subcontracting tips for successfully marketing to federal and state governments. They will also provide an introduction to the Softshare System and the MERX--the U.S. and Canada's internet-based national electronic tendering services. Cost is $30.00 for members and $60.00 for non-members of the Maine International Trade Center and is free to all Maine State Legislators. To register contact Dana Eidsness at (207) 541-7474 or eidsness@mitc.com.

Irish Trade Mission Reception featuring Senator George Mitchell: On July 7^th, Senator George Mitchell will be joining the Maine International Trade Center at the Mariott, Sable Oaks-South Portland from 4:30-7:00 pm for a kickoff reception of the upcoming Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Ireland/Northern Ireland. An overview of current events and Irish business opportunities will be discussed. Admission is free to all MITC Members and is $15 for non-members. All with interest in this upcoming Mission are welcome to attend. Contact Dana Eidsness at 541-7474 or eidsness @mitc.com.

Governor Baldacci's First Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Ireland and Northern Ireland: In October, 2003 Governor Baldacci and the Maine International Trade Center will be taking business leaders to meet key companies in the growing markets of

Northern Ireland

and the Republic of Ireland . Currently Maine exports over US$81 million of products to the Republic of Ireland and the

United Kingdom

. Opportunities for trade in this region are wide ranging, with best prospects in Information Technology and Electronics; Medical Equipment and Biotechnology; Construction Services and Transport Equipment; Seafood and Consumer Goods; and Telecommunications Equipment and Motor Vehicle Parts. The Maine International Trade Center will be organizing customized one-on-one business appointments through USDOC Gold Key Services as well as local trade organizations. Cities to be visited include Derry, Coleraine, Belfast, Dublin and Shannon. For more information on the October Gubernatorial Mission, please contact: Janine Bisaillon-Cary (207) 541-7412 or email jbcary@mitc.com.

NEW MITC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MITC Members Receive 1-Year Subscription to Mainebiz! Mainebiz is offering Members of the Maine International Trade Center 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

Futurallia Trade Leads: Several companies approached MITC at Futurallia 2003 seeking partners in Maine . Three are listed below. For contact information for these companies, please contact Wade Merritt at MITC-Bangor, Tel: 990-3161 or merritt@mitc.com. The companies are as follows: Hawkley International, Ltd, a British manufacturer of portable vehicle weighing equipment. ExactSoft, Inc., a Quebec-based software developer offering a range of time tracking, human resource, and other employee management software solutions. Giannone Poultry Inc., a Quebec-based producer of air-chilled chicken.

CDC Lifts Travel Advisory on Hong Kong . The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the

United States

has just lifted its travel advisory on Hong Kong . The announcement is a further indication that Hong Kong is safe and life is returning to normal. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Tung Chee Hwa, welcomes CDC's decision. See: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars.

China

Extends Deadline to Convert CCIB and CCEE Certificates to August 1, 2003
China's Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) has announced that the deadline for mandatory conversion of CCIB and CCEE Certificates to the new CCC Certificate will be extended to August 1, 2003 . For more information on Chinese regulatory compliance measures, contact SIMCOM at 770-730-9980 or via email at chinaservices@esimcom.com.

IRAQ: Iraq

Reconstruction Task Force Launches Web Site : On April 25, the Iraq Reconstruction Task Force officially launched its web site, www.export.gov/iraq. This site offers information about procurement opportunities, contract awards, and government agency information for Iraq.

Olympic Games-related trade leads available: Beijing 2008 Olympics Hot Sheet: The U.S. Department of Commerce in Beijing publishes an electronic newsletter highlighting business opportunities relating to the 2008 Olympic Games as news becomes available. U.S.-based companies interested in this mailing list should send an email with full contact information and business scope to Beijing.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov

Trade Events

Certification Resources for Agribusiness Exports to Russia . BISNIS Sponsored Teleconference, Tuesday June 17, 2003 , 2:00pm . If you have any questions, please call Joan Morgan at 202-482-2709. Additional information on Agribusiness and Certification is available via BISNIS Online at www.bisnis.doc.gov.

China Business Roundtable, Wednesday, June 25, 2003: iNetwork128 presents its Monthly China Business Roundtable, with discussions centered around the usual challenges a small business will encounter when dealing with China, at the boardroom of Burns & Levinson, 8th Floor,125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110-1624, from 4 to 7pm. Cost is $20 with advance RSVP and payment, $30 at the door. Free for iNetwork128 Associate and Enterprise members. See: www.iNetwork128.org or www.MeetChinaBiz.org for more information, or email info@MeetChinaBiz.org.

Mexico Hydropower Rehabilitation and Modernization incoming delegation, July 2003: Mexican officials from the hydroelectric power sector will meet with

U.S.

engineering companies, operators and investors involved in the hydropower industry, as well as manufacturers and suppliers of equipment related to this sector. The delegates will examine

U.S.

capabilities in the rehabilitation and modernization of hydroelectric systems. A business briefing will be held at USTDA Business Center in Arlington , Virginia . For more information contact Olympia Brescia, obrescia@gmc-ideas.com.

Vietnam Medical and Equipment incoming delegation, August 9-21, 2003 : Vietnamese healthcare officials will visit the

United States

to examine

U.S.

medical equipment. A business briefing will be held in San Diego . For more information call David Elliott (202) 429-5245, or email mak@kealtd.com.

IRAQ: Reconstruction of Iraq: Bringing the Global Community Together, June 17, 2003 --The conflict in Iraq has created an urgent need to rebuild infrastructure and restore essential services within the country. Returning Iraq to the world economy will be a priority for post-war

Iraq

reconstruction. By some estimates, the cost could reach $100 billion. GlobeTrade Network, in partnership with National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Embassy of the

Philippines, Deloitte & Touche, Patton Boggs, Halliburton/KBR and other private and public sector organizations, is holding this event at the Embassy of the

Philippines

in Washington DC on June 17 from 5:00 PM to 9 PM. For more information, see http://www.globetradenetwork.com/events.cfm#anchor_15.

Request for US Host Companies for Dept. of Commerce's Inter-American E-Business Program, a training program for Latin American and Caribbean information technology managers. The program assists economic restructuring in Latin America and the Caribbean by introducing business executives from those regions to

U.S. methods of innovation and management, and by creating a cadre of influential executives who are predisposed to doing business with the

United States. Contact Sarah Cook, tel: (202) 482-0621, or ebusiness_fellowship@ita.doc.gov

Systems Trade Show, October 20-24, 2003 , Munich , Germany . This IT trade show is an outstanding opportunity for international exhibitors to present themselves in first-rate European surroundings and make contacts at the highest possible business and/or decision-making level. For information on how the Department of Commerce can help

U.S.

firms participate, in SYSTEMS please contact Doris Groot, Commercial Specialist, Munich , E-mail: doris.groot@mail.doc.gov

Natural Products Expo Asia 2003 – Asia is the world's fastest natural products market…and it's already worth US$50 Billion. At the heart of this market is Natural Products Expo Asia- the region's sourcing trade show for finished goods and raw material supplies. Trade show takes place June 18,2003-June 20, 2003 in Hong Kong . For more information contact William Corfitzen at (202) 482-0584 or visit http://www.naturalproductsasia.com/naturalproductsasia/eng_main.html

Expo Medica Hospital 2003, Mexico City:

U.S.

Department of Commerce industry specialists will register interested parties and take leads for your products. Contact information on all leads will be forwarded to you at the conclusion of Expo Medica Hospital. The trade show will take place in Mexico City, Mexico from June 18, 2003-June 20, 2003. For more information contact Elizabeth Ausberry 202/482-4908 or visit http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/mdequip/medicalfy03/Expomedi.htm

CommunicAsia, June 17-20, 2003 in Singapore is the largest IT and telecom showcase in Asia , with over 37,322 visitors and 1,442 exhibitors from 89 countries last year, with five pavilions dedicated to the industry's most talked-about technologies: Bluetooth, optical networking, security solutions, wireless Internet, and smart cards. See: www.buyusa.gov/socal/communic.html or contact Mari Felton-Beal, E-mail: Mari.Felton@mail.doc.gov

2003 US Display Garden Showcase of US Nursery products and Trade Mission in

Japan

, sponsored by SUSTA and Food Export

USA . September 5 – 12, 2003 . For more information contact: Jane Storrs Tel: (410)-841-5770,storrsjm@mda.state.md.us

bioLOGIC USA 2003 The Radisson Hotel, Boston October 15-16 See:http://www.pharma-rd.net/2003/biol_US

Biotechnica Hannover, Oct 7-Oct 9, 2003 , Hannover,

Germany

. Biotechnica has been the most important trade show in Europe for biotechnology since 1985. In 2001 the event drew 1,071 exhibitors from 28 countries and 13,167 professional visitors from 33 countries. Biotechnica Hannover features: medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, nutrition, the environment, bioengineering, equipment and services. See: http://www.biotechnica.de

International Biotech 2003, November 25th & 26th 2003. London UK .
Exhibition - Networking – Education - International Biotech 2003 covers all aspects of the biotechnology industry through a large exhibition, product demonstrations and interactive educational discussion areas covering the latest issues in the market. It is a one-stop shop for the biotechnology community and a perfect forum for trade, partnership and information exchange. International Biotech was an immediate success in its launch year (2002) attracting over 1700 key buyers and decision makers from the biotechnology arena and featuring over 150 exhibitors. Entrance to the exhibition and features is free of charge for all visitors. See: http://www.internationalbiotech.com

Comdex Brazil, August 19 to 22, 2003 in Sao Paulo, Brazil is the largest IT event in Latin America For more information, contact Bernhard Smid, U.S. Department of Commerce/Brazil, at Bernhard.Smid@mail.doc.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 or see http://www.export.gov/infotech

tRADE missions

Governor Baldacci’s First Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Ireland and Northern Ireland: In October, 2003 Governor Baldacci and the Maine International Trade Center will be taking business leaders to meet key companies in the growing markets of

Northern Ireland

and the Republic of Ireland. Currently Maine exports over US$81 million of products to the Republic of Ireland and the

United Kingdom. Opportunities for trade in this region are wide ranging, with best prospects in Information Technology and Electronics; Medical Equipment and Biotechnology; Construction Services and Transport Equipment; Seafood and Consumer Goods; and Telecommunications Equipment and Motor Vehicle Parts.

The Maine International Trade Center will be organizing customized one-on-one business appointments through USDOC Gold Key Services as well as local trade organizations. Cities to be visited include Derry , Coleraine, Belfast, Dublin and Shannon. For more information on the October Gubernatorial Mission, please contact: Janine Bisaillon-Cary (207) 541-7412 or email jbcary@mitc.com.

Business Development Mission, Romania and Bulgaria: July 14-19, 2003, Led by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Samuel Bodman. Applications available on or about April 8, 2003. Cost: $2,000-$4,000. Applications should be submitted by May 9, 2003. Contact: Raj Dheer, Tel: (202) 482-0111 or e-mail: bobby.jones@mail.doc.gov

Manufacturing Trade Mission to Mexico- Multisectoral, June 22-28, 2003. Mexico City, Monterey, Guadalajara, Contact: Yvonne Jackson Tel: 202 482-2675, International Trade Specialist or e-mail: bobby.jones@mail.doc.gov or visit http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/mfg_mexico_0603.html

Food Processing and Packaging Trade Mission to Southeast Asia : August 11-19, 2003 The trade mission will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Thailand, and Manila, Philippines. The Commercial Service will provide an extensive market briefing, schedule one-on-one appointments with potential business partners for each participant, and arrange a reception to introduce the participants to key business and government officials in the food processing sector. For more information contact Monica McFarlane at (202) 482-3364 or See: http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/food_vietnam_thailand_philippines_0803.html

Press Releases

Annual U.S.-Japan Regulatory Reform Report Released For more information, see http://www.ustr.gov/regions/japan/reform.shtml.

PIERS Introduces Global Market Intelligence on South Korea . See: www.piers.com
Call 973-848-7072, or email abenvenuto@piers.com to order 3 months of South Korean historical import-export data.

2003 Report on Implementation of African Growth and Opportunity Act
The USTR has submitted to Congress the 2003 Comprehensive Report of the President on U.S. Trade and Investment Policy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa and Implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Many important milestones were achieved during the past year in the expansion of AGOA and the strengthening of the U.S. ’s trade and economic relationship with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa .
See:http://www.tcc.mac.doc.gov/cgi-bin/doit.cgi?204:52:327304635:711

Portland , Maine - Commissioner Dawn Gallagher of the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection will be the guest speaker at a special Forum and networking event on Tuesday, June 17th hosted by the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2 Tech Council). The program will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Eastland Hotel in Portland . Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be available. The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended by sending a confirming email to John.Ferland@ceemaine.org.

New York ( May 30, 2003 ) – Hong Kong 's economy showed strong growth momentum at the beginning of 2003, after the distinct pick-up in the latter part of 2002. Web: http://www.hongkong.org.

The International Monetary Fund says the fiscal relief and support package launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) to counter the adverse impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak is a timely and appropriate response. For more information http://www.info.gov.hk/fstb/fsb/report/eimf.htm or the IMF's Web site http://www.imf.org.

Iraq reconstruction resources are available. U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Donald Evans has made Iraq Reconstruction a priority for the Department. A new website www.export.gov/Iraq will be updated daily. A database has been set up for receiving e-mail inquiries: IraqInfo@mail.doc.gov. A hot line has been established 1-866-352-IRAQ (4727)

Singapore & Chile Free Trade Agreements: President Bush and Prime Minister Goh signed the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. It now goes to congress for ratification. The USTR expects a positive vote in late summer or early fall from congress on this agreement. The Chilean FTA is also scheduled to be completed this summer with passage later this year. The