MITC Trade Bulletin  
                   The Maine International Trade Center's Biweekly Electronic News Service. A Members Only Benefit .   
                    
Wednesday April 2, 2003                                                                                  
                                                       


Richard Coyle, President
Janine Bisaillon-Cary, Vice President


MITC PROGRAMS

The Essentials of Export Compliance


NEW MITC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS



MITC Members Receive 1-Year Subscription to Mainebiz!


MITC MINI-MISSIONS

Maine Seafood Mission 
to Europe


Futurallia 2003


Proud Sponsor of MITC Trade Bulletin


TRADE ALERTS

Hong Kong Flight Cancellations Due to War & SARS
 
 
Machine Tool & Tool 
Market in China

Japan: New Requirements
Package Recycling Labeling



China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark
 

Attention all Exporters 
Using Wood Pallets



MITC/MMA to Launch
State of Maine Floating
Trade Show


TRADE EVENTS



Economic Growth Through Canadian Partnership

Holz Innovativ - Wood 2003



Rethinking Free Market Solutions

China Environment Protection Exhibition & Conference  

Afghanistan Reconstruction 
Conference


Inter-American E-Business
Fellowship Program:



TRADE SHOWS

Young Entrepreneurs 
International Conference 


Agritech 2003 


Go Global: 2003 China - U.S. 
Economic and Trade 
Conference




IT Works! 2003

E-Commerce Fair

Kenya the Gateway to Africa


HOFEX 2003

Catalog Show/Product 
Literature Exhibition


International 2003 
Construction Trade Show

CommAsia 2003

Construction Trade show 

CeBIT

Intl  Communications
Technology Expo & Seminar



Maine Tech 2003

Egypt and Morocco Business
Development Mission

Pacific Telecommunications 
Council

CommunicAsia

Technology 2003

Security Israel 2003 

Buildex 2003 


TRADE MISSIONS


Information and 
Communication Technologies 
Business Development Mission

H20 Tech Trade Mission

China Business Exploration 
Mission

Business development 
mission



PRESS RELEASES

BIAC Endorses Tariff Elimination in Doha Development Agenda

Task Force to Assist with EU Compliance Issues




UPS Announces "Exchange Collect" to Help Accelerate Payments

Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Triumphs and Challenges

USTR seeks Panel to Examine Canadian Wheat Trading Practices

USITC Investigates Possible Modifications to US Generalized System of Preferences

Rwanda Eligibility of Textile and Apparel Exports for AGOA Benefits

Mexico: Proposed Conformity Assessment Policies and Procedures for Labeling

Environmental/Energy technology organizations Join Forces

Penobscot School Language Immersion Courses

China's CCC Mark: A Guide for U.S. Exporters

World Affairs Council of Maine
Events Schedule

Afghanistan Reconstruction 
Conference


USEFUL WEBSITES

MITC PROGRAMS

The Essentials of Export Compliance April 17, 2003, presented by the Maine International Trade Center.  This seminar will review the criteria for an export license and the 10 general prohibitions. Learn how to determine the correct ECCN number for your product! This seminar, the seventh in the Citizens Bank International Trade Education Series, will be held on April 17, 2003 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Maine International Trade Center on 511 Congress Street.  Cost is $45.00 for members and $70.00 for non-members of the Maine International Trade Center and free to all Maine state legislators.  For more information contact Catherine G. Macri at macri@mitc.com  or (207) 541-7455 or see our website at www.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


MITC Mini-missions

Maine Seafood Mission to Europe.  The week of May 5-9, MITC will bring four companies to the European Seafood Show “ESE” in Brussels.  With over 900 companies from 100 different countries, the ESE is the foremost seafood show in Europe. The mission includes matchmaking meetings, exhibit space at a Maine booth and a special seafood buyer’s dinner. Participating companies represent some of Maine’s most important seafood products including lobster, scallops, monkfish, squid and groundfish. This mission is sure to produce results for Maine’s growing seafood export industry. Contact Janine Bisaillon-Cary at jbcary@mitc.com

Futurallia 2003, May 21-23, 2003 in Quebec City. The Maine International Trade Center is recruiting for Futurallia 2003, one of the world’s preeminent matchmaking events for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 800 companies from around the world are expected to attend the 2003 event in Quebec.  Targeted industry sectors include most types of manufacturing, wood processing and building materials, environmental and information technologies; food and agriculture; and healthcare.  This is an excellent opportunity for Maine firms to develop export markets and to learn about the international marketplace. See the Futurallia website (www.futurallia-online.com).  Cost is $500 for MITC members, which includes 12 business matches, hotel accommodations, meals, on-site translation services, and access to the Futurallia website.  MITC nonmembers pay US$600. For more information or to register, contact Wade Merritt at the Bangor office at (207) 990-3161, or by e-mail at merritt@mitc.com.  See News article: http://www.bangornews.com/editorialnews/article.cfm?ID=235944  

Trade Alerts

Hong Kong Flight Cancellations Due to War & SARS Some commercial airlines have announced flight cancellations to Hong Kong and other interasia destinations due to an outbreak of the severe pneumonia virus "SARS" in Hong Kong, and weak support of passenger load as a result of the War in Iraq. Details of flight cancellation are as follows: 
Cathay Pacific   Numerous flights to Asia ports reduced APR 1 -  MAY 31.
Air Canada   19 flights to YVR in APR and 17 flights to YVR in MAY
Japan Airlines   daily JL734 HKG/NRT from 01/APR through 26/APR 
Singapore Airlines All services to Las Vegas and Chicago suspended April 7- May 31 2003.
San Francisco reduced flights reduced to 10 per week, Los Angeles flights reduced to 12 per week, New York reduced to nine per week. Many Services to North Asia have all also been reduced. For more information contact your airline or
See: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2003/04/01/200434

Machine Tool & Tool Market in China -Requirements of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Functional Module to Increase Sharply.  Requirements of auto, space-flight, aviation, shipbuilding, mould manufacturing, IT products and environmental protection industries will be the main driving force.  Estimates show that the consumption of machine tools in China will increase to $6 billion this year, with imports accounting for $3.5 billion.  The functional parts of CNC machine tools affect the market competition in China.  High quality electric spindles; high-speed ball screws; CNC tool posts; pick-up arms of tool magazines and guide covers for high speed machines; tools and measuring equipment possess great market potential in China.  (Source: China Machine Tool News, 03/05/2003 - Translated by Zhao Peining)  

Japan: New Requirements for Package Recycling Labeling The Government of Japan will begin full implementation of its new Package Recycling Law on April 1, 2003. The law will require manufacturers to pay all costs associated with collecting, sorting, transporting and recycling paper and plastic packaging. Under the new law, paper and plastic packaging and containers will need to be labeled for appropriate recycling. Importers will bear primary responsibility for labeling imported products, but U.S. manufacturers and exporters may be asked to help with the required labeling. 
See:
 http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200303/145885024.pdf

China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark The government of China has introduced a new safety license system requiring manufacturers in 132 product categories to obtain the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark before exporting to or selling in the China market. The new system, fully effective on May 1, 2003, will impact U.S. exporters, across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. Products not meeting CCC requirements may be held at the border by Chinese Customs and will be subject to other penalties. The process can take up to six months to get certified, and cost between $5,000-$15,000. For more information, see:
Exporter’s Guide to the CCC: http://www.mac.doc.gov/China/Docs/BusinessGuides/cccguide.htm 
List of products requiring the CCC Mark: http://www.cqc.com.cn/ccc/catalogureeng.pdf 
USDOC PowerPoint on CCC Mark: http://www.mitc.com/PDF/ChinasCCCMARK.pdf 
For more information, contact Timothy Wineland, Office of the Chinese Economic Area, USDOC.
E-Mail: Timothy_Wineland@ita.doc.gov

Attention all Exporters Using Wood Pallets: The European Commission Decision 2001/219/EC on temporary emergency measures for wood packing of non-manufactured coniferous wood originating in Canada, China, Japan and the US is being amended to include hardwoods.  This is being done in concert with the U.S. through via the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS, unit on plant protection and quarantine).  The final decision may come in June/July.  This new Regulation will be based on an international standard being developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  For more information contact David Lamb, export program manager in the export services office, at APHIS, USDA.  Tel: 301-734-3818. E-mail: david.b.lamb@aphis.usda.gov.

MITC to Launch State of Maine FloatingTrade Show with Maine Maritime Academy, June 2003: This program is designed to showcase food and consumer goods from Maine on the tsv State of Maine’s voyage to Nova Scotia, Turkey and Belgium.  MITC will be coordinating receptions in ports and inviting potential buyers to tour Maine Maritime’s ship and the “Made in Maine” products.  This will be a rare opportunity for Maine’s small and medium sized businesses to get worldwide exposure at minimal cost.  Contact Janine Bisaillon-Cary at jbcary@mitc.com.
 

Trade Events


Economic Growth Through Canadian Partnership to be held Friday April 11, 2003 ~ 6:45 am, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland. Governor John Baldacci, will discuss the key component of his economic plan for the State of Maine which involves the creation of an International Trade and Development Zone to take advantage of the business opportunities between Maine, the Maritime Provinces and Quebec at the Governor’s International Community Breakfast. The idea of a Northeast Atlantic Region (NEAR) is a trade and development zone that will promote joint efforts in trade, transportation and tourism. Joining Governor Baldacci will be Richard Coyle, President of the Maine International Trade Center, who will update the audience on “The State of International Trade” – where Maine is trading, the direction of international trade, and upcoming trade events and opportunities Tel: 207-780-5383, Fax: 207-780-5779, Mail: World Affairs Council of Maine, P0 Box 9300, Portland ME 04104-9300. E-mail: triffin@wacmaine.org 

Holz Innovativ - Wood 2003 to be held from April 9th to the 10th in Rosenheim, Bavaria. It will include a symposium with an exhibition concentrating on the timber/furniture industry plus one-on-one-cooperation meetings on April 8, and excursions on April 10.  A preliminary program is listed at www.bayern-innovativ.de/projekte/detail/874_0 Contact: Kristina L. Welch,        E-mail: kwelch@bavaria.org or see: www.bavaria.org  

Rethinking Free Market Solutions "Dealing with Financial Scandals, Maintaining Forward Momentum for Free Trade, and Addressing Backlashes against Globalization," by Robert F. Wescott, Ph.D. Senior advisor on international economic policy in the Clinton administration, and former member, Council of Economic Advisers. Tuesday, April 15, 12:30 p.m. at The Soderberg Lecture Hall, University of Maine, Orono, Maine. Presented by:  The University of Maine Department of Economics, Maine Business School, Canadian American Center With support from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences And the Distinguished Lecture Series

IFCE - China's International Environment Protection Exhibition & Conference (IFCE) June 5-14 Beijing. IFCE addresses solutions to environmental problems throughout China by matching the business expertise of US firms with project developers in China.  US firms will travel with Dr. Ping He of IFCE and John McGill of Environmental Export Council.  Package includes: accommodations, ground transportation, targeted meetings, optional exhibit booth. Contact: Dr. Ping He, e-mail: phe@ifce.org or John McGill, e-mail: mcgillj@crc.com

Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference to be held from June 8th to the 10th in   Chicago, Illinois sponsored by USTDA and the U.S. Department of Commerce.  It will present and discuss the rebuilding of major infrastructure in Afghanistan, in the following sectors: power and energy; water and sanitation; transport; buildings; gas and oil pipelines; construction; health care; and tourism.  Contact: Dan Lamey/Kevin Craemer, E-mail: star@mfmgroup.com or see:       www.trademeetings.com  

Inter-American E-Business Fellowship Program: Request for US Host Companies. The program is a training program for Latin American and Caribbean information technology managers.  It assists economic restructuring in Latin America and the Caribbean by introducing business executives to US methods of innovation and management. Contact Sarah Cook, tel: (202) 482-0621, e-mail: ebusiness_fellowship@ita.doc.gov

Trade Shows

Young Entrepreneurs International Conference April 8-10, Brunei. Objectives are to: 1.) Provide a forum for discussing the issues that affect young entrepreneurs and proposed recommendations to address these issues; 2.) Promote products and services of young entrepreneurs; 3.) Provide mechanisms for business and investment linkages for young entrepreneurs; 4.) Strengthen business networking among young entrepreneurs. Contact: Nanette Ramos, e-mail: conference2003@yeicbrunei.com or see: www.yeicbrunei.com

Agritech 2003 April 15-18 Tel Aviv. Israel's largest exhibition of agricultural equipment and know-how, with more than 250 exhibitors, will cover a wide range of industry sub-sectors, including water & irrigation, greenhouses, floriculture, plant protection, poultry, biotechnology, livestock, dairy equipment and breeding, organic agriculture, plant propagation & nurseries, post-harvest treatment, seeds, sheep & goats, turnkey projects, and veterinary products. Participation fee for the show is $350. Details and Registration.

Go Global: 2003 China - U.S. Economic and Trade Conference will be held from April 16th to the 18th in  New York. "Go Global" will be a comprehensive forum to provide government policy guidance and professional advice to help American and Chinese companies expand into each other's markets. This is a great opportunity to promote your business and region to potential Chinese investors and identify new export opportunities in China.  Contact: Neil Gutekunst, Tel: (212) 620-2602, E-mail: ngutekunst@williambmay.com or see: http://williambmay.com/commercial/china_seminar.html  

IT Works! 2003, April 29, Saint John, New Brunswick featuring a keyote address by David Booth, Vice President-Americas, Network & Service Providers, Hewlett-Packard Company. The program will include seminars on End-to-End Business Solutions, Customer Relationship Management Solutions, and New Technologies (Opening Opportunities for Your Business). For more Information, see http://www.itworks2003.com

E-Commerce Fair April 24-28 Yantai, China. An Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, focusing on e-commerce and economic globalization. Aims to: Demonstrate latest IT achievements and the mode of e-commerce of APEC member economies; Promote investment and cooperation in e-commerce; Enhance capability building for small and medium-sized firms in e-commerce, and; Expedite sustainable economic growth and common prosperity in the whole Asia-Pacific region. Contact: Arrow Augerot, tel: 202-482-2670, Email: Arrow_Augerot@ita.doc.gov

Kenya the Gateway to Africa to be held May 1-4, 2003 in KICC, Nairobi, Kenya.  The 4th International General Trade exhibition on Consumer - Industrial Products and Services. Hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For more information: Tel: 9714 2987207 8 or visit the web site: www.arabianexpos.com

HOFEX 2003, May 6-9, 2003 Hong Kong, the 10th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink for American food exporters, manufacturers, and distributors.  Hong Kong is the 8th largest export market for the US agricultural products and the 5th largest export market from the US high -value food products. Best Products:  Fruits, vegetables, wine, beverage, meats and poultry products, seafoods, convenience foods, organic foods, frozen foods, snack foods, dairy products, prepared foods, baby foods, pet foods, coffee and tea, spices, health foods, nuts, baked products, sweets, and grocery products.  Contact: Khaliaka Meardry, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, USDA/FAS/CMP/AgExport/Trade Show Office, Email: Khaliaka.Meardry@FAS.USDA.GOV  

Catalog Show/Product Literature Exhibition to be held May 12-14, 2003 in Jerusalem.  Targeting medical and pharmaceutical supplies and equipment. USAID regulations stipulate that funds be spent on U.S. products to the extent possible. AID estimates that $2.5 to $3 million is programmed to be spent on medical equipment and supplies over the next 12 months. We are also targeting our promotion of U.S. products to the Israeli-Arab market. Please click on our website page at http://www.buyusa.gov/westbank/en/page42.html for a complete product list, other details and online registration form. For worldwide U.S. export assistance, please see www.buyusa.com and www.export.gov 

International 2003 Construction Trade Show to be held May 14-16 in Tijuana, Mexico.  Mexico's Chamber of Construction Industry (CMIC) and Mexico's association of Municipalities (AMMAC). Become a supplier to the construction industry in Mexico. Opportunity for construction sector developers to meet new suppliers and learn about new construction methods. Special Exhibitor Fees for US Commercial Services Clients: US$1650 for a 100 sq. ft. Inside area, US$3300 for a 900. Sq. ft. Outside area. Plus an extra 30% off for U.S. participants. US$350 for the Gold Key (matchmaking) service. For more information: Tel: 01152 (664) 622-7450, 622-7658 and 622-7495. Fax: 01152 (664) 622-7419. Email: expo2003@cmlctj.org. Or check out the web site: www.expo2003@cmlctj.org. 

CommAsia 2003 to be held May 13-15 in Manila, Philippines.  The only telecommunications and information technology exhibit supported by the Philippines Electronics and Telecommunications Federation (PETEF). The event, featuring the requirements of the growing telecommunications, broadcast, electronics, information technology and e-commerce industries, will be held in conjunction with the National Electronics and Telecommunications Week. The U.S. Department of Commerce invites U.S. companies to participate in this important trade show. As a U.S. Pavilion exhibitor, you can take advantage of discounted rates, prominent location in the exhibit hall and special value-added services exclusive to U.S. Pavilion exhibitors. Exhibiting cost is $3600.  For more information contact Aida Miranda, U.S. Department of Commerce/Manila, at 63-2 8886620 or aida.miranda@mail.doc.gov

Construction Trade show May 14-16 Tijuana, Mexico.  Opportunity for construction sector developers to meet new suppliers and learn about new construction methods. Special Exhibitor Fees for US Commercial Services Clients: US$1650 for a 100 sq. ft. booth Inside area, US$3300 for a 900. Sq. ft. Outside area. US$350 for the Gold Key (matchmaking) service. For more information: Email: expo2003@cmlctj.org. Or see the web site: www.expo2003@cmlctj.org.

CeBIT to be held May 15-18 in Australia.  One of Australia's premier trade events in the IT and telecommunications sector, and is part of the Cebit stable of events globally. It is a trade only show and attracts good levels of attendees. The U.S. Department of Commerce will be recruiting a product literature center for inclusion in the US pavilion at the show.  We will represent US companies in this PLC, and promote these companies to Australian importers and distributors in the sector.   For more information, contact Duncan Archibald, U.S. Department of Commerce/Sydney at 61-2-9373-9212 or duncan.archibald@mail.doc.gov

International InfoCommunications Technology Expo and Seminar May 17-19 Brunei . Features a range of ICT-related technologies and services. Representatives from telecommunications, IT and broadcasting/multimedia companies will take part. ICT seminars to enhance technical and management knowledge will be offered, as well as networking and business matching sessions.  Contact: Haji Ismail Damit, e-mail: zulkasi@hotmail.com or www.Brunei-Tradeshow.com

Maine Tech 2003 May 20 Augusta, Maine. 1st annual showcase of Maine companies developing cutting edge technologies.  This event will be a great opportunity for companies doing R&D to pitch their company and products to potential investors and customers, as well as the media. Contact: Renee Kelly, E-mail: rwkelly@maine.edu, or www.mainetechshow.com.

Egypt and Morocco Business Development Mission, May 25-31 Offers U.S. businesses a venue to explore business partnerships in two dynamic markets in North Africa. Egypt is a significant importer of agricultural commodities and machinery.  In January 2003, the U.S. and Morocco began negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  This agreement is expected to generate numerous export opportunities for U.S. goods. Cost: $2,000, exclusive of travel and lodging expenses.  Contact Sherry, e-mail: Trade.Missions@mail.doc.gov.

Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) Seminar May 26-28 Tokyo, Japan. A two-day program in which leaders from business, government, and academia will convene to discuss and identify measures that will facilitate the resurgence of the information and communications technology industries in Asia-Pacific. It will include networking opportunities. Contact: Justin Riel, e-mail: justin@ptc.org  Or see: http://www.ptc.org/conference/my2003/index.html

CommunicAsia June 17-20 Singapore. The largest IT and telecom showcase in Asia will provide business and networking opportunities.  A new show, EnterpriseIT, designed as a showcase platform for IT solutions, software, and hardware providers, joins MobileCommAsia, NetworkAsia and SatComm under CommunicAsia's umbrella of shows, with five pavilions dedicated to the industry's most talked-about technologies: Bluetooth, optical networking, security solutions, wireless Internet, and smart cards.  Contact: Mari Felton-Beal, e-mail: Mari.Felton@mail.doc.gov or see: www.buyusa.gov/socal/communic.html

Technology 2003 June 23-26 Tel Aviv. The US Commercial Service Israel is organizing a catalog show at "Technology 2003", Israel's largest industrial technology exhbition. "Technology 2003" will cover a wide range of industry subsectors, including automation, control and measurement equipment, machine tools, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, metals and metalworking tools. 400 exhibitors will attract 60,000 trade visitors. Participation fee for the show is $400. Details and Registration.

Security Israel 2003 July 1-3 Tel Aviv is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition in Israel for security and defense systems, encompassing most fields of security from basic Armour plating to multi-purpose military systems. Participation fee for the show is $400. Click here for Details and Registration.

Buildex 2003 July 21-24 Tel Aviv. There will be a Product Literature Center (catalog booth) for U.S. exporters to test the Israeli building materials market - a $2 billion sector heavily focused on home renovation.  Exhibitors will present their latest material, equipment and products to professionals from the industry, including top architects, engineers, designers and contractors. More than 300 exhibitors will attend and it is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors.  Contact: Alan Wielunski, Commercial Specialist, e-mail: alan.wielunski@mail.doc.gov

tRADE missions

Information and Communication Technologies Business Development Mission: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, April 6-11, 2003. Opportunities for trade and partnership in e-commerce, telecommunications, electronics, and software. Also opportunities for partnership in R&D in lab and university and cross-border initiatives. Estimated Participation Fee: $ 3,000 per company (Fee does not include air travel, lodging, and incidental expenses). Application Deadline:  March 12, 2003 To request an application or get more information please call Nuala O'Connor Kelly, Chief Counsel for Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, at (202) 482-1984.  

H20 Tech Trade Mission Toronto, Canada, May 21-22, 2003. Features US suppliers of water monitoring, analysis, measuring equipment & software for the Ontario market. Proposed &b recent legislation in Ontario has opened new opportunities for US suppliers of specialized equipment suitable for potable water applications.  Mission includes: 2 days of pre-qualified meetings, market briefing, export counseling, and more. Cost: US$895. Best prospects include: pathogen analysis, instrumentation, remote & local monitoring, sampling, metering: domestic & ICI, flow control, laboratory applications for testing, automated treatment & control, pre-treatment, treatment, disinfections, engineering consulting, GIS/GPS systems, PLC & SCADA.  Deadline for registration: April 8th.  For more information, contact Viktoria Palfi, e-mail: viktoria.palfi@mail.doc.gov

China Business Exploration Mission will be held from April 15th to the 30th in        Canton, China. China BusinessLink, a MITC member, is organizing a business exploration trip to Canton for the purposes of outsourcing or market development.  Among the services offered by ChinaTrade Link is bilingual business consulting.   Contact Fred Fagin at 549-4507 or see: http://china_trade_link.tripod.com

Business development mission will be held from May 25th to the 31st in Egypt & Morocco will Explore US business partnerships.  The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the US & Egypt allows more access for U.S. products and services.  U.S. and Morocco have begun negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, which will generate export opportunities for U.S. goods.  Contact: Sherry, Tel:(202) 482-4519 or E-mail: Trade.Missions@mail.doc.gov.


Press Releases  

BIAC Endorses Tariff Elimination in Doha Development Agenda (DDA)
View the text (pdf) of the Business Industry Advisory Committee’s (BIAC) priorities and recommendations for the DDA, which it submitted to the OECD on February 20. BIAC is recognized by the OECD and its 30 member governments to provide policy recommendations on a broad set of issues.  Among other recommendations, BIAC said negotiators should pursue elimination of all industrial tariffs by a date certain.

Task Force to Assist with EU Compliance Issues March 13 - The Commerce Department’s Western Europe Compliance Task Force was established within the Market Access and Compliance (MAC) unit of Commerce’s International Trade Administration to identify, address and resolve market access and compliance problems in the European Union, as well as in Turkey, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Cyprus and Malta.  see: http://www.tcc.mac.doc.gov.

UPS Announces "Exchange Collect" to Help Accelerate Payments March 11 - This technology-based electronic payment option will reduce risks associated with international trade transactions and make the seller more confident of payment, as UPS will only deliver after payment.  This service is currently available in 60 countries, to 18 destination countries and can service 12 major foreign currencies.  For more information, call (800) 782-7892, see http://www.pressroom.ups.com/

Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Triumphs and Challenges Portland, ME, March 20. Cultural differences can be overwhelming enough for new arrivals to America, but even more so when the new immigrant wishes to become an entrepreneur in his/her new American community.  How does one negotiate a lease, finance a start-up, make one’s way through the maze of American laws and regulations to begin and run a small business?  A panel of current immigrant entrepreneurs will share their challenges and experiences in starting and running their own businesses. 

USTR seeks Panel to Examine Canadian Wheat Trading Practices  - View the text of the USTR press release announcing that the U.S. will seek the formation of a WTO dispute settlement panel to examine Canada's wheat-trading practices. The U.S. panel request "challenges Canada's requirements to segregate imported wheat in the Canadian grain-handling system and Canada's discriminatory policy that affects the access of U.S. grain to Canada's rail transportation system."

USITC Investigates Possible Modifications to US Generalized System of Preferences
View the text The Commission is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).  It will provide advice on the probable economic effect on US industries producing like or directly competitive articles.  The ITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties, and will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation

Rwanda Eligibility of Textile and Apparel Exports for AGOA Benefits
View the text Federal Register notice advises that imports of eligible products from Rwanda qualify for the textile and apparel benefits provided under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  USTR has determined that Rwanda has adopted an effective visa system and related procedures to prevent unlawful transshipment and the use of counterfeit documents in connection with shipments of textile and apparel articles and has implemented or is making progress toward implementing and following customs procedures required by AGOA.


Mexico: Proposed Conformity Assessment Policies and Procedures for Labeling
Feb. 26 - The government of Mexico proposed conformity assessment policies and procedures to demonstrate compliance with some labeling requirements in the border area and region. These policies apply only to labeling requirements in Official Mexican Standards (NOM) issued by the Secretariat of the Economy.  Contact info: tel. 011 52-55-5729-9489.  The text of the proposed conformity assessment policies and procedures for labeling requirements in the border region is available from the web site of the Secretariat of Governance at: www.segob.gob.mx.

Environmental/Energy technology organizations Join Forces to advance job growth, research and development, and new product commercialization within their industry.  The Environmental Business Council of Maine (EBCM) and the Maine Environment & Energy Center (Maine E2 Center) are combining to create the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2 Tech Council).  Environmental and energy technology is one of seven economic sectors targeted for growth and assistance within the state.  For more information, contact John Ferland at (207) 767-4302 or John.Ferland@ceemaine.org

Penobscot School Language Immersion Courses  Rockland: Italian for Travelers will be offered April 26 and May 3 and will be taught by exchange teacher Ginevra Geraci.  Suitable for beginners and those who want some review, the course will focus on useful expressions needed in everyday situations.  Contact: David Clough, E-mail: davidc@languagelearning.org. 

China's CCC Mark: A Guide for U.S. Exporters.  The government of China has introduced a new safety license system which requires manufacturers in 132 product categories to obtain the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark before exporting to or selling in the China market. The new system, implemented on May 1, 2002 and fully effective on May 1, 2003, will impact many U.S. exporters, across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. Products not meeting CCC requirements may be held at the border by Chinese Customs and will be subject to other penalties. This guide lists the five steps required to obtain the CCC Mark: 1) determine whether your products require CCC marking; 2) get the implementing regulations; 3) consider your options for applying; 4) apply; and 5) note other Chinese licensing requirements. For more information, contact Timothy Wineland of the Commerce Department's Office of the Chinese Economic Area, e-mail: Timothy_Wineland@ita.doc.gov

World Affairs Council of Maine Events Schedule:
April: 3rd; World Quest 2003, International Trivia Game at National Semiconductor, 11th Governor’s International Community Breakfast in Portland, 29th Zainab Salbi, Iraq Native, Founder and President of Women for Women International.     

May:  6th Paulo Sotero, Brazilian Journalist, WAC’s First Annual Sumner Bernstein Forum for International Understanding, 20/21 25th Anniversary Commemorative Event, Speaker, Portland High School International Club Show and International Hors d’Oeuvres, Tba, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Secretary General of the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy 

Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference to be held June 8-10, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois USTDA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are sponsoring a conference to present and discuss the rebuilding of major infrastructure in Afghanistan. The projects to be presented will be in the following sectors: power and energy; water and sanitation; transport; buildings; gas and oil pipelines; construction; health care; and tourism. For more information contact Dan Lamey/Kevin Craemer (866) 636-4729/(202) 347-2725, at MFM Group, Inc. Email: tda1@mfmgroup.com Website: www.trademeetings.com  

USEFUL WEBSITES

Euroguide: If you want to learn more about what's going on in the European Union, research a market, make a contact, find a trade lead, or anything else having to do with Europe, go to Euroguide  at www.euroguide.org. Euroguide is a web portal links to many other sites that will give you information. One particularly useful site is SOSIG: Eurostudies at www.sosig.ac.uk/eurostudies, which has a wealth of data about each country's politics, economy, culture, and other categories.                                                                                                                                           

MITC Trade Bulletin is published biweekly by the Maine International Trade Center as a members only benefit.  For information about membership or to be placed on our MITC Trade Bulletin mailing list, please contact our office.

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: http://www.mitc.com/Trade_Bulletin/November18.htm