MITC Trade Bulletin

November 13th, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM - China Sourcing and Sales (Portland)
November 18th, 9:30 - 11:30 AM - Softwood Export Roundtable (Portland)
November 19th, 12:00 - 4:00 PM - The Accidental Exporter (Caribou)

December 10th, 12:00 - 4:00 PM - Letters of Credit (Bangor)

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Trade Events

Doing Business in Iraq: The Private Sector November 13, 2003 at the Black Point Inn, Scarborough, ME. Speakers include former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. Price of admission is $1,500 per person. The conference is sponsored by the University of Maine's College of Business, Public Policy and Health, the William S. Cohen Center for International Policy and Commerce, and the U.S.-Iraq Business Alliance. For more information, call 581-1968.

Quebec: Export Forum 2003, November 12-13, 2003. The Export Forum is the event to promote best export practices and the platform to promote networking between exporters from here and abroad. The Forum will involve exporters of goods and services, support services to exporters, trade associations and delegations from Quebec, neighboring Provinces and States, several regions of France, Mexico, Malaysia, etc. For more information: http://www.forum-export.ca/indexz.htm

CLAA’s 27^th Annual Miami Conference on the Caribbean Basin, December 8-10, 2003. Participants include Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, President Enrique Bolaños of Nicaragua and President Hipólito Mejía of The Dominican Republic. Also confirmed at this time are U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Roger Noriega and U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce Grant Aldonas. For more information: www.claa.org

The US Department of Commerce Endorsed Multinational Exhibition & Conference for a New Iraq - Outreach 2004, 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. There is a deadline of November 17, 2003 to return the fax reply form. For more information, contact: Katherine Turner at (401)273-827 or see www.kallman.com.

Trade Shows

11th Annual Energy Trade and Technology Conference - North American Energy Supply Security, November 6-7, 2003 Questions abound about supply prospects, corporate fiscal health, power grid reliability, price volatility, and uncertain market growth, as well as the actual physical security of system. Contact: Ellen Rota at ellenrota@aol.com

MESDA Annual Conference, November 13-14, DoubleTree Hotel, Portland, ME. A large IT industrial conference dealing with security, storage, training, ebusiness, hardware, and software solutions. Demonstrations of latest technology from the leading technologists, educational seminars and workshops, learn from industry leading keynotes, session and panel forums, network with peers and today’s industry leaders. For further information visit http://www.mesda.com/ac2003/ or contact Joe Kumiszcza at joe@mesda.com

The 5th Annual China Chongqing High Tech Fair, November 15-19, 2003 in Chongqing. Last year, delegations from 8 countries and regions participated in the fair which launched 7000+ projects with US$2 billion worth of transactions. This year the fair will focus on the exhibition and trade of high tech products, executive forums and seminars. For more information: http://68.9.100.108:6815/Portal_xp/Desktopdefault.aspx?tabindex=3&tabid=71

Ecuador: International Business Interface Conference, Nov. 17-18, 2003. The International Business Interface Conference in Ecuador is designed to promote and facilitate e-business, e-commerce, and global networking. For more information: http://web.ita.doc.gov/ITI/itiHome.nsf/3138ccc66b7f9be685256cc50067e178/be734fdad396e41b85256d8e006252b4!OpenDocument

Pacific International Trade Fair, Nov. 17 – 22, 2003, Lima, Peru. Peru has made importing and customs easier and currently the U.S. is Peru's single largest trading partner accounting for 30% of their imports and 25% of their exports with a two-way trading totaling over US$4 billion. This trade fair will focus on machinery, equipment, technologies and services for the industry in general. Contact: Rafael Talavera at mav@feria.com.pe

Israfood 2003, November 24-26, 2003, Tel Aviv Fairgrounds, Israel. This exhibition is for U.S. manufacturers and exporters interested in evaluating interest of their product in Israel and the surrounding region. The U.S. Commercial Service often receives requests from Israeli firms interested in U.S. exporters of processed food products and hotel/restaurant equipment. A Commercial Specialist will display your catalog/product at their booth at the show and represent your stated interests. After the show they will send you a complete list of potential partners and trade leads. Cost of participation: $400. For further information see www.stier.co.il or contact Alan Wielunski at alan.wielunski@mail.doc.gov

International Biotech 2003, November 25-26, 2003, London. 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. Entrance to the exhibition and features is free of charge for all visitors. See: http://www.internationalbiotech.com

Madrid Call Center and CRM Solutions Fair, Spain, Nov. 25-27, 2003. Within the Spanish market there is currently a demand for increased development in the area of value-added contact centers. For more information: http://www.ifaes.com/

WASTEC (Waste Control and Recycling Technology Exhibition) 2003, November 25-28, 2003, at the Nippon Convention Center (Makuhari Messe) International Exhibition Hall in Chiba City, Japan. This exhibition will introduce the latest environmental-related products, technologies, and services developed in foreign companies. Further information can be found at http://www.investinjapan.org/html/environmentjapan2003.htm or contact Mr. Akihiko Miyazato akihiko_miyazato@jetro.go.jp

Construct Canada 2003, Toronto, Canada, December 3-5, 2003. Build business with trade commissioners and discover business opportunities in the building products and services industry at the Export Café. For more information: www.infoexport.gc.ca

Japan: Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Conference, Dec. 5-8,2003. The 8th Annual Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Conference (ATAC 2003), an international conference and trade show will be held in Kyoto, Japan. This is part of the so-called "e-Japan" initiative of the Japanese government that is aimed to help provide IT infrastructure to everyone, regardless of geographic constraints, age or physical conditions. For more information: http://web.sfc.keio.ac.jp/~e-ito/atac/index_e.html

Turkey-Israel-Jordan Trade Days, December 7-12, 2003. A traveling trade show, which ventures to Turkey, Israel and Jordan. This show is for manufacturing and agricultural clients interested in making connections and exporting to the Middle East region. In addition, exporters can attempt to enter the Iraqi rebuilding process but the connections will need to be made through distributors in Jordan and Turkey. For further assistance contact Sherwin Pomerantz sherwin@atid-edi.com

Refrigeration and Deep Freeze Trade Fair, Moscow, Russia, Dec. 9-12,2003. The event is endorsed by MIBA, the Moscow International Business Association and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs which represents 350,000 members. For more information, contact Ken Cardelle at Kcardelle@iegexpo.com or see www.iegexpo.com

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

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

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

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

r3 Asia 2004, July 6-9, 2004 is an international showcase exhibition on used machinery and equipment. For more information contact Simon Ng at, r3salesteam@hglink.com or http://www.r3-asia.com

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

tRADE missions

Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Mission at Medica: Biotechnology Drugs/Pharmaceuticals, Health Care Services, and Medical Equipment, Dusseldorf, Germany, 11/19/2003 - 11/22/2003. Contact Dennis McClure: Dennis.Mcclure@mail.doc.gov

Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission - Medical Equipment and Services, February 9-13, 2004. This trade mission will have stops in Brussels, Belgium and Hague, Netherlands. Contact Bill Kutson: William.Kutson@mail.doc.gov

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

Information and Communication Technologies Trade Mission -- Computer/Communications Technology/Equipment, March 15-23,2004. This trade mission will have stop in Singapore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Bangkok, Thailand. Contact Mathew Wright: Matthew.Wright@mail.doc.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

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

Press Releases

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) presents a new initiative to help America’s small businesses grow and invest overseas by providing financing or political risk insurance to U.S. businesses investing overseas through our new Small Business Center (SBC). This is for U.S. businesses with annual revenues under $35 million seeking loans between $100,000 and $10 million or insurance of up to $15 million. OPIC can provide financing and political risk insurance for projects in over 150 countries. OPIC will consider all applications within a 60 day period. Contact Karen Roberts via email: krobe@opic.gov

Identification of Countries Denying Adequate IPR Protection USTR is requesting written comments from the public concerning USTR’s requirement to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. For more information: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-25057.htm or http://www.tcc.mac.doc.gov/cgi-bin/doit.cgi?204:52:924084975:886

European Commission Launches Consultation on Legal Problems for Enterprises Doing E-Business. The European Commission has launched an eight-week Internet consultation on legal barriers that enterprises still encounter when using electronic commerce and other electronic business applications. This consultation is open to all enterprises until November 7, 2003. See: http://europa.eu.int/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm or contact: entr-ict-e-business-law@cec.eu.int.

USEFUL WEBSITES

TradeStats Express is a product of the Office of Trade and Economic Analysis in the International Trade Administration. It offers users multiple search options for imports and exports, state specific information, and other useful information. See: http://ese.export.gov/ITA2003_STATES/ITA_MapInfo_portal_page.htm

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.

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