MITC Trade Bulletin

Tuesday, September 14, 1:30-4:30 in Portland
Attorneys from Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC and Pierce Atwood will share their expertise at this free seminar to provide an overview of legal entities and issues in Germany and Italy. Topics include: distribution considerations, unfair competition law, e-business considerations, and protecting intellectual property. For more information: http://www.mitc.com/Features/LegalAspectsGermanyItalySem.html

Airfreight and Perishable Options Roundtable

Tuesday, September 21, 12:00 - 1:30 in Portland

No cost to attend - Lunch provided

Meet with Maine Department of Transportation and Bangor International Airport representatives to learn about existing airfreight logistics and an exciting potential new option for shipping your perishable products to Europe and Asia. Please RSVP by September 14th if you plan to attend to Cheryl Rau at 207-541-7455 or rau@mitc.com.

Food and Beverage Marketing

Tuesday, September 21, 2:00 - 4:30 in Portland

This program includes a market briefing on trends and opportunities in the British retail and supermarket sectors and information on the USDA market access program – a marketing cost-sharing program for Maine food companies involved in exports and certain domestic activities. To view the registration brochure:

http://www.mitc.com/PDF/WebFood&BeverageMarketing.pdf

MEMBER BENEFITS

The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) recently launched FITA Career Headquarters - a new, internationally-focused online job board that serves the needs of job seekers trying to find career opportunities both here and abroad and employers a comprehensive service to locate employees with international experience in a variety of professional fields. Job seekers can post their resume on the site at no cost; employers can advertise job openings for a fee. As a FITA member, MITC is pleased to extend a 20% discount on job posting fees to our membership. To obtain the special discount code that you will need when posting job openings, contact Cheryl Rau at 207-541-7455 or rau@mitc.com.

TRADE ALERTS

Commerce Takes Over Licensing of Exports to Iraq: The Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) published a rule which implements the "reversion to the Department of Commerce from the Department of the Treasury of the licensing responsibility for exports and re-exports to Iraq of items subject to the EAR (Export Administration Regulations)". The rule, which essentially transfers jurisdiction from OFAC to BIS over commercial exports to Iraq, is effective as of July 30, 2004. Please note that exports to Iraq that are NOT subject to the EAR (i.e., EAR99 items), may or may not require a license depending on the circumstances, or, in the case of defense-related articles, may be subject to other U.S. export controls such as the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). For more information: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17532.htm.

EU Retaliatory Tariffs scheduled to increase to 11% on September 1^st
MITC has studied the effects of the EU Retaliatory Tariffs, and the Maine industries that are most affected by these tariffs are footwear, industrial machinery, leather, seafood and paper. Tariff Background: On March 1, 2004, the EU began to impose retaliatory trade sanctions on a number of U.S. products, as a result of the WTO ruling that the FSC/ETI provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code constitute a prohibited export subsidy and are in violation of WTO rules. After years of litigation, in May 2003, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body authorized the EU to impose sanctions on $4.043 billion worth of U.S. exports, if the United States fails to comply with the WTO decision. The EU will initially impose an additional duty of 5 percent on 1,608 U.S. products. The duty will rise automatically by 1 percentage point each month until it reaches a ceiling of 17 percent in March 2005. At that point, the EU will make a determination on its next course of action if the United States still has not complied with the WTO ruling. The Administration and Congress continue to work towards repealing the FSC/ETI provisions in order to achieve U.S. compliance with the WTO ruling. For a Full List of Products affected by the new EU tariffs (listed by eight-digit CN codes):
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_328/l_32820031217en00030012.pdf

Trade Events

Export Regulations Seminar, September 16, 2004, Philadelphia, PA. This is your last chance to attend an Export Regulations Seminar in Philadelphia, PA this year to hear international trade specialists from two federal agencies update you on up-to-the-minute trade issues. The program is designed to inform US Principal Parties in Interest -- USPPI is the new definition for exporter -- freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and others involved in the export process about U.S. export regulations and requirements such as mandatory Automated Export System filing. For overview, agenda, registration, and information on other programs visit http://www.census.gov/mso/www/ftd/index.htm

Financing Growth in Maine, September 17, Portland, ME. Every private equity and venture capital fund in Maine is coming together on Friday, September 17 to talk about the investment process and to describe the focus of each of their investment funds. The forum is being held from 10 am–12 noon at the Eastland Park Hotel, 157 High Street in Portland, Maine. The panel presentation and discussion format centers on equity investment to assist with research and development as well as product commercialization. State grant programs in support of technology innovation are also on the agenda. The forum is free of charge to attendees. As space is limited RSVPs are requested. Contact Nelle Hanig, prior to September 8, at the City’s Economic Development Division via email nrh@portlandmaine.gov or 207-756-8019.

Saint John Board of Trade Hosts Jim Carroll, September 22, 2004, Saint John, New Brunswick. The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased to announce it is sponsoring a one-day workshop/seminar with futurist, innovation and trends expert, Jim Carroll on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. For more information, please contact: Darryl Goyetche, President, 506-634-4157; Peter Wilkins, Chairman Membership Activities Task Force, 506-634-7300 ext. 342.

New England Aerospace and Defense Forum, September 23, 2004, Nashua, NH. This free program, presented by the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium in conjunction with the British Government and the NH Int’l Trade Resource Center, focuses on Broadening Supply Chain Relationships via International Partnerships and on How Your Company Can Tap into the Airbus Supply Chain. It will take place from 11:30am-3:00pm at the Sheraton Nashua Hotel, 11 Tara Boulevard. To register, visit the website: http://www.odellsimms.com/aerospacersvp, or email aerospacersvp@odellsimms.com (Subject: Registration), or call 888-904-3762.

First Annual Chemical Science Commercialization Conference. Moscow, Russia Renaissance Hotel, September 27-29, 2004 Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bio-Chem Redirect Program. Meet select chemical and production institutes in Russia and Eurasia; get an overview of their technical capabilities; learn about their collaborative interests. Presents promising opportunities in: organic and inorganic chemistry, drug discovery and development, polymer chemistry and catalysis, synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical production, toxicology testing, occupational risk assessment, environmental testing. Complete information available at: http://biistate.net/chemconference/

International Congress "Eurasian Economic Community - Business America" September 21-22, 2004, International Trading Center, Moscow - 300 leading international investors (investment and welfare funds, banks, financial companies and financial organizations) and 500 EurAsEC companies with promising investment projects are taking part in the Congress. Participation of key officials of economic ministries, government, political and business elite is expected as well. Presentation of EurAsEC member-states and an Exhibition of Investment projects are taking place alongside ventilation of key investment issues. Participants are most welcome to demonstrate investment projects in innovative technologies and telecommunications, fuel and energy complexes, construction, agribusiness, tourism, financial services, and trade. Contact Email: info@evrazes.org, fax.: +7 (812) 312 1928, http://dm.evrazes.org

Russia GOST-R Certification Seminar, October 7-8, 2004 in Las Vegas, NV. The objective of the seminar will be to give U.S. exporters better understanding of the Russian Federation certification processes. This event will also offer a great opportunity for face-to-face discussions with representatives of Rostest - one of the key certification services providers; the Health Ministry of the Russian Federation, which regulates hygienic certification; and the Russian Federal Customs Committee, which enforces standards on imports. On the second day of the Seminar, the participants will as well have an opportunity to discuss marketing strategies with a prominent Russian marketologist, Dr. Leonid Ivanov. More information is available from Gregory Temkin, gt@rosintorg.com, (914) 309-1042, or online at http://www.rosstandard.com/seminar.htm.

Opportunities and Challenges: Economic Development for Maine Communities, October 21, 2004 in Dedham, ME. An informative economic development conference sponsored by The Department of Resource Economics and Policy of the University of Maine. Dr. Mark Drabenstott, the featured keynote speaker, will discuss economic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. communities. Implications for economic development in Maine will be provided by a panel of business and economic leaders from around the state. The conference will also highlight applied research on economic development taking place at the University of Maine. For more Information please contact Todd Gabe at todd.gabe@umit.maine.edu or (207) 581-3307.

Maine-China Networking Conference, October 28, 2004 in Castine, ME. The Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics at Maine Maritime Academy will facilitate linking Maine’s diverse resources for interaction with China and host the state’s first ever Maine-China Networking Conference. The conference welcomes those with experience and established contacts in China as well as those who recognize the importance of exploring ways to engage productively with China for reasons commercial, financial or cultural. For more information, contact Dr. Shashi Kumar, 207-326-2454 or skumar@mma.edu

CIS and Eastern Europe Business Forum The 11^th annual forum will take place November 4-6, 2004 at the University of Arizona in Tucson. For more information, contact Roza Simkhovich at roza@dakotacom.net, (520) 298-6599 or visit the site for last year’s conference at http://russian.arizona.edu/business

Second Annual National Forum on Trade Policy December 9-10, 2004 in Durham, NC. The Maine International Trade Center is forming a delegation of five participants to attend the Second Annual National Forum on Trade Policy. Featured sessions include: prospects for U.S. trade exports; impact of international trade on national economies; findings of first bi-annual survey on off shoring and the implications for jobs; dislocated workers and community colleges on the front line; international procurement policy issues impacting states. For more information: http://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/ciber/programs/nftp.html. If you are interested in joining the Maine delegation, please contact Richard Coyle, President, Maine International Trade Center at coyle@mitc.com.

Trade Shows

Batimat (Construction Materials), September 13–16, 2004, St. Petersburg, Russia. The building products industry is currently one of the most rapidly developing sectors of the Russian economy. In addition, there is significant and increasing interest from Russian distributors in American building products. Batimat is one of two major trade shows devoted to building products in Northwest Russia. For more information contact: Alexander Kansky, US Commercial Service, St. Petersburg, +7 (812)-326-2581, alexander.kansky@mail.doc.gov

FHC2004 Shanghai, Sept 14-17, 2004, Shanghai, China. The 12^th international exhibition for the foods, drink, hospitality, foodservice, bakery and retail industry. Robert Chang, Tel: 415-433-3072, email: comtours@aol.com.

International Powder/Bulk Conference & Exhibition 2004, October 12-14, 2004, Shanghai, China. Contact Mr. Xing Lan Senior Director, Worldwide Exhibitions Service Ltd.(WES), 801,Blk B, Nanzheng Bldg,580 Nanjing Rd,(W), Shanghai (200041), China, Tel: +86-21 52342119 Fax: +86-21 52340649, Email: xing.lan@sh-wes.com, or visit the website for more information: http://www.bulk-online.com/

International Lighting Fair, October 18-23, 2004, Guzhen, China. For more information, please visit www.lightingcapital.cn.

USA PAVILION at SIAL PARIS 2004, October 17-21, 2004, Paris, France. This event is a USDA-endorsed food products exhibition. For more information, please contact Sharon Cook, USDA Trade Show Office, (202)720-3425, www.fas.usda.gov

All Asia Food Expo, October 26 -27, 2004, New York City, NY. All Asia Food Expo is a trade event featuring Asian food and beverage products organized by Diversified Business Communications, in Portland, ME. For more information: www.divbusiness.com or contact Julie Bernier at jbernier@divcom.com

China-Pharm, November 17-20, Beijing, China. Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Machinery and Equipment. For more information, visit www.mdna.com/medical.html.

Ingredients Russia, November 23-26, 2004, Moscow, Russia. Seventh annual international show and conference for the food processing sector. Present food ingredient products to key importers, distributors, and processors in a large, expanding market. For more information, please contact Tobitha Jones, USDA/FAS at (202)690-1182, Tobitha.Jones@usda.gov

Zdravookhranenie 2004, November 29-December 3, 2004, Moscow, Russia. Russia’s largest healthcare industry exhibition with 800 exhibitors from 28 countries participating in 2003. The show features medical equipment, dental equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, biologically active food additives, cosmetology equipment, and equipment for fitness centers. The US Commercial Service will help American manufacturers identify possible partners in conjunction with this event. For more information, please contact Ludmila Maksimova, US Commercial Service Moscow, +7 (095) 737-5037, ludmila.maksimova@mail.doc.gov

Food & Hotel Vietnam 2004, December 2-4, 2004. An international food & drink, hotel, restaurant, bakery & foodservice equipment, supplies & services exhibition in a rapidly growing market. Endorsed by the USDA. To join the U.S. pavilion or for further information contact Christopher McCuin, Overseas Exhibition Services Ltd., +44 207 862 2109, email: cmccuin@oesallworld.com

USA PAVILION at SIRHA 2005, January 22-26, 2005, Lyon, France. Partner to the National Restaurant Association Show held in Chicago, this USDA-endorsed Food Service and Gastronomic Trade Exhibition is one of the premier international events for the food service sector. For more information, please contact Sharon Cook, USDA Trade Show Office, (202)720-3425, www.fas.usda.gov

tRADE missions

U.S. Department of Commerce’s Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission, September 13-17, 2004, to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic. Meet with prospective distributors, agents, and strategic alliance partners in these three dynamic markets - all European Union members as of May 2004. You will receive your own schedule of pre-screened, targeted appointments and further benefit from market briefings, business networking receptions, and follow-up assistance when you return. Participation is open to U.S. firms in a broad range of healthcare industry sectors. If you have general questions regarding the Trade Events List please contact Jonathan May at Jonathan.May@mail.doc.gov (202) 482-6220. http://www.export.gov/comm_svc/tradeevents.html

Egypt Tastes America, September 20-18, 2004. USDA/FAS-Sponsored Export Showcase Trade Mission to Egypt marketing food and beverage products. Limited to 10 participants. For more information contact Shani at (202) 720-2075.

Microtechnology Trade Mission to Paris and Besancon, France, September 27 - October 1, 2004. The French-American Chamber of Commerce is organizing a microtechnology trade mission centered around the MICRONORA (www.micronora.com) Trade Show in Besancon, France. MICRONORA is the largest micro-technologies trade fair in Europe and attracts more than 850 international exhibitors and 15,000 visitors from all over the world. This trade mission is designed to assist U.S. businesses in attaining their export business goals in the European market and help them in arranging one-on-one meetings with key experts, potential partners or distributors as well as to organize visits to centers such as the Microtechnology Institute. In addition, the group will spend one and a half days in Paris where they will meet with other business leaders and U.S. trade officials at the American Embassy in Paris. Contact: Vanessa Atria, Executive Director, vanessa_atria@faccne.org, 617-247-1366, http://www.faccne.org.

Trade Conference and Mission to Georgia, October 7-9, 2004, Tbilisi, Georgia. Organized by the America-Georgia Business Council, the conference will feature senior U.S. and Georgian government officials and business leaders, as well as experts on the region that will provide an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, and business trends, and potential directions of development. The trade mission, which is scheduled to include meetings with President Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zhvania, and other top government officials, as well as leading Georgian businessmen, will provide participants with the opportunity to explore investment and trade opportunities, become better acquainted with government leaders and their policies, and enter into discussions with government and business leaders on specific issues. For more information, contact the America-Georgia Business Council at (202) 416-1606 or agbdc@agbdc.com.

Information Technology Mission to Ireland, October 17-22, 2004. Undersecretary Phillip Bond of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration will lead a Business Development Mission for Technology Industries to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland’s booming information and communications technology market has been a prime force behind the province’s growth, creating clear potential for strategic alliances. The Republic of Ireland, with its vibrant economy and educated workforce, represents an ideal market for U.S. companies seeking agents, distributors, and strategic partners for business in the expanding EU marketplace. This mission will put U.S. firms directly in touch with business opportunities in the region – including strategies for tapping into the EU market. Space is limited to the first 10 qualified applicants. Contact Project Officer Matthew Wright today: Tel: 202-482-2567 / Fax: 202-482-0178 / E-mail: matthew.wright@mail.doc.gov

China-Hong Kong Environmental Technologies Trade Mission, October 26-November 2, 2004. Pre-screened business appointments, meetings with government and industry decision makers, project site visits, and ground support from the U.S. Embassy will position your company to maximize opportunities in these fast-growing markets for environmental technology. Participants in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade Mission to Hong Kong, and Beijing and Shanghai, China, October 26-November 2, 2004, will also benefit from a bonus company promotion at the USA Pavilion at Pollutec China 2004. Spaces are filling up fast. Contact: Julia Rauner Guerrero / Tel: 619- 557-2963 / E-mail: julia.rauner.guerrero@mail.doc.gov or Yvonne Jackson / Tel: 202-482-2675 / E-mail: yvonne.Jackson@mail.doc.gov

State of Maine 2004 Trade Mission to Italy and Germany, November 13-20, 2004. MITC is organizing the Governor’s 2004 trade mission, which features stops in Düsseldorf and Milan. Trade mission benefits include matchmaking services, networking receptions, market briefings, and other customized services. This high-profile mission is the best way to get a foothold in the expanding European market. For more information, contact Trade Mission Coordinator Carolina Quiroz-Boutaugh, (207) 990-3161, quiroz@mitc.com or http://www.mitc.com/Features/GermanyItalyTradeMission.html

NOTE: Just in time for the trade mission, German and Italian courses
are being offered this Fall by fellow MITC members:
The Language Exchange http://www.translationservices.com/
Penobscot School http://www.languagelearning.org/

Press Releases

The First US Agricultural Monthly Trade Deficit Since 1986 occurred in June 2004. U.S. agricultural imports rose slightly compared with May, however, agricultural exports fell by nearly $500 million or almost 10 percent compared with May. As a result U.S. agricultural trade dropped to a deficit for the month, the first such monthly deficit since July 1986. June’s export decline involved many commodities. However, U.S. agricultural exports remain in surplus for fiscal 2004, just over $1 billion above October-June 2003. Cumulative 2004 exports equal $48.9 billion compared with $42.6 billion last year at this time, while imports have reached $39.8 billion, a gain of $5.3 billion over October-June 2003. Meat leads import gains in the year-to-date, with most coming from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For exports, value of cotton, wheat, and soybeans is up the most, due partly to higher prices.

The Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program sends educators to Japan for educational and cultural study visits. It aims to foster a sustained partnership between the United States and Japan and to continue to expand the educational exposure of American educators and their students. The program is now accepting new applications for the 2005 program. The deadline for the 2005 FMF competition is December 10, 2004. Those interested may apply directly via the online application found on the FMF website at www.iie.org/fmf. To request more information, additional materials, or if you have any questions please contact FMF at 1-888-527-2636 or fmf@iie.org.

Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement - The Trade Compliance Center and Commerce country experts stand ready to work with U.S. firms to help them protect their intellectual property at home and abroad. Commerce experts can suggest strategies to address IPR problems encountered abroad. Commerce established a special telephone and web address designed to deal with companies' international intellectual property concerns. Companies can contact Commerce at: 1-800-USA-TRADE (option 4) or 202-482-1191 or via email at ipr.hotline@mail.doc.gov. Other U.S. government agencies that can assist with IPR problems encountered domestically include the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Copyright Office, Customs and Border Enforcement, U.S. Department of Justice and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

USEFUL WEBSITES

To prepare for the upcoming MITC Trade Mission to Germany and Italy, the following websites provide information on business practices, market segments, manufacturing sites and the right contacts as you consider these two markets.

Invest In Germany - With offices in Berlin, New York and Chicago, the Invest in Germany website offers economic facts, industry sector information, labor and tax law information, a business guide, and newsletter. Visit their website at http://www.invest-in-germany.de/en/

Invest in Italy - This site from the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade offers a wide range of useful information on Italy’s economic framework, relation to the world market, opportunities for new businesses, key trade sectors, location options, and much more. Linked to italtrade.com, the official gateway to Italian business and trade, Invest in Italy may be accessed online at http://www.investinitaly.com/

MITC Trade Bulletin is a members only benefit. For information about MITC membership, please visit our website or contact us today.

Website: www.mitc.com

Bangor Office: 207-990-3161
Lewiston Office: 207-753-0574
Portland Office: 207-541-7400