MITC Trade Bulletin


MITC Trade Bulletin The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service - A Members Only Benefit Friday, February 6, 2004

Due Diligence and Insuring Receivables - February 26th
You need to extend competitive terms to grow your international business, but what happens if you don't get paid? When is export credit insurance needed? This seminar covers methods and resources for due diligence investigations, as well as export credit insurance policy/coverage options. Gain valuable knowledge on how to reduce your international trade and receivables risks.
Click here to view seminar agenda/registration brochure.
(PDF document)

Australia Market Opportunities Briefing
March 5th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at MITC in Portland
What opportunities exist for your technology, product or service in Australia? Find out at this informative session featuring Keith Kirkham, Acting Senior Commercial Officer with the U.S. Commercial Service - Australia & New Zealand, and closing remarks by Congressman Tom Allen. While currently based in Sydney, Mr. Kirkham brings first-hand knowledge of the Maine business scene as the former Director of International Commerce for the State of Maine. A reception is also included. There is no cost to attend this event; however, advance RSVP is requested. RSVP to Cheryl Rau at 207-541-7455 or email to: rau@mitc.com

2004 Maine International Trade Day
The New EU: Business Opportunities in the Expanded European Union
Save the Date - June 10th
Click here for more information.

Have you used your MITC discount to save on UPS rates?
As a benefit to MITC members, UPS offers discounts of up to 25% on UPS Worldwide Express letters or packages. Ship using your company account and just let them know that you're a MITC member to receive the special discount. To take advantage of this MITC member benefit, call UPS at 1-866-279-7485.

New Shippers’ Export Declaration Mandatory - Now in Effect The U.S. Census Bureau placed a Federal Register notice on July 17, 2003, to announce amendments to the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations. In addition to requiring mandatory filing for items on the CCL and the USML, the final rule adds to the paper Shippers’ Export Declaration the requirement to enter the freight forwarder’s Employer Identification Number when required. This requirement applies to filers who are not required to file through AES and who choose to file a paper SED rather than filing voluntarily through AES. The implementation of this rule was October 18, 2003. Starting on January 18, 2004, only the new Form 7525-V Shippers’ Export Declaration will be accepted by CBP, and any previous version will be rejected and the exporter will be advised of their failure to submit an SED. You can order the new forms by phone 800-631-3908 or online: www.unzco.com.

Governor Baldacci’s International Community Breakfast, Thursday, February 12, 2004. “Promoting Trade Across Borders: The Importance of Establishing International Business Relationships” - Governor John Baldacci and “The North East Atlantic Region (NEAR)” - Richard J. Coyle, President, Maine International Trade Center. For more information and to register, contact the World Affairs Council of Maine (207) 780-5383.

Governor Benson’s Export Initiative – Increasing Exports to Chile Utilizing the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement, February 18, 2004 - 8:00am–1:30pm Southeastern Regional Education Service Center (SERESC) 29 Commerce Drive, Bedford, NH. For more information please contact Michelle Ouellette:(603) 334-6074 or mouellette@dred.state.nh.us

The Services Agenda: Getting Up to Speed, February 26 - 27, 2004, Toronto Board of Trade, 1 First Canadian Place, Toronto. Trade in services is an increasingly important part of international commerce, whether it deals with accessing or offering services by your company in Canada or abroad. International negotiations continue over the opening of global markets to foreign service providers. This conference is designed to help you determine how your company can best take advantage of these developments in your business. For more information, please contact: James Perttula, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Tel: (416) 325-6940, E-mail: james.perttula@edt.gov.on.ca

U.S. Foreign Policy for the 21^st Century: Seeking a Balance?, The 17^th Camden Conference, February 27-29, 2004, Camden Opera House, 21 Elm Street, Camden, Maine 04843. The Camden Conference will explore the development of a changing U.S. foreign policy as the country reacts to threats and challenges. For further information: www.camdenconference.org, (207)236-1034.

U.S. – West Africa Information and Communication Technology Conference, March 31, 2004, Newark, New Jersey. The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Eastern Trade Council (ETC) invite you to explore exciting new opportunities in one of Africa’s fastest and most dynamic growth sectors – information and communication technology. Additional information is available at: www.ccawaibl.com.

RepCan 2004, Business Matchmaking Event, June 16-17, 2004, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This two-day event is hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service and will promote products and services of U.S. export-ready firms to potential business prospects in Ontario. For more information: Commercial Service of the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto at (416) 595-5412 x 223.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Maine companies interested in information on shared booth space at CeBIT, contact Wade Merritt, MITC Bangor Office, 207-990-3161 or email: merritt@mitc.com.

FI Asia-China, March 23-25, Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, Shanghai, China. A food ingredients show with 600 international and local Chinese exhibiting companies and 14,000 visitors. For more information: Khaliaka Meardry, USDA Trade Show Office, Tel: (202)-720-3065, email: Khaliaka.Meardry@usda.gov; or Ross Kreamer, ATO Shanghai, Tel: 011-86-21-6279-8622, email: ATOShanghai@usda.gov

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

Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) 2004 , April 20-23, 2004, Singapore. FHA 2004 is the largest food & hospitality event in the Asia Pacific Region. For more information, please contact Ms. Luanne Theseira of CS Singapore at 65/6476-9037, fax: 65/6476-9080.

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

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

Turkey Build 2004, May 5-9, 2004, Istanbul, Turkey. The 27^th International Building Construction Materials and Technologies Show. For more information: http://www.yem.net/yem/english/fairs/ist/images/TURKEYBUILD_brochure2004.pdf

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

ANALYTICA 2004 - May 11-14, 2004, Munich, Germany. Held every two years since 1968, ANALYTICA is the international meeting place for specialists from the areas of environmental foodstuffs and industrial analysis, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular and cell biology. For more information: www.analytica.de The Eastern Maine Trade Council in partnership with MITC will coordinate participation of Maine companies at a most competitive price, for details contact: Dana Eidsness at eidsness@mitc.com or 207-753-0574.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Center for Environmental Enterprise is accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small companies for on-site participation in its business incubation program for start-up technology companies. Located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College, CEE is the oldest technology business incubation program in Maine. Companies associated with CEE have raised more than $3 million in early stage financing, including Angel investment, over the last two years. The client base includes more than one dozen winners of funding from the Maine Technology Institute and four winners of Small Business Innovation Research awards. Companies also have research and development affiliations with the University of Maine, University of Southern Maine and other institutions inside and outside of Maine. While maintaining a specialty in environmental and energy technology start-ups, CEE’s program also services other technology sectors, including biotechnology, information technology and light manufacturing companies. CEE has graduated three firms into the marketplace - Terralink Software Systems, Inc. of Portland (management of hazardous waste information) ; Holy Terra Products, Inc. of Portland (all natural pest repellent for plants); and Brims Ness Corp. of Millinocket (water quality sensors). CEE envisions graduating one to three companies per year moving forward. CEE offers access to mentors, technical assistance providers and early stage capital opportunities. CEE also provides flexible leases for individual offices or cubicles, and office or laboratory suites. Other benefits include shared administrative and receptionist services, access to broadband Internet, student intern availability, on-site technical workshops and collaborative opportunities with other entrepreneurs. CEE clients also gain free membership in the Maine International Trade Center and Maine State Chamber of Commerce. To review an application and floor plan, see www.ceemaine.org. For further information, contact John M. Ferland, president of CEE, at 767-4302, Ext. 102, or email him at John.Ferland@ceemaine.org.

The U.S. Department of Commerce will promote U.S. products and services at "CAFTA Marketplace" – an official International Catalog Exhibition in six markets to be covered by CAFTA. Participation in "CAFTA Marketplace" will put your company’s catalogs in the hands of hundreds of potential business partners and buyers in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Don’t miss this affordable opportunity to launch or expand your export business in nearby promising markets! Contact Louis Quay, Project Officer, International Catalog Exhibitions. Fax: 202-482-3973. Tel: 202-482-3973. E-mail: Louis.Quay@mail.doc.gov

The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program, a Department of Commerce initiative, provides U.S. companies and organizations competitive grants to host professionals from Eurasia for 3-6 months. SABIT is committed to promoting Eurasian economic development by providing hands-on training to managers and scientists in U.S. business practices, while advancing market access through cross-border relationships and public-private partnerships. SABIT grants help foster relationships between export-ready small and medium enterprises with potential customers, distributors, or partners in Eurasia. The majority of U.S. host companies enter into business relationships with their SABIT intern. U.S. host companies also receive assistance from interns in areas such as market access, certification, customs, taxation, logistics, forming contacts, and accessing marketing data. SABIT will open the next round of Grant funding at the end of January 2004. Applications can be found at (http://www.mac.doc.gov/sabit).

The U.S. Department of Commerce is organizing a "Product Literature Center" (Catalog Show) at Enviro 04, which will take place in Sydney, March 28 - April 1. The event is sponsored by five of the largest Australian environmental associations, including the Australian Water Association; Waste Management Association of Australia; Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy; Environment Business Australia; and Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand. Total environmental spending in Australia is approximately US$5.5 billion and is estimated to grow at a rate of four percent annually through 2005. Imports currently satisfy 70 percent of total demand for environmental goods. Best prospects for U.S. environmental technologies in Australia include: Water and wastewater treatment equipment, Remediation technologies, Solid waste recycling equipment and systems, Air pollution control equipment and Monitoring instruments. For additional information: www.enviroaust.net For additional information on the U.S. Product Literature Center at Enviro 04 please contact: Sandra Collazo, U.S. Department of Commerce,Tel. (202) 482-0617, E-mail: sandra_collazo@ita.doc.gov

The Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce & Industry has a very informative page on the reconstruction efforts in Iraq and the business opportunities there. The site includes news & analysis, doing business in Iraq, information on trade fairs and updates on reconstruction contracts. http://www.i-acci.org/main.shtml

U.S. Department of State - U.S. Government Iraq Reconstruction Contracts: The Department of State provides information and links to websites on Iraq reconstruction contracts funded by U.S. Government bilateral assistance. http://www.state.gov/e/eb/cba/iraq/

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

Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) 2004 , April 20-23, 2004, Singapore. FHA 2004 is the largest food & hospitality event in the Asia Pacific Region. For more information, please contact Ms. Luanne Theseira of CS Singapore at 65/6476-9037, fax: 65/6476-9080.

Turkey Build 2004, May 5-9, 2004, Istanbul, Turkey. The 27th International Building Construction Materials and Technologies Show. For more information: http://www.yem.net/yem/english/fairs/ist/images/TURKEYBUILD_brochure2004.pdf

Turkey Build 2004, May 5-9, 2004, Istanbul, Turkey. The 27^th International Building Construction Materials and Technologies Show. For more information: http://www.yem.net/yem/english/fairs/ist/images/TURKEYBUILD_brochure2004.pdf