The Maine International Trade Center (MITC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce are pleased to host an Ambassador’s Roundtable Discussion featuring the Honorable George Herbert Walker III, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary. This roundtable session will include an overview of the Hungarian economy, a discussion of market drivers and opportunities, and trade benefits associated with Hungary’s recent entry to the European Union. For more information and to register:
http://www.mitc.com/Features/HungaryRountableOct2004.htm

Coming in November - Save the Date!

Essentials of Exporting
Tuesday, November 9th
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
South Portland, ME

This full-day program is an imperative course for the first-time exporter, as well as a useful primer for new staff. Topics to be covered include Incoterms, common international terms of payment, export documentation, logistics options and available export finance programs. Registration brochures will be mailed and available on our website next week.

Coming in December...

The World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center present:
"Don’t Fence Me In"
December 1, 2004
6:00 p.m. at Portland High School Auditorium

The film is a documentary about the German POW camp in Houlton, Maine from 1944-46, as well as a reunion of former prisoners in October 2003. The documentary, created by Caribou High School students and their teacher Brenda Jepson, has aired on Maine PBS and has been accepted to the U.S. National Archive. Ms. Jepson will be there to explain the project, and Deputy Consul General Guenter Wehrmann from the German Consulate in Boston will be a featured speaker. Governor Baldacci plans to personally present a copy of the film to Germany's "Haus der Geschichte" while visiting during the upcoming State of Maine Trade Mission in November. The Program is free and open to the general public and interested students and teachers. For more information, contact Lorna Endreson, World Affairs Council of Maine, at 207-780-4552 or lendreson@wacmaine.org.

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

Trade Partners Get OK to Attack Dumping Law
August 31, 2004 The World Trade Organization authorized the European Union and seven other major trading partners (Canada, Japan, Brazil, Chile, India, S. Korea, and Mexico) to retaliate up to more than $150 million against the US for failing to comply with its international trade obligations. In January 2003, the WTO ruled as illegal a piece of US legislation commonly known as the Byrd Amendment, under which anti-dumping and countervailing duties are distributed to the domestic companies that had requested or supported the imposition of those duties. For more information, please visit www.wto.org

EU Retaliatory Tariffs scheduled to increase to 12% on October 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

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.

Entrepreneur’s Summit October 13, 2004 at the Double Tree Hotel in Portland. Organized by MaineBiz and PretiFlaherty's Business Law Group, the program is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and will feature an expert panel, as well as DECD Commissioner Jack Cashman as the luncheon speaker. Cost to attend is $25 per person. To register, call 207-791-3224.

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.

Best Prospects and Business Opportunities in France October 28, 2004. MITC member Atlantica Group LLC presents a breakfast roundtable presentation and discussion at 8.00 a.m. on Thursday, October 28th at Atlantica’s offices in Portland. Presenters include Alain Lombard, Atlantica Group’s strategic partner based in Paris, and Perry Newman, president of Atlantica Group. France is the world’s fifth largest economy, with high disposable incomes, a penchant for luxury and a thirst for technology. Space is limited. Contact Perry Newman at (207) 775-1547 or pbn@atlanticagroup.com for details.

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

12th Annual Energy Trade and Technology Conference, November 4-5, 2004 at The Colonnade, Boston, MA; New England-Canada Business Council. For more information, please visit www.necbc.org or call the NECBC at (781)963-8928.

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

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

Ukraine’s Medical & Pharmaceutical Industry Show October 27-30, 2004 in Kiev, Ukraine. The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) in Kiev, Ukraine, is pleased to announce to American companies the opportunity to promote themselves at a major Ukraine's medical & pharmaceutical industry exhibition by sending their catalogs for exhibit and promotion. Public Health 2004 will be held at the International Exhibition Center in Kiev, Ukraine on October 27-30, 2004, and will feature a wide range of medical equipment (including dental, clinical laboratory and optical) and pharmaceuticals. For further information, please contact: Olena Stephanska, CS Kiev Commercial Specialist, e-mail: Olena.Stephanska@mail.doc.gov; tel: (380-44) 490-4054.

Asia Pacific Food Expo 2004 November 4-8, 2004, Singapore Expo, Singapore. This trade show includes Processed Food and Drink, Chilled Food, Poultry and Meat Products, Seafood,Fruit and Vegetable Products, Alcoholic/Non alcoholic Beverages, Coffee and Tea, Spices, Health and Dietary Food, etc.; Singapore Food Manufacturers' Association: http://www.asiapacificfoodexpo.org.sg/

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

Andean Marketplace 2005 Caracas, Venezuela May 9-10, 2005; Bogota, Colombia May 12-13, 2005; Quito, Ecuador May 16-17, 2005; Lima, Peru May 19-20, 2005; Follow-on show: La Paz, Bolivia May 23-24, 2005. These International Catalog Exhibitions offer a proven way for you to gain first-hand market insights and trade leads. Andean Marketplace 2005 will help position U.S. businesses to take advantage of opportunities arising from the proposed Andean Free Trade Agreement, which is designed to increase trade, lower trade barriers, boost the buying power of Andean consumers, and fuel demand for high-end U.S. imports. Please contact U.S. Department of Commerce Project Officer Louis Quay (202-482-3973) for more information.

tRADE missions

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

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED!
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. For more information, contact Trade Mission Coordinator Carolina Quiroz-Boutaugh, (207) 990-3161, quiroz@mitc.com or http://www.mitc.com/Features/GermanyItalyTradeMission.html

Oil and Gas Equipment and Services Trade Mission to Southeast Asia December 6-14, 2004. Pre-screened business appointments, strategic meetings with government and industry decision makers, and ground support from the U.S. Embassy will position your company to maximize opportunities in Asia's fast-growing markets for oil and gas equipment and services. Participants in this timely Commercial Service Trade Mission to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore, and Hanoi, Vietnam, will also benefit from a bonus company promotion at the USA Pavilion at OSEA, 2004, the leading oil and gas trade show for the Asia/Pacific region. Spaces are filling up fast. For more information, please contact Matthew Wright, Tel: 202-482-2567, email: matthew.wright@mail.doc.gov

Press Releases

China Business Information Center In China with a delegation of U.S. manufacturers led by National Association of Manufacturers president Jerry Jasinowski, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant Aldonas unveiled new tools to help U.S. companies expand exports to China's growing market - the China Business Information Center, American Trade Centers and the Global Supply Chain Initiative. According to U.S. Commerce Department trade statistics, through June of this year, U.S. exports to China are up 36 percent over the same period last year, making China one of the fastest-growing U.S. export markets, and the sixth-largest U.S. export market overall. Last year, China's worldwide imports increased by more than 40 percent. For more information on the China BIC, call 800-872-8723. Information about China BIC outreach events can be found on the Trade Events section of http://export.gov/china/

U.S. Trade Body Complies with NAFTA Order on U.S.-Canadian Lumber The US International Trade Commission reluctantly complied with a NAFTA trade ruling and issued a statement saying that the United States lumber industry is not threatened by Canadian softwood imports. The US trade body was responding to an order issued August 31 by the United States-Canada Binational Panel in Softwood Lumber. For more information, please visit: http://www.usitc.gov/

Record Deficit for a Crucial Trade Figure The U.S. Commercial Department announced on September 13 that the United States hit a record deficit of $166.2 billion last quarter in trade and capital flows with the rest of the world. For more information, please visit: http://www.commerce.gov/

Travel & Study Tour in Guadeloupe Penobscot School, Maine’s innovative center for language learning and international cultural exchange, located in Rockland, offers a Travel & Study Tour in Guadeloupe from January 7-16, 2005. The 10-day trip includes lodging in bungalows and small hotels, daily French classes, excursions, meetings, dinners complete with nightly apéritif, materials, and free time for individual explorations. Total cost is $2395 (double occupancy; airfare is not included). A deposit of $300 is required to reserve a place; deposits will be fully refunded until November 1, 2004. For more information, please contact Julia Schulz, julias@languagelearning.org; 207-594-9995; or call Penobscot School, 207-594-1084; www.languagelearning.org. Registrations and deposits must be received by November 1, 2004.

USEFUL WEBSITE

Office of American Services and Crisis Management within the U.S. Department of State offers many good resources for business travelers and those living abroad.

Visit the homepage for useful Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Documentary Requirements and Tips for Traveling.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/index.html

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

Ambassador’s Roundtable Discussion

Trade Opportunities with Hungary

Friday, October 8, 2004 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Record Deficit for a Crucial Trade Figure The U.S. Commercial Department announced on September 13 that the United States hit a record deficit of $166.2 billion last quarter in trade and capital flows with the rest of the world. For more information, please visit: http://www.commerce.gov/

Friday, October 8, 2004
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon