MITC Trade Bulletin
The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service
Friday, September 29, 2006
Sponsored by
Contents:
Trade Alerts Trade Shows Trade Missions Press Release Job Announcements Useful Websites Useful Resources
THE TOOLS OF TRADE:
INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS, TRADE FINANCE, AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS
October 26, 2006 ~ 1:00 - 5:00
Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch, Auburn
TRADE ALERTS
EU
EU, India to seek free trade pact - The European Union and India, one of Asia's fastest growing economies, will signal next month their intention to negotiate a free trade agreement, the EU's executive Commission said on Wednesday. http://www.ndtvprofit.com/homepage/news.asp?id=269602
USDOC
U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary David Spooner announced major improvements to the U.S. foreign-trade zone (FTZ) program. The improvements significantly increase flexibility for short-term manufacturing approvals and reduce processing times for all FTZ manufacturing applications, which will assist U.S. manufacturers in doing business globally.
Source: http://trade.gov/press/press_releases/2006/ftz_091806.asp
US TRAVEL AND TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD
The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) issued the report, titled Restoring America’s Travel Brand: A National Strategy to Compete for International Visitors
C-TPAT DEADLINE UPDATE:
US Customs and Border Patrol reminds C-TPAT member importers that the deadline for security profile updates is October 1st. For more on requirements and on how to update your profile, visit the CBP website at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/implement_portal/
TRADE NEWS
CHINA fulfills commitment to WTO
China has fulfilled its commitment to the World Trade Organization to open its securities market, China Securities Regulatory Commission chairman Shang Fulin has told the Sino-French Financial Forum in Shanghai.
Source: http://www.cs.com.cn/english/ei/200609/t20060922_998408.htm
COLOMBIA
Many adults in Colombia are in favour of a proposed commerce agreement with the United States, according to a poll by Gallup released by Semana. 56 per cent of respondents support the free trade agreement.
Source: http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/13227
China asks US to drop tariff bill
China 's foreign ministry on Wednesday called on US senators to drop a bill that would impose 27.5 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports in retaliation for Beijing 's alleged undervaluation of the renminbi. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15032032/
China Posts Wheat, Corn, Rice, Cotton Import tariff quotas
China is to maintain this year's import tariff quotas for wheat, corn, rice and cotton on imports next year, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Tuesday. http://en.chinabroadcast.cn//3130/2006/09/27/262@144297.htm
ASIA
The dollar stuck near two-week lows against the yen and euro Friday, and Asian stock markets fell as exporters were punished, after U.S. data suggested the world's biggest economy may be slowing faster than expected.
UNITED STATES AND MARITIUS
Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Karan Bhatia and Mauritian Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Minister Madan Murlidhar Dulloo signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) aimed at strengthening and expanding trade ties between the United States and Mauritius.
Source: http://www.diamondintelligence.com/magazine/magazine.asp?id=4224
TRADE SHOWS
MITC has compiled a list of trade shows of interest to our members based on industry sector and region. To view this list, visit: http://www.mitc.com/Trade_Bulletin/2006/TBTradeShows.htm
TRADE MISSIONS
Eastern Mediterranean Table Top Exhibition in Jordan, Israel & Turkey: November 12-17, 2006
Questions and inquiries about the program should be directed to Sherwin Pomerantz, Chairperson, American State Offices Association at sherwin@atid-edi.com.
Business Development Mission, Beijing and Shanghai, China, November 13 - 17, 2006
Questions and inquires about the program should be directed to the Office of Business Liason at the U.S. Department of Commerce at 202-482-1360 or ChinaMission@doc.gov
Mumbai Business Summit, November 29-30, 2006
Join the US Department of Commerce's development mission to India. Summit participants will have access to India's high-level business, industry and government representatives. Spin-off missions to Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi are also being offered. Arrangements such as market briefings, networking receptions and one-on-one business appointments can be arranged by the US Commercial Service. For more Information, please visit:http://www.export.gov/indiamission.
Explore BC 2010 OLYMPIC Opportunities in Vancouver, Canada, November 7, 2006- November 8, 2006
Join the US Department of Commerce Commercial service in Vancouver is organizing a multiple industry trade event in Vancouver, Canada for November 7 & *, 2006. The participating U. S. companies will benefit from briefings by the BC 2010 Secretariat regarding the 2010 Olympic procurement process as well as from local experts on the Canadian market; a networking reception; and pre-scheduled, pre-qualified on-on-one meetings with potential agents and distributors. Cheryl.Schell@mail.doc.gov
PRESS RELEASES
THOMAS RELEASES BILL TO CHANGE AGOA (AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT http://waysandmeans.house.gov/news.asp?formmode=release&id=429
INDIA LIFTS COKE/PEPSI BAN http://edition.cnn.com/2006/BUSINESS/09/22/india.cola.reut/index.html
INDIA TRADE MISSION http://trade.gov/press/press_releases/2006/india_091406.asp
USEFUL WEBSITES: Getting Conact Information
Strategis (Canadian Business): http://strategis.ic.gc.ca
iCRIQ (Quebec Business): http://www.icriq.com
Kompass (European/Worldwide Business): http://kompass.com
Thomas Register (Worldwide Business): http://www.thomasregister.com
Access Asia (Asian Business): htttp://www.accessasia.com
USEFUL RESOURCES
Government Contracting Matchmaker Event -South Portland - October 17th
This is an incredible opportunity for Maine small businesses statewide. You may want to share this with your membership. Over 50 prime contractors and Federals agencies will be available to meet with business owners to discuss contracting opportunities on a one-on-one basis. ON-LINE PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. Email: bonnie.erickson@sba.gov Web-Site: www.sba.gov/me
*** As a reminder, MITC membership includes unlimited trade assistance. We look forward to answering your questions and providing you with market research and statistics. For more information, please contact Trade Assistance Manager Anne Hurst at hurst@mitc.com or 541-7418. ***
For more information about the Maine International Trade Center, 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