MITC Mini-Missions
CeBIT 2003
Futurallia 2003
TRADE ALERTS
UK Strike averted
TRADE EVENTS
China Biz Roundtable
Business in Germany
FTZ Boot Camp
TRADE SHOWS
iEX Internet Expo 2003
Canadian Food & Beverage
Show
USDA Promotes Exports in
Canada
Opportunities in North West
Ireland
AFIA AGRO de las Americas
Foodex Japan 2003
SIAL Montreal 2003
HOFEX 2003
PSC 2003
International Gifts &
Homeware Show
TRADE MISSIONS
ICT Trade Mission
Health Care Technologies
Matchmaker
Medical Device Trade Mission
PRESS RELEASES
WTO Proposal Would Eliminate
Tariffs on Industrial and
Consumer Goods
U.S. and Chile Conclude Historic
Free Trade Agreement
The Thailand Friendship,
Commerce and Navigation
Treaty
University of Maine offers
French for Business Course
WTO Upholds U.S. Provisions
Against Unfair Steel Subsidies
Biotech venture capital growing
in Japanese bio-clusters
Business Meetings in Russia
USEFUL WEBSITES
R&D in Europe
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MITC
Mini-missions
CeBIT
2003,
Germany, March 12-19, 2003, in Hannover, is the largest and most
influential international information and communication technology trade
show in the world, with over 139,000 distributors from 100 countries. The Maine International Trade
Center, through our affiliation with the Eastern Trade Council (ETC), is
offering booth space to Maine companies for $1500. Companies can display catalogs and products, with
international trade specialists on hand to ensure continuous coverage
for booth. This fee will provide your company with a catalog exhibit in
the ETC booth; 2 exhibitor badges; access to the USA pavilion lounge;
and on-site translation services. Companies
are responsible for their individual travel and expenses.
Participation and exhibit space are limited. Contact Wade Merritt
at (207) 990-3161, or e-mail merritt@mitc.com.
Futurallia
2003, May
21-23, 2003 in Quebec City. The Maine International Trade Center
is recruiting for Futurallia 2003, one of the world’s preeminent
matchmaking events for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 800
companies from around the world are expected to attend the 2003 event in
Quebec. Targeted industry
sectors include most types of manufacturing, wood processing and
building materials, environmental and information technologies; food and
agriculture; and healthcare. This
is an excellent opportunity for Maine firms to develop export markets
and to learn about the international marketplace. See the Futurallia
website (www.futurallia-online.com).
Cost is $500 for MITC members, which includes 12 business matches,
hotel accommodations, meals, on-site translation services, and access to
the Futurallia website. MITC
nonmembers pay US$600. For more information or to register, contact Wade
Merritt at the Bangor office at (207) 990-3161, or by e-mail at merritt@mitc.com.
See News article: http://www.bangornews.com/editorialnews/article.cfm?ID=235944
Trade
Alerts
UK
Strike averted: A series of one-day strikes targeting
seven UK airports over the Christmas holiday has been averted.
The Transport and General Workers Union and BAA have announced
that they had reached an agreement over pay, following late night talks.
The agreement meant that no strike action will take place and air
passenger travel plans over Christmas will not be disrupted.
Trade Events
China
Biz Roundtable
is
a monthly meeting for anyone
interested in China business to get together and discuss all issues
related to doing business in China.
Meetings are designed to enable networking and comparison of
notes, sharing tips and learn from each other's experiences. To be
included in the mailing list for this roundtable, e-mail: info@MeetChinaBiz.org.
The first meeting will be held December
18, 2002 at 5pm at the boardroom of Burns & Levinson, 8th Floor, 125
Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110 directions
map
Conducting
Business in Germany
Boston University School of Management invites you to a seminar that
will discuss current and future business opportunities within Germany.
Friday, January 10, 2003, 4:30-7:30 PM, Boston University School
of Management, 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. Keynote address by Dr.
Helmut Haussmann, former German Minister of Economics & Professor
of International Management, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Speakers to include Mr.
Randy Byrd, Vice President, Product Integration, Lear Corporation. RSVP
prior to December 27 to
Cindy Davies, Executive Leadership Center, Boston University School of
Management (cdavies@bu.edu or call 617-353-3910).
FTZ
Boot Camp.
January 5-6,
2003 in Orlando, Florida. The National Association of Foreign -Trade
Zones will fold the FTZ Boot Camp covering an overview of Foreign-Trade
Zones, types of Foreign-Trade Zones, duty related benefits of using a
Foreign Trade Zone, overview of the application process, U.S. Customs
Service regulation of Foreign-Trade Zones, inventory control and record
keeping system(s), and Foreign Trade Zone operations.
Cost: $275. For more information contact the National Association
of
Foreign-Trade
Zones, Tel: 202-331-1950, or see their webpage: www.naftz.org
Trade Shows
iEX
Internet Expo 2003, February 5-7 in Zurich, Switzerland
is the Swiss trade show focusing exclusively on the Internet and its
applications in business. iEX attracts more than 40,000 visitors and
4,500 conference attendees. The U.S. Department of Commerce has
organized a catalog show at this event. Participant cost is $250.
For more information, contact Philippe Mettler, pmettler@mail.doc.gov.
Canadian/International
Food & Beverage Show,
February 16, 17 and
18, 2003 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Toronto,
Ontario. This annual
showcase is dedicated exclusively to suppliers of food and beverage
products for the hospitality industry. Over 700 exhibits attracting over 12,000 qualified
attendees, giving them an opportunity to visit international, national,
and local suppliers of specialty, niche, and commodity products.
For further information contact the Canadian Restaurant and
Foodservices Association, 316 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S
1W5, Tel: 416-923-8416, Fax: 416-923-6164 or visit www.fbshow.com
USDA
To Promote Exports at Trade Shows in Canada:
The U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service invites companies to
exhibit at the Canadian Food and Beverage Show, Feb. 16-18, 2003, in
Toronto, and April 2-4, 2003, at SIAL Montreal.
For additional information contact:
Teresina L. Chin at e-mail: Teresina.Chin @fas.usda.gov
See: http://www.fbshow.com/index_nopopup.htm
Business
Opportunities in the North West Region of Ireland is
being held February 27th 2003 in the Mount Errigal
Hotel, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Ireland.
Network 2003 is designed to assist businesses from the North West
Region, specifically ICT, Environmental and Marine Engineering
businesses, with finding new business opportunities throughout Ireland,
Europe and North America. Event
coordinators are Workspace, The Business Centre, Draperstown, BT45 7AG,
Tel: 44-(0)28 7962 8113, Fax 44 (1)28 7962 9875 or register on-line at www.network2003.net
AFIA
AGRO de las Americas is
being held March 6-8, 2003 Expo Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico provides
an outstanding opportunity for U.S. suppliers to the grain, chicken,
pork, beef, dairy, feed and aquaculture sectors.
In 2003 NAFTA tariffs on meat products are being eliminated.
U.S. meat companies will be able to sell finished products to
Mexico. AFIA AGRO de las Americas is the largest international
exhibition for the feed/livestock and agricultural industries. For more information see: www.afia-agro.com
Foodex
Japan 2003,
March 11-14, 2003 in Tokyo-Japan. Best
Products include: agricultural products, bread and cereals,
confectionery, dairy products, delicatessen, dietetic products, eggs,
and poultry, frozen food products, fruits and vegetables, herbs and
spices, ingredients, meat and meat products, oils, organic products,
seafood, seasonings and condiments, and soup stock. Contact Khaliaka Meardry at the USDA Trade Show Office.
E-mail: Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov.
SIAL
Montreal 2003, April
2-4, 2003 in Montreal, Canada is a World-Class gathering of food and
beverage professionals featuring over 850 exhibitors from 50 countries
and 15,000 attendees. Best Prospects:
Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereals,
fish and seafood products, snack foods, bakery products, mixes and
dough, processed beef and pork products, wine and beer, sauces and
condiments, and bottled water and soft drinks.
Excellent opportunity exists for organic, Kosher and Asian Foods.
Contact: Teresina
Chin, USDA Washington, Tel: 202-720-9423. See:
http://www.sialmontreal.com/en/welcome.ch2
HOFEX
2003,
May 6-9, 2003 Hong Kong, the 10th Asian
International Exhibition of Food & Drink
for American food exporters, manufacturers, and distributors.
Hong Kong is the 8th largest export market for the US
agricultural products and the 5th largest export market from
the US high -value food products.
Best Products:
Fruits, vegetables, wine, beverage, meats and poultry products,
seafoods, convenience foods, organic foods, frozen foods, snack foods,
dairy products, prepared foods, baby foods, pet foods, coffee and tea,
souce and spices, health foods, nuts, baked products, sweets, and
grocery products. Contact:
Khaliaka Meardry, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, USDA/FAS/CMP/AgExport/Trade
Show Office, Email: Khaliaka.Meardry@FAS.USDA.GOV
PSC
2003: Shanghai,
July 1-4, 2003 presents a gateway for industry players to converge under
one roof to showcase their latest products, services and technologies to
the Chinese market. PSC 2003 will feature the following exhibitions:
Pumps & Sytems China 2003, Valves & Fittings China 2003, Tubes
& Piping China 2003, Compressors & Systems China 2003, Fluid
Power China 2003, Chemtec China 2003, Control & Instrumentation
China 2003, Watertec China 2003, Envirotec China 2003.
For more information contact Ms. Linda Nassuruddin, at HQ Link
via Email: Linda@hqlink.com
International
Gifts & Homeware Show, October
6-9, 2003 Airport Export Dubai, UAE, The Gulf has a multi-billion dollar
giftware market, maintaining a steady 10% GROWTH. With a 1.2 billion consumer market and a population growth of
an average of 3% year on year, this region offers a lucrative market
with rich dividends. Dubai's
reputation for being an international hub for re-export means that it
can offer you the launch pad to attract business from anywhere in the
world. Contact the Ambiente Show team at IIR Exhibitions, Tel:
971-4-3365161, Fax: 971-4-3364006, Email: ambiente@iirdubai.com
tRADE missions
ICT
Trade Mission,
February 19-20, 2003. The Canadian ICT market in 2001 was estimated at
US$90 billion, with 38% attributed to computer software and hardware
sales, 34% to telecommunication sales, and 28% to consulting services.
Cost: US$900, includes briefings on Business Conditions/Practices in
Canada; business counseling services; logistical support in Canada;
networking opportunities; and follow-up support. For more information
contact Viktoria Pafli, U.S. Department of Commerce/Toronto, at
416-595-5412 x229 or viktoria.palfi@mail.doc.gov.
Health Care
Technologies Matchmaker:
March 17-21, 2003, Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo,
Norway. This Matchmaker
will go to Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
It will involve health care and medical companies.
There will be a special focus on the tele-health sector, which is
experiencing strong growth in these markets. Contact: Bill Kutson, Tel:
202-482-2839 or E-mail: William.Kutson@mail.doc.gov
Medical Device
Trade Mission,
Mar. 23 - April 3, 2003 Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore. This trade mission will have both policy and commercial
components to assist U.S. Medical device firms seeking to enhance their
presence in the region. The
mission will focus on the medical/dental device and clinical laboratory
equipment sectors. A
limited number of firms from health care services as well as
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries also could participate.
Companies are encouraged to participate in all four countries,
but participants have the option of selecting stops from the itinerary. Contact: Bill Kutson, Tel: 202-482-2839 or E-mail: William.Kutson@mail.doc.gov
Press Releases
WTO
Proposal Would Eliminate Tariffs on Industrial and Consumer Goods by 2015 On November 26, The United
States announced an ambitious new proposal calling on members of the
World Trade Organization (WTO) to eliminate all tariffs on consumer and
industrial goods by 2015. This
proposal, combined with the U.S. agricultural
reform proposal, submitted to the WTO in July, would
eliminate tariffs on the nearly $6 trillion in annual world goods trade.
See: http://www.ustr.gov/new/Zero_Tariff.htm
U.S.
and Chile Conclude Historic Free Trade Agreement.
The United States and Chile reached agreement today on an historic and
comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) designed to strip away barriers
and facilitate trade and investment between both countries. U.S. Trade
Representative Robert B. Zoellick and ChileanForeign Minister Soledad
Alvear said they expect to sign the Agreement and submit it to their
Congresses for approval next year. Full Story: http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2002/12/02-114.htm
The
Thailand Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Treaty,
released by the Trade Compliance Center is available in full text
online: http://www.tcc.mac.doc.gov/cgi-bin/doit.cgi?204:64:322749852:327
University
of Maine offers French for Business Course: ORONO – The
course is designed to
develop the skills necessary for working and conducting business in
francophone communities throughout the world. This an intermediate level
language course open to the public. It is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays
at the University of Maine in Room 220 Little Hall, from 3:40-4:55pm.
Classes begin Tuesday, Jan 21, 2003 and end Friday, May 9 with a
two-week spring recess from March 7-24. For more information contact
Betsy Arntzen at the Canadian-American Center, Tel: 581-4225, http://www.umaine.edu/canam/teachingcanada.htm
WTO
Upholds U.S. Provisions Against Unfair Steel Subsidies.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced November 28 that
the WTO Appellate Body has rejected a challenge by the EU and upheld key
provisions of a U.S. trade law that provides a remedy against unfairly
subsidized imports. The case involved subsidized steel from Germany.
USTR Zoellick said the WTO decision was a victory not only for the U.S.,
but for the multilateral trading system. View
the complete text of the report
Biotech
venture capital growing in Japanese "bio-clusters."
The Japanese market for the goods and services of biotechnology is
expected to grow from about 1.5 trillion yen ($12 billion) in 2002 to
about 2 trillion yen ($16 billion) in 2005. Biotech associations report
that more than 300 bioventures have started up. With rapid growth
projected in the years to come, more ventures are coming into being and
selling shares on stock exchanges. Many of them are R&D-type firms
seeking to turn genetic information into a business that markets new
drugs or offers new types of See full article: http://www.jetro.org/newyork/info_on_japan/jetro_reports/biotech.pdf
Business
Meetings in Russia:
How to Plan and What to Expect. When planning a business trip to Russia,
remember that Russian business conduct can differ from in the United
States. It is important to be aware of norms and expectations of Russian
companies in order to have productive meetings and successfully build
relationships with your Russian counterparts.
See: http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/BULLETIN/nov02bull3.htm
USEFUL WEBSITES
R&D
in Europe:
CORDIS
(http://www.cordis.lu) is a
useful site for businesspeople who need to know what's happening in the
research and development field in Europe. The map-based search is easy
to use:
http://dbs.cordis.lu/map/en/home.html.
Simply click on a country in the map, and type in your search
terms for various R&D projects.
The site lists full details, including contact information for
the companies or universities involved.
At CORDIS you can also find lists of R&D contacts in Europe,
news updates, a document library with full-text European Union R&D
reports, a database of research programs looking for partners, online
forums, and much more, all free of charge! If you register as a
subscriber, (still no charge), you'll receive e-mail updates, wider
search options, and other valuable services.
MITC
Trade Bulletin
is published biweekly by the Maine International Trade Center as a
members only benefit. For
information about membership or to be placed on our MITC Trade
Bulletin mailing list, please contact our office.
Portland:
Phone
(207) 541-7400, Facsimile (207) 541-7420
Bangor:
Phone
(207) 990-3161 Facsimile (207) 942-3548
Lewiston:
Phone
(207) 753-0574 Facsimile (207) 782-6905
Website:
http://www.mitc.com/Trade_Bulletin/November18.htm
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MITC
Trade Bulletin
