SECRETARY OF COMMERCE DALEY TO SPEAK AT AFRICA CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS

This year’s Conference will involve 10 federal agencies which promote commercial relations with Africa, plus the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and a group of Louisiana-based trade organizations. The Honorable William M. Daley, Secretary of Commerce, will deliver the keynote address, and U.S. Ambassadors and Senior Commercial Officers assigned to several African countries will be in attendance. Representatives of federal trade agencies and other organizations will be available for individual consultations with participating firms on the morning of April 17.

This year’s Africa Conference will occur at an opportune time. Africa has become a focus of policy attention in both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. President Clinton launched his Africa Trade Initiative in June 1997, and Congress is expected to pass legislation to help implement the Initiative. President Clinton is scheduled to visit several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in late-March, the first-ever Africa visit by a sitting U.S. President. Several of the federal agencies participating in the conference are developing new programs to stimulate U.S.-African commercial ties. For further information on the Conference, contact the World Trade Center of New Orleans at tel. (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

SOUTH AMERICAN CATALOG SHOW

MARCH 19 PROGRAM ON DOING BUSINESS IN OSAKA, JAPAN

The program will feature Mr. Shizuhiko Ishikawa, Manager of the International Division of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Osaka, and Ms. Miki Nakamura, Director of the USA-Japan Trade Expansion Center in Pensacola, Florida. The topics that will be presented include: the Japanese business climate; new trends in the Japanese market; why should U.S. businesses focus on the Kansai region; how to do business with the Japanese; and the Japanese economy - Is Japan an attractive market for U.S. exporters?

For more information on this luncheon, please call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

"BOYSIE" BOLLINGER TO RECEIVE C. ALVIN BERTEL AWARD

Mr. Bollinger is the Chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., a full-service marine construction and repair operation based in Lockport with worldwide marketing and sales. The company employs approximately 2,000 people and has other divisions located in Louisiana in Algiers, Harvey, Fourchon, Larose, Matthews and Morgan City.

Mr. Bollinger is a graduate of the University of Southern Louisiana. He serves as Chairman of the Governor’s Maritime Advisory Task Force, as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, and as a Board member of the World Trade Center, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the National Ocean Industries Association, the Coast Guard Foundation, and other organizations.

The Bertel Award was established in 1967. It is named after C. Alvin Bertel, who became the prime mover in the early 1940’s in bringing about a constitutional amendment which provided for the non-political selection of port commissioners. In its early years the newly-formed Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans instituted administrative reforms which have endured to this day.

The Selection Committee for the Bertel Award is comprised of the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association; the Jefferson Parish Council; the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans; The Chamber; New Orleans and the River Region; Plaquemines Port, Harbor & Terminal District; St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District; the Port of South Louisiana; the City of New Orleans; the New Orleans Steamship Association; the New Orleans Board of Trade; and the World Trade Center. Recent recipients of the award include Robert G. Evans, Sr., Capt. William A. Slatten, Sr., Senator J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., George Duffy, and Basil J. Rusovich, Jr.

LOUISIANA CALENDAR

March 12 -"Optimizing FSC Benefits" luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring Jeffrey L. Olin of Arthur Andersen LLP. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

March 13 -"Imported Drugs: Where does the real menace lie?" discussion at the Pontchartrain Hotel. Contact the FRA at (504) 523-2201.

March 19 -"Doing Business in Osaka Japan" luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring Shizuhiko Ishikawa of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Miki Nakamura of the USA-Japan Trade Expansion Center. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

March 21 -Asian Pacific Business Conference at the City Energy Club in New Orleans. Call the Asian/Pacific American Society at (504) 887-3100.

March 24 -Reception sponsored by the French American Chamber of Commerce to honor a delegation of French craftsmen and small business owners. To receive an invitation, call (504) 524-2042.

March 26 -C. Alvin Bertel Award luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club honoring Donald "Boysie" Bollinger. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

March 27 -"The Changing Face of Asia" dinner program at the Pontchartrain Hotel featuring Stephen S.F. Chen from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. Contact the FRA at (504) 523-2201.

April 3 -"Ex-Im Bank Trade Finance Update" luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring Joe Ringer, Business Development Officer with Ex-Im Bank. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

April 16-17- -"U.S. Investment in Africa" conference at the World Trade Center. Featured speaker is U.S. Secretary of Commerce William Daley. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

April 17 -"Doing Business in Germany" luncheon program featuring H.E. Jeurgen Chrobog, Ambassador of Germany to the United States. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

April 22 -"Doing Business in the U.K." luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring a British Trade Delegation. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

April 24 -"Doing Business in Venezuela" luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring the Hon. Teodoro Petkoff, Minister of Planning of Venezuela. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

April 29 -"Doing Business in Sri Lanka" luncheon program in the Plimsoll Club featuring H.E. Warnasena Rasaputram, Sri Lanka Ambassador to the U.S. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601.

THREE TRADE MISSIONS TO LATIN AMERICA

May 11-15 Nicaragua and Honduras

July 13-17 Venezuela and Panama

November 9-13 Mexico

The missions include pre-arranged and pre-qualified one-on-one business matchmaking appointments and high-level business briefings and special networking events to provide your company and your goods/services as much targeted exposure as possible in these markets.

In advance of each mission, MetroVision and the WTC will conduct special briefing programs for prospective mission participants to learn about the business opportunities for Louisiana companies in the countries to be visited and the prevalent business practices in each country.

For further information, contact Marisol Canedo by telephone at (504) 524-3425 or by fax at (504) 522-8057.

MARCH 12 SEMINAR ON FSC EXPORT INCENTIVES

This valuable seminar is perfect for everyone interested in saving tax dollars on exports. At the end of the seminar, you will understand general FSC requirements (large FSC and small FSC), how to save time and money with an FSC optimization strategy, how to look for FSC opportunities, and FSC hot topics.

What is an FSC? A Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) is a tax incentive enacted by Congress to encourage export sales, leasing and certain engineering and architectural services. The benefit is an exemption from tax on approximately 15% of the net profits from export transactions. Another way of viewing the FSC benefit is that it represents a 5% reduction in the U.S. corporate rate, i.e., approximately 30% rather than 35%. This represents a permanent tax benefit.

The type of products and services eligible for FSCbenefits include: products manufactured, produced, grown or extracted in the United States; engineering or architectural services for construction projects located outside of the United States; and software exports under the 1997 Tax Act.

For more information on this luncheon, please call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER WELCOMES MONISHA SALDANHA

Ms. Saldanha is a recipient of the Ron Brown Commercial Service Fellowship. The Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, prepares promising students from diverse backgrounds to serve as U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Officers.

The Fellowship Program pays tuition, room and board, travel, and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years of college, as well as during the first year of graduate study. Between their junior and senior year, Fellows attend a junior summer institute at one of five graduate schools of public policy and international affairs. After graduation from college and before entering graduate school, students work for the U.S. Department of Commerce in a domestic office and gain the practical experience necessary for acceptance to graduate school.

While in graduate school, students work part-time for Commerce, and during the summer between the first and second years of graduate school they are assigned to an overseas post. Upon completion of their graduate studies they will receive a one-year overseas assignment. Any interested candidates for the program should contact Ms. Saldanha at (504) 589-6702.

ECUADORIAN TALL SHIP TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS

The Consulate General of Ecuador and the Commander of the "Guayas" cordially invite the Ecuadorian and Latin American population, as well as all New Orleans residents, to be present at the arrival of the "Guayas" on Friday, March 20 at 9:00 a.m., and to the farewell party that will take place on Monday, March 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The ship will be docked at the Julia Street Wharf.

During their stay, the captain, officers and marine guards of the "Guayas" will pay a courtesy visit to Mayor Marc Morial and the Chief of the U.S. Navy in New Orleans. They also will visit the Avondale Shipyards, the NASA plant, and the Museum of Art, as well as place a flower arrangement at the Simon Bolivar monument.

The band of the "Guayas" may perform a concert of Ecuadorian music at the Spanish Plaza on Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. For further details, please call the Ecuadorian Consulate General at (504) 523-3229.

RICHARD NAMED DEPUTY PORT DIRECTOR IN BATON ROUGE

Richard previously was Port Director and CEO of the Orange County Navigation and Port District in Orange, Texas. He is a native of New Orleans and has more than 36 years of experience in port management, economic development, international banking, international and domestic transportation, and international marketing of services.

Richard served as president of the Texas Ports Association and as a board member of several trade and port organizations, including the Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas, American Association of Port Authorities, the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association and the Gulf Ports Association.

BRITISH REP SEEKS TO MEET WITH TECH-BASED BUSINESSES

All innovative and technology-based ideas and products will be considered. However, ideas and products in e following areas will be of particular interest: biotechnology, electronics, oil and gas, and consumer-type products. Companies that are themselves still at an early stage of development and may still themselves at the incubator stage are particularly welcome.

In the first instance, please contact Mr. Gilbert Lagasse at the Louisiana Department of Economic Development at (504) 529-1601, ext. 230 with full details and a convenient time for you to meet with Mr. Northcote.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Telefonix Internet Design & Marketing (TfX) would like to extend an offer of a free one-hour Internet consultation to all readers of the Trade Bulletin. This consultation is for members interested in developing an Internet presence. During the consultation TfX will determine your needs and find out what goals you have in mind for expanding into the world of the web. TfX is a local New Orleans company providing Internet website solutions to small businesses, as well as large corporate offices. To set up a consultation, please contact Blair at (504) 830-4865 or by e-mail at blair@accesscom.net.

John L. Altobello, Jr. graduated from the University of New Orleans with a BA Degree in Communications and is seeking employment. He has had sales and marketing experience and has served in responsible management positions in the retail food industry. Please call (504) 455-0302.

James King is a Golden Gate University graduate and a business professional with bilingual capability in Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese). His 20 years in the transportation and trading industry has encompassed sales, finance and operations. He is currently seeking a position in an environment where his expertise, creativity and motivation can be utilized. He has earned the reputation for being a skilled manager in the areas of new business start-up and management at both national and international levels. Please call (504) 523-1424.

Isabelle Loreal is a French MBA student at the University of Southwestern Louisiana and will be graduating this coming May. Ms. Loreal is looking for an internship in the International Department of a company in Louisiana. This internship should last at least six months, starting from June onward. She has a solid background in international trade and is hard-working, reliable and shines in challenging situations.

Mike Madden is a recent Thunderbird graduate with a Business to Business Marketing degree with Spanish emphasis. Mike has experience in both sales and government contracts. Currently a professor at a local Gulf Coast College, he is seeking a position in international marketing with a Sunbelt-based mid-to-large-sized manufacturer or service provider. E-mail at 76744.355@compuserve.com, or call (228) 868-1318.

David E. Shaffer, Ph.D. is a global sales and marketing executive with 26 years of experience in over 40 countries with distribution/dealer expansion and development, strategic sales/marketing planning, ISO 9001, CE-Mark, pricing and contract negotiations. Dr. Shaffer possesses a Ph.D. in International Business, an MIM and BIM in International Management, and a B.A. in Biology. He is skilled in conversational German and French. He is seeking a senior sales and marketing executive position. Please contact David E. Shaffer at (504) 654-5040; fax (504) 654-0540; e-mail: drdave@iamerica.net.

Frank Uddo graduated from the University of Denver in June 1997 with a BSBA in International Business with a 3.4 GPA. He played baseball, and was a member of many campus organizations. Mr. Uddo recently returned from extensive travels throughout Europe. He is looking for work in International Business primarily relating to import/export, sales, and/or marketing. He can be contacted at (504) 529-5298 or e-mail at FPUddo@aol.com.

AIRPORT PASSENGER VOLUME ROSE TO 8.7 MILLION IN '97

"We are making steady progress" said Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr., Chairman of the Aviation Board. "However, our goal is to significantly increase the pace of our growth. As we expand our West Terminal, increase the number of international flights from Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, and as the Morial Convention Center opens its Phase III expansion in 1999, we look for an increased rate of passenger volume growth."

On the cargo side, volume was virtually the same in 1997 as in 1996. The Airport handled 178,018,201 pounds of cargo in 1997, compared to 179,535,083 pounds in 1996. However, noted Justice Ortique, late in 1997 the Airport opened a new 75,000 square foot cargo facility, completely leased by Federal Express, which has already increased the monthly volume of cargo capacity and handling over previous months. Because of the demand, the Airport is also beginning construction of another new cargo facility that will have state-of-the-art refrigeration capabilities.

Justice Ortique also said the Airport recently purchased a $500,000 main deck loader, which will for the first time allow cargo handlers to unload Boeing 747s at the Airport.

ASIAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE TO BE HELD MARCH 21

PORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO BE HELD IN MAY

This program is truly international in scope: over the past 13 years, 403 participants from 90 countries have graduated from IPPPM. IPPPM fosters closer ties between the United States and other countries, facilitates international trade between Louisiana and world ports, increases maritime expertise around the world, builds a network of international problem-solvers, and contributes to world peace and understanding.

"IPPPM’s intimate setting offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a personal level of interaction with maritime industry peers from around the world," explains IPPPM Director Timothy E. Joder. "Participants will get a close-up look at IPPPM’s working laboratory Ð the Port of New Orleans."

IPPPM is sponsored by the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, the World Trade Center of New Orleans, the Louisiana State University National Ports and Waterways Institute, and the University of New Orleans.

Among the topics to be taught at the 1998 IPPPM program are:

· Port Planning and Development

· Port Pricing/Economics/Tariffs and Cargo Projections

· Port Operations, Productivity and Capacity

· Strategic Planning and Port Sector Reform

· Container Terminal Operations and Management

· Developments in Ship Types, Size, Characteristics, and Cargo Transfer

· Institutional Reform and Privatization

· Port Environmental Considerations

· Port Operations and Cargo Handling Technologies

"This general curriculum is supplemented by site visits to Port of New Orleans terminal facilities and riverfront development projects" adds Joder.

All courses are taught in English by a distinguished faculty composed of public and private sector maritime industry leaders from the U.S. and abroad; personnel from the Port of New Orleans, the University of New Orleans and Louisiana State University’s National Ports and Waterways Institute; and practitioners from the local maritime industry.

The tuition is $2,100. Accommodations can be made at the Hotel Inter-Continental for $97 plus tax ($110 total) per room, per night, single or double occupancy. Financial assistance for foreign participants may be available from the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).

For an application or more information, contact: Director, IPPPM; CUPA/LUTAC; University of New Orleans; New Orleans, LA 70148; USA or call (504) 280-6519; fax (504) 280-6272; E-mail: ppsur@uno.edu.

TECH-SALES FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE PAYS OFF

Tech-Sales was incorporated in 1983 as a manufacturer’s representative in Louisiana and Mississippi. Because of the economic downswing caused by the oil industry crash in 1985, Mr. Hidalgo realized that his company was going to die if something was not done. He scraped together his last few dollars and took a business/vacation trip to his native country of Costa Rica. Although his Spanish was rusty at the time, Mr. Hidalgo gave a presentation and made his first international sale to a power company in Costa Rica. That sale gave Mr. Hidalgo the incentive to continue with his business and shift the overall strategy of Tech-Sales to exporting.

Tech-Sales has a unique customer philosophy that plays a crucial role in its operations. It does whatever it takes to further goodwill between itself and its customers. The company believes that this is best done through building relationships with personal visits and a flexible style of business. The goodwill and excellent customer service have led to word-of-mouth referrals from customers throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mr. Hidalgo believes "when we export a product, it is not just a representation of Tech-Sales but of the entire United States."

The company has not been alone in its growth of becoming a success. The First National Bank of Commerce, Small Business Administration (SBA), and Exim Bank aided Tech-Sales in securing an export line of credit. The line of credit has been the catalyst for growth in the company. Until the line of credit in 1992, Tech Sales had been operating only on cash flow. Recently, the $75,000 line of credit was increased to $125,000. In addition, the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) has provided the firm with basic counseling and market research over the years. The Louisiana International Trade Center has also assisted Tech-Sales with the "ins and outs" of international business in various seminars and meetings.

The success that Tech-Sales has shown is quite evident through the various awards and honors its staff has received. The company was selected in 1997 to receive the President’s "E" Award for Export Expansion and won the SBA’s Small Business Exporter of the Year Award for Louisiana in 1994. Mr. Hidalgo has also served as a speaker at numerous international business seminars, including the World Trade Center’s "ABCs of Export/Import Business" and the Minority Business Development Agency’s "The Basics of Export: A ‘Hands-On’ Workshop for Businesses New to Export."

A unique customer philosophy, along with the assistance of the New Orleans USEAC’s partnership network, has given Tech-Sales the ability and incentive to keep succeeding in the international arena.

(This article was written by Bill Miltenberger, Intern at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center)

INTERNATIONAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

Ties and Scarves: Company in Korea seeks buyers of ties and scarves. Contact Chang H. Han via e-mail at geointl@kotis.net.

Gold Jewels: Member of WTC Caracas seeks manufacturer, supplier, or distributor of gold jewels. Contact Betty Devenuto via e-mail at wtcpatri@telcel.net.ve.

Antifungal Drug: Member of WTC Calcutta seeks information regarding the source of Genaconazole, an antifungal drug, in powder form. Contact Subir Dasgupta via e-mail at wtccal@cal.vsnl.net.in or via fax at 011-91-33-292665.

Betel Nuts, Cloves, Cinnamon, Small Cardamom, Almonds, Pure Ghee, Coconut Oil, and Mustard Seeds: Company in Nepal seeks exporters of the preceding products. Contact Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal via fax at 011-977-21-27758.

Tool Organizer: Member of WTC Zurich seeks exporter of a hanging tool organizer comprised of a combination of bars and clasps. Contact Susanna Probst via e-mail at wtczu@bluewin.ch.

Wood and Formica Furniture: Manufacturing company in Sao Paulo seeks buyers of built-in closets, planned kitchens, shelves, racks, and office furniture. Contact Adilson Veiga via fax at 011-55-12-331-2041.

Manufacturing company in Taiwan seeks distributors/buyers for the following products:

Neoprene orthopedic sport supports

Medical & fitness supports & suits (magnetic and

far infrared)

Neoprene surfing suits

Spandex, elastic bandage supports

In-line skate protectors

Head and wrist bands

Contact Aroha Tsai via e-mail at aroha@ksts.seed.net.tw or via fax at 011-886-6-2974543.

Granite Tiles: Slovenian company specializing in high-quality granite tiles and shackles available in all granite colors seeks buyers or distributors. Contact the WTC Ljubljana via e-mail at wtc-lj@wtc-lj.si or via fax at 011-386-61-1683-480.

Fresh Colombian Flowers: Member of WTC Bogota seeks importers of fresh Colombian flowers. All species of flowers available. Contact Nohora Gonzalez via e-mail at wortrade@colomsat.net.co.

Stainless Steel Products: Company in Taiwan seeks buyers of stainless steel wire, coils, sheets, plates, pipes and pipe fitting. Contact S.D. Samuel Tsay via fax at 011-886-7-3858908.

Unitized Bathroom Products: American Technology Products (ATP) is searching for a U.S. manufacturer of "unitized" or "integrated" bathroom products to be exported to China. This product is essentially a complete bathroom, fabricated of a plastic-like, fireproof material and requiring only about 25 sq. ft. of floor space. Contact Jim Shahan via e-mail at Chinabuild@aol.com or via fax at (217) 352-6655.

Re-usable Plastic Ice Cubes: A member of WTC San Antonio is seeking to buy re-usable plastic ice cubes. Contact Wei Wei Scott via e-mail at wtcsa@newpro.net.

Black beans: Member of WTC Caracas seeks producers/exporters of black beans.

Quantity: 2,500 mt.

Quality: -Grade A. Large or medium size. Clear, without dust, fumigated.

Origin: USA or Canada only

Packing: New bags of 50 kgs in 20’ container.

Contact Jorge Izquierdo via phone at 011 582 572 2679, via fax at 011 582 573 2912, or via e-mail at jizquierdo@cantv.net.

STATE AGENCY PROMOTING OVERSEAS TRADE EVENTS

March 10-13 FoodEx Japan ‘98

March 22-27 1998 Multi-State Trade Days in Canada

March 31- REPCOM in Monterrey, Mexico
April 2

April 26- Business Connections in Warrington,
May 1 England

May 28-June 9 -Marketing USA ‘98 in Brazil, Argentina and Chile

June 14-18 -International Business Exchange ‘98 in Northampton, UK

September 21- -Multi-State Catalog Exhibition in
October 2 -Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand

October 5-8 -Rio Oil & Gas Expo ‘98 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

For details on these events, contact the ITD via phone at (504) 342-4320, fax at (504) 342-5389, e-mail at web-intltrade@lded.state.la.us, or visit the website at http://www.ldcd.state.la.us

LOUISIANA EXPORTS DOWN 14%; LOWER GRAIN SHIPMENTS, ASIAN CRISIS CITED AS FACTORS

"Louisiana was the only state among the top ten exporting states to experience a decrease in exports through the third quarter of 1997," according to Jack Walker, Government and Transportation Affairs Manager for the WTC. "This was largely due to a 32% drop in agricultural exports from Louisiana," which experienced a drop-off in demand from the Asian market and delivery difficulties related to the backlog problems of the Union Pacific Railroad."

Despite this drop, the top U.S. export from Louisiana for the first three quarters of 1997 continued to be agricultural products with $6.5 billion. The single top-ten industry which had the largest increase in exports from Louisiana was transportation equipment, up 120% to $346 million in exports during the nine-month period. Other top-ten export industries to experience increases exports include food and kindred products (up 9% to $2.7 billion), chemicals and allied products (up 12% to $2.7 billion), electronic & electrical equipment except computers (up 15% to $189 million), and primary metal industries (up 18% to $109 million). "While the decrease in total exports from Louisiana was significant, several Louisiana-based industries experienced increased exports, Walker said.

Japan remained Louisiana’s number one export market, with $2.1 billion in exports during the first three quarters of 1997, which was down 19% from the same period of 1996. The Netherlands, a major distribution center for the whole of Europe, was second with $814 million, down 22% from 1996. The NAFTA countries, Canada and Mexico, were third and fourth respectively, with Canada posting a 26% increase to $752 million while Louisiana shipments to Mexico decreased 34% to $639 million. South Korea was Louisiana’s fifth-largest export destination, with $585 million during the first three quarters of 1997 (down 43% from 1996). Taiwan (down 46% to $566 million), Spain (up 7% to $539 million), Egypt (down 24% to $486 million), Belgium (up 33% to $468 million) and China (down 18% to $467 million) round out the top-ten export destinations from Louisiana.

"The decreases we see with our Asian trading partners reflect the difficulties their economies have experienced since last year," stated Walker. "Considering the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to their currencies, export demand from these countries is likely to remain depressed through 1998 and perhaps longer."

U.S. EXPORTS BY STATE

Origin of the Movement Series

LOUISIANA EXPORTS BY INDUSTRY

Origin of the Movement Series

LOUISIANA EXPORTS BY COUNTRY

Origin of the Movement Series

PROVIDED BY: World Trade Center of New Orleans

PREPARED BY: Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research

-SOURCE: Adjustments to data from U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division by MISER

-NOTE: MISER algorithm was revised beginning with 1996 data. Data for prior years may not be consistent.

LOUISIANA COMPANY SUPPLIES PET TURTLES TO THE WORLD

Concordia began as a domestic supplier of baby turtles, but market dynamics forced the company to look internationally. In order to effectively target the export market, Mrs. Evans developed a close working relationship with the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC).

Concordia first contacted the USDOC in April of 1986. The USDOC provided basic export counseling on the use of introductory sales letters, methods of payment, freight forwarders, and export documentation. In addition, Mrs. Evans received lists of potential buyers in a variety of countries. By 1987, Concordia was selling more turtles than it could raise and became a broker for other farms.

The constant search for new opportunities is key to Concordia's success. The company's ability to embrace change and remain flexible has helped it survive in the world market. Concordia's flexibility is reflected in its willingness to continuously expand, even in the face of uncertainty. On this subject, Mrs. Evans commented that "in the past we grew a lot in years when things did not look so good. Luckily, my husband had the insight to grow then because it has helped us now. 1997 has been our best year."

In addition to operating with flexibility, this small family business differentiates its product in terms of quality. Concordia has always been a reputable seller of green turtles because of the sanitary precautions it takes in disinfecting all of its turtle eggs. Given the threat of salmonella, this careful attention is especially important, as most countries carefully monitor and restrict the import of turtles.

Companies must provide proof of laboratory testing with each shipment, along with substantial supporting documentation. With the recent change of regulations in Europe, Concordia has kept informed through the help of the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, the joint USDOC and the U.S. Small Business Administration export service in New Orleans.

Concordia's active use of all available resources has ensured its success in seeking out and capitalizing on new opportunities. In addition, Concordia's constant observance of the quality of its products sets it apart as a leader in the export market.

(This article was written by Christine Herrera, Intern at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center.)