LOUISIANA INTERNATIONAL
TRADE BULLETIN

JUSTICE ORTIQUE TO REPORT ON AIRPORT PROGRESS

Justice Revius O. Ortique Jr., Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board, will address the topic of progress at the New Orleans International Airport at a Thursday, November 16 luncheon at the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans.

Justice Ortique was named chair of the Aviation Board in 1994 by Mayor Marc Morial. Under his direction, the Airport has embarked on an $850-million rebuilding and expansion program that has seen two concourses rebuilt, new state-of-the-art cargo facilities constructed and creation of a new, expanded West Lobby where Delta Airlines has located its ticketing and baggage handling facilities.

Under Justice Ortique’s leadership, the Airport has seen passenger volume increase from less than 8 million in 1994 to an expected 10 million in 2000. Justice Ortique has also advocated a more aggressive marketing program for the New Orleans International Airport that has seen five new airlines open operations at the airport, while Southwest Airlines has increased its facilities, offering more than 55 flights per day.

To register for the November 16 luncheon program, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU GALA TO HONOR LT. GOV. BLANCO

The French American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Chapter will hold its annual Beaujolais Nouveau celebration at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans on Thursday, November 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The reception will also honor Louisiana Lt. Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco for her contributions to the success of Franco-Fete 1999, the year-long celebration of the 300th anniversary of the French presence in the state.

The November 16 reception will feature a selection of the best Beaujolais Nouveaux 2000, including George Duboeuf, Labourie Roi, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine de Peuple and Domaine de Manoir du Carra, while Chef RenŽ Bajeux will delight guests with Foie Gras, frog legs, chocolate mousse and other French "classics" pairing the wines.

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by French artist Christine Renaud singing in the Edith Piaf style, accompanied by Norbert Slama on the accordion, performing songs from their newly-released CD.

The French-inspired Silent Auction will feature an array of exotic trips and stays at five-star Orient Express Hotels worldwide, including Tahiti/Bora Bora, Macu Picchu in Peru, Nice, and Carcassonne, France, and the French Caribbean Island of St. Martin. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the French American Chamber of Commerce and Boys Hope. The grand prize will be a trip for two aboard the Orient Express Train London-Paris-Venice with transatlantic business class tickets transportation, compliments of Delta Air Lines.

Tickets are $60 per person. To purchase tickets, please call (504) 596-4363. For more information, call the French American Chamber of Commerce at (504) 524-2042 or visit www.faccla.com/festival.htm.

USEFUL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS WEBSITES

The Louisiana International Trade Center - SBDC (LITC) has compiled an extensive list of nearly 500 web sites related to international business. The information is presently available on the World Trade Center website and will be available through the LITC website in the near future. The website for the LITC is www.uno.edu/~litc. This information can also be found in the book that accompanies the "Global Trade on the Internet" seminar.

SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO SPEAK ON NOV. 30

Dr. Kam Movassaghi, Louisiana’s Secretary of Transportation and Development, will speak at a November 30 luncheon program in New Orleans on "Louisiana’s Transportation Outlook." His presentation will include results of the Department’s new study on trade and transportation with Latin America. The program will be held in the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center and is sponsored by the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Metrovision Partnership, and the WTC.

Governor M. J. "Mike" Foster, Jr. appointed Dr. Movassaghi as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development in October 1998. In that capacity, he directs a transportation and civil works staff of over 5,500 employees with an annual budget of over $1 billion. Dr. Movassaghi is responsible for statewide transportation and public works and oversees $1.2 billion in construction projects. Dr. Movassaghi previously served as head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette (ULL).

To register for the November 30 luncheon, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222, or click here.

LOUISIANA TRADE EVENTS

Nov. 1 -"Import/Export Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the World Trade Center. Call the Louisiana International Trade Center (LITC) at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

Nov. 6 -"Pricing, Terms, Quotations and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the World Trade Center. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

Nov. 8 -"International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in New Orleans at the World Trade Center. Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222 for fees and information.

Nov. 13-14 -Two-day seminar on "International Trade Finance" featuring Chip Thomas, WTC 29th Floor, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

Nov. 16 -Luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club on the "New Orleans International Airport Progress Report," featuring the Hon. Revius O. Ortique, Jr., Chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

Nov. 16 -Beaujolais Nouveau Gala at the Windsor Court inNew Orleans, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Call the French American Chamber of Commerce at (504) 524-2042.

Nov. 30 -Luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Dr. Kam Mouassaghi, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

Dec. 7 -Luncheon program at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco. Call the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana at (504) 885-4262.

Dec. 7 -Dinner program on "Doing Business in Bolivia" at 7:00 p.m. at the WTC’s Plimsoll Club featuring Hon. Manuel Rocha, U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia.

JENNIFER KLEIN NAMED LITC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

The Louisiana International Trade Center - SBDC (LITC) extends a warm welcome to Jennifer Klein, who is the new Assistant Director. The position involves organizing and promoting training seminars on different topics of international trade; providing counseling to clients on the fundamentals of running an import/export business; assisting clients with market research; coordinating matchmaking; basic network administration and computer maintenance; accounting, budgeting, and office support. Ms. Klein is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a BSBA degree in Economics-International Business. She can be reached at (504) 568-8222.

GUIDE TO EU STANDARDS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT

An introductory reference on the general principles and concepts behind the European Union’s (EU) "New Approach" laws and directives is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office. The guide is designed to help business and government officials understand the new laws, the EU’s standardization process, and the relationship between the European Commission and the European standardization bodies in the European Union. It also provides information on the EU’s approach to conformity assessment and requirements for obtaining a CE mark to gain access to the European Market. The 34-page publication offers explanations of such concepts and requirements such as: notified bodies, conformity assessment modules, supplier’s declaration of conformity, technical construction files, user manuals, authorized representatives, and product liability in the European Union. For more information, call the U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

GUADALAJARA GOLD 2001

Participate in Guadalajara (Mexico) Gold and let the U.S. Commercial Service research the market and open doors for you by arranging meetings with pre-qualified potential distributors, representatives, and end-users of your product or services. The $1,200 fee includes:

• Market research to identify best contacts
• Brochure in Spanish with participant company and interest information
• VIP evening reception and opportunity to meet top executives and Mexican government officials
• Breakfast briefing by U.S. Commercial Service
• 10 appointments with selected contacts accompanied by an interpreter
• Optional tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque.

The event takes place on March 6-9, 2001; registration and payment deadline is January 15. Space is limited so reserve your spot soon. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for more information.

POLISH LANGUAGE WEBSITE

The U.S. Commercial Service in Warsaw is using a new Internet program to market American products and services throughout Poland. Polish specialists will translate your company information and post it to the Amerykanski (American) Partner web site with a link back to your company’s Internet home page. Hundreds of U.S. firms covering a broad range of industry sectors are already participating in this program. The cost of the service is only $25. Call the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans at (504) 589-6546 for details.

SCOTT NAMED DIRECTOR OF FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER

Ken Scott, formerly with the International Marketing Division of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, has been appointed Executive Director of the Louisiana Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. A former Senior Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State with service in Cote d’Ivoire, India, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Gabon, and Tanzania. Scott will utilize his French language skills and immersion in the francophone world to promote more French investment in Louisiana and exports by Louisiana companies to France. Valerie Guillet, former Executive Director, will continue her association with the Chamber as Special Programs Coordinator, bringing to Louisiana special events such as the Beaujolais Nouveau wine tasting and silent auction on November 16 and the Muscadet Festival in July.

NOV. 13-14 TRADE FINANCE SEMINAR AT THE WTC

The American Export Training Institute (AETI) is holding a trade finance seminar at the World Trade Center in New Orleans on November 13-14. The seminar will be led by Richard "Chip" Thomas, a global trade and banking expert who has taught trade finance techniques to thousands of seminar participants worldwide. The seminar sponsors are Bank One, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the WTC. The seminar will provide a clear understanding of how to: (1) take advantage of financial tools such as letters of credit and Ex-Im Bank resources; (2) offer competitive credit terms and still receive payment upon shipment; (3) protect balance sheets and cashflow from the risks of international trade; and (4) identify creditworthy prospects and structure successful sales contracts. For details, call AETI at (212) 519-4343 or visit www.exportrisk.com.

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO BOLIVIA TO SPEAK AT DEC. 7 DINNER

The U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, the Hon. V. Manuel Rocha, will be the speaker at a special dinner to be held at the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans on Thursday, December 7 starting at 7:00 p.m. (cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.). The subject of Amb. Rocha’s presentation will be "Doing Business in Bolivia."

Amb. Rocha was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia on July 14, 2000. From October 1997 until this appointment, he served as Charge d’Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From July to October 1997, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy.

Amb. Rocha also has served as Deputy Principal Officer of the U.S. Interests Sector in Havana, Cuba, as well as the Director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council in Washington D.C. from 1991 until 1994. Amb. Rocha was the Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Prior to that, he was Deputy Political Counselor for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

Amb. Rocha began his career as a desk officer for Honduras with the Department of State in 1981. In 1983, he was appointed as a Political Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. He went on to serve as a Watch Officer in the Operations Center of the Department and as a Consul for Political and Economic Affairs for the U.S. Consulate General in Florence. In 1987, he was appointed Politico-Military Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

Amb. Rocha graduated cum laude from Yale University in 1973, received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1976, and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in 1978. To register for the December 7 dinner, call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or click here.

LT. GOV. BLANCO TO ADDRESS HISPANIC CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco will be the keynote speaker at the Thursday, December 7 luncheon meeting of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana to be held at the Plimsoll Club of the World Trade Center in New Orleans. Lt. Gov. Blanco will speak on Louisiana’s international tourism and the increasing numbers of visitors from Mexico and Central and South America, as well as future marketing possibilities in Spain and other trends in the international tourism markets. The luncheon will begin at 12:00 noon, with a cash bar reception starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the luncheon is $30 per person. Validated parking is available at the WTC garage next to the Hilton Riverside Hotel. To register for the December 7 luncheon program, call (504) 885-4262.

PRESIDENT SIGNS CHINA TRADE BILL

President Clinton signed legislation into law on October 10 granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to the People’s Republic of China. This action brings to an end 20 years of annual reviews of China’s trade status and settles the long political debate on the developing trade relationship between the United States and the world’s most populous nation.

The enactment of the PNTR legislation in the U.S. paves the way for China to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), although that may not happen until next year. A slowdown in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, which prompted some Western officials to maintain that China was backsliding on several of the concessions it made during bilateral negotiations with the United States and the European Union (EU), has made it less likely that China will be able to enter the WTO before the end of this year, as was hoped by U.S. and Chinese officials.

Before China can join the WTO, it must still: (1) hammer out a market access schedule in Geneva; (2) complete protocol documents outlining its other negotiated commitments; and (3) finish its final bilateral negotiations with Mexico. In its bilateral negotiations with the United States, China agreed to make significant market opening concessions in almost every sector of its economy, while the U.S. was required only to make permanent the trade status it has granted China for the past 20 years.

Louisiana stands to benefit greatly from the opening of China’s market, having shipped a total of $704 million of commodities and products to China in 1999. For the first six months of 2000, the exports from Louisiana to China have totaled $534 million, an increase of 130% over the same period in 1999.

CUBA EMBARGO AND TRADE INFORMATION

Although a general embargo on U.S. trade with Cuba remains in effect, several changes in export regulations have opened a small export window for U.S. producers of certain products. Medicines, and medical equipment and supplies may be sold or donated to entities and organizations within Cuba, including the Cuban government. Such shipments are subject to prior approval and licensing by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The commercial sale or donation of food and agricultural commodities is possible under certain conditions. Food and agricultural supplies such as insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, seeds, fertilizer, and other similar items may be shipped to Cuba subject to prior approval on a case-by-case basis by OFAC; however, this does not include agricultural machinery or equipment. Sale or donations must be made to private, non-governmental groups such as religious organizations, private farmers, privately owned family restaurants, and similar organizations. Sales of food and agricultural supplies to the Cuban government, or organizations affiliated with or controlled by the Cuban government, are not permitted.

Business travel to Cuba to explore commercial opportunities is possible upon issuance of a travel license by OFAC. Business travelers are advised to inform the State Department’s Cuban Affairs Office in Washington, D.C. before their trip, and to arrange a visit to the U.S. Interests Section in Havana upon their arrival. The U.S. Interests Section has a small American staff and is located at the Swiss Embassy in Havana. You are encouraged to visit the following U.S. Government and private sector websites for more information on Cuba:

• Office of Foreign Assets Control (U.S. Treasury): www.ustres.gov/ofac
• Bureau of Export Administration (U.S. Commerce): www.bxa.doc.gov
• Cuba Trade: www.cubatrade.org
• Miami Herald: www.herald.com
• Miami Herald Spanish-language edition: www.elherald.com.

U.S. AND JORDAN SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

The United States and Jordan entered into a historic free trade agreement on October 24 that, in addition to eliminating virtually all tariffs between the two nations, also includes commitments to safeguard worker rights and the environment. This is the first time that such labor and environmental standards have been included as part of the main text of such an agreement, a fact which won it praise from labor unions and environmental groups that have opposed many of the administration’s other trade initiatives.

The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement will eliminate virtually all tariffs on industrial goods and farm products within ten years, making Jordan only the fourth nation to enter into a free trade agreement with the United States (the others are Israel, followed by Mexico and Canada under the NAFTA agreement). It will also open the market for U.S. service providers, protect intellectual property rights, require a commitment to liberalizing e-commerce, and include provisions on environmental principles and labor rights.

This relatively small two-way trade between the U.S. and Jordan totaled $287 million in 1999, including $276 million in exports to Jordan and $11 million in U.S. imports from Jordan. It is hoped that this agreement will result in a rapid increase in trade between the two nations and serve as an example to Jordan’s neighbors i n the Middle East.

PRESIDENT IMPLEMENTS CARIBBEAN BASIN ACT

The Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), Title II of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, was implemented on October 2 when the President signed the proclamation specifying the 24 countries of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), which was enacted in 1984. These "Beneficiary Countries" are entitled to receive enhanced trade benefits under the new trade agreement signed on May 18.

The CBTPA expands preferential treatment for apparel made in the Caribbean, eliminating duties and quotas for apparel from the region made with U.S. fabrics and yarns. Duty/quota free treatment is also given to certain knit apparel manufactured in beneficiary countries from fabrics made in the Caribbean provided that they are formed from U.S yarns. Apparel made in the region from fabrics determined to be in short supply in the United States will also be eligible for duty and quota-free treatment under the agreement. In addition, The CBTPA will provide NAFTA-equivalent tariff treatment for certain items that were excluded from duty-free treatment under the CBERA.

FINANCING CONFERENCE ON SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE

The Southeastern Europe Finance Conference will be held in Washington on November 14-15. Hosted by Equity International and its Center For Reconstruction & Development, the conference will feature an extensive array of public-sector and private-sector financing available for the economic development of Southeastern Europe. Details will be provided on new investment funds, project financing, and Stability Pact financing. In addition, lucrative new investment opportunities will be presented by ministers, securities firms, privatization agencies, and individual companies. The conference will be opened by the keynote addresses of several Prime Ministers. The focus of the conference is Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia, and Turkey. To register, visit www.rec-dev.com/europefin.htm.

LA’S EXPORTS INCREASE 7.5% DURING FIRST HALF OF 2000

Louisiana’s worldwide exports increased by 7.5% to $9 billion during the first half of 2000, compared to the same period in 1999, according to a report released by the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTC). Almost half of this growth is due to a 130% increase in exports to China, which consisted almost entirely of agricultural commodities and chemical products. According to WTC Managing Director Eugene Schreiber, the increase in exports for the first six months of the year could signal a recovery for the state’s export sector after several years of decreasing worldwide shipments due to such factors as the Asian financial crisis and the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.

"The increase in shipments from Louisiana, along with the fact that seven of our top ten trading partners purchased more from Louisiana during the first half of this year, is a sign that the strengthened global economy is helping Louisiana’s exports," said Larry Collins, International Trade Director for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

The WTC report, which covers the export of both Louisiana-made products and goods produced in other states that are shipped abroad through Louisiana’s ports, is generated by the Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research (MISER) and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Japan remained Louisiana’s number one export destination during the first half of 2000, taking $1.1 billion of the state’s international shipments, which represented a 7% decrease from the first half of 1999. Mexico was Louisiana’s second-largest export market, with an increase of 4.6% to $695 million, compared to $664 million for the same period last year. Canada was third, posting a 14.4% increase to $612 million, and China rose to fourth (from ninth for the first half of 1999), taking in $534 million, an increase of 130%. The state’s fifth-largest market was Taiwan, which imported $430 million in Louisiana goods, a 4.5% decrease for the first half of 2000.

Of Louisiana’s top-ten export destinations, four were located in Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea), two were in Europe (the Netherlands and Belgium), three were in the Western Hemisphere (Mexico, Canada, and Colombia), and one was in the Middle East (Egypt).

Louisiana’s number one worldwide export sector, agricultural commodities, increased in total value during the first half of 2000 by 4.6% to $4 billion. Chemicals and allied products were the state’s second-largest export category at $2 billion, a 27.4% increase over the first half of last year. Processed food exports were third at $1.3 billion, a decline of 13.3%. Petroleum and coal products placed fourth with a 45.4% increase to $547 million, while paper and allied products rounded out the top five Louisiana exports with $185 million, a 43.2% increase over the first six months of 1999.

Trade reports that provide information on 33 product categories of Louisiana exports to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available on the WTC’s website (www.wtc-no.org/tradestats/index.html). Printed reports are available by calling the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 262, or by writing to the World Trade Center, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130.

INDUSTRY MARKET INSIGHT REPORTS

Below is a list of U.S. Commercial Service Industry Market Insight Reports. For the entire report(s), call the U.S. Export Assistance Center at (504) 589-6546.

Argentina - Fitness Equipment Market Offers Opportunities to U.S. Firms

Argentina - Overview of the Golf Equipment Market

Australia - Short List for New Gas Supply Options

Brazil - Biotechnology Industry Projects

Brazil - Electronic Project Will Attract New Investment and Opportunities

Brazil - U.S. Suppliers of Power Quality Monitoring Equipment

Brazil - Tropical Fruit Projects

Canada - Electronic Payment Systems Made Easy

Colombia - Contract for Oil Exploration/Exploitation

Colombia - Medication Administration Devices

Colombia - Sanitary Registration Required on Imported Food Products

Colombia - The Petroleum Information Bank

Colombia - Upcoming Tunnel Tender

Hong Kong - Scrap Steel Needed by Trading Company

Hong Kong - New Opportunities for the Insurance Sector

Indonesia - Conditions and Sanctions on Drug Distribution

Ireland - Major health Services Projects

Jordan - Oil and Gas Exploration

Kuwait - Customs Duty

Kuwait - Sibbiya Bridge Moves Forward

Mexico - Expo Mujer 2000 Women’s Expo

Mexico - Alimentaria Mexico 2000 Food and Technology Exhibition

Mexico - Tequila Crisis: Window of Opportunity for U.S. Manufacturers and Exports of Liquors and Other Alcoholic Beverages.

Pakistan - Opportunity in Agriculture Sector

Pakistan - Registration Requirements for Medical Equipment

United Arab Emirates - Oil and Gas Tenders

Venezuela - Enviro and Truck-Refurbishing Company Seeks U.S. Partner

Venezuela - New Labeling Requirements on Consumer Products

Venezuela - Waste Disposal and Conversion Plant Sought

Switzerland - Zurich Airport: New Passenger and Landing Fees

INTERAMERICAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN YUCATAN

The State of Yucatan, Mexico Trade and Investment Bureau will host the first Interamerican Business Conference in Merida from October 22-25 at the 21st Century Convention Center. The conference’s theme is "Americas Without Borders-Business Challenge/ Opportunity" and is targeted towards owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses, representatives of Chambers of Commerce, government officials, and trade and economic development officials. The conference is designed to help small and medium-sized companies increase their profitability and extend markets through matchmaking appointments, seminars, trade exhibits, and networking opportunities.

Yucatan is a most appropriate site for the conference. The Mexican state is a major success story of NAFTA and Mexico’s other free trade agreement with the European Union. It has 150 maquiladoras, a significant increase from 10 in 1990. Yucatan’s deep-water Port of Progresso, one of Mexico’s most modern and important ports, is only 32 hours by sea from the U.S. Yucatan has two international airports in Merida and Chichen Itza. Recreational activities in Yucatan include beaches, archeological sites, ecological sites, and shopping.

For additional information or to register for the conference, call the State of Yucatan, Mexico Trade and Investment Bureau’s Miami office by phone at (305) 567-1909 or by e-mail at stateofyucatan@yucatan.gob.mx.