JAPANESE EMBASSY OFFICIAL TO SPEAK ON JULY 8

Mr. Yamamoto will address the topic "Japan And Its Future Role in the Asian-Pacific Region." His talk will include the current situation in the region, relations with China, the North Korea nuclear issue, and the significance of the Japan-U.S. alliance.

In addition to a series of prior senior assignments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo and at the embassy in Washington, Mr. Yamamoto has served as First Secretary of the Japanese embassy in the Philippines, Minister of Political Affairs at the embassy in Korea, and as Consul General in Boston. He holds degrees from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Oxford University in England.

To register for the luncheon, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271, or register online by clicking here.

JULY 13 CAFTA FORUM IN LAFAYETTE

JULY 13 WORKSHOP ON HIRING STRATEGIES

This hands-on, interactive workshop will focus on how to hire top employees, either executives, office managers or workers, or sales producers. Participants will receive an overview of building a Hiring Matrix. This tool will then be used to drive the interview, hiring, and quarterly review process. Sections on strategies, goals of the interview, interviewing techniques, and interviewing role-playing are all a part of the workshop.

Mr. Annoni will also touch on using effective pre-hire assessment tools to help insure employers only interview those that will be successful. This workshop is part of the Sandler Systems Strategic Management program taught worldwide by the Sandler Sales Institute, with offices in Hong Kong, Sidney, Ireland, England, Mexico, Canada, and 120 locations in the U.S. To register for the workshop, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271, or register online by clicking here.

JULY 19 MALAYSIA WORKSHOP AT WTC

MIDA is the principal Malaysian government agency responsible for industrial promotion and development in Malaysia (www.mida.gov.my). MIDA provides assistance and coordination to companies in the implementation and operation of their projects. The MIDA office based in Chicago assists in the promotion of two-way business relations between Malaysia and 20 states in the mid-west and southern U.S., including Louisiana.
Malaysia, a country of 26 million at the heart of Southeast Asia, over the last 40 years has transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a dynamic, progressive and modern industrial and technological leader in Asia. Currently, manufacturing comprises 30% of its economy, and the country continues to be a leading world producer of oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper, and timber. Malaysia is also a net exporter of oil and gas. The country is fully engaged in the latest technology initiatives, biotechnology, and multimedia development.

Malaysia is the 18th largest trading nation in the world. It is the United States' 10th largest trading partner and 18th largest export market. The U.S. is Malaysia's largest trading partner and is the largest investor in Malaysia, mainly in the oil & gas and chemicals manufacturing sectors. To register for the July 19 luncheon, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271, or register online by clicking here.

WTC DRAWBACK SEMINAR ON AUGUST 5

Duty drawback provides an opportunity to obtain a refund of duties, fees, and taxes incurred at the time of importation. This two-hour seminar will cover issues and procedures for maximizing savings using duty drawback and includes instruction in interpreting U.S. Customs and Border Protection drawback regulations. Seminar topics include: review of manufacturing drawback, unused drawback and rejected merchandise drawback; different methods used to claim drawback; basis of claim; privilege application and approval process; impact of NAFTA on drawback programs; and penalty provisions, drawback compliance program, and reasonable care requirements.

To register for the seminar, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 271.  Online details to be posted shortly.

AZUCAR BALL ON AUGUST 27

RADIO SHOW BRINGS WORLD TRADE TO AIRWAVES

The June 28 show will feature Eugene Schreiber, Managing Director of the World Trade Center , who will discuss the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), and Gary Springer, President, Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc., who will discuss opportunities in the U.S. and Mexican states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. 

The July 5 show will feature Dr. Tarik Bnafa, an international consultant and former consultant with the United Nations and African Development Bank, and Jovita Jenkins, author of the book "Get Out Of Your Own Way: Creating the Next Chapter of Your Life." 

The July 19 show will feature Edward Hayes, partner with the Saporito Law Firm, who leads the firm's international business practice. 

The July 26 show will feature David Smallman, European Representative for Louisiana Economic Development, and David Ware, a New Orleans immigration lawyer.

KEY PROGRAMS OF U.S. EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTERS

• Gold Key Service: $700-$800 per country or region for the first day; approximately $400 for each additional day. Before heading overseas, CS staff at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate will set up appointments with interested potential business partners. Four to six weeks notice is required.
   
• International Partner Search: $500-$800 per country or region. CS staff at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate will find distributors/strategic partners interested in the requesting U.S. firm's product or service. Contact information and a description of the foreign companies' activities will be provided to the U.S. firm.
   
• International Market Research Reports: free or variable costs. Call the local USEAC for free reports prepared by overseas Commercial Officers. U.S. firms may also purchase market research geared specifically for the U.S. company. USEAC contacts throughout the U.S. are listed at www.export.gov.
   
• Trade Shows/Catalog Shows: various locations and costs. Commercial Service staff will assist with identifying international trade shows and expos in specific industry sectors. At many of the shows, the Commercial Service organizes a U.S. Pavilion or provides staffs for a catalog booth at a reduced price for U.S. participants.

LOUISIANA GULF COAST OIL EXPO IN LAFAYETTE

The 2005 expo takes place on October 25-27 at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette. Admission to the exhibit floor is free and consistently attracts more than 16,000 attendees. The show features 400 companies displaying technologies, products, and services in 700 indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces. Several international seminars and technical sessions will be offered as part of the show.

Commercial Service officers in American embassies and consulates worldwide, particularly in oil-producing countries, are screening and recruiting international buyers to attend the show. U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Specialists will provide business counseling and discuss trade opportunities at the show. The International Business Center, staffed by Commercial Service trade professionals, offers meeting space, interpreters, Internet, phone, and fax services. With assistance from the International Center of Lafayette, Louisiana Economic Development, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, LAGCOE continues to open new markets for its exhibitors. For details, visit www.lagcoe.com or call (337) 235-4055.

UPCOMING WORLDWIDE TRADE EVENTS

• "TecnoSalud 2005" is the most important medical equipment and supplies trade show in Peru on September 6-8. The U.S. Commercial Service of the American Embassy-Lima will have a booth to represent and showcase participating U.S. companies. The cost is only $300. Details are online at: www.buyusa.com.pe
   
• On September 11-13, the Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy-Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), will host a pavilion at "Autoparts Re-exports 2005" at the ExpoCentre Sharajah. U.S. exhibitors will have an excellent opportunity to assess the markets for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all in one place. The cost of $2,500 includes a fully furnished booth in the U.S. Pavilion plus many other features. Registration and other information are at: http://www.buyusa.gov/uae/en/autoparts_reexport.html.
   
• The "International Garden and Leisure Exhibition" (also known as GLEE) in London is in its 30th year and is the international garden/leisure industry's number one annual event with over 1,600 exhibitors and 28,000 buyers. The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy-London will manage the U.S. Product Literature Center and prominently display the catalogs of participating American firms. All trade leads will be forwarded to the U.S. companies. The show dates are September 18-20; the cost is $400. Log on to: http://www.buyusa.gov/uk/en/uk_trade_events.html or email Sarah.Jones@mail.doc.gov.
   
• Small to mid-sized U.S. companies will find the September 20-30 "New Products USA 2005 International Catalog Exhibition" to be a convenient, affordable way to promote their products and services in Asia's rapidly expanding markets -- without leaving their office. U.S. Commercial staff will showcase American product literature and videos across a wide range of industry sectors in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Industries include: Building Products; Construction Equipment; Computers/Peripherals; Food Processing/Packaging Equipment; General Industrial Equipment/Supplies; Information Services; Medical Equipment; Pollution Control Equipment; Security/Safety Equipment; and Water Resources Equipment/Services. The registration is only $450 and includes promotion in all five countries. For more information, call Joseph English at (202) 482-3334 or visit: www.export.gov/comm_svc/detail_tradeevents.asp?EventID=20052.

COSTA RICA FOOD EXPO

The United States has traditionally been the largest supplier of food processing and packaging equipment, with an annual average market share of 28 percent of Costa Rica's imports. However, European countries have been improving their market position recently by using more dynamic and personalized marketing strategies. ALIMENTEXPO 2005 is a useful tool to enter the Costa Rican market with excellent business prospects, particularly in light of the upcoming ratification of the Central America Free Trade Agreement with the United States, which, if approved, will allow the duty-free importation of most U.S. products into Costa Rica.

More information on this trade show is available at www.alimentexpo.net (at the site, click on "English Version"), or e-mail U.S. Embassy-San Jose Commercial Specialist Rodrigo Rojas at: Rodrigo.rojas@mail.doc.gov.

PORTAL FOR SWEDISH AUTO SECTOR

There is no charge to participate in this initiative, but interested companies should register at: www.buyusa.gov/sweden/en/supplier.html by August 20. The Commercial Service will present the U.S. company profiles to the purchasing departments of vehicle manufacturers in Sweden for review by the various firms' Vice Presidents of Purchasing.

Sectors being considered are:

• Automotive and truck components
• Materials used in vehicle manufacture such as plastics, chemicals, sealants, adhesives, etc.
• Machinery used in auto production
• Environment equipment used to reduce the impact of manufacturing processes
• Engineering services
• Software
• Telematics, and
• Testing Equipment

REPORT ON IPR PROTECTION

PORT OF NEW ORLEANS ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

NEW WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OFFICERS

USING THE INTERNET TO EXPORT