French President Pledges Support to Car Sector President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged new aid Monday for France's car industry, but said only companies that promise not to move jobs abroad or close factories could benefit. BusinessWeek, December 16, 2008
Latin Nations Fight Economic Slump with Stimulus Facing an economic slowdown after years of brisk growth, Latin American nations from Mexico to Argentina have launched stimulus plans amid fears of recession, rising poverty and social unrest. Los Angeles Times, December 16, 2008
Energy Projects Put on Hold in Response to Lower Prices From the plains of North Dakota to the deep waters of Brazil, dozens of major oil and natural gas projects have been put on hold or canceled in recent weeks as companies scramble to adjust to the collapse in energy markets. International Herald Tribune, December 16, 2008
Trade Partnership Meeting Highlights Importance of Foreign Direct Investment The positive impact of foreign direct investment on the nation’s economy was emphasized by a federal official yesterday at a CalTrade Partnership meeting led by Secretary Dale Bonner of the State Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce. CalChamber, December 10, 2008
CalChamber Companies in the News
"CalChamber Companies in the News" is a new regular feature in the CalChamber's Trade Update newsletter, highlighting the international activities of member companies who have been featured in the news. If you have an article that you would like to be featured in this new section, please send it to Abby Browning (abby.browning@calchamber.com).
Electoral College
December 15, 2008 - Meeting of Electors: The electors in each State meet to select the President and Vice President of the United States.
California Coalition For Free Trade The CalChamber Council for International Trade (CIT) is urging members of the business community to join (click here to download membership form) its coalition working to secure congressional approval of the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Companies or associations that join the California Coalition for Free Trade will be included on the rapidly growing list of FTA supporters. There is no cost to join the coalition, which will keep members apprised of its activities and how to be supportive of the FTAs. For more information on the FTAs or to join the coalition, visit www.calchamber.com/international
U.S.-Colombian Trade
Promotion Agreement
A bilateral TPA that will
lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both
countries. This agreement is a critical element of a possible
U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement and of the U.S. strategy to
liberalize trade through bilateral, regional and multilateral
initiatives.
CalChamber position: Support
Status:
Pending Congressional Action Click here for Additional Information
U.S.-Panama
Free Trade Agreement
A bilateral FTA that will
lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both
countries. A U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement is a critical
element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through
multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives. The
agreement will also increase momentum toward lowering trade
barriers and set a positive example for other small economies
in the Western Hemisphere.
CalChamber position: Support
Status: Pending Congressional Action Click here for additional
information
U.S.-Korea Free Trade
Agreement
A bilateral FTA which will lower tariffs
and foster increased trade between both countries and is a
critical element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade
through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives.
CalChamber position: Support
Status: Pending
Congressional Action Click here for additional
information
California
Becerra Likely To Remain in House
Congressional Quarterly, December 16, 2008
Rep. Xavier Becerra, President-elect Barack Obama's choice to become U.S. Trade Representative, is likely to remain in the House instead, according to Democratic sources.
The veteran California Democrat, 50, who was just elected to be vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in the next Congress, is the only Latino in the House Democratic leadership.
A spokeswoman for Becerra declined to comment on the record about Becerra's plans but indicated the congressman may release a statement later Tuesday about the position.
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