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Upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Gathering
Focus of Update Meeting An update on plans for California activities related to a gathering of top diplomatic officials for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was the subject of a recent meeting attended by the California Chamber of Commerce.CalChamber, February 2, 2010
CalChamber Guide Explains How Businesses Can Become Exporters Businesses wondering how to be part of the rise in exports that is moving the California economy toward recovery can find guidance in a handbook available from CalBizCentral, presented by the California Chamber of Commerce. CalChamber, January 29, 2010 CalChamber: Allow California Companies to Compete More Effectively in Foreign Markets The California Chamber of Commerce has urged the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to support the expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business., CalChamber, January 28, 2010
The “Small Business Int’l Trade Enhancements Act of 2009” (S. 1196 – Senator Mary L. Landrieu D-LA),which would increase the total amount of available trade financing, adjust collateral requirements, and encourage better collaboration on small business export assistance among federal government agencies.
The “Small Business Export Opportunity Act of 2009” (S. 1208 – Senator Olympia Snowe R-ME ) , which would create a new Office of Small business Export Development and Promotion at the Small Business Administration. It would also increase the maximum export loan amount and create a grant program that matches funds for expenses incurred by small businesses that are actively working to start or expand export activities.
The “Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act” (H.R. 3012 - Congressman Mike Michaud D-ME), which would generate additional bureaucratic reporting requirements relating to international trade agreements on top of those that already exist, was introduced in the House on June 24, 2009. This legislation would place new roadblocks to future trade agreements intended to lower foreign taxes on U.S. exports and require the renegotiation of existing trade agreements. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the Senate in July.
International Tax Proposal The proposal would raise taxes on U.S. companies doing business overseas. The limitation or repeal of deferral, as proposed by the Obama administration, would impose a unilateral tax on the foreign earnings of American companies, upsetting the competitive balance between U.S. and foreign companies. This will result in a loss of jobs for Americans and serious negative impacts on the U.S. economy. Oppose.
The following bills are related to international trade and have been introduced in the California State Legislature in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session.
Any CalChamber position is noted on the CalChamber Legislative website:
SB 657 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento) Human Trafficking
Mandates that “every retail seller and manufacturer doing business in this state” develop, maintain, and implement a policy addressing the eradication of slavery and human trafficking from their supply chain. The bill inappropriately makes California employers responsible for the actions of businesses with which they have no contractual relationship, are located in other countries, and could be engaged in activities that may best be handled on a diplomatic level.
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California Coalition
For Free Trade A broad-based group of companies and business organizations working to secure a national free trade agenda, as well as, seeking approval of the Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Join or Learn More
This e-mail is being sent to members of the CalChamber Council for International Trade; CalChamber members with international interests; local, binational and American chambers of commerce abroad; the consular corps; California congressional delegation, selected U.S. and California government officials; and representatives of business and trade associations.
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