CalChamber Urges Support for Pending U.S. Free Trade Agreements
The California Chamber of Commerce is urging members to send letters to the California congressional delegation supporting the three free trade agreements (FTA) pending before the U.S. Congress. CalChamber, January 18, 2008
Serbia Agrees to Russian Pipeline Deal
Serbia agreed Tuesday to a multibillion dollar gas pipeline project as part of an energy deal with Russia that would boost Moscow's control over supplies to Europe. Serbia endorsed the deal just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin won Bulgaria's support for the project, known as the South Stream pipeline, which further dashes the European Union's hopes of reducing its growing energy reliance on Russia. Associated Press in BusinessWeek, January 22, 2008
Last push for free trade deals
Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Thursday the Bush administration would use its last year in office to push for approval for three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. CNN, January 10, 2008
January-February 2008 Issue of Commercial News USA Now Online The January-February issue of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is now available online.The January-February issue, in both pdf and html formats, has special sections devoted to trade shows and the building/construction industry. The March-April issue of the magazine will feature the safety and security industry, wireless communications, and franchising.
Upcoming issues of the magazine in 2008 include international education, consumer electronics, and business services among other industries.
Trade Policy
Calchamber’s Intellectual Property Rights Working Group. CalChamber is putting together an Intellectual Property Rights Working Group (IPR Working Group) made up of CalChamber members who are interested in being involved with CalChamber policy development and advocacy efforts in the area of IPR or who simply want to receive information and updates on pending state legislation or policy issues impacting IPR. Please email Kyla Christoffersen if you would like to join the IPR Working Group. CalChamber Sponsored IPR Legislation AB 1394 (Krekorian)
Free Trade Unbound
The Los Angeles Times editorial board met recently with U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab. Here are some highlights of the discussion.Los Angeles Times, January 16, 2008
WTO Forum: The GATT/WTO at 60: What Have They Achieved and Where Have They Fallen Short of their Objectives? Julio Lacarte Muró, former chairman of the WTO's Appellate Body and Uruguayan trade negotiator for five decades and John Weekes, senior trade policy adviser with Sidley Austin and former Canadian ambassador to the WTO, discuss what the World Trade Organization and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, have achieved and where they could have done better. Watch the video discussion and add your comments online.
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
Act now! Click here to send a letter to your representative
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
Act now! Click here to send a letter to your representative
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
Act now! Click here to send a letter to your representative
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