Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Featured Headlines

On January 30, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger joined President Bush on a tour of Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California to highlight how global trade strengthens the nation's economy.

President Bush Discusses Trade and Economy
Torrance, California, January 30, 2008

Governor Joins President Bush To Highlight Trade, Calls for Passing of Economic Stimulus Plan
Torrance, California, January 30, 2008

2008 CalChamber Issues Guide Available on Web, in Print for Members
The 2008 edition of the California Chamber of Commerce Business Issues and Legislative Guide is available now on the CalChamber website. In this second year of the legislative session, issue articles again focus on "Keeping California Competitive in a Global Economy." Highlighted state issues include climate change, education, health care reform and infrastructure -- transportation, housing and education. Federal issues covered include immigration and international trade. To view the issue articles on the website, visit www.calchamber.com/businessissues.

New South Korean president eyes new businesses to develop 'environment industry'
South Korea's next president called Tuesday for the creation of new businesses to address global warming and the environment, as part of an effort to revive the country's economy. International Herald Tribune, February 5, 2008

2008 Candidates and Latin America
Iraq, taxes, immigration and healthcare have dominated the debate among presidential candidates. But where do they stand on free trade with Latin America? Latin Business Chronicle, February 4, 2008

The Ambassador of the European Union, the Honorable John Bruton, will be in Sacramento on Wednesday, February 13, to make a presentation before an informational hearing of the California Legislature’s Senate Select Committee on California-European Trade. Click here for more information.

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Trade Policy

CalChamber-Sponsored Legislation to Fight Counterfeiting Wins Assembly Approval
A California Chamber of Commerce sponsored bill to strengthen California's anti-counterfeiting laws passed the Assembly this week with no opposition. CalChamber-sponsored AB 1394 (Krekorian; D-Burbank) improves protections of trademark owner rights and consumer health and safety by strengthening California laws against trafficking of fake products such as auto parts, prescription drugs and children's toys. CalChamber, February 1, 2008

The National Center for APEC hosted its annual Executive Roundtable January 10th and 11th in San Diego. Seventy-five representatives from the U.S. business community, the U.S. government, and the Peruvian government and private sectors took part in the sessions. A copy of the 2008 NCAPEC Executive Roundtable Final Report can be downloaded from their website.

U.S. Commits Funding For Labor and Environmental Protection for Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement Countries
US Dept. of State, January 30, 2008

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Tours Indiana Companies to Highlight Economy and America's Growing Export Culture
U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today visited Indiana to discuss the importance of passing the President’s economic stimulus package, as well as pending free trade agreements to create jobs and boost our economy. Gutierrez toured the facilities of Clabber Girl Corporation and Cummins, Inc. to highlight how exports and international trade have benefited Indiana's economy, companies and workers. US Dept. of Commerce, February 1, 2008

United States to Join Sectoral negotiations with Four Asia-Pacific Countries
USTR, February 4, 2008

California sends first trade mission to Cuba
Reuters, January 22, 2008

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

More International Headlines

WTO welcomes Ukraine as a new member
World Trade Organization, February 5, 2008

Mexico Adds Wetlands to World Registry
San Diego Union-Tribune, February 4, 2008

Serbia reelects pro-West president
Los Angeles Times, February 4, 2008

Avocado exports new source of "green gold" for Mexicans
The Seattle Times, February 2, 2008

Undersea Cable Accident a Test of the Internet
Los Angeles Times, February 1, 2008

EU negotiator sees progress in FTA talks
Business Week, February 1, 2008

NAFTA freight trade rose in November
Business Week, February 1, 2008

Free trade with Colombia
Los Angeles Times, February 1, 2008

Singapore, Gulf Cooperation Council conclude free trade agreement
Forbes.com, January 31, 2008

Chávez cuts Colombian car imports
The Miami Herald, January 31, 2008

Ukraine's Yushchenko wants to use WTO accession to negotiate trade with Russia
Forbes.com, January 31, 2008

Brazil's Lula proposes trade summit to Bush
AOL, January 30, 2008

EU warns Taiwan over trade dispute
International Herald Tribune, January 30, 2008

Costa Rica requests trade-pact delay
The Miami Herald, January 30, 2008

Congress may vote on Russia trade this year
AOL, January 30, 2008

Kiev seeks bigger role in EU energy security
International Herald Tribune, January 29, 2008

You can view the entire
Trade Update
newsletter on our website.

Coming Events

CalChamber Event:
2/14/08
International Luncheon Forum with Hong Kong Commissioner Margaret Fong



2/6/08
International Trade Finance: Methods of Payment

2/13/08
EU Ambassador to Visit State Capitol

2/27/08
USCIB International Tax Update

3/3/08 - 3/11/08
U.S. Commercial Service Trade Mission

3/4/08 - 3/6/08
CeBit Trade Show

3/6/08 - 3/7/08
Danish American Business Summit 2008

4/7/08 - 4/8/08
Asia Pacific Business Outlook Conference

4/25/08
Global California - Online With The World

Submit an Event

 

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Note: The Council for International Trade Update provides a glimpse of current events for selected topics. Some newspapers listed require the viewer to register for free in order to view the entire article. After some time, most papers file older stories in their archive section. Access to those stories may require that you pay to view them.

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