Attracting tourists from overseas This summer, if you happen to overhear someone say, “Blimey, look at the size of them bloody trees!” it's no accident. Visitation from the United Kingdom is on the upswing due to unprecedented economic conditions as well as targeted efforts to attract British as well as other international travelers. Eureka Times-Standard, August 19, 2008
Cross us and we'll crush you, says Medvedev Dimitry Medvedev steps up the rhetoric with warning that those who attack Russian citizens will be 'crushed' London Times, August 18, 2008
Musharraf Announces His Resignation Facing impeachment, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan said that by resigning, he was putting national interest above “personal bravado.” New York Times, August 18, 2008
12 countries create free trade zone in southern Africa The accord was made at the annual summit of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community, or SADC, in Johannesburg. The free trade accord includes Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. International Herald Tribune, August 17, 2008
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 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 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
*The following bills are related to international trade and have been introduced in the California State Legislature in the 2007-2008 Legislative Session. Any CalChamber position is noted on the CalChamber Legislative website.
AB 1394 (Krekorian) Counterfeit:
Trademarks
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.
Intellectual Property Rights Working Group
Consists of CalChamber members who are interested in being involved with CalChamber policy development and advocacy efforts in the area of intellectual property rights (IPR) and want to keep apprised of pending state legislation or policy issues having an impact on IPR. Staff Contact: Kyla Christoffersen
SB 974 (Lowenthal) Tax on Freight
Movement
This bill would require the Ports of
Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to collect a user fee on
the owner of container cargo moving through the Port of Los
Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, or the Port of Oakland at a
rate of $30 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).
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