The APEC forum was formed in 1989. It serves as a multilateral forum in which Asian and Pacific economies can solve economic problems and cooperate in developing key economic sectors.
Collectively, the 21 economies of APEC represent a large consumer market - nearly half the world’s population, nearly half of all world trade and more than $19 trillion in economic output.
Regarding President Obama's Official Trip to Asia
"The President will travel from Japan to Singapore for the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation -- APEC -- meeting from November 13th to 15th. APEC is an important forum that brings together the economies of the Pacific Rim, and Singapore is an important partner on a range of regional and global issues. He will meet with leaders from the APEC member economies and business leaders from the Asian Pacific region."
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.
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
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