Visa Waiver Program Travelers Now Require Electronic Authorization

Beginning January 12, 2009, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers are now required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the U.S. under the VWP. The VWP allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. For more details, please visit: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/about_esta/

Egypt – New Requirements of Agents for Re-Enforcing Commercial Agency Law of 1982

The Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented a new requirement that all contracts between suppliers of medical equipment and their agents or distributors in Egypt be revised to ensure full compliance with an existing Commercial Agency Law No. 120 that was issued in 1982. According to the MOH, this law was not being implemented properly, specifically with regards to the use of the word “Agent” as opposed to “Distributor” in contracts. For more information, please visit: http://buyusainfo.net/docs/x_6032812.pdf

Upcoming BIS Seminars in Kansas City: Complying with US Export Controls (April 21-22) and How to Develop an Export Management and Compliance Program (April 23)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) training seminars give you the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced U.S. Government officials about export control policies, regulations, and procedures. The Bureau of Industry and Security will be in Kansas City, Missouri conducting two days of training on April 21-22 on how to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods, with a third day program on April 23 on how to develop an export management and compliance program. These two events will be held at the Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel. Cost: $345 for April 21-22, $195 for April 23, and $515 for all three programs. For more information and to register for these two valuable programs, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/bis0409.html or contact Sally.Pacheco@mail.doc.gov or 816-421-1876.

Seeking Nominations for the President’s “E" Award for Excellence

The "E" Award is one of the most prestigious forms of recognition offered by the U.S. Government to U.S. businesses! It is the mark of excellence to recognize persons, firms, or organizations, which contribute significantly in the effort to increase U.S. exports. Last year, the U.S. President and U.S. Commerce Secretary recognized 19 American organizations with ‘E’ and ‘E-Star’ Awards for their outstanding commitment to strengthening America’s global competitiveness. If you are a U.S. manufacturer or service provider that has grown your export sales - why not apply? Please contact your nearest U.S. Commercial Service office.

U.S. Free Trade Agreements Implemented with Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru

Since December 2008, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have been implemented with Costa Rica, Oman and Peru. Free trade agreements are critical to lowering barriers to American exports and creating better-paying American jobs. Today, we have FTAs in effect with: Israel, Canada, Mexico, Jordan, Chile, Singapore, Australia, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Bahrain and now with Costa Rica, Oman and Peru. For more information on how your company can benefits from the FTAs, please visit: http://www.export.gov/fta/index.asp

UPCOMING WEBINARS TO HELP INCREASE YOUR EXPORT SALES

Webinar Series: Export Fundamentals

Prepare your company for the Global Marketplace by participating in the Export Fundamentals web-based seminar series. By participating in each of the five webinars below, you will learn about export documentation, Incoterms, ensuring payment, increasing global sales using the Internet, your obligations as an exporter and allow you to ask questions following the presentations. For additional information on the five webinars list below, and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/webseries2009.html

January 28, 2009: Export Documentation Fundamentals

Are you familiar with international trade terminology and the documents required to ship products overseas? During this web-based seminar, you will learn the roles that each party has in the export transaction, learn what documents are required to minimize the risk or delays and how to complete them, and export clearance filing requirements through AES (formerly the SED).

February 11, 2009: Incoterms 2000

Transportation Obligations, Costs and Risks Incoterms 2000 define seller-buyer responsibilities, costs and risks used in international sales of goods. Do you properly use Incoterms? This web-based seminar will profile all 13 Incoterms with an emphasis on minimizing your costs and risks as an exporter.

February 18, 2009: Ensuring Payment for International Sales

Do you know how to safely get paid for an international sale? This web-based seminar will outline the common international methods of payment used in global trade and risk mitigation tools.

March 4, 2009: Increasing Your Global Sales Using the Internet

The Internet can be a powerful global marketing tool to showcase your company to a world of new customers. Are you harnessing the Internet’s full potential for increasing export sales and reducing costs? This web-based seminar will outline the tools available to increase site visibility and usability to foreign buyers, and key issues to consider when trying to internationalize your website.

March 18, 2009: Exporter Obligations/Export Control Update

Do you know your obligations as an exporter? Are you aware of the latest export controls? This web-based seminar will outline the exporter's responsibilities in a transaction, minimum filing and record keeping obligations and tips on a compliance manual. Also find out about the latest export controls and if they affect your transaction.

January 28, 2009: International Markets for U.S. Coal and Mining Equipment: Opportunities in Canada

The U.S. Commercial Service will host the first in a series of webinars aimed to help U.S. companies in the coal and mining industries gain exposure to the following key markets: Canada, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Australia, Philippines and Vietnam. U.S. participants will learn about each country's dynamic and growing coal and mining sectors, gain an understanding of the opportunities that exist in these foriegn markets for U.S. companies; discover successful market entry strategies and how to overcome the associated challenges. For more information and to register for the first webinar focusing on Canada, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/pittsburgh/coalwebinars2009.html

January 28, 2009: Mexico’s Water Market - Opportunities via the National Infrastructure Program

Learn how to take advantage of Mexico's infrastructure boom! Join the U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico for this webinar on Mexico's Water Market: Business Opportunities via the National Infrastructure Program, featuring the Deputy Director General for Programming of Mexico's National Water Commission and an Environmental Industry Expert. You will learn about a number of upcoming water projects, tips on how to participate in the government bidding process and highlight opportunities for U.S. primary , subcontractors and suppliers in this sector. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/water_wastewater.html

Webinar Series: Small is Beautiful Series -- Export Opportunities in Europe's Benelux Region

On January 29, 2009 - the first in a series of six webinars will highlight export opportunities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – the Benelux – as well as major projects, such as the construction of the new NATO headquarters. Hear from U.S. Commercial Service senior commercial officers located in this region and learn about opportunities for your company. Register for first webinar on January 29, presented by the U.S. Commercial Service and The National Association of Manufacturers to learn how to sell into the Benelux Region of Europe, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/europe/team_events.html

February 3, 2009: Financing Your Exports - Assessing the Credit Crunch

The landscape of export financing is changing. Get the latest information from export finance lenders in this interactive webinar from the U.S. Commercial Service and the National Association of Manufacturers. Find out what bankers are saying about trade and financing and understand what you need to know in order to mitigate risk when selling internationally. Learn about managing your export credit risk and export financing from some of the most knowledgeable speakers from the National Association of Manufacturers; U.S. Export–Import Bank; and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Don’t miss this valuable webinar, please register now at: http://www.buyusa.gov/manufacturing/exportsandcredit.html

February 12, 2009: Selling Dental Equipment in Europe

U.S. dental equipment companies will have a unique opportunity to learn about opportunities in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium and the Czech Republic - all in one session! These five European markets, with a combined population of over 100 million, offer tremendous opportunity for your dental products. Join the U.S. Commercial Service industry specialists as they provide an overview of their dental equipment markets including size, trends, opportunities and challenges, and answer your questions. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/healthcare/europedental.html

Webinar Series: Trade Opportunities in the Caribbean - Dominican Republic

On February 12, 2009 this webinar, the first in a series covering trade opportunities in the Caribbean, will focus on the Dominican Republic. You will learn about the Dominican Republic’s key industry sectors, the legal aspects of doing business according to Law 173, and how U.S. firms can qualify under the CAFTA-DR Free Trade Agreement. This webinar series will include: Trinidad, Tobago and Jamaica on March 11 and the Bahamas and Barbados on April 29. For more information and to register for the Dominican Republic webinar, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q3T

February 12. 2009: WEEE/RoHS Update

This webinar, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service Europe Team and the U.S. Mission to the EU, will provide U.S. manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment with an overview of the proposals for a legislative review of the EU's RoHS Directive, including the context and the content of the text. Presenters will include, Chris Sherwood, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Mission to the EU, and Abbie Cottrell of AeA Europe. Immediately after the presentations there will be an extensive Q&A session. For more details and to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28751

February 26, 2009: Free Trade Agreements for the Automotive Industry Webinar Series

Australia and the U.S. enacted a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on January 1, 2005. As a result, import duties on more than 99% of automotive products have been eliminated. It is essential that U.S. companies understand the FTA in order to take advantage of its benefits. This webinar will address the strict and often complex eligibility requirements, certification, duty phase out, and classification that have to take place in order to receive duty free access. There are a number of opportunities for U.S. companies supplying automotive parts to the following segments: small car market, light trucks, SUV and high performance. For a detailed description and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/auto/ftaaustralia.html

GLOBAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES AND MARKETING TOOLS

Canada – Guidance on Temporary Entry of Goods

Every day numerous commercial items enter Canada from the U.S. on a temporary basis. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the federal Government of Canada (GOC) organization with responsibility for overseeing importation of temporary goods into Canada. It is very important for U.S. exporters to have basic background knowledge on this topic. Considerable resources to determine entry status and procedures are available on the CBSA website, as well as through private sector customs brokers. U.S. companies exporting goods into Canada on a temporary basis should use these resources to expedite temporary entry into Canada and avoid unnecessary procedural delays. For a copy of this report, please visit: http://buyusainfo.net/docs/x_6243354.pdf

New Edition of A Basic Guide to Exporting Available Now

Looking for a comprehensive overview of how to export? For more than 70 years, A Basic Guide to Exporting has been the resource that businesses turn to for answers on how to establish and grow overseas markets for their products and services. Whether your firm is new to exporting or in need of a refresher on the latest ideas and techniques, this comprehensive guide, now completely revised and updated, provides the nuts-and-bolts information you will need to meet the challenges of the world economy. Available now for $19.95, it can be ordered from the U.S. Government Bookstore at: http://bookstore.gpo.gov/actions/GetPublication.do?stocknumber=003-009-00733-0

Commercial News USA Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Discounted Rates

Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is celebrating 30 years of success in helping U.S. companies increase their exports by offering 30 percent discounts on all display advertising rates for 2009, beginning with the May–June edition. In addition, listing ads (except in the new USA Product Showcase section) will be discounted by $100. The deadline for space reservations for the next issue is March 13. For more information, contact your local trade specialist, call 1-800-581-8533, or click on the “Rates and Information” link at: http://www.thinkglobal.us/

United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Featured Country

The UAE has emerged in recent years as one of the very top markets for U.S. exports in the Middle East and North Africa region, surpassing larger countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. U.S. exports to the UAE now exceed $13 billion. The UAE is best known for the city of Dubai, which has built itself very successfully into a business, financial and logistics hub for the Middle East. Best prospect sectors include: healthcare products and services; greenbuild products and services; power generation; water and wastewater treatment; aircraft parts and services; pollution control equipment; safety and security equipment; and others. For more information on business opportunities in this dynamic market, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/marketofmonth/mom_uae.asp

UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS AND MISSIONS

February 10-12, 2009: Ukraine - Product Literature Center at Kiev AgriHort`09

Kiev AgriHort is an annual event featuring a broad range of products including agricultural machinery; spare parts; equipment for animal and poultry husbandry; veterinary products; fertilizers; feeding stuff and supplements; greenhouse and production technologies; garden mini-machinery; and other products. By participating in the catalog portion, the U.S. Commercial Service Kiev will promote your products and service at Kiev AgriHort and distribute them to potential Ukrainian buyers. Participation fee is only $250. For more information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28580

March 8-13, 2009: Trade Mission to Colombia

This multi-sector mission to Bogota, Barranquilla, and Cartagena will help U.S. firms position themselves for long-term business in Latin America's fifth largest market for U.S. exports. The pending U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement stands to boost opportunities for U.S. suppliers of consumer and industrial exports in most sectors. Apply by February 16, 2009. Contact Brie Knox at Brie.Knox@mail.doc.gov or by phone: 504-589-6703.

March 17, 2009: Medical Equipment & Healthcare Services Catalog Show

Egypt has one of the largest medical equipment markets in the Middle East, estimated at US$300 million. Demand is increasing for quality medical and healthcare equipment and products due to the Health Ministry's ongoing reform program to modernize its facilities and build new hospitals and healthcare clinics. Opportunities are particularly strong for state-of-the-art and innovative medical and laboratory equipment and products, especially for oncology, cardiovascular, hepatitis, renal failure treatment, capacity building, software for hospital management, and emergency management/network services. Companies can test the waters of the Egyptian market by using the cost-effective method of introducing their products via catalog. For more information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=27692

March 18-24, 2009: Textiles Trade Mission to Hong Kong, China, and Singapore

U.S. providers of hospitality, contract, and related technical textiles are invited to join this mission to Hong Kong (including Macau), Hainan Island, and Singapore. Apply by February 9, 2009. Contact Larry Brill, Office of Textiles and Apparel, at [Lawrence_Brill@ita.doc.gov ]or by phone at 202-482-1856.

March 22-27, 2009: Solar Trade Mission to India

This groundbreaking mission will put U.S. firms in direct contact with potential business partners and government decision-makers who are on the forward edge of shaping India's solar energy sector. Apply by February 13, 2008. To learn more/register, visit: [http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouth/indiatrademission.html ]or contact Cynthia Torres by phone at 760-342-1310 or by email at Cynthia.Torres@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

March 24-25, 2009: British Columbia Mining Opportunities 2009: Trade Mission to Vancouver, Canada

U.S. suppliers of mining equipment and services won't want to miss this opportunity to make valuable contacts in western Canada's dynamic mining sector. Apply by February 22, 2009. To learn more, visit the event website at http://www.buyusa.gov/canada/en/bcminingopportunities2009.html or contact Judy Simonite by e-mail at Judy.Simonite@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or by phone at 604-685-3382.

March 30-April 4, 2009: Environmental and Clean Energy Trade Mission to Croatia, Italy, and Greece

Europe seeks innovative technologies for renewable energy, recycling, green building, waste management, water treatment, remediation, energy conservation, and alternative fuels. This package combines business matchmaking in three cities, networking at EcoTec 2009 (Athens), and a bonus day. Apply by February 12, 2009. To learn more/register, visit www.export.gov/enviro-cleanenergymission] or call Bill Cline at 775-784-5203 or Jessica Arnold at 202-482-2026.

April 6-7, 2009: Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference

The Asia/Pacific Business Outlook continues to provide critical connections that businesses need to develop and improve sales and investment opportunities in the Asia/ Pacific region. This conference hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, will provide you with exceptional access to the information and people who will help you operate profitably in Asia, including the Senior Commercial Officers (SCOs) from throughout the Asia Pacific region. Thirteen SCOs from American embassies, consulates and institutes in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will speak in small-group workshops and be available for private one-on-one consultations with APBO participants. For more information and take advantage of early registration, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/apbo2009.html

April 14-17, 2009: Aerospace Executive Service at Latin America Aero and Defence 2009

This aerospace trade mission to the Latin America Aero and Defence 2009 show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will include pre-screened business appointments at the Riocentro trade show location, exhibitor access to the trade show, and a product literature display at the show. Apply by March 1, 2009. To learn more/register, visit the event website [http://www.buyusa.gov/connecticut/laad2009.html ]or contact Melissa Grosso by e-mail at Melissa.Grosso@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or by phone at 860-638-6955.

April 20-22, 2009: Trade Winds Europe-Business Development Forum

Does your company have a Pan European Business Strategy? U.S. exports are growing four times faster than the economy as a whole. Europe presents a market filled with opportunities for U.S. businesses. If you're already doing business in one, two or several European countries, expansion throughout the continent is the next logical step. Poland constitutes a market of 38 million people located in the heart of central Europe and is a fully integrated member of the EU. By participating in this event, U.S. companies have the chance to make or increase sales in this booming region with a customized itinerary, according to country market demand. To learn more about the 2009 Trade Winds Forum Europe, and the trade mission portion of the forum visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/poland/en/tradewinds.html.

April 20-28, 2009: Building for the Future: U.S. Building Products Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok

Opportunities for U.S. suppliers of green technologies are opening up in Southeast Asia. This mission will promote eco-friendly, energy-efficient U.S. design and engineering services, building systems, lighting, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, and building products. Apply by February 20, 2009. To learn more/register, visit http://www.buyusa.gov/globaldesignbuild/futurebuildmission.html or call Sean Timmins at 202-482-1841.

May 11-14, 2009: Healthcare and Medical Equipment Trade Mission to Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan

The mission will include one-on-one business appointments, site visits, participation in a health products seminar, and promotion in a catalog show at the 16th annual Kazakhstan International Health Care Exhibition in Almaty. Apply by March 15, 2009. To learn more/register, visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/kazakhstan/en/medical_trademission.html or contact Tembi Secrist by phone at 206-553-5615 x229 or by e-mail at Tembi.Secrist@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .