LOUISIANA INTERNATIONAL
TRADE BULLETIN

APRIL 30 BRIEFING PROGRAM ON CASPIAN ENERGY PROJECTS

The April 30 event in New Orleans will be held at the World Trade Center and will feature six U.S. Ambassadors to the Caspian region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and their Senior Commercial officers, who will discuss plans for regional infrastructure developments as it relates to the pipelines and ancillary projects. A panel with the Ambassadors will provide an overview of the region and give new insights into the development and financing of these projects. The luncheon speaker will be Bill White, the former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy. For details, call the World Trade Center at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222 or 254.

The registrants also will receive a special project briefing book compiled by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency detailing the opportunities in the Caspian region, including procurement needs, time lines, and key contacts. TDA is the lead U.S. agency in the Ambassadors’ tour. TDA will continue to fund strategic feasibility studies and technical assistance to provide U.S. expertise to the governments of the Caspian region as they plan the development of their vast energy resources.

Another government agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), will offer eligible U.S. investors insurance coverage and financing for construction, ownership and operation of oil and gas pipelines, and other projects in the region. And finally, the U.S. Export-Import Bank will offer financing for the exports of U.S. goods and services needed in the development of the oil and gas pipelines, as well as for related infrastructure construction.

CONTACT NUMBERS FOR U.S. TRADE SPECIALISTS

New Orleans, Baton Rouge and South of I-10:

Clif Gaston - phone (504) 589-6548; fax (504) 589-2337; e-mail clif.gaston@mail.doc.gov.

New Orleans, Baton Rouge and North of I-10:

Patricia Holt - phone (504) 589-6549; fax (504) 589-2337; e-mail pat.holt@mail.doc.gov.

North Louisiana, I-20 & down to Natchitoches:

Norbert Gannon - phone (318) 676-3064; fax (318) 676-3063; e-mail norbert.gannon@mail.doc.gov.

If your company is new to exporting, please contact the U.S. Export Assistance Center in New Orleans so that the staff can assess your specific needs and provide appropriate assistance: phone (504) 589-6546; fax (504) 589-2337; e-mail new.orleans@mail.doc.gov

LOYOLA HOSTING CONFERENCE ON LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

The conference will comprise 61 sessions covering 12 themes, including: finance, entrepreneurship, human resources management, marketing, and ethics and social responsibility. Participants will discuss more than 200 papers and listen to the viewpoints of close to 100 panelists. Discussions will be led by distinguished speakers, including Guillermo Perry, Chief Economist for Latin America at the World Bank, and Ricardo Hausman, Chief Economist at the Inter-American Development Bank. For more information, call Angela Anthony at (504) 861-5882, or Kristen Jochem at (504) 523-3470.

FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO SPEAK AT WTC ON APRIL 29

CALENDAR OF LOUISIANA EVENTS

April 15 UNA/USA organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center (Suite 2900). Call Robert Konrath at (504) 529-1601, ext. 274.

April 16 "Internet -- Privacy and Security" seminar from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at 1600 Canal St., 2nd floor in New Orleans. Call 539-9255.

April 20 "Export/Import Strategies and Market Research" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

April 21 World Trade Club Membership Luncheon at Andrea’s restaurant in Metairie. Call (504) 525-7201 for reservations.

April 22 "Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures" seminar from 3:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at (504) 568-8222.

April 22 Reception honoring the Consular Corps from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Jax Brewery in New Orleans. Call (504) 539-9432.

April 27 "International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation" seminar from 3:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the World Trade Center (18th floor). Call the LITC at 568-8222.

April 29 "Europe-U.S. Relations" luncheon briefing by H.E. Francois Bujon de l’Estang, Ambassador of France to the U.S. at the Plimsoll Club in New Orleans. Call (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

April 30 Caspian Briefing Program at the Plimsoll Club in New Orleans from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. featuring U.S. Ambassadors to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and their senior commercial officers. For details, call the WTC at 529-1601, ext. 222.

May 7 "Intranets....Hip or Hype!" seminar from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at 1600 Canal St., 2nd floor in New Orleans. Call Dee Ann Bass at (504) 539-9255.

May 18-21 Trade Mission to Merida and Veracruz Mexico. For more information, contact Rafael Beltram at (504) 5258-2706.

May 24 - June 4 International Port Planning and Management Training Program at the World Trade Center. Contact the University of New Orleans at (504) 280-6519 for more information.

ANNUAL VISIT OF LOUISIANA’S EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE

During five days of travel in both north and south Louisiana, Myatt met with representatives of the state’s universities, chambers of commerce, private utilities, economic development bodies, municipal authorities, and the New Orleans World Trade Center to discuss ways to promote Louisiana products and services in Europe, as well as strategies for attracting additional European investment into the state.

Myatt stressed the significant role that Germany plays in the European economy and the country’s status as Europe’s No. 1 investor in the state of Louisiana. Emphasizing the ever-less-appealing policies of Germany’s new government with the business community, Myatt underscored the growing desire of German manufacturers to find alternative production sites in North America, saying that the present government’s policies create additional fertile ground for recruiting by the U.S. states.

Myatt’s consistent message to the Louisiana economic development community is that he and the International Division of DED strongly encourage additional interest and more communication with him by the Louisiana business community through the Department of Economic Development.

Persons interested in learning more about the international business recruitment and trade promotion activities of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development can access DED’s website at www.lded.state.la.us or can contact the following individuals at DED: Frank Mulhern, Director, International Marketing Division, P.O. Box 94185, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, tel: (225) 342-4319, fax: (225) 342-9448, e-mail: mulhern@lded.state.la.us, or Larry Collins, Director, International Trade Division, tel: (225) 342-4320, fax: (225) 342-5389, e-mail: lcollins@lded.state.us.

MEETING TO ELECT U.N. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the World Trade Center Board Room, Suite 2900. Those who have not attended either of the two previous New Orleans chapter UNA-USA meetings may call Robert Konrath of the World Trade Center for more information, at (504) 529-1601 ext. 274.

LAMETA TO HOLD LUNCHEON ON EX-IM BANK

As a result of President Clinton’s trip to Merida on February 15, 1999 the Ex-Im Bank and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will provide up to $4 billion in Ex-Im Bank financing over the next two years to support the purchase of U.S. goods and services by Mexican businesses. The financing will include Ex-Im Bank loans, loan guarantees and export credit insurance.

Already, a number of Louisiana firms have benefited from Ex-Im bank assistance. In January of this year Gulf Crane Services of Covington landed a $3 million Mexican crane contract with PEMEX backed by Ex-Im Bank insurance and working capital guarantees. Gulf Crane is one of 95 Louisiana companies in 33 communities that Ex-Im has helped export $104 million in goods and services during the last five years, sustaining an 1,500 jobs. Sixty percent of these transactions were on behalf of small businesses.

Following up on this luncheon, LAMETA, with the co-sponsorship of the International Freight-Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association and MetroVision, will conduct a fact-finding business trip to Merida and Veracruz from May 18 to May 21. Contacts will be made in advance by LAMETA officials with various business and trade organizations in Mexico to insure meaningful meetings with interested parties.

The April 9 luncheon program is open to the public, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a cash bar. To register, call LAMETA at (504) 865-7714.

FRENCH DELEGATION TO VISIT LOUISIANA

AACCLA TO HOLD LATIN AMERICA BRIEFING ON MAY 15

The conference will also feature regional break-out sessions, a preview of the 1999 AACCLA investment survey findings, and a Gala Reception in honor of Ambassador Peter Romero, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs. For details, call (202) 463-5485.

USEFUL INTERNET SITES

If you occasionally only need one or two international marketing reports, try a new service from Commerce's STAT-USA called "The Newstand." You may purchase individual international marketing documents 24 hours/day, 7 days/week without having to subscribe to STAT-USA. Visit the web site at www.stat-usa.gov/Newstand.

Search through 1.5 million firms in over 60 countries by using 19 million key product references to identify potential agents, distributors, representatives, and end users by using the website www.kompass.com. There is no charge, but registration is required.

Log on to www.holidayfestival.com for a list of worldwide holidays by country and region.

Also, don't overlook the U.S. Postal Service when shipping lightweight parcels to overseas destinations. Visit www.uspsglobal.com for information on USPS programs.

CONSULAR CORPS RECEPTION

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There is a new website for jobseekers at www.internationaltradejobs.com. The site, put together by Spanish Communicators, Inc., provides an opportunity for job hunters to browse offerings from international companies to seek potential matches with their skills. Spanish Communicators, based in Birmingham, Alabama, has specialized in international recruiting for more than 10 years, placing people in jobs around the world. Note that the companies who pay for the listings are protected. Only job, not company, information is given out so that employers can review applicants without commitment. You can also call Spanish Communicators at (205) 956-3411.

David Wiseman is a seasoned professional, who has just completed his MBA at Southern Cross University in Australia, and is looking to continue his career in international business management. He is cofounder and director of a business that focused on the supply of products and services in the Asia-Pacific rim. He has 6 years experience in directing the operations of an Australian business that exports products and services to New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei, and imports products from the USA and Europe. He has experience in setting up a foreign operation and is seeking a position that will enable his continued business growth. His training and experience qualifies him to control the finances, operations, logistics and/or the strategic growth and planning of an internationally focused organization. His particular strengths lie in the development of highly functioning teams that are focused on the achievement of organizational goals. Having just immigrated he is willing to relocate within the USA. Call (504) 893-2903, or e-mail dbwiseman@hotmail.com.

POSSIBLE AIR SERVICE TO MEXICO CITY

NEW U.S. PRODUCT CENTER IN BRUSSELS

For only $500, the event serves your company's interest through:

• Distribution of sales literature/catalogs, plus display of sample products;
• Sales lead identification and registration of potential customers;
• Listings in the widely distributed Center's directory;
• Low cost market visibility.

The Center will be staffed by personnel from the U.S. Commerce Department's Office of Consumer Goods and from the U.S. Commercial Service in Brussels. Please note that all products must have U.S. content representing at least 51 percent of value of the finished goods and/or services. The registration deadline is June 25, 1999. Contact Ms. Ludene Capone of Commerce Headquarters at phone (202) 482-2087; fax (202) 482-3422 for more information.

LOCAL AUTHOR PUBLISHES BOOK ON PATTON’S PRINCIPLES

Stillman highlights Patton’s period of greatest achievement as Commander of the Third Army. The book contains an innovative and practical diagram of the General’s principles and discusses how its application can be useful in one’s daily life. The author also devotes a chapter to Patton’s "fatal flaw," and the importance of recognizing one’s own "Achilles’ Heel." New material and stories about "Old Blood and Guts" appear throughout the text.

The book is priced at $29.95 and can be ordered from the R.J. Stillman Co., 2311 Oriole Street, New Orleans, LA 70122.

WTC PUBLISHES NEW STATE TRADE DIRECTORY

BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS AND TRADE LEADS

BISNIS publishes "Search for Partners" to help U.S. companies find investment opportunities in the expanding markets of the former Soviet Union. BISNIS also publishes the "Trades and Tenders" electronic newsletter to help U.S. companies find business opportunities in these markets. BISNIS leads and other market information is available via BISNIS OnLine at www.mac.doc.gov/bisnis/leads/leads.htm #Trades.

"Search for Partners" and "Trades and Tenders" are distributed via bi-weekly e-mail broadcast. To receive the reports, e-mail bisnis@usita.gov, or call (202) 482-4655.

WEFTEC LATIN AMERICA

APEC MART TO BE HELD IN JUNE IN KOREA

This four-day event will feature pavilions, presentations by representatives of individual countries, and a series of special lectures by leading economists, CEOs of multinational corporations and representatives of international financial institutions.

Attendance and participation is being encouraged by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Further information may be obtained by calling the Korea Trade Center in Dallas at (972) 934-8644, or fax (972) 239-4191.

EX-IM BANK OFFERS 3-DAY SEMINAR ON ITS PROGRAMS

SHOWCASE EUROPE CAN HELP YOU ACCESS THE EUROPEAN MARKET

TRADE OPPORTUNITY - VANILLA SUBSTITUTE FROM VENEZUELA

This powder is exported in 50 kilogram cardboard cartons, and priced at $1,300 per ton. For more information, contact Carlos Miranda (president), or Carlos Evia Grunwaldt (vice-president), Dumont Chemical Co., via fax at (011) 582-953-7085; or e-mail at faxandi@ven.net

EXPORT FINANCE FINDER

U.S. AND LOUISIANA EXPORTS DECLINE IN VALUE IN 1998

For the United States as a whole, total exports in 1998 decreased by 1% from 1997 to $680.5 billion, due primarily to weak demand from Asia and several other major markets, as well as the relative strength of the U.S. dollar. Louisiana continued to be the ninth-largest exporting state ($18.4 billion), behind California (number one with $105 billion in exports), Texas ($87 billion), Washington ($42 billion), New York ($42 billion), Illinois ($32 billion), Michigan ($31 billion), Florida ($29 billion), and Ohio ($27 billion).

Japan remained Louisiana’s largest single export destination in 1998, although shipments to Japan declined by 12% to $2.5 billion. Exports from Louisiana to Mexico, the state’s number two export market, soared by 31% to $1.2 billion. China, which has not been as adversely affected by the Asian financial crisis as other markets in the region, was the state’s third-largest export destination, growing substantially by 20% over 1997 to $1.1 billion. Louisiana exports to Canada grew by 1% to $1 billion, making that country Louisiana’s fourth-largest market for exports. The Netherlands, an important distribution hub for the whole of Europe, rounded out the top five with $842 million in exports during 1998, a sharp decrease of 29% from 1997.

Of Louisiana’s top-ten export destinations in 1998, four were located in Asia (Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan), three were in Europe (Netherlands, Spain and Belgium), and three were located in the Western Hemisphere (Mexico, Canada and Brazil). Brazil entered the top ten at number ten, with $496 million in shipments, an increase of 8% over 1997.

"Considering the financial difficulties in both Asia and Brazil and the state of the global commodities market, Louisiana’s decrease in exports for the year as a whole was not unexpected," stated Jack Walker, Government and Transportation Affairs Manager with the World Trade Center. "Many Asian countries have experienced a drop in imports from Louisiana of 40 percent or more since 1996, but the rate of decrease in imports from Louisiana was generally lower in 1998."

Louisiana’s number one worldwide export category in 1998 continued to be agricultural products with $8 billion, an 18% decrease from 1997. Food and kindred products, which includes processed foods, increased 5% to $4 billion and ranked as Louisiana’s second-largest export sector. Chemicals (down 9% to $3.1 billion) and petroleum and coal products (down 39% to $607 million) maintained their positions as Louisiana’s third- and fourth-largest export sectors, despite price weakness in both sectors.

Industrial machinery and computer equipment exports grew 8% to $525 million, rising to become Louisiana’s fifth-largest export sector in 1998. Transportation equipment, the state’s sixth-largest export sector, experienced strong growth of 30%, finishing with $505 million of exports last year. Of the other sectors among Louisiana’s top ten exports, only fabricated metal products, up 5% to $144 million, experienced a rise in exports.

"Despite the substantial gains we made in exports to Mexico and China, the decline in agricultural exports to Japan, our number one export destination, resulted in an export decrease in total dollar terms for the year" according to Larry Collins, International Trade Director for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. "The decrease in total U.S. exports for the year indicates that we are all feeling the effects of the financial difficulties being experienced by many major markets around the world."

1997 Louisiana Metropolitan Area Statistics

In 1997, Lake Charles had the 14th largest percentage increase nationally in export activity in the country, with a 62% increase from 1996 to $78 million. Houma had the 22nd largest percentage increase nationally, 49%, to total $86 million. Monroe experienced a 24% drop in export marketing activity in 1997, going from $134 million in 1996 to $102 million in 1997. The Alexandria metropolitan area had $18 million in export sales in 1997, a 17% dropoff from 1996.

Mr. Collins noted that, "The decrease in Louisiana’s metropolitan area exports in 1997 reflects the drop in total exports we have seen for the last two years. Most Louisiana exporters are adjusting their international marketing efforts, and we hope to see several important markets expand in 1999."

Mr. Walker added, "Louisiana’s metropolitan areas had exhibited strong export percentage growth increases through 1996, the record year for Louisiana exports, so the dropoff in total state exports we saw in 1997 is reflected in the high percentage change figures for the metropolitan areas in 1997."

Trade reports which provide information on 33 product categories of Louisiana exports to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available by clicking here. Printed reports are available by calling the WTC at (504)529-1601 or by writing to WTC, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2900, New Orleans, LA 70130.

1998 LOUISIANA EXPORTS BY COUNTRY

1998 U.S. EXPORTS BY STATE

1998 LOUISIANA EXPORTS BY INDUSTRY

HEALTHCARE TRADE FAIRS

"Expo Salud" - - May 12-15 in Santiago Chile. This event is certified by the U.S. Commercial Service. The cost of a fully equipped booth is US$2,572.

"Exposicion Hospitalaria" - - November 3-6 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This event is billed as "the gateway to the Mercosur market," in particular the Argentine market of 35 million. The cost for a fully equipped booth is US$3,375.

The following services provided by ShoWorks Inc. are included in the costs:

• Set-up support prior to show opening;
• Industry briefing at US Embassy;
• Interpreters upon request;
• Exhibitor information in official show catalog; and
• Discounted travel packages available with airline, hotel & van transport.

ARGENTINE STUDENT EXCHANGE

TREASURES FROM PROVENCE

These paintings have never been shown outside France. The exhibition of 17th through 19th century paintings will focus on the early 19th century landscape painters of the Provenìal school. Included are works by Jean-Antoine Constantin, who has been called the father of the 19th century landscape school, and a number of his famous adherent, including Emile Loubon, and Franìois-Marius Granet, for whom the MusÄe Granet was named. Complementing the exhibition will be a painting from the latter part of the 19th century by Paul Cezanne, Aix’s most renowned and recognized artist.

The Louisiana Arts and Science Center is located in Baton Rouge at 100 South River Road across from the Old State Capitol. The phone number is (225) 344-9478. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

TRADE LEADS

Frames: Member of World Trade Center Paris seeks distributors for a new model of frames for posters and pictures. Contact Bernard Giraudet via fax at (011) 04 77 24 95 98, or via e-mail at afix@wanadoo.fr

Water Filters: Member of WTC Barranquilla seeks industrial water filters. Contact Victoria Ibanez via e-mail at wtcbaq@latino.net.co

Disposable Lighter: Member of WTC Doha, Qatar seeks importers/distributors of disposable lighters.Contact Omar Abu Salma via fax at (011) 0974-423048, or via e-mail at wtcdoha@qatar.net.qa

Aluminum: Member of WTC Budapest seeks large quantities of aluminum that is 99.899% pure. Contact Akos Gyomber via fax at (011) 00 361 318 37 31, or via e-mail at wtcbu@dbassoc.hu

Perfume: Company in the United Arab Emirates seeks several brand name perfumes on a FOB basis. Contact J.P. Goenka for the list of perfumes via fax at (011) 971-4-2957341, or via e-mail at goenka@emirates.net.ae

Pumps: Member of WTC Bogota seeks water transfer pumps and reciprocating pumps. Contact Nohora Liliana Gonzalez via e-mail at wortrade@colomsat.net.co

Investment Opportunity: Italian company seeks U.S. investment company interested in expanding in Europe. Company specializes in automotive, aerospace and environmental technologies. Contact Alessandro Riccini via phone at (703) 243-5991, or via fax at (703) 243-9139.

Technical Expert: The Philadelphia Consulting Group, a leading management consulting firm in Jordan, is seeking an experienced technical expert to work in Kuwait. Contact Amer Khatib via fax at (011) 962-6-5676702, or via e-mail at pcg@go.com.jo

Neckties and Scarves: Company in China seeks importers/distributors of silk neckties and scarves. Contact Leo via fax at (011) 86 575 8048680, or via e-mail at necktie@163.net

Tropical Fruit: Member of WTC Barranquilla seeks importers/distributors of dehydrated tropical fruit, including: bananas, coconut, papaya, mango, pineapple, figs, and physalis. Contact Victoria Ibanez via e-mail at wtcbaq@latino.net.co

Circuit Boards: Member of WTC Osaka seeks dealers/wholesalers of printed circuit boards and copper clad. Contact Yoriaki Oshikata via fax at (011) 06-6616-4130, or via e-mail at wtcok@wtco.osakawtc.or.jp