Below are upcoming Commercial Service initiatives designed to connect you to business opportunities around the world. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html.

FYI: Understand and Comply with the New Foreign Trade Regulation (FTR) Requirements:

Learn more: http://www.export.gov/logistics/aes/doc_eg_aes.asp Starting October 1, 2008, the Census Bureau will require mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a paper Shipper’s Export Declaration was required. Penalties may be imposed per violation of the FTR from $1,100 to $10,000—both civil and criminal—for the delayed filing, failure to file, false filing of export information, and/or using the AES to further any illegal activity. Also, all AES filers will face new filing deadlines by mode of transportation for reporting export information. The Commercial Service is working with the Census Bureau to develop a webinar series on these new requirements. Information on dates and times is forthcoming. In the meantime, for more information, please visit http://www.export.gov/logistics/aes/doc_eg_aes.asp.

Trade Mission: U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India

Venue: New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai

Dates: November 9-15, 2008

Learn More/Register:  http://offer.van.fedex.com/m/p/fdx/ind/trademission.asp

FedEx, one of the U.S. Commercial Service’s corporate partners, is sponsoring its first U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India. This opportunity is open to U.S. companies across a broad range of industry sectors and will include site visits to leading commercial, educational and production facilities, as well as one-on-one business appointments and networking activities.

Event: National District Export Council Conference

Venue: Palm Springs, California

Date: October 15-18, 2008

Price: $350Learn more/register: http://www.decconference.com/

The 2008 National District Export Council Conference, “Travel & Trade: Redefining Exports,” will be held in Palm Springs, CA on October 15-18, 2008. This year’s conference promises to be an enlightening and worthwhile event, bringing back last year’s expert moderator, Gene Randall, and many speakers and panelists who are well-versed in the tools of trade and the markets most important to U.S. exporters.

Seminar Series: Complying with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

2 Venues: Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, CA & Rolling Meadows, IL

CA Date/Time: July 30, 2008; 10:30 am PT

IL Date/Time: August 13, 2008; 7:30 am – 5:00 pm CT

Register for CA Event: http://www.buyusa.gov/westlosangeles/itar.html

Register for IL  Event: http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/227.html

Get an overview of U.S. export controls – the players, policies, and processes. Specifically, learn about the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and how it affects your company. Speakers will detail key issues related to ITAR regulations and the increased enforcement of trade policies. Topics of discussion will include changes and trends at the State Department and best practices on how to successfully navigate the ITAR. For more information on the CA venue, contact: Amy.Magat@mail.doc.gov. For more information on the IL venue, contact: Robin.Mugford@mail.doc.gov.

Trade Mission: U.S. Commercial Service Trade Mission to Panama

Venue: Panama City, Panama

Date: October 26-29, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/florida/panama_mission.html

The U.S. Commercial Service is leading a trade mission to Panama for U.S. firms interested in exploring this lucrative market. Taking advantage of the momentum generated by the proposed U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement and the Panama Canal expansion, the mission will include an economic briefing, one-on-one business appointments, a Panama Canal Authority procurement overview, and a reception at the Ambassador’s residence. A visit to the Colon Free Zone is optional. For more information contact: Sandra.Campbell@mail.doc.gov.

Webinar: Free Trade Agreements: Researching and Interpreting Rules of Origin

Venue: Your computer

Date: July 31, 2008

Time: 12:00 pm ET

Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q6P

This webinar will help you understand the Rules of Origin for your products under the North American Free Trade Agreement and the other FTAs. Learn how to conduct research, qualify your products, and deal with foreign customs officials. For more information contact Meredith Bond at Meredith.Bond@mail.doc.gov.

Event: The Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) – Promoting Prosperity and Economic Opportunity

Venue: Atlanta, Georgia

Date: August 17-19, 2008

For more information/register: http://www.competitivenessforum.org/

The second annual ACF will provide an opportunity for governments, businesses, and representatives from academia and non-governmental organizations to discuss actions that can be taken to improve competitiveness and economic prosperity in the Americas. The ACF is a unique combination of a business conference coupled with a policy brainstorming sessions. The forum will also provide a venue for companies and foreign government officials to meet and explore investment opportunities.

Event: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Regulation Course

Venue: Universal City, California

Date: August 20-21, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouth/bisuniversalcity.html

The Bureau of Industry and Security, in cooperation with the Southern California Regional District Export Council and the U.S. Commercial Service in Southern California, invites you to attend a workshop on the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Export Management Compliance Program. This program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR. For more information contact: Steve.Vo@mail.doc.gov.

Seminar: Selling to Mexico’s Maquiladoras 101

Venue: Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Date: September 9, 2008

Price: $125

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/arizona/maquila101.html

This one-day program is designed to help U.S. companies sell to Mexico’s maquiladoras. Participants will attend an onsite briefing from Mexican immigration and customs officials on business visas and clearances required on U.S. goods destined for maquiladoras. Tour Nogales’ two largest maquiladora shelter plant operations and hear industry-focused presentations on maquiladora fundamentals such as the competitive environment, growth opportunities, purchasing decision-making, quality, and logistics. Roundtrip bus transportation from Phoenix and Tucson to Nogales as well as lunch and snacks are included in the cost. For more information contact Matt Baker at matt.baker@mail.doc.gov.

Trade Mission: U.S. Department of Commerce Secretarial Business Development Mission

Venue: Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

Dates: September 29-October 4, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.export.gov/caftadrmission/doc_eg_caftadrmission.asp

Proximity, strong demand for U.S. goods and services, and a lower cost of doing business due to Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement make the Central American and Caribbean region an obvious choice for U.S. companies looking to increase their sales. Join Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez as he leads a delegation of U.S. firms on this business development mission. Participants will meet one-on-one with pre-screened buyers, agents/distributors and partners; receive in-depth market briefs from in-country U.S. Commercial Service trade experts; and meet with senior government officials and industry decision-makers. Deadline for applying to participate in this mission is July 31, 2008. For more information contact: caftadrmission@doc.gov.

The U.S. Commercial Service – Your Global Business Partner.

With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html.