Hawaii's tourism slump has industry looking to China Nov 18, 2009
Gov. Linda Lingle returned Friday from a six-city trip to China that focused on tapping the growing tourism market for Hawai'i as well as developing opportunities and partnerships in international trade. One reason tourism leaders covet more Chinese visitors is their tendency to spend lavishly when they are here. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kenya: Row Over New Move to Allow Ivory Trade Nov 18, 2009
Ivory trade has been closely regulated since the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species imposed a worldwide ban in 1989. The number of African elephants had dropped from 1. (allAfrica.com)
Building-for-land deal for Naza Nov 18, 2009
The centre and other projects planned on the land would have a combined estimated gross development value of RM15bil over a 10-year period, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed ... From left: S.M. Nasarudin S.M. Nasimuddin, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir viewing a miniture model of the Matrade expo centre ... The centre is expected to fulfil the demand for bigger local and international events such... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
PHA Commission Approves Costs Share of Ship Channel Maintenance Nov 18, 2009
The port authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. (Primezone Releases)
Parliament: RM7b fund for entrepreneurs all used up Nov 17, 2009
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the RM5bil fund was increased to RM7bil and had been expected to last till December next year. The fund has since been used up, he told Dr Che Rosli Che Mat (PAS-Hulu Langat) in Parliament on Tuesday. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Tuna body shies from fishing ban Nov 17, 2009
Most European governments back a recent proposal from Monaco to restrict trade in bluefin under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The proposal will be tabled at the CITES meeting in March. (BBC News -- Europe)
Paul Krugman: Chinese economy grows at expense of U.S. workers Nov 17, 2009
For the problem of international trade imbalances is about to get substantially worse. And there's a potentially ugly confrontation looming unless China mends its ways. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
More rooms in town as City Lodge expands Nov 17, 2009
City Lodge plans to increase rooms available in South Africa to 6 433 by the end of next year, compared with the present 4 989, and will add eight new hotels to its present total of 44, reflecting the group's confidence in exponential growth in South Africa's tourism industry and international trade in the years following the World Cup. The company pioneered the concept in South Africa of hotels that do not have restaurants but serve hot breakfasts only and now has four distinct brands in... (Business Report, South Africa)
Some African Countries Not Viable, Says Ibrahim Nov 17, 2009
"Intra-African trade is 4-5 per cent of our international trade. Why? This is unacceptable, unviable, and people need to stand up and say this," Mr Ibrahim said. "Who are we to think that we can have 53 tiny little countries and be ready to compete with China, India, Europe, the Americans? It is a fallacy.". (allAfrica.com)
Border czar coming full circle He came to San Diego in 1993 as a little-known civil lawyer from Los Angeles, selected by a graduate-school friend who happened to be ... Nov 17, 2009
They could foreshadow the approach Bersin might take in his new job overseeing 56,000 employees who work to smooth international trade and enforce drug and immigration laws. That means Bersin again will influence enforcement policy across the southwestern border the line separating the United States and Mexico, and the line that first defined the shape of his increasingly high-profile public life. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Payback for GM Nov 16, 2009
" Are ? China thinks so. As President Obama plans his first official state visit to China, the country's Commerce Ministry is already stirring up tension with "unusually blunt" comments about recent U.S. international trade policy, Dow Jones News Wire reports this morning. "We've always known the U.S. and the West as free market economies," Commerce Ministry spokesman Yao Jian is quoted by the news wire as saying at a news conference today in Beijing. "But now we're seeing a protectionist side.... (Slate)
'Africa must think big to thrive' Nov 16, 2009
Trade within Africa accounts for just 4-5% of the continent's international trade, something that is "not viable". The tycoon said Africa "needs scale" to compete with the big economic players. (BBC News -- Africa)
Oil and gas find will benefit the country- Amua-Sekyi Nov 16, 2009
She said the discovery would also improve Ghana's international trade balance, foreign exchange receipt and global standing. Nana Amua-Sekyi made the observation when she delivered a paper on "The Impact of the Oil and Gas Find on Human Rights", at a day's seminar organised by the School of Applied Arts to commemorate the second open- day celebration of the academic facility in Takoradi. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
APEC leaders chart roadmap for post-crisis landscape Nov 16, 2009
At the same time, efforts to address climate change must be consistent with each member's international trade obligations, they said. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to tackle the threat of climate change and work towards an ambitious outcome in the world climate talks in Copenhagen in December. (Xinhuanet, China)
Letter to The President # 5 Nov 16, 2009
Having provided a subheader describing the region as fast emerging as a market with new business opportunities, he goes on to point to the hubs fast establishing themselves in international trade, mentioning Africa's vast mineral riches, including commodities such as gold, oil and gas. Chen laments that trade between China and Africa jumped 45 per cent last year to reach US$107 billion, of which less than 1 per cent goes through Singapore. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
State's trade exports trending upward Nov 16, 2009
Jock O'Connell, international trade adviser at the University of California Center Sacramento, says the state's exports from September showed a 3 ... Jock O'Connell, international trade adviser at the University of California Center Sacramento, says the state's exports from September showed a 3 ... California now is mired in its worst recession since the Great Depression, and international trade has been seriously damaged. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
APEC leaders pledge new vision for economic growth Nov 16, 2009
In their statement, the leaders reaffirmed their "commitment to tackle the threat of climate change and work towards an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen," noting that the efforts must be consistent with international trade obligations of their economies. However, they did not set any goals for cutting the emission of greenhouse gas. (Business Report, South Africa)
Fishing nations OK cut in Atlantic tuna quota Nov 16, 2009
Environmental groups now aim to have bluefin added to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) next year, which would result in a ban on international trade. "A ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna is now the only remaining chance to save the iconic fish from extinction," said Francois Provost, international oceans campaigner for Greenpeace. (MSNBC -- Environment)
* Filipino typhoon victims under stress, WHO says Nov 15, 2009
Canadian Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day talks to a Filipino typhoon victim and her child during his visit to an evacuation center at the Alabang Elementary School, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Friday. PHOTO: EPA. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Trade barriers impact commodities (2) Nov 15, 2009
Boone County, Iowa, farmer Ron Heck, past president of the American Soybean Association who has been involved in international trade issues, says trade barriers for soybeans and corn are nothing compared to meat and rice ... The U.S. Grains Council has added the international trade of distillers grains, which will become an important area for U.S. farmers, Marshall says. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
President Hu attends APEC Economic Leaders Meeting Nov 15, 2009
Hu said in his remarks that safeguarding a stable multilateral trading mechanism and advancing the Doha Round negotiations would help promote the openness of international trade, curb protectionism and revive the world economy. Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) shakes hands with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' luncheon on Nov. 14, 2009 in Singapore. (Xinhuanet, China)
Job losses from New Automotive Policy compensated in long term: Mustapa Nov 15, 2009
SINGAPORE: International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamad feels that jobs lost in the short term due to the implementation of the New Automotive Policy (NAP) will be compensated in the medium and long term. He said that policy was being implemented to ensure the safety of lives and also to develop the countrys own automotive component industry. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Dan Walters: California's port dominance slipping away Nov 15, 2009
California now is mired in its worst recession since the Great Depression, and international trade has been seriously damaged ... Economists who chart the state's future assume that, if and when recovery occurs, California will once again reap the benefits of international trade. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Chinese exporters fear new wave of exchange rate fluctuations Nov 14, 2009
"This is a huge change," says Professor Xiao Yaofei, an international trade expert at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. "So it is with Western countries' attitudes towards the Renminbi.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Prez opens India's biggest trade fair Nov 14, 2009
NEW DELHI: The 29th edition of India International Trade Fair opened for business visitors at the sprawling Pragati Maidan exposition grounds in New Delhi on Saturday with 7,500 domestic and overseas exhibitors from 29 countries ... The 29th edition of India International Trade Fair opened for business visitors at the sprawling Pragati Maidan exposition grounds in New Delhi on Saturday with 7,500 domestic and overseas exhibitors from 29 countries. (India Times)
Holmes: Britain could lead on nuclear disarmament Nov 14, 2009
James Holmes is an associate professor of strategy at the Naval War College and a faculty associate at the University of Georgia Center for International Trade and Security. Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Saturday, November 14, 2009. (Athens Banner-Herald)
California's September exports down 16% Nov 14, 2009
2 percent over August, but was still below that of September of last year, according to a analysis of international trade data released Friday morning by the U.S. Commerce Department ... 36 billion in goods shipped abroad in September 2008, Jock O Connell, the UC Center s international trade and economics adviser, noted in his analysis. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Kirk Says Obama Administration to Work With Congress on Pacific Trade Pact Nov 14, 2009
Baucus, whose committee oversees international trade, said such negotiations are right for American jobs, right for American exporters and right for the American economy because U.S. businesses need broader access to Asian markets. The potential pact is not without detractors as farmers and ranchers worry about a spike in meat and dairy imports from New Zealand and textile producers worry about increased import competition from Vietnam. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Grant to West Hills benefits farm laborers Nov 14, 2009
The Colorado International Trade Office will receive the federal matching funds over the next three years to support the export of clean technologies and services by Colorado companies to China and Mexico. Mass. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
California export trade figures improving Nov 14, 2009
Jock O'Connell, international trade adviser at the University of California Center Sacramento, says the state's exports from September showed a 3. 2 percent gain from August. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Chinese netizens welcome Obama's visit with thousands of questions | China welcomes Obama Nov 14, 2009
The US International Trade Commission approved probes into imports of high-quality paper from both China and Indonesia totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as certain salts from China that are used in cleaning products, food additives and fertilizer. Still, the two countries are widely divided on the issues of Tibet and US arms sales to Taiwan, which are core interests of China. (Xinhuanet, China)
SME Corp to clear grant application backlog soon Nov 14, 2009
The awards were presented by Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who represented Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed. To a question, Hafsah said SME Corp experienced a surge in the number applications this year. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Copper steady as dollar dips, equities rise Nov 14, 2009
Investors are awaiting consumer sentiment and international trade data from the US later this session for new insight into prospects for demand next year. NICKEL STOCK SOAR. (Business Report, South Africa)
HSBC completes renminbi cross-border trade Nov 14, 2009
With the new capability to settle cross-order trade in all our Asean markets, we are well-positioned to assist our commercial banking consumers to grow their international trade business with mainland China, global co-head commercial banking, John Coverdale, said. HSBC commercial banking offered a range of renminbi services, including trade finance, two-way exchange between renminbi and Hong Kong dollar and other foreign currencies. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Xtreme Coil Achieves Record Third Quarter EBITDA and Operating Days and Provides Update Nov 13, 2009
Management considered the following risk factors when preparing the MD&A: fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices, supply and demand; fluctuation in currency exchange and interest rates; financial stability of Xtreme Coil's customers; current and future applications for Xtreme Coil's proprietary technology; competition from other drilling contractors; regulatory and economic conditions; environmental constraints; changes to government legislation; international trade barriers... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Switzerland sponsors accreditation of food testing labs Nov 13, 2009
Mr. Victor Mills, the Project Coordinator for the UNIDO Trade Capacity Building Project said the accredited labs will facilitate Ghanas international trade he added that we will test various export products and the results will be internationally accepted. As part of the Trade Capacity Building project the Ghana Standards Board has developed its management certification system capability, developed and published adequate standards for selected export products. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Colo. gets $363K to boost clean tech Nov 13, 2009
Colorado s international trade office Thursday said it has received a grant of $363,135 from the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote clean tech exports from the state to China and Mexico ... Colorado s international trade office is one of five recipients of grants under the Market Development Cooperators Program for 2009. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Colo. Receives Federal Grant for Clean-Tech Export Nov 13, 2009
The Colorado International Trade Office will receive the federal matching funds over the next three years to support the export of clean technologies and services by Colorado companies to China and Mexico. The grant will support a program called CO-EXist, or Colorado Export of Innovative and Sustainable Technologies, which works with small and medium-sized Colorado companies. (ABC News -- Wire)
China's trade surplus looms large Nov 13, 2009
The financial crisis over the past year has played havoc with international trade, not least between China and the rest of the world. Bilateral trade with the US, China's second-biggest trading partner in the period, is down 14. (Asia Times Online)
China - Threat or Opportunity? Nov 13, 2009
Mauritius has more to fear as the US International Trade Commission study of global competitiveness in the textiles and clothing industry has concluded that "China is expected to become the 'supplier of choice' for most US importers," he said. He however rejected studies that claimed that his country, with no commodity base, would stand to be a big loser in the face of Chinese competition. (allAfrica.com)
China, important development partner in Africa - GTUC Nov 13, 2009
Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwaah, General Secretary of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Africa Office, launching the report reiterated that the presence of China on the continent was becoming extremely important hence the need for Africa to strategise to make the best of the partnership. He noted that partnership thrived on the basis of equality, and "We cannot continue to have a situation where Africa is always lying low." Mr Adu-Amankwaah advised Africans to take keen interest in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Globie winners to be honored tonight Nov 13, 2009
is honoring six recipients of its Excellence in International Trade Awards tonight ... The awards, known as the Globies, are given to individuals or companies that demonstrate excellence in international trade, success in conducting business overseas or support for international trade in Tech Valley. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Stock futures signal rise; A&F, JC Penney eyed Nov 13, 2009
The U.S. Commerce Department releases September international trade data at 8:30 a.m. EST. Economists in a Reuters survey forecast a 31. 65 billion deficit compared with a 30. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Clues in the ivory jungle Nov 12, 2009
At the opening news conference for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting, Willem Wijnstekers gave more answers on ivory than anything else - in particular, on the question of whether even a very limited legal ivory trade would stimulate elephant poaching ... CITES EXPLAINED Threatened organisms listed on three appendices depending on level of risk Appendix 1 - all international trade banned Appendix 2 - international trade monitored and regulated Appendix 3... (BBC News -- Africa)
Pirate Capture Complicates Hostage Issue Nov 12, 2009
"Less than 50% of the pirates caught at sea are actually taken away," says Stephen Askins, a maritime lawyer at Ince and Co., a London-based firm that specializes in international trade. "There's a 'capture and release' policy in a lot of these cases. So it's not clear why, given the circumstances, that the Spanish would have chosen to complicate the situation by extraditing these two.". (Time.com)
Resisting trade protectionism, a pressing issue for APEC Nov 12, 2009
"The danger today is of an incremental build-up of restrictions that could slowly strangle international trade," warned the WTO in a report. Therefore, the APEC should be applauded for what it has done in promoting regional trade liberalization and facilitation, as well as agreeing to avoid protectionist measures and to revive world trade talks. (Xinhuanet, China)
Dismay over small share allocation Nov 12, 2009
Maxis on Tuesday said the institutional offering excluding shares reserved for cornerstone investors and bumiputera investors approved by the International Trade and Industries Ministry (Miti) was 3. 7 times oversubscribed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
From the Washington Post Nov 11, 2009
But while the assistance has been used to win passage for more international trade agreements, its effects on workers have been rarely studied. document. (Harper's Magazine)
Water, pests hot topics at Fresno conference Nov 11, 2009
Leavitt said tourism, international trade, and cross-country truck traffic all contribute to the possible transportation of harmful pests or diseases. The reporter can be reached at or (559) 441-6327. (Fresno Bee)
Malaysia hopes Obama will address trade policy direction Nov 11, 2009
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamad said that this was important as talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and Malaysia have stalled since the middle of last year. Hopefully, he will use this opportunity to provide some indication of US trade policies that can guide us, Mustapa said, adding that so far there was no indication as to whether the stalled FTA talks would be revived. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
China's imports, exports drop 10.7% in Oct Nov 11, 2009
"This suggests improving demand from overseas," said Zhang Junsheng, an international trade expert with the University of International Business and Economics, while forecasting exports would continue the downward trend until the first quarter next year. Exports of labor-intensive products for the first 10 months showed a lower rate of decline than the average 20. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lawyer: FTC likely to take action against Intel Nov 11, 2009
FTC Chairman Jon Liebowitz will be hard pressed not to follow the lead of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who last week filed an against Intel, says Pupkin, head of the antitrust, competition and international trade unit at the law firm of. Also forcing Liebowitz's hand are the $1. (USA Today -- Tech)
China says U.S. move on imported Chinese-made fastener "rational" Nov 10, 2009
An unnamed official of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said the move by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) accorded with "market reality" and was "correct", as the products made by both countries had different target consumers, which would not encounter direct competition. The ITC's move on Friday was a rare exception in the two countries' trade disputes as the U.S. agency nodded to all the other 22 inquiries in recent three years. (Xinhuanet, China)
'Last chance' for tuna authority Nov 10, 2009
This led Monaco to propose regulating the tuna trade through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an idea that has garnered support from most EU nations. Others, including the US, would prefer Iccat to allocate quotas that the stock can withstand and then enforce them - but will back the trade ban if it does not. (BBC News)
Carnage at General Motors Nov 10, 2009
" But what about what's bad for General Motors? GM had to make some very big mistakes to get itself into its current predicament. Perhaps most telling, the company devoted itself primarily to cashing in as profitably as possible on the American infatuation for the biggest, most luxurious, most gas-guzzling automobiles ever built. It lived in the moment, and failed to prepare for the future. And for a while, the living was pretty good. But now one of the biggest corporations in the richest... (Salon)
America's South Korean Trade Policy... Nov 10, 2009
"Our consensus to advance international trade is frayed. [American s] faith in the international trading system is badly shaken," Baucus purported. Dr. Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research and professor of economics at Bucknell University, said in an August 3rd 2009 editorial, Trade agreements have a very bad public image in the U.S. There is good cause for this. (Suite101.com)
'Samsung should face import bar' Nov 10, 2009
The US International Trade Commission ruled on Monday that Samsung infringed Sharp patents and should no longer sell infringing devices in the United States ... The case before the US International Trade Commission is investigation No. 337-TA-631. (India Times)
Sri Lanka in raceto keep trade pact Nov 10, 2009
At a meeting with Sri Lanka's Minister of Export Development and International Trade on March 13 last year in Brussels, an EC commissioner said, "This war is never, never, never going to be solved militarily. The only possible solution is a political one. We have been telling you this for a long time. You have ignored us. We now have a powerful weapon in the GSP+, which we will not hesitate to use.". The EC report was critical of alleged human-rights violations in Sri Lanka, particularly during... (Asia Times Online)
Business briefing Nov 9, 2009
-- Commerce Department releases September international trade report. Send news of upcoming Bay Area business events to. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Streetlight Intelligence Inc. Announces Commercial Phase of Adaptive Street Light Program Underway with the Pacific Green Energy Initiative Nov 9, 2009
With this installation, we believe Prince George has taken a significant leadership role in adopting our technology as part of its energy conservation initiatives and we look forward to showcasing the installation to the rest of Canada (Canada Newswire)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Nov 8, 2009
International trade affects our healthcare, the economy and the environment -- in other words, everything By David Sirota. Much of what was initially reported about the mass murder at an Army post turns out to have been inaccurate Alex Koppelman. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
I Like to Watch Nov 8, 2009
" It's tough to do justice to just how ridiculous this scene becomes when Phil pulls a muscle in his back, falls down the stairs, and ends up being carried like a baby to the couch by the kid he's trying to intimidate. But the real stars of "Modern Family" are Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Phil's brother-in-law and his partner, who've just adopted a daughter from Vietnam. Like the best actors in a Christopher Guest film, these two are at once absurd enough and... (Salon)
McCain: No, really, we vetted her! Nov 8, 2009
" In this vacuum, movement building has been left to underfunded (but stunningly successful) projects like Firedoglake.com, Democracy for America, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and local organizations. And that's the lesson: True grass-roots movements that deliver concrete legislative results are not steered by marble-columned institutions, wealthy benefactors or celebrity politicians -- and they are rarely ever run from Washington. They are almost always far-flung efforts by those... (Salon)
* World News Quick Take Nov 8, 2009
Bruce Cohen, a justice on British Columbias Supreme Court, was appointed commissioner by International Trade Minister Stockwell Day for the inquiry into the decline of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River. The report due by May 1. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* US investigates more Chinese exports Nov 8, 2009
UNFAIR: The International Trade Commission approved probes into Chinese exports of select paper and salt, while lawmakers targeted Beijings exchange rate practices REUTERS, WASHINGTON Sunday, Nov 08, 2009, Page 11 ... The US International Trade Commission (ITC) approved investigations into imports of glossy magazine-quality paper from China and Indonesia totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as certain types of salt from China that are used in cleaning products, food additives... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
