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**MARCH 2007**

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**[This Month's Hot Topics]{.underline} [Page]{.underline}**

> **South Africa Agricultural Trade Mission -- HOT TOPIC! 2**
>
> **"EU Standards Made Simple" Seminar -- HOT TOPIC! 4**
>
> **"Asia / Pacific Business Outlook Conference 5**
>
> **"Complying With U.S. Export Controls" Seminar 6**
>
> **New! Market of the Month -- Mexico 7**
>
> **NAB 2007 Global Matchmaking Reception 8**
>
> **2007 China International Sporting Goods Show 9**
>
> **Upcoming Webinars 10**

-   China IPR Webinar Series

-   Australia Biotechnology Industry

-   China's Sporting Goods Industry

> **Other Important Events & Information 11**

-   Possible Business Opportunities in India

-   EU Energy-using Products (EuP) Directive Update

-   EU Metrics Directive

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**SOUTH AFRICA AGRICULTURAL TRADE MISSION**

**Don't miss out on gaining a foothold in the lucrative**

**South African agricultural market!**

**May 14-18, 2007**

Twelve years after the historic first general elections that resulted in
democracy, South Africa has been a political and economic success story.
With a stable political system, excellent macroeconomic policies, strong
foreign investment, and an expected 5% economic growth rate in 2007,
South Africa deserves your attention!

**Did You Know that...**

-   The \$171 million agricultural equipment market in South Africa is
    dominated by **three types of farm machinery** (tractors, combines
    and balers) reflecting the **prevalent agricultural crops** (maize,
    wheat, grain sorghum and other field crops).

-   45 million people live in South Africa.

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-   Recent strength of South African currency combined with low domestic
    interest rates has enabled South African farmers to replace aging
    equipment.

-   Over 600 U.S. companies already have representation in the South
    African market, targeting the African continent.

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-   South Africa is the commercial hub for the region, and American
    companies doing business in South Africa enjoy rule-of-law and
    relatively transparent business environment.

-   There are **no import duties** levied on items such as ploughs,
    planters, fertilizer distributors, tractors, balers and combine
    harvesters.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.0819444444444444in"
height="1.3854166666666667in"}

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*(Continued on page 3)*

*(Continued from page 2)*

**Trade Mission Features**

Travel with a CS staff member and other agricultural companies from
Washington, Idaho, and Montana! The cost of this Trade Mission is
\$2,000 and includes:

-   Exhibitor space in the U.S.A. Pavilion at **NAMPO Harvest Day
    Agricultural Trade Show**, the largest show of agricultural
    machinery and livestock in the southern hemisphere, drawing more
    than 500 exhibitors and over 65,000 visitors annually.

-   Prescreening and identification of potential business partners (4-10
    based upon your requirements).

-   Custom market information.

-   A one-day customized series of meetings with possible
    distributors/partners.

-   Networking opportunities with South Africans working in the
    agriculture industry.

> ![](media/image5.jpeg){width="2.0819444444444444in"
> height="1.3319444444444444in"}

[**NAMPO Harvest Day Agricultural Trade
Show**](http://www.nampo.co.za/nampo_content.asp?ContentId=70)

**For more information, contact Janet Bauermeister or Curtis McCullough
at 509-353-2625 or
[Janet.Bauermeister@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov](mailto:Janet.Bauermeister@mail.doc.gov)
or <Curtis.McCullough@mail.doc.gov>.**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***Sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service offices of***

***[Washington](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane),
[Idaho](http://www.buyusa.gov/boise), and
[Montana](http://www.buyusa.gov/montana)***

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.495833333333334in"
height="1.2236111111111112in"}

**"E.U. STANDARDS MADE SIMPLE" SEMINAR**

**Unravel the mystery of EU Standards and Regulations and**

**increase your sales to the European Union!**

**March 20, 2007 -- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM**

The U.S. Department of Commerce cordially invites you to a unique
seminar that will provide you with relevant market intelligence on
current and pending EU standards and regulations that affect U.S.
exports to 25 EU Member States. These standards affect a wide range of
products across multiple industry sectors.

**Speakers**

-   **Gwen Lyle**, Standards Attaché, United States to the European
    Union, Brussels

-   **Donald L. Sweeney,** President, D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc.

-   **TBD**, U.S. Department of Commerce, Market Access and Compliance

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="2.0819444444444444in" height="1.125in"}

[E.U. Standards Made
Simple](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/eustandards.html)

**Program Highlights**

-   Commercial Update on the European Union Market (25 Member States)

-   Comprehensive Overview of EU Product Standards and Conformity
    Assessment

-   Pressing EU Standards & Regulations that directly affect U.S.
    Exports to the EU

-   Conformity Assessment for the European Union

-   Case Studies

-   Pre-registered one-on-one meetings with EU experts following the
    seminar

**Registration Information**

If you are interested in attending this event, please fill out the
necessary fields in the form provided below. A seminar fee of **\$35 per
person** includes materials. Be sure to indicate whether you are
interested in meeting with one or more of the speakers. We will respond
to your submission as soon as possible.

**If you have questions regarding this event and would like more
information, please contact Janet Bauermeister or Curtis McCullough at
(509) 353-2625 or at <Janet.Bauermeister@mail.doc.gov> or**
**<Curtis.McCullough@mail.doc.gov>.**

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**ASIA / PACIFIC BUSINESS OUTLOOK CONFERENCE**

**Don't miss the premier networking event designed to expand your**

**Asia / Pacific Business Knowledge, Contacts, and Profits!**

**March 26-27, 2007**

Asia / Pacific Business Outlook, hosted by the University of Southern
California in Los Angeles, with the full support of the U.S. Commercial
Service, is the longest running, most successful regional conference of
its kind focusing specifically on Asian markets. This conference has
made a difference for U.S. exporters, and has become the premier U.S.
commercial trade event focusing on the Asia / Pacific region.

APBO 2007 brings the experts closer to you with 14 Senior Commercial
Officers from American embassies, consulates and institutes in the
following economies: **Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore,
Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.** They will speak in small-group
workshops and be available for private one-on-one consultations with
APBO participants.

**Registration Details**

-   Early Registration: \$775 **(until March 9)**

-   Regular Registration: \$925 (after March 9)

![](media/image7.jpeg){width="1.8645833333333333in" height="2.40625in"}

-   USDOC Registration Code: DOC2007

For more information on the conference or to register to attend, visit
[http://www.apbo2007.com](http://www.apbo2007.com/).

**For questions or general inquiries, contact Janet Bauermeister or
Curtis McCullough at (509) 353-2625 or
[Janet.Bauermeister@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov](mailto:Janet.Bauermeister@mail.doc.gov)
or
[Curtis.McCullough@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov](mailto:Curtis.McCullough@mail.doc.gov).**

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**COMPLYING WITH U.S. EXPORT CONTROLS**

**Learn the information needed to comply with U.S. Export Control**

**requirements on commercial goods at this informative seminar.**

**April 25-26, 2007**

We will be focusing on a number of important items and activities,
including:

-   How to determine the export licensing requirements for your item

-   How to determine your export control classification number

-   Export clearance procedures and requirements

-   Export Management System (EMS) concepts

> ![](media/image8.jpeg){width="1.0409722222222222in"
> height="1.0409722222222222in"}

-   Instructors will use "hands-on" exercises that will prepare you to
    apply the regulations to your own company's export activities. The
    program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive
    understanding of their obligations under the Export Administration
    Regulations (EAR).

The instructors are experienced export policy specialists, and
enforcement personnel from BIS\'s field offices, as well as
representatives from other U.S. government agencies, as appropriate. The
instructors will be available throughout the seminar to answer your
questions on how the export regulations affect the export activities of
your organization or client. Co-sponsored by the Oregon District Export
Council

**WHERE:** [Hilton Hotel of
Portland](http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/PDXPHHH-Hilton-Portland-Executive-Tower-Oregon/index.do)

> 921 SW 6th Ave.

Portland, OR 97204

Tel: 503-226-1611

Fax: 503-220-2565

**WHEN:** April 25-26, 2007

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

**For more information about registration, payment, and hotel
accommodations, please [click
here.](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/exportcontrolseminar.html)**

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height="2.115972222222222in"}

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**NEW! MARKET OF THE MONTH -- MEXICO**

**An Overview**

Mexico, a key neighbor and partner of the United States, presents
tremendous opportunities for American firms looking to make sales
abroad. Whether your company has an active international business
development program or is looking to make its first overseas sale,
Mexico is a great place to do business. With the new government of
President Felipe Calderón, a long history of close commercial ties to
the United States, and major plans for infrastructure development in
2007-2012, the time is right to focus your business goals on the
expanding Mexican market. With a population of approximately 107
million, a GDP per capita of \$7,450 and an **import market of over
\$222 billion**, Mexico

![](media/image10.jpeg){width="1.2604166666666667in"
height="2.145138888888889in"}

represents an extremely attractive market for U.S. products and
services. The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico, through its broad and
deep contacts in Mexican industry and government, is uniquely positioned
to help your American firm find partners, financing, and close the deal.

**Best Prospects for U.S. Companies**

There are abundant market opportunities for U.S. firms in Mexico in
virtually all industry sectors. Some of the leading sectors for U.S.
exporters are:

-   Airports and Aviation

-   Automotive Manufacturing

-   Building and Construction Materials

-   Education and Training

-   Energy

-   Environmental Technology

-   Franchising

-   Hotels and Restaurants

-   IT and Telecom

-   Travel and Tourism

![](media/image11.jpeg){width="2.0833333333333335in" height="1.5625in"}

**For more information about the Mexican market, including how to enter
and succeed, trade events, and other special features, please visit the
Export.gov Market of the Month page at**
[**http://www.export.gov/articles/Mexico_MoM.asp**](http://www.export.gov/articles/Mexico_MoM.asp).

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**NAB 2007 GLOBAL MATCHMAKING RECEPTION**

**Meet more international buyers and expand sales into new overseas
markets!**

**April 15, 2007**

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the US Commercial
Service, and the Arizona District Export Council have joined forces to
provide you an opportunity to target the over 30,000 international
attendees expected at [NAB2007](http://www.nabshow.com/). This is a
perfect opportunity to develop new international customers. Through
exhibiting in the Global Matchmaking Reception, you can achieve multiple
objectives, including export sales, marketing and business development.
You\'ll also meet and prospect new customers, network with foreign
buyers and industry professionals, and entertain new
contacts/partners/clients in a hospitable and professional venue. 

The U.S. Commercial Service's Overseas Specialists will lead buying
delegations to NAB 2007. Electronic media, broadcast technologies and
equipment, digital media and solutions buyers and professionals from
these markets attend NAB Global Matchmaking Reception: **Argentina,
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic,
Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the**

![](media/image12.jpeg){width="2.0819444444444444in" height="1.5625in"}

**Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand,
Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.**

**Information for Tabletop Exhibitors**

**LOCATION:** Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom C

**DATE:** Sunday, April 15, 2007

**TIME:** 5:30pm -- 7:30pm

**REGISTRATION DUE DATE:** March 30, 2007

**PARTICIPATION FEE:** \$495 (\$595 after March 30). Credit card payment
accepted.

![](media/image13.jpeg){width="2.0833333333333335in"
height="0.8333333333333334in"}

**For more information, visit
<http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/nab2007.html>.**

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**CHINA INTERNATIONAL SPORTING GOODS SHOW**

**May 17-20, 2007**

**Greetings from the U.S. Embassy in China!**

The Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing is pleased to
invite American firms to participate in our U.S. Pavilion at **China
International Sporting Goods Show** to promote American sporting
products and services to China's fast-growing sporting goods market. The
exposition, with a 13-year track record, is the most established event
of its kind in Asia, showcasing an extensive array of sporting goods and
fitness related products and services. **China International Sporting
Goods Show** will be held from **May 17--20, 2007** at the New
International Convention & Exposition Center in Chengdu, China.

**Exhibitors at the U.S. Pavilion receive:**

-   Fully furnished, 9m^2^ booth in a prime location

-   On-site counseling and networking assistance throughout the show

-   Pre-show region-wide marketing campaign to buyers

-   Welcome Kit and briefing from the U.S. Commercial Service Staff

-   Free full page advertisement in both show directory and U.S.
    Pavilion Exhibitor Directory

-   All for a reasonable exhibitor fee of \$2,000 per standard booth

![](media/image14.jpeg){width="1.875in" height="0.84375in"}

[Official Show Website](http://www.sportshow.com.cn/English/default.asp)

**For more information, contact:**

> **Mr. Shen Yan**
>
> Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy China
>
> Tel: (86-10) 85296655 Ext.826
>
> Fax: (86-10) 85296558, Email: <yan.shen@mail.doc.gov>.

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.495833333333334in"
height="1.2236111111111112in"}

**U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE WEBINARS**

**[CHINA IPR WEBINAR SERIES]{.underline}**

**[MARCH 1, 2007 --]{.underline}**
![](media/image15.jpeg){width="1.2493055555555554in"
height="1.0138888888888888in"}

[**\"Analyzing Value of IP Assets and Conducting Audits of your IP
Agreements\"**](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/chinaipr.html#section_1)

Please join us for a discussion on strategies for businesses in
analyzing the value of existing and potential IP assets and of IP Audits
to ensure compliance with existing agreements. Peggy Moizel, President
of IP Compliance Management and Vice-President for Administration of
Licensing Executives Society, and Paul Germeraad, Founder and President
of Intellectual Assets Inc. will lead the discussion.

**[MARCH 8, 2007 --]{.underline}**![](media/image16.jpeg){width="1.25in"
height="0.88125in"} [**\"IP Strategies for Negotiating Licensing
Agreements and the Realities of Enforcing the Terms of
Agreements\"**](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/chinaipr.html#section_2)

Please join us for a discussion on managing licensing agreements in
China covering best practices, positive business aspects as well as
preventative measures and solutions to some of the common pitfalls faced
in China. Two IP Licensing experts will lead the discussion.

**[AUSTRALIA BIOTECHNOLOGY WEBINAR MARCH 8, 2007]{.underline}**

Australia has grown into the top-ranking biotechnology location in the
Asia-Pacific and is placed number five worldwide, playing host to a
thriving network of almost 450 companies (in 2006) whose core business
is biotechnology. This is a premier webinar showcasing the biotech
market in Australia for U.S. firms serious about international business
development in the sector. We will provide you with the tools, market
intelligence, and resources you need to create and execute a winning
strategy. [More...](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/ausbiotech.html)

![](media/image17.jpeg){width="1.5in" height="0.9388888888888889in"}

**[CHINA SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY WEBINAR MARCH 13, 2007]{.underline}**

![](media/image14.jpeg){width="1.875in" height="0.84375in"}

China\'s sporting goods industry is a hot market for specialized U.S.
products and services. With rising disposable incomes, a preference for
western goods, experiential opportunities in the face of the 2008
Olympics, 2007 Asian Winter Games in Changchun, well entrenched
professional golf tours, and more, American firms are in a great
position to benefit. Athletics, fitness, and outdoor recreational
hobbies are part of the new focal point of China\'s national economy.
Learn more on how to benefit from the trend!
[More...](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/csgiwbnr.html)

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height="1.2236111111111112in"}

**OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS & INFORMATION**

**[POSSIBLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA]{.underline}**

The U.S. Commercial Service stands ready to assist U.S. foodservice and
packaging companies to enter India. The Indian packaging industry has
been growing at over 10% a year and is expected to continue that trend
for the next two years. The size of the Indian packaging industry is
\$147 billion and India imports approximately \$130 million in packaging
materials and equipment annually. More specifically, plastic flexible
packaging, laminated products and packaging equipment all possess strong
potential for U.S. exporters. Currently, less than 2% of India's total
processed

![](media/image18.jpeg){width="1.6666666666666667in" height="1.25in"}

food is packaged, which presents room for substantial growth in this
sector. For free market research or information on how to sell your
products in India, contact Aileen Nandi, Principal Commercial Officer,
at [Aileen.Nandi@mail.doc.gov](mailto:aileen.nandi@mail.doc.gov).

**[EU ENERGY-USING PRODUCTS DIRECTIVE UPDATE]{.underline}**

![](media/image19.png){width="1.375in" height="0.9166666666666666in"}

The European Union\'s (EU) Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive is a
far-reaching and possibly problematic piece of EU \"framework\"
legislation that will impact the design, production and marketing of a
number of key industry sectors representing some \$33 billion worth of
annual exports to Europe. American companies are encouraged to contact
the consultants doing the studies during the exploratory phase in order
to get their input considered in the final report.
[More...](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/eup.html)

**[EU METRICS DIRECTIVE]{.underline}**

Beginning January 1, 2010, the **European Union Council Directive
[80/181/EEC1](http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/consleg/pdf/1980/en_1980L0181_do_001.pdf)
(Metric Directive)** will allow the use of only metric units, and
prohibit the use of any other measurements for most products sold in the
European Union (EU). Going well beyond labeling, the Metric Directive
will make the sole use of metric units obligatory in all aspects of life
in the European Union, extending to areas such as product literature and
advertising.

![](media/image20.jpeg){width="1.0833333333333333in"
height="0.9298611111111111in"}

**For more information regarding the above events, please contact Janet
Bauermeister, Director of the Spokane Export Assistance Center, or
Curtis McCullough at (509) 353-2625. As we are sometimes unreachable via
telephone, emails are encouraged at <Janet.Bauermeister@mail.doc.gov> or
<Curtis.McCullough@mail.doc.gov>.**