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**AUGUST 2007**

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

> **New! Market of the Month -- The Philippines 2**
>
> **Upcoming US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Endorsed Events 3**

**Financing for U.S. Exports Related to Energy and Water Projects 5**

> **EU Releases New Allergen Labeling Requirements 6**
>
> **Saudi Arabian Government Institutes New Customs Regulations 7**
>
> **US Enters into Free Trade Agreement with Korea 8**
>
> **TRADE SHOW: SmartMAP Expo 2007 -- Kennewick, WA 9**
>
> **TRADE SHOW: Equipotel 2007 -- Sao Paolo, Brazil 10**
>
> **WEBINAR: "Selling to the Manufacturing Sector in Ciudad Juarez" 12**

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**MARKET OF THE MONTH -- THE PHILIPPINES**

This is a great time to look at export opportunities in the Philippines,
the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
and host of the recently concluded Leaders' Summit. The Philippines is a
market where American products and services are well known and trusted,
owing to the very close relationship between the U.S. and the
Philippines over the past 100 years.

**Market Overview**

The U.S. remains the Philippines' **largest trading partner** with over
\$16 billion in two-way trade, and the largest investor with \$6 billion
in assets. Increased export revenue, investment inflows, and foreign
remittances have helped produce a current account balance of \$4.9
billion in 2006. In 2006, the Philippines ranked as the United States'
26th largest export market, 28^th^ largest seller to the U.S. market.
Across all sectors, the Philippine market has a strong affinity for U.S.
products and technology, which it equates with quality and value.

**Leading Sectors for U.S. Exports**

-   Telecommunications Equipment

-   Electrical Power Systems

-   Pharmaceuticals

-   Information Technology

-   Medical Equipment

-   Pollution Control

-   Building/Construction Equipment

-   Water Resource Equipment and Services

-   Safety and Security Equipment

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**Market Research**

U.S. Commercial Service Manila has prepared market research on selected
key industries. These market reports will provide you with market
overview, sub-sector and commercial opportunities for U.S. companies for
a varied of industry sectors. A list of these [market research
reports](http://export.gov/wcm/Market) can be found on the U.S.
Commercial Service site.

**For more information on other CS Philippines' news and events, please
visit the [U.S. Commercial Service Philippines
website](http://www.buyusa.gov/philippines/en/). Read More Markets of
the Month at <http://export.gov/archive/index.asp>.**

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**UPCOMING USDA/FAS-ENDORSED TRADE EVENTS**

**[Gulfood (Feb. 24-27, 2008) -- Dubai, United Arab
Emirates]{.underline}**

Gulfood is the largest food and food equipment show in the Middle East.
Gulfood 2007 attracted 37,700 trade-only visitors from 140 countries.
Exhibitors in the USA Pavilion generated over \$8 million in on-site
sales and \$50 million in 12-month projected sales. Best market
prospects include fresh fruit (apples, pears), beef and poultry meat,
cheeses, dried fruits and nuts (particularly almonds). Also in demand
are breakfast cereals, confectionary products, edible oils, sweeteners,
pulses, planting seeds, frozen vegetables, condiments, sauces,
chocolates, cookies, snack foods, fruit and vegetable juices and pet
food in addition to food ingredients for food processing.

Deadline: November 2007

Contact Tobitha Jones at 202-690-1182 or <Tobitha.Jones@usda.gov>.

**[Food & Hotel China (Nov. 14-16, 2007) -- Shanghai,
China]{.underline}**

This event is one of the largest food and beverage and hospitality shows
in Asia attracting exhibitors from around the world and 16,000 buyers
from the entire region. China is the largest food market in the world
with over 1.3 billion inhabitants, of which 350 million are urban
consumers. The Greater Shanghai region has over 200 million consumers
and the highest standard of living in China.

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Shanghai\'s ports are second worldwide in container traffic. New port
facilities and better cold chain storage now make direct exports to
Shanghai possible. This show provides an opportunity to meet China's
leading distributors.

Best prospects include non-alcoholic beverages, canned and processed
foods, confectionary, dairy products, food ingredients, fresh produce,
gourmet food, health food, meat and poultry, seafood, wines, spirits,
and beers. Visit <http://www.fhcchina.com/>.

Contact Tobitha Jones at 202-690-1182 or <Tobitha.Jones@usda.gov>.

*(Continued on page 4)*

*(Continued from page 3)*

**[Abastur (Oct. 3-5, 2007) -- Mexico City, Mexico]{.underline}**

Abastur is Mexico City's largest and most prestigious show targeting the
country\'s rapidly growing hotel, restaurant, and foodservice industry.
In 2006, over 28,500 visitors, including top buyers and importers,
attended this event. Best market prospects include beef, pork, dairy
products, seafood, poultry products, snacks, food ingredients, fruit and
vegetable juices, sauces and other condiments, fresh and processed
fruits and vegetables, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, vegetable
oils, frozen products, sugar and sweeteners, herbs and spices.

Contact Tobitha Jones at 202-690-1182 or <Tobitha.Jones@usda.gov>.

**[Food Ingredients Europe (Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2007) London,
England]{.underline}**

FI Europe, held biennially, is the largest food

ingredients exhibition in Europe with more than 1,100 exhibitors and
attended by over 20,000 food professionals. FI Europe 2007 will take
place in London, England, in the city's thriving Docklands area.
Pulsating with energy from London\'s dynamic business culture, this
location is the perfect venue for companies wanting to make the

maximum number of high quality contacts in just 3 days.

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For more information on exhibiting at FI Europe, please contact Sharon
Cook at 202-720-3425 or <Sharon.Cook@usda.gov>.

**For the complete listing of upcoming USDA/FAS-endorsed events, click**
**[here](http://www.buyusa.gov/spokane/290.doc).**

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**FINANCING FOR U.S. EXPORTS RELATED TO WATER AND ENERGY PROJECTS**

Green technologies, identified as a growth sector for manufacturing in
the U.S., also are good prospects for exports to overseas markets.
Favorable financing terms are available until 2009 for US exporters who
sell goods and services for renewable energy and water projects.

A pilot program of the Export-Import Bank will continue for another two
years to grant export financing on repayment terms of up to 15 years for
U.S. exports of goods and services to be used in the following types of
renewable energy and water projects:

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-   **Energy projects** -- wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal,
    geothermal, ocean thermal, tidal and tidal stream power, wave power
    and bio-energy.

-   **Water projects** -- treatment and distribution of municipal
    drinking water, collection and treatment of residential and
    industrial wastewater, water recycling and treatment of
    water-related sludge.

\"Ex-Im Bank\'s support for commercial loans to foreign buyers on
repayments terms of up to 15 years can be a significant asset for U.S.
exporters competing for renewable energy and water-related projects,\"
said Ex-Im Bank Vice Chairman Linda Mysliwy Conlin, who heads Ex-Im
Bank\'s Environmental Exports Program. \"The ability to offer extended
repayment terms can help U.S. exporters win international contracts for
these kinds of projects, which generally require a longer period to
become profitable and generate the revenue needed to repay the loan.\"

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**Web References**

-   [EXIM Bank Environmental Exports
    Program](http://www.exim.gov/products/special/environment.cfm)

-   [Export Working Capital
    Program](http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/SpecialPurposeLoans/ewcp/index.html)

-   [Export
    Express](http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/SpecialPurposeLoans/exportexpress/index.html)

-   <http://www.buyusa.gov/boise/sba.html/>

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**E.U. RELEASES NEW ALLERGEN LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-PACKED
FOODS**

New research reveals that people have become more sensitive to allergens
over the last 25 years. According to information on WebMD.com, commonly
triggered allergies have been increasing since the mid-1970s. Allergies
and asthma are also on the rise in many developing countries that have
not seen similar increases in the past. Thus, there is increasing
pressure for clearer labeling of both the use of allergenic ingredients
and identification of possible cross-contamination with allergens.

According to <http://www.foodnavigator.com/>, the European Union now
requires pre-packed foods to list all ingredients on the label, even if
they are part of a compound ingredient or present in just tiny amounts.
Pre-packed foods must also show clearly on the label if the product
contains any of the following 12 listed allergenic foods at levels above
10 mg per kg or per liter:

-   peanuts and other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil
    nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and macadamia nuts;

-   eggs and milk;

-   fish, as well as crustaceans including prawns, crabs, and lobsters;

-   sesame seeds;

-   cereals containing gluten including wheat, rye, barley, and oats;

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-   soya;

-   celery;

-   mustard;

-   and sulfur dioxide and sulfites (preservatives used in some foods
    and drinks.

The U.K.\'s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has developed a document
outlining voluntary best practice advice to food producers and retailers
on how to assess the risks of cross-contamination of a food product with
an allergenic food or food ingredient and then to determine whether
advisory labeling is appropriate. It can be found at
<http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/guidancenotes/labelregsguidance/alergyguidance>.

The European Union will be reviewing its entire food labeling system
through 2008. For more information, visit
[http://www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/).

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**SAUDI ARABIAN GOVERNMENT INSTITUTES NEW CUSTOMS REGULATIONS**

In late May, Saudi Arabia\'s Ministry of Finance announced new customs
regulations, effective June 2, 2007. The new regulations stipulate that
all travelers entering or exiting the Kingdom must declare at Saudi
Customs precious stones, jewelry, and cash in excess of SR 60,000, or
its equivalent in foreign currency. The Ministry also warned that
travelers who failed to declare their possessions would be liable for
punishment and made to pay fines.

The new regulations are part of an overall strategy taken by the Saudi
Government to control the financial flow in the country and facilitate
an open and secure environment for foreign investment. The Kingdom would
ultimately like to become one of the top 10 most investment-friendly
countries by 2010.

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height="1.4270833333333333in"}

To do this, the Government has started by implementing measures aimed at
securing the flow of financial capital and goods entering and exiting
the country. New inspection techniques and the latest technology have
aided in this pursuit. Specifically, newly installed X-ray equipment at
ports and border crossings has proven highly effective in spotting
contraband. In addition, the new technology, worth over SR 460 million,
has helped in eliminating delays experienced at Saudi Customs that
result from manual inspections. Also, measures that encourage foreign
investment include easing restrictions on recruitment of foreign
personnel, simplifying the process for granting visas, and expediting
licensing procedures.

The Saudi Government is also encouraging foreign investment by providing
strong incentives. Several among these are the unhindered repatriation
of profits, low rental and utility costs, and the right to apply for
low-interest or even interest-free loans from the Saudi Industrial
Development Fund. Further, the Saudi Ministry of Finance has exempted
foreign materials used in industrial production from import duties, a
policy, which has been particularly effective in attracting foreign
investors. In what is a significant move in the Kingdom\'s customs
policy, the Government in recent months has added more than 200 items
such as computers, fax machines, and mobile phones to its list of
duty-free imports.

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**U.S.-KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT**

On **June 30, 2007,** the U.S. and Korea signed an historic free trade
agreement. According to the Office of the United States Trade
Representative, the agreement will expand bilateral trade and investment
ties and create new economic opportunities for people in both countries.
**The KORUS FTA is the United States\' most commercially significant FTA
since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).**

Korea is already the U.S.\' 7th largest goods trading partner. This
trade agreement eliminates tariffs and other trade barriers, promotes
economic growth, and strengthens economic ties between the U.S. and
Korea. Nearly 95% of bilateral trade in consumer products will become
duty-free, with the remaining tariffs eliminated within 10 years. More
than half (or \$1.6 billion) of current U.S. farm exports to Korea are
duty-free immediately, including a broad range of high-value
agricultural products such as:

-   almonds,

-   pistachios,

-   bourbon whiskey,

-   wine,

-   raisins,

-   grape juice,

-   frozen orange juice from concentrate,

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-   fresh cherries,

-   frozen French fries,

-   and pet food.

The KORUS FTA is expected to greatly expand trade and investment flows
between the two countries. For more information, visit
[http://www.ustr.gov](http://www.ustr.gov/).

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**5^TH^ ANNUAL SMARTMAP EXPO 2007**

**October 3-4, 2007 -- Three Rivers Convention Center -- Kennewick, WA**

Grow your manufacturing business through successful networking at the
premier manufacturing networking event in the Pacific Northwest! If you
are a manufacturer or sell products or services to manufacturers this is
a must attend event! The Smartmap Expo has seen phenomenal growth since
its beginning in 2003. Following is an agenda which outlines the events
on October 4^th^:

**Manufacturing Success Seminars**

**Meeting Rooms A & B** -- *Presented by Washington Manufacturing
Services*

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A series of presentations will take place from 9:00-11:45 AM, beginning
with registration and beverages. Presentation topics include: **An
Overview of Lean Manufacturing... What, Why & How** (Michael Schneider,
Washington Manufacturing Services); **Strategic Management** (Patrick
Ryan, RCG Strategies); and **Business Systems** (Patrick Ryan, RCG
Strategies).

**Export Success Seminars**

**Meeting Room C** -- *Presented by the U.S. Commercial Service and
FedEx*

At 9:00 AM, registration will begin and beverages will be provided.
Following introductions and a welcoming presentation, Rommel Alcantara
(Commercial Specialist, U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, Tegucigalpa,
Honduras) will give a presentation called **Central America and CAFTA --
A Regional Approach**. Following will be a presentation titled
**Marketing to Canada -- Taking Advantage of NAFTA**. At 11:00 AM, Judy
Haggin, President of J.L. Haggin & Associates Co., will give a
presentation titled **Crossing Your T's and Dotting Your I's in
International Trade**.

Manufacturers! This is an event you won't want to miss, so register now
by dowloading the following registration form. Please follow the mail-in
instructions provided on the form.

**[Smartmap Expo 2007 Registration
Form](https://tms.buyusa.gov/spokane/admin/smartmapexpo2007flier.pdf).**

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**NOVA EQUIPOTEL 2007**

**September 11-14, 2007 -- Sao Paulo, Brazil**

The U.S. Commercial Service Brazil will promote U.S. products and
services at the show, providing U.S. companies with special assistance
including interpretation services, meeting space, and all the support
necessary for a successful debut at the show. For the U.S. companies
looking to expand their business, this is a cost-effective tool that can
help expose U.S. products to the Brazilian market!

On its 45^th^ anniversary in 2006, Grupo Equipotel presented Nova
Equipotel to the market, the largest and most important hospitality and
food trade fair in South America and fifth in the world. It offers all
the important elements to create a complete structure in one event. It
combines all necessary factors for the success of your company, bringing
together main

![](media/image12.png){width="1.875in" height="1.2708333333333333in"}

launches, trends, and services developed with the latest technology for
hotels, restaurants, and related companies.

In 2006, over 45,000 visitors attended the fair, which has an exhibition
space of almost 50,000 m^2^. They observed the launches of 1,023
exhibitors serving businessmen, purchasers, professionals coming from
the food and hospitality industries.

USCS Brazil will provide your company with the broad exposure you need
for a cost-recovery fee of \$2,600. This fee will include:

-   Market counseling

-   Interpreters

-   Briefing breakfast (market overview, market counseling)

-   One shuttle service between the hotel and the show

-   Follow-up after the show with possible business partners

-   Hotel reservations -- Hyatt Hotel - \$125.00 + tax (breakfast
    included)

-   Gold Key Service to identify potential representatives,
    distributors, and clients for your products and services. This
    service will include appointments during the show.

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*(Continued from page 10)*

If you choose to participate in the program, USCS Brazil staff will
present your company's catalogs at their booth. In addition, they will
have staff available to field inquiries and to compile and forward to
you a list of all the visitors who expressed interest in your products.
This list, with complete contact information, will be sent to you within
two weeks of the end of the show.

As an additional service, they will include a brief summary of your
company profile, translated into Portugese on their Brazilian website
([http://www.focusbrazil.org.br](http://www.focusbrazil.org.br/)) for a
period of six months. Your company information will also be sent ot
their NUSA (Network USA) partners, reaching a potential audience of over
3.5 Brazilian entrepreneurs interested in doing business with U.S.
companies.

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For further clarification on this program, U.S. companies can contact
the following Commercial Specialists involved in the event:

**Ruy Baptista**

Phone: 55-31-3213-1574

<Ruy.Baptista@mail.doc.gov>

**Denise Barbosa**

Phone: 55-11-5186-7390

<Denise.Barbosa@mail.doc.gov>

You may also contact **Janet Bauermeister**, Director of the Spokane
Export Assistance Center, at (509) 353-2625 or
<Janet.Bauermeister@mail.doc.gov>.

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**"SELLING TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO"
WEBINAR**

**August 28, 2007**

Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, TX, is one of North America's
premier manufacturing centers and represents potential sales
opportunities for US providers of direct and indirect
materials/components. Annually, these production facilities in Ciudad
Juarez import \$18 billion of supplies and components. Companies such as
Electrolux, Emerson, Delphi, Lear, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Tyco
are producing products in the electronics, automotive, medical and
appliances sectors.

Join the US Commercial Service and private sector representatives for a
free webinar to learn more about how your company can access the
promising sales opportunities in this dynamic border city. **For more
information and to register, [click
here](https://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/selling_north_central_mexico.html).**

![](media/image14.jpeg){width="2.0833333333333335in" height="1.5625in"}

This webinar will feature an overview of manufacturing operations in
Ciudad Juarez by a representative of the Association of Manufacturing
Technology, a presentation by a procurement officer of a local
manufacturing company, and tips from a company that represents US
products in Ciudad Juarez about how to approach this market. You will
also learn about a trade mission sponsored by the US Department of
Commerce to be held during the Expo Maquila Show in Ciudad Juarez,
November 7-9, 2007.

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

**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>.**