Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
BIS is planning its annual Update Conference on Export Controls and Policy. The dates of this year's Update Conference are not yet confirmed, but it is expected take place in the September-October timeframe. Those interested in attending this year's Update Conference should fill out the on-line "Update Interest Form," anytime between June 2 and July 6, 2008. (BIS update on conference available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/2008_update.htm and Update Interest Form available at http://www.register123.com/event/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x583833d0f3)
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1.BIS "Update Conference" on Export Controls and Policy
2. ITA Clean Energy & Environment Trade Mission in China & India
The ITA will sponsor a Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to China and India from September 1-12, 2008. This mission aims to match participating U.S. companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean energy and environmental goods and services can help address energy security and climate change, improving the environment. (ITA press release, dated 05/29/08, available at http://www.trade.gov/press/press_releases/2008/clean-energy_052908.asp)
3. U.S., Sri Lanka Conclude Sixth TIFA Council Meeting
The sixth U.S.-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council meeting was held on May 29. U.S. and Sri Lankan officials reviewed progress in addressing bilateral trade and investment issues identified at the last TIFA Council meeting in November 2006, including common interests on which the two countries can work together to facilitate expanded trade and cooperation. (USTR press release, dated 05/29/08, available at http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2008/May/asset_upload_file443_14922.pdf)
4. BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for March 2008
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics released the North American surface trade numbers for March 2008: trade using surface transportation between the U.S. and its NAFTA partners, Canada and Mexico, was 1.5 percent higher in March 2008 than in March 2007, reaching $70.8 billion. (BTS press release, dated 05/29/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/bts2708.htm)
5. Energy Dept Says U.S. Continues to Lead the World in Wind Power Growth
The Energy Department released the 2007 edition of its Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends, which finds that U.S. wind power capacity increased by 46 percent in 2007, making the U.S. the fastest-growing wind power market in the world for the third straight year. (Energy Dept. report, dated May 2007, available at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/41435.pdf and Energy Dept. press release, dated 05/29/08, available at http://www.energy.gov/news/6286.htm)
6. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued a GAIN report entitled, Algeria Grain and Feed: Annual 2008. (FAS report, dated 04/08/08, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200805/146294741.pdf)
7. Energy and Commerce Committee White Paper on Climate Change
The House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality released its fourth White Paper on May 27, 2008 on "Getting the Most Greenhouse Gas Reductions for Our Money." (White Paper, available at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Climate_Change/Climate%20Change%20White%20Paper-Cost%20Containment.052708.pdf and information on previous White Papers in the series available at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Climate_Change/index.shtml)
8. House Expresses Concern About New TWIC Setbacks, Helpdesk
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson expressed concern about new setbacks in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, including concerns regarding the TWIC helpdesk. The helpdesk is meant to serve as the principle link between TSA and the more than 1 million transportation workers affected by the security program. (Committee press release with link to the letter, dated 05/29/08, available at http://hsc.house.gov/press/index.asp?ID=379)
9. Canada PM Unveils Labeling Plan to Clearly Identify Canadian Foods
Canada's Prime Minister Harper announced a plan to modernize the federal guidelines governing use of "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" labels to ensure they clearly identify the Canadian content in food products. (Office of the Prime Minister press release, dated 05/21/08, available at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=2111)
10. Oman Joins CITES as 173rd Party
Oman deposited its instrument of accession to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on March 19, 2008. The Convention will enter into force for Oman on June 17, 2008, making it the 173rd Party to CITES. (CITES announcement available at http://www.cites.org/eng/news/party/oman.shtml)
11. CITES List of Countries Currently Subject to a Recommendation to Suspend Trade
CITES posted a list of countries currently subject to a recommendation to suspend trade in specimens of CITES-listed species. (CITES posting available at http://www.cites.org/eng/news/sundry/trade_suspension.shtml)