|
Chamber helps organize California-Spain conference on High-Speed Rail
Nearly 300 attendees, including federal, state, local and private sector leaders, met with their counterparts from Spain recently to assess whether that country's profitable high-speed rail network—the world's second-largest after China—offers a feasible model for California. The Spanish Trade Commission and California High Speed Rail Authority, in partnership with the L.A. Area Chamber, hosted this conference to hear strategies for successful development of California's high-speed rail network. Speakers included Roelof van Ark, executive director, California High Speed Rail Authority; Steve Heminger, executive director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Ignasi Nieto, president of engineering and finance, Spanish Ministry of Civil Works; and top officials with Spain's federal railway administration and national railway operations. Above from left: Borja Leon, L.A. associate director of transportation, Mayor's Office; Manuel Benegas, director, INECO, Spanish Minister of Civil Works; and Michael Cunningham, vice president of transportation, Bay Area Council.
Chamber's Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives receives certificate from U.S. Department of Commerce
Carlos Valderrama, senior vice president of Global Initiatives at the Chamber, received a certificate of appreciation for achievement in trade last month for his contributions to the international trade community, presented by the California Inland Empire District Export Council at its 18th Annual World Trade Conference & Awards. Valderrama has twice been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's list of "Who's Who in International Trade."
World Trade Week Chair appointed to Federal Maritime Commission
Commissioner Mario Cordero, chair of World Trade Week 2011, attended his last Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissiones meeting on Monday, May 23. He is now in Washington, D.C. assuming his new post with the Federal Maritime Commission after he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate upon his nomination by President Obama. The Chamber congratulates Commissioner Cordero on his accomplishments. View the tribute video and Cordero's World Trade Week remarks.
Voice support for U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
In addition to the federal discussion of a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a California state resolution asking Congress to pass the FTA will be heard in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on Monday, June 13. The trade agreement with Korea is a big win for California and U.S. economies. The agreement with Korea will enhance the ability of U.S. companies to compete in the dynamic Asian economy. The U.S.-Korea FTA will bring real benefits for U.S. and California workers and businesses and help maintain America's leadership position in an increasingly competitive global environment. Voice your support by taking action today.
Rep. Berman introduces overhaul of U.S. export controls
Rep. Howard Berman recently introduced legislation to overhaul US. export controls. This bill would modernize and strengthen U.S. export controls on sensitive dual-use technology. Berman cited that the current controls reflect old Cold War politics. The bill broadens the definition of national security to include "strengthening scientific and technological leadership, high-technology manufacturing, and the U.S. defense industrial base." The scope of controls would be expanded to include human information transferred via the Internet. China expressed its interest for the U.S. to revise its export controls during the Software Engineering & Development to which the U.S. promised concessions.
APEC Caucus Introduces Bill to Help American Business Travelers
Congress introduced a bill that would facilitate commerce by promoting fast and efficient travel of eligible business people and government officials within the APEC region. The APEC Business Travel Card bill expedites and streamlines international travel to make business trips more efficient. Nearly all APEC countries already have these travel advantages.
|
TRADE COMMISSIONERS CORNER |
Trade Commissioners Networking Group meets with import officials
 |
TCNG members recently met with import specialists from U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Department of Treasury's Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for a private import briefing. Each agency addressed the major changes and advancements related to technology within their fields that aim to facilitate and accelerate trade. Left: Howie Smith, Trade Investigation Division, U.S. Dept. of the Treasury Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Next Session: Private Tour and Briefing at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Monday, July 11, 8 a.m. – noon
Register now or contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.
TCNG was established to provide the infrastructure and venue where foreign diplomats, including trade commissioners, can develop their own international trade strategies and programs as they perform their professional responsibilities. The Chamber is committed to working closely with countries who are actively promoting trade and economic opportunities.
|
Global Initiatives Council, June 15
Hear from a RAND Corporation policy analyst on Wednesday, June 15, 9-10:30 a.m. at the Chamber. The discussion will center on national security and international trade. Register now or contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.
For more information on Chamber events, visit lachamber.com/events.
|
|
