China's Growth Pace Slows

BEIJING -- China's rapid growth continued to moderate in the second quarter as exporters felt the effects of the global economic slowdown. And with continued U.S. financial-market turmoil raising the prospect of an extended period of global weakness, there is now rising pressure for China's authorities to move to boost growth.

Gross domestic product for the quarter was 10.1% higher than in the same period of 2007, the National Bureau of Statistics said Thursday, slowing from the first quarter's 10.6% growth ... (A. Batson, Wall Street Journal, July 16, 2008). Read More

Japan's Inflation Conundrum

Japan's Inflation Conundrum
Could rising prices kick-start the world's second-largest economy?

Talk to almost any Japanese consumer, and you're likely to hear a litany of complaints about skyrocketing food and energy prices. Though such bellyaching might be common enough in other parts of the world, in Japan rising prices are something altogether new after a decade-long struggle with deflation.

So why, then, do some economists think a shift to inflation could boost Japan's economy? At first glance, the idea might seem far-fetched. The Japanese consumer is now paying nearly $1.70 a liter ($6.40 a gallon) for gasoline and has seen prices for staples such as soy sauce and bread go up 10% to 30% since last year. You would think people would be cutting back on spending (I. Rowley, BusinessWeek Japan, 07/10/2008. Read More

Japan's Inflation Conundrum

Japan's Inflation Conundrum
Could rising prices kick-start the world's second-largest economy?

Talk to almost any Japanese consumer, and you're likely to hear a litany of complaints about skyrocketing food and energy prices. Though such bellyaching might be common enough in other parts of the world, in Japan rising prices are something altogether new after a decade-long struggle with deflation.

So why, then, do some economists think a shift to inflation could boost Japan's economy? At first glance, the idea might seem far-fetched. The Japanese consumer is now paying nearly $1.70 a liter ($6.40 a gallon) for gasoline and has seen prices for staples such as soy sauce and bread go up 10% to 30% since last year. You would think people would be cutting back on spending (I. Rowley, BusinessWeek Japan, 07/10/2008. Read More

Europe and U.S. Sign Aviation Agreement to Improve Safety and Cut Costs

The European Community and the United States today signed an agreement which will result in better harmonized aviation safety systems on both sides of the Atlantic and less cumbersome technical and administrative procedures for the recognition of certificates. This will further improve safety levels and reduce costs for both European and U.S. manufacturers. These savings should in turn be reflected in cheaper fares for passengers (European Union, Delegation of the European COmmission to the United States' website, June 30, 2008). ).Read full article

How Global Should the Internet Be?

Domain names are a sore point with nations who use alphabets other than Roman. Now, the group that oversees domain names is trying to translate (J. L. Schenker, BusinessWeek, June 23, 2008).Read full article

From South Asia to iTunes

How a husband-and-wife team turned an Indian music podcast series into a business and is making the most out of its Apple storefront on its Web site. Read full article

Bush to Force Vote on Colombia Trade

WASHINGTON — President Bush said on Monday that he was sending a free trade agreement with Colombia to Congress, and called on the lawmakers to ratify it soon, to strengthen America’s national security, its economy and its image among other nations (D. Stout, New York Times, April 7, 2008). Click on the linkfor complete article

Ukraine joins ATA Carnet system

Ukraine has joined the ATA Carnet system, the 66th country to enter for fold since the launch of the system 45 years ago.

The ATA Carnet system illustrates how close cooperation between business and customs can smooth - and ultimately increase - global trade (International Chamber of Commerce, March 3). Read complete article at the following link

China's Factory Blues

The days of ultra-cheap labor and little regulation are gone. As manufacturers' costs climb, export prices will follow (D. Roberts, BusinessWeek, March 27, 2008).Click on the linkfor complete article.

Dollar Daze in Europe

How the falling greenback is killing jobs and crimping profits on the Continent
(J. Ewing, BusinessWeek, March 20, 2008). Read more

s Colombia the new Ireland?

Learn about the transofrmation happening in Colombia at the following link

U.S. Companies: Are you REACH Ready?

REACH is a new European Union regulation on chemicals use — it represents a major reform of EU chemical policy. U.S. companies who export chemicals, chemical formulations, or articles containing those substances to EU importers should take immediate steps to verify REACH compliance and avoid potential business disruption in the future (Porter, Wright, Morris & Arther, International Law Alert, March 2008). Click on the linkfor complete article

Chamber hosts forum "China Business 2008: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies"

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host a two-day series of events in honor of Minister Xie Feng, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the United States.

- Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Galerie USA
International Happy Hour "A Toast to Spring!", Happy Hour with European Chocolate.

Reservations at www.nkychamber.com

- Thursday, March 27, 2008, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Ft. Mitchell country Club, Ft. Mitchell, KY

Forum "China Business 2008: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies"

Keynote speakers:

- Minister Xie Feng, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People's Republic of China.
- Ambassador Alan Holmer, Special Envoy for China and the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Limited Seating. Reservations at www.nkychamber.com.

For more information, please contact Daniele S. Longo, Vice President, Business Development and International Trade, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce at dlongo@nkychamber.com

Marketing co-sponsors:

- Global Center of Greater Cincinnati
- Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Commercial Service, Greater Cincinnati office

Gold Level Sponsor

EU and Central America Conclude Second Round of Association Agreement

The European Union and the six countries that make up the Central American isthmus (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) enjoy a comprehensive relationship that encompasses political dialogue, co-operation and a favorable trade regime (EU NewsBrief, February 29, 2008). Click on the linkfor complete article.

The Cuban Economy: After the Smoke Clears

For most Cubans, life remains a slog. But here's the surprise: There's plenty of potential for growth in everything from oil exploration to upscale tourism
( G. Smith, Businessweek, February 28, 2008). Click on the link for complete article.

Business leaders unveil new strategies to combat counterfeiting and piracy

Industry leaders from around the world today unveiled new strategies to combat counterfeiting and piracy, including a set of urgent recommendations for a global anti-counterfeiting pact being negotiated by major trading countries. In addition, they called on heads of G8 countries to lead the way in improving national intellectual property enforcement regimes and announced a set of their own in-country initiatives beginning with Canada, Germany, the UK, Russia, China and the United States (International Chambers of COmmerce news, MArch 3rd, 2008). Click on the link for complete article.

Hong Kong - Tax cuts headline good news budget

Hong Kong has waived its duties on wine and alcohol, moving one step closer to becoming a fine wine hub and consolidating its position as an international business hub. The news was among some of the tax cuts, subsidies and investment measures contained in a HK$115.6 billion (US$14.8 billion) budget handout (Hong Kong Trader, 03/03/2008). Click on the link for complete article.

IN KOREA, BIG BUSINESS FOR U.S. SMALL COMPANIES

The removal of Korean trade and regulatory barriers under the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement (FTA) will create huge new opportunities for thousands of small and medium sized U.S. enterprises (SMEs) whose success and growth depend on open and fair foreign markets.

As new U.S. trade data shows, Korea is a rapidly growing market for U.S. SMEs*:

In 2005, 89 percent of U.S. companies exporting to Korea were SMEs, including over 16,850 U.S. SMEs from every U.S. state. U.S. SME exports to Korea, over $8.2 billion that year, were one-third of total U.S. exports with Korea. U.S. SME exports to all countries were 29 percent of total U.S. exports.


Six hundred and twenty-one more U.S. SMEs exported to Korea in 2005 than in 2004. This growth was the second-largest among the United States' top ten trading partners. Also, U.S. SME exports to Korea grew by over $500 million from 2004 to 2005.


On average, a U.S. SME exports some $500,000 in products to Korea. This revenue creates jobs and stimulates economic activity in communities all across the United States.

The U.S. Dollar: Still Going Down

The dollar's weakness does a lot more than alter your vacation plans—and there's good news and bad news in the currency's decline (P.Coy, Businessweek, February 29, 2008. Click on the link for complete article.

China Business 2008: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, in co-operation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host the delegation from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at the Fort Mitchell Country Club on Thursday, March 27, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Come and learn about China business fundamentals and resources for Greater Cincinnati.

Guest Speakers:

- His Excellency Xie Feng, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the United States

- Chris Padilla, Under Secretary for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce

- William Zarit, Regional Director, East/Asia Pacific, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service

- Leslie Schweitzer, Senior Trade Advisor, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

For Reservations please click on the link.

Limited Seating

Cost: $40.00 Chamber Members, $50 Future Members, $55 At the Door

Japan: Google's Real-Life Lab

Cutting-edge phones, discerning consumers, and speedy connections make for rich feedback (K. Hall, BusinessWeek, February 14, 2008). Read more

Ambassador Bruton Highlights Strong California-EU Relationship in Senate Address

In a special presentation before the California State Senate Select Committee on California-European Trade, Ambassador John Bruton, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States, highlighted the importance of European trade and investment for the creation of jobs and business opportunities in California (J. Bruton, European Union, Delegation of the European Commission to the United States). Click on the link for more information.

India introduced a value-added tax regime in 2005 to simplify taxes across states, but it has brought confusion and frustration to supply chains

India introduced a value-added tax regime in 2005 to simplify taxes across states, but it has brought confusion and frustration to supply chains (E. Johnson, American Shipper Namaste, February 14, 2008). Click on the link for complete Article.

United States - International Trade Commission releases budget justification 2009

International Trade Commission Releases 2009 Budget Justification. Click on the link for complete Article.

HK retains mantle as world's freest economy

The 2008 Index of Economic Freedom covered 157 economies worldwide after assessing them on 10 economic freedom factors. Hong Kong scored top marks on four factors: trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights. The city also ranked among the top 10 in other areas such as freedom, government size, monetary freedom and labour freedom (Hong Kong Trader, 02/01/2008). Click on the link for complete Article.

Marketing to China

International Business Convention (IBC) China Market Focus: Outdo Your Rivals: Branding & Competing in the China Market (24/01/2008, English). Webcast, TDCTrade, speaker(s): Ratan Malli, Strategic Planning Director, Northeast Asia, JWT Greater China; Joseph Wang, Vice Chairman, China, Ogilvy & Mather Greater China; Ed P.Y. Chan, General Manager, China, Hershey Foods Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd;Prof Andrew Chan, Department of Mar. Click on the link to watch the webcast.

Commissioner McCreevy: Keep Markets Open

In a speech earlier this month, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, Charlie McCreevy, emphasized the need to resist protectionist tendencies in times of change and uncertainty. It is essential that the EU works to keep markets open (Delegation of the European Commission in the USA, Press Release).Click on the link for complete article.

The Wolrld's cheapest car: Nano

Tata Motors unveiled the world’s cheapest car, the $2,500 Nano, and automakers from across the world came to New Delhi to peddle their wares to a bubbling Indian car market (S. Sengupta, Indians Hit the Road Amid Elephants, New York Times). Click on the link for complete article.

High-Speed Trains Erode Europe's Borders

A new partnership aims to eliminate current coordination hassles and weld fast rail lines into a seamless network from Barcelona to Bratislava (C. Matlack, Businessweek Europe, January 9, 2008). Click on the link for complete article.

Hong Kong, State Council Announces Transitional Preferential Policies for Corporate Income Tax

The State Council has recently issued a circular on the transitional preferential policies for corporate income tax. According to the circular, following the implementation of the new Corporation Income Tax Law on 1 January 2008, enterprises entitled to lower tax rates under the old law will be given a five-year grace period before they are required to pay the statutory rate. Click on the link for complete article

Malta and Cyprus join the Euro

Malta and Cyprus welcomed the new year yesterday with the adoption of the euro as their new currency. Read more

Logistics in India, a Manager's perspective

Arun Seth, regional manager for the Indian Subcontinent region,Trans Global Logistics, provides his perspective about the state of logistics in India (American Shipper Namaste, December 19, 2007). Click on the link for full article.