Trade in Bangladesh

Trade in Srilanka

2012-07-25T02:57:00.002-07:00

Sri Lanka reported a trade deficit corresponding to 965 Million USD in January of 2012. Historically, from 2003 until 2012, Sri Lanka Balance of Trade averaged -1038.2000 Million USD success an all time high of -239.5000 Million USD in September of 2003 and a record low of -2974.0000 Million USD in December of 2011. Sri Lanka exports mostly textiles and garments (40% of total exports) and tea (17%). Others include: spices, gems, coconut food, rubber and fish. Main export partners are United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Italy. Sri Lanka imports petroleum, textile fabrics, foodstuffes and machinery and transportation equipment. Main import partners are India, China, Iran and Singapore. This page includes a chart with chronological data for Sri Lanka Balance of Trade.

The balance of trade is the difference between the monetary value of exports and imports in an country over a certain period of time. A positive sense of balance of trade is known as a trade surplus and consists of exporting more than is imported; a negative balance of trade is known as a trade deficit or, informally, a trade gap. The balance of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as international aid. If the current description is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position. The Balance of Trade is identical to the divergence between a country's output and its domestic demand - the difference between what goods a country produces and how many goods it buys from abroad; this does not contain money respent on foreign stocks, nor does it factor the concept of importing goods to produce for the domestic market.

Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation Ltd., is a fully government owned , well established organisation functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Co-operatives and internal trade. STC has been in the big business over more than 30 years whilst catering to both public and private sectors.

Today, the company deals with a wide range of products namely, Office Stationery and Equipments, Construction and hardware items, ICT Products, Office Furniture and Interior Decors, FMCG, Automotive Batteries & Tyres, Agricultural Products, Chemical Products etc. In addition, STC has taken steps to market world reputed brands such as 'Double A' photocopy papers, Frostair Airconditioners, Yokohama tyres, HP & Fugitsu Laptops, 'Exide' automotive batteries, 'Orange' Electrical items etc.

STC operates under the guidance of the government with a long term goal of developing Sri Lanka by providing the very best to consumers, and ensuring stability in market price for various goods, and thereby protecting consumer welfare. With this in mind the STC has partnered with Intel, Microsoft, and HP Lanka to make computing affordable and in doing so developing and laying a springboard for IT usage.

Under this scheme, laptops and desktop computers will be offered at very reasonable prices on installment-based payment schemes that can be tailored to suit any budget. HP computers will be powered by Intel processors and Genuine Microsoft operating systems while being maintained under HP’s three-year company warranty, ensuring the security and longevity of the product, and offering the very best experience to the shopper, and in doing so driving the growth of IT in the nation.

"To develop and promote Sri Lanka's foreign trade relations at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels by the effective implementation of rule trade policy, with a view to raising the standards of living and realizing a higher quality of life through the increase of total production, income and employment levels, thereby actively causative to the overall economic growth of Sri Lanka".

P.D Fernando, the new Director General of Department of Commerce was felicitated by the NCE at the Council Meeting held in May at the Taj Samudra.

He was presented with a plaque in recognition of his invaluable military to exporters, during his many years of service at the Department of Commerce to overseas Trade Missions. Fernando was known among many exporters as a person who had always strived to assist Sri Lankan exporters to the best possible extentby effectively engaging the bureaucrats and other relevant persons in overseas markets, who were impediments to Sri Lankan exporters. He requested member exporters of the meeting room to unhesitatingly

Sri Lanka is a South Asian island is situated 29 km off southeastern coast of India. Palk Strait separates Sri Lanka from India. It is 350km (217miles) elongated and it's maximum width is 180km (112miles). Its total land area is about 64.740 sq. km.

Sri Lanka has its own contrasts; its own fortunes and misfortunes. Over thousands of years travellers to this small island were surprised by its physical beauty and the richness of its culture. Many described it as a Paradise Isle and as the Pearl of the Orient. Then for many years it went from beginning to end a difficult period under colonial rule. At present it goes through its most difficult times in its history due to the continuing ethnic conflict.

For Centuries, Sri Lanka has been associated with the international trade in gems & jewellery, and has been referred to as the “Cradle of Treasures” due to its wealth of precious gemstones. The art of jewellery making and Sri Lanka’s gem industry have been widely acclaimed in literary works dating as far back as 250 B.C in the Legends of Arabia, folk-lore of China,India, Indonesia and in the tales of early European travelers to the East, which describe in grate detail the fabulous gems & jewellery of Sri Lanka.

The Earth’s greatest meditation of fine gems could be found within Sri Lanka’s land area of 65,525 square kilometers. Geo-scientific opinion estimates that 90% of the Island’s land mass is potentially gem bearing. Sri Lanka ranks with Burma, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand as one of the five most important gem bearing nations of the world.

A unique feature of Sri Lanka’s gem mines is that an assortment of gems such as Spinels, Corundums (Blue and Star Sapphires, Rubies) Cat’s Eyes, Zircon and many others are found in a single gem pit. Gem mining in Sri Lanka is almost entirely confined to sedimentary deposits. Gems as a resource belongs to the management, however licenses for mining could be obtained for privately owned lands. Most often gem mining is done in agricultural lands during off-season.

The techniques of mining and processing in Sri Lanka though labour intensive is very efficient compared with gem mining in other developing countries and the recovery of fine gems as small as one millimeter or less is assured. shield of the environment is ensured by law.

Product

Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural heritage is blessed with over 150 varieties of gems including Blue, Pink and Yellow Sapphires, Rubies, Padmaradchas, Star Sapphires, Star Rubies, Alexandrites, Cats’ eyes, Spinels, Aquamarines, Topazes, Zircons, Garnets, Tourmalines, Moonstones, Quartzes and variety of rare gems. Amongst the outstanding gem stones that Sri Lanka has produced in the up to date era is the Blue Giant of the Orient (466 cts), Logan Blue Sapphire (423 cts), Blue Belle of Asia (400 cts), Rossar Reeves Star Ruby (138.7 cts), Star of Lanka (393 cts. Star Sapphire) and Ray of Treasure (105 cts. Cat’s Eye). The first three gems are on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, USA. The Blue Sapphire is Sri Lanka’s gem supreme and can be considered, the highly prized of all gems. It is second only to the equilateral in hardness. The Blue sapphire is the National Stone of Sri Lanka.

Skilled labour at competitive rates combined with a global reputation as a country with a friendly and forward looking investment climate has created an beautiful base for cutting and polishing diamonds in Sri Lanka.
The country’s highly literate and trainable work force is the locomotive of its success as a cutting centre. Adaptability to new technology has helped the industry produce polished diamonds with high quality makes it is increasingly recognized internationally.
Sri Lanka ’s specialty is small diamonds of extraordinarily high quality, which are imported sawn or cleaved rough. In addition to the traditional brilliant cut, many cutting companies handle other specialized shapes and cuts, particularly tapers, baguettes and princes etc.
The industry in Sri Lanka is highly organized and the factories are equipped with modern bruting machines and polished wheels mainly from Belgium, Israel, Thailand, India and China.

Sri Lanka’s jewellery makers have refined their hereditary skills over centuries, to attain the highest standards in exquisite craftsmanship and sophisticated creativity with the modern touch. With the addition of the latest expertise in design and construct, and a new focus on design excellence, Sri Lanka is emerging as a design centre offering high quality jewellery collections of Silver, Gold & Platinum.

Jewellery of Sri Lankan origin is hallmarked by an autonomous Authority, having membership in The Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (Hallmarking Convention) and the International connection of Assay Offices. The Gemological Laboratory certifies the validity of gemstones.

The laws in Sri Lanka guarantees copyright protection of designs. Simplified import-export procedure offers intercontinental buyers peace of mind and ease of operation when dealing with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s membership of the conference on the ATA carnet, facilitates the smooth transportation of jewellery.

An Import Export Gem Office at the Cargo Village at the International Airport in Katunayake expedites the clearance of rough gemstones and export of cut & polished gems, jewellery and diamonds.

A Sri Lanka-Korea Economic Co-operation Committee was set up on 4th November 1982, under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The objectives of the committee are to attract Korean investment to Sri Lanka, to promote two-pronged trade between the two countries with weight on the promotion of exports to Korea, to encourage the transfer of expertise from Korea to Sri Lanka and to encourage the growth of tourism from Korea to Sri Lanka. Over all, the economic co-operation board has met nine times, five times in Sri Lanka and four times in Korea.

Trade in Srilanka

In relation to coconut fibre and fibre based products, there is significant potential to further expand exports of bristle, twisted fibre, geo textiles, coir fibre pith, various kinds of brushes, door mats, matting as well as rubberised coir based products for the automobile industry. There seems to be a number of areas where upward interest has been observed in new applications for rubberised coir fibre, such as in civil construction weed killer mats. These can also be explored.

The trend for environmentally friendly biodegradable natural products like geo textiles manufactured from coir fibre, has opened opportunities for export to Korea.

There is also a lot of potential to expand exports of activate carbon to Korea since the total imports are in the region of about 12,000 million tons per year.

Other products with enormous potential are floricultural products particularly rooted plants, uprooted cuttings/cane, tissues, cultured plants, cut flowers, cut pretty leaves and flower seeds.

There is also opportunity for exports of calibrated gemstones, diamonds and jewellery, with prospects for collaboration with Korean partners.

Since Korea imports more than US$ one billion worth of garments, in attendance are also enormous prospects for export of Sri Lankan textiles and textile based products, which at the moment is only Rs. 200 to 300 million.

Other potential product areas are limonite, graphite and silica sand, canned and processed fruits and juices, processed gherkins, baby corn, essential oils and spices.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB commonly known as the EDB) is the premier state organisation dealing with the promotion and development of exports. It was established in 1979 under the Sri Lanka Export enlargement Act No. 40 of 1979, and now functions under the Ministry of Industry & Commerce.

The Chairman is the Chief Executive who is assisted by the Director General and the Additional Director General. Its day-to-day functions are carried out by several divisions each of which is headed by a Director.

The Export Services Division provides assistance and creates opportunities for local professional services companies including ICT,BPO,KPO and Electronic harvest to extend their business worldwide, thereby increasing export sales and employment prospects in the country through integrated programmes such as supply development, quality improvement and training, initiate product development and adaptation of such products / services to export market requirements. It offers assistance for the ICT/BPO/KPO exporters for market development and consultative services to small and mid-sized businesses and sponsors & co-sponsors educational seminars and training programs for exporters and potential exporters.

In the Gulf region, the UAE is the largest export market for Sri Lanka, the largest source of imports to Sri Lanka, and the largest investor in Sri Lanka. The UAE is also home for a large number of Sri Lankan expatriate workers among Gulf countries. The number of tourists from the UAE visiting Sri Lanka is also on the increase and the UAE has become the largest tourist supplier among the Gulf countries to Sri Lanka in 2011.

ri Lanka has been trading with the UAE for a significant period of time and it continues to remain one of Sri Lanka's major trading partners ranking 7th position of top export market to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka exported US$ 246 Mn worth of goods to UAE in 2010. The total trade between the two countries was at US$ 570 Mn in 2010, an increase of US$ 65 Mn compared to the figures registered in 2009. However, the balance of trade has been in favour of the UAE. Interesting to note that the two way trade jumped to US$ 807 Mn during January – September 2011, pushed up by rice and oil imports which accounted for over one third or USD 267 million of imports from UAE.

Tea, natural rubber, coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra, cashew nuts, essential oil, fruits and vegetables, processed food, sea food, rubber products and toys are the chief export commodities from Sri Lanka to the UAE. However, tea has been the major export commodity (accounting 60%) of Sri Lanka to the UAE.

Among the items imported from the UAE, crude oil, diesel, gas oil and lubricants are the major trade in commodities accounting for 24% of whole imports. Other items include urea, lentils, iron & steel and machinery & parts.

Trade in Srilanka

Trade in Singapore

2012-07-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair (SGPF) is Singapore's Best and Longest running trade show of its kind. The 13th edition of this show will showcase the latest promotional products, retail gifts and specialty printing & packaging products. SGPF has been widely recognised as THE show exhibited by quality and leading suppliers and attended by genuine buyers from the region. SGPFair 2012 is organised by BizLink Exhibition Services, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, supported by Promotional Products & Giftware Association (Singapore) and Singapore Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Trade in Singapore

Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia is your priority business event for Southeast Asias building market. The exhibition is focused on BUILD GREEN featuring eco-friendly, energy efficiency building materials, design and architecture for the future of sustainable environments and incorporates critical content that enhances your competitive advantage and knowledge of the BUILD GREEN sector. The event brings together industry practitioners, professionals and key buyers across the regions to learn, network and do business with Southeast Asias developing economies.
Asia Expo - Singapore will be staged at the 'Five-star' Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay, Singapore. This brand new extravagant venue is Singapore's new landmark. Being one of the Asia's largest convention and exhibition centres, this multi-functional venue is just next to the Marina Bay Sands Casino & Hotel, shopping malls and transport access points, commanding a host of modernised exhibition facilities. Measuring over 120,000sft, the grand venue can feasibly fit with 2,000 trade booths on the fairground and 250 conference rooms, and accommodate a total number of 45,000 visitors at a time, ensuring the most effective exhibition services for both exhibitors and buyers.
International Furniture Fair Singapore will be a showcase of over 120,000 designed furniture and accessories. It will deal in the residential equipments, office furniture, antique, classic and garden furniture, the built furniture, custom furniture, lighting, materials for making furniture, machinery and tools, woodworking and more. It will bring an opportunity for the customers to know that what exactly new is available in the furniture market as per their requirements and their budget.

Trade in Singapore

The visitors can discover modern accessories and latest designs in the furniture fair. Last year, lots of exhibitors came to the expo and exhibited their foreign and domestic furniture at the International Furniture Fair Singapore.
Asia Expo - Singapore will be staged at the 'Five-star' Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay, Singapore. This brand new extravagant venue is Singapore's new landmark. Being one of the Asia's largest convention and exhibition centres, this multi-functional venue is just next to the Marina Bay Sands Casino & Hotel, shopping malls and transport access points, commanding a host of modernised exhibition facilities. Measuring over 120,000sft, the grand venue can feasibly fit with 2,000 trade booths on the fairground and 250 conference rooms, and accommodate a total number of 45,000 visitors at a time, ensuring the most effective exhibition services for both exhibitors and buyers.
Asian Work Boat 2013 will be the most significant worldwide work boat exhibition in Asia. It will showcase the latest and most innovative, high quality products in the maritime industries, port technology and maritime services from throughout the globe. It will attract large numbers of high quality vessel owners, operators, builders, designers, government personnel and maritime equipment suppliers for all types of work boats.
More than 3,000 top quality visitors from 40 countries including Norway, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, New Zealand and others will attend the Asian Work Boat 2013. It is one of biggest event in Singapore.
Sea Asia Singapore 2013, Asias premier maritime conference and exhibition will return to Singapore for its 4th showing on 9-11 April 2013. Held in conjunction with Singapore Maritime Week 2013, the event will bring together CEOs, presidents, decision-makers and maritime professionals from diverse sectors of the global shipping industry. The 3-day conference and exhibition promises to provide a spectacular galore of diverse products and services, with vast networking opportunities and the chance to learn from thought-provoking conference sessions led by influential speakers.
The Economy of New Zealand is a market economy which is greatly dependent on international trade, mainly with Australia, the United States of America, China and Japan. It is strongly dependent on tourism and agricultural exports, and has only small manufacturing and high-tech components. Economic free-market reforms of the last decades have removed many barriers to foreign investment, and the World Bank has praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly country in the world.

Trade in Singapore

Regional and bilateral free trade agreements have become an important part of New Zealand's international trade policy. New Zealand has used free trade agreements also known as closer economic partnerships to liberalise trade between economies. A Closer Economic Partnership Agreement with Thailand was negotiated in 2004 and implemented in 2005. Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Chile, Brunei and Singapore known as the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership were concluded in 2005. Negotiations for further agreements with Malaysia were undertaken in 2006, but failed to reach a conclusion. The historic FTA with China was signed in Beijing in April 2008.
On 27 February 2009 New Zealand and its close partner Australia signed a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN regional block of 10 countries it is estimated that an FTA with ASEAN would boost aggregate GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period 2000-2020 with an additional US$3.4 billion to New Zealand alone.

Traditionally, barriers to trade were addressed mainly through reductions in tariffs. But to create open markets in the 21st century, Europe needs to look beyond tariff reduction to the trade barriers that lie behind borders. As tariffs fall, these barriers - such as restrictive regulations or standards - become increasingly important. There is therefore a need to step up our engagement with the major emerging economies, particularly in Asia, where there is potential for growth.
This is why the European Commission proposed a new generation of competitiveness-driven bilateral free trade agreements with key partners, in which economic criteria is a primary consideration. The Commission will ensure that these agreements are a stepping stone for future liberalisation, not a stumbling block, by building on the WTO: tackling issues which are not ready for multilateral discussion and by going beyond the market opening that can be achieved in the WTO.

Trading at one's best and making the best trades are goals shared equally by buy- and sell-side institutional traders. And yet, what enables some to consistently reach their mark?

At FlexTrade Systems, we maintain that having access to a sophisticated and integrated array of resources, including innovative and flexible technology, gives traders the edge to perform optimally on every trade and achieve best execution.

We develop cutting edge functionality and workflows that support traders who want to lead, not follow, create rather than copy, and optimize returns for their clients and firm without compromise.

Trade in Singapore

Trade in Austarlai

2012-07-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Australia reported a trade deficit equivalent to 285 Million AUD in May of 2012. Historically, from 1971 until 2012, Australia Balance of Trade averaged -369.3 Million AUD reaching an all time high of 3478.0 Million AUD in June of 2010 and a record low of -3651.0 Million AUD in February of 2008. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, particularly wheat and wool, minerals such as iron-ore and gold, and energy in the form of liquefied natural gas and coal. Australia is a major importer of machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines and telecommunication lasers. Its main trading partners are: Japan, China, The United States and New Zealand. This page includes a chart with chronological data for Australia Balance of Trade.

The balance of trade is the difference between the monetary value of exports and imports in an economy over a certain period of time. A helpful balance of trade is known as a trade surplus and consists of exporting more than is imported; a negative balance of trade is known as a trade deficit or, unceremoniously, a trade gap. The balance of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as international aid. If the current account is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position. The Balance of Trade is matching to the difference between a country's output and its domestic demand - the difference between what goods a country produces and how many goods it buys from abroad; this does not include money respent on foreign stocks, nor does it factor the concept of importing goods to produce for the domestic market.

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) assists Australian businesses to expand their business outside Australia with information about export markets, grants and assistance and promotes and supports productive foreign venture and international education in Australia.

The principal roles of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service are to facilitate trade and the movement of people across the Australian border while protecting the community and maintaining appropriate obedience with Australian law; to efficiently collect customs revenue; and to administer specific industry assistance schemes and trade measures.

DECO is responsible for administering controls on the export of defence and dual-use goods, and the granting of authorisations to export, in the form of permits and licenses. Items subject to control are listed within the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL). The dual-use categories include Chemicals, Toxins, Materials Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications and Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine and Aerospace and momentum sectors.

Your gateway to Australian Financial Services licensing and regulation. The Financial Services Gateway is an online portal to help international visitors understand Australia's regulatory environment, guiding probable investors to banking, superannuation, insurance and funds administration information.

Trade in Austarlai

Australia and New Zealand's biggest annual celebration of all things fair trade is coming soon. With events, activities and promotions happening across both countries, Fair Trade Fortnight gives each of us the opening to celebrate the life-changing difference our fair trade choice makes for millions of developing country farmers, producers, their families and communities.

The first one that was sent out just wouldn't start. Called up the company, they agreed to replace it but would not pay for postage of returning it.
The second one they sent out had a broken fuel tank cover which wouldn't stay on.
Called up the company, the sales rep. told us that it wasn't such a big deal, but as a favour to us, he would be willing to exchange for another chainsaw.
We refused and asked for a refund, but the group would only agree to refund of 80% of cost of the chainsaw, as they didn't think a broken fuel cap was an issue.
They also refused to refund any postage costs that were incurred, despite the products they had sent out being faulty.

Australia has always been a trading nation. Its political, colonization and cultural links with other countries have been reinforced by trade and investment, with its high reliance on imports such as electrical appliances, cars, clothes, footwear, PCs and watches being a reminder of these trade links. The influx of imported products has benefited Australia but in recent decades, the reliance on them has caused problems for its economy. Such problems have incorporated trade deficits, whereby the value of imports has exceeded that of exports by between $12 and $20 billion each year. They also include foreign debt in money owed overseas, which has increased from roughly $19 billion to $527 billion since the 1980s, as well as causing unemployment. Australia's current trade and trade and industry policies, particularly its push for stronger trading links with Asia-Pacific countries, reflect the attempt at tackling these ongoing problems.

Although Australia relies heavily on its overseas foreign outlay and employers, with hundreds of foreign companies operating in Australia, it is also a high exporter of goods, services and capital, with 60% of its exports going to the Asia-Pacific region. Agricultural goods and minerals dominate Australia's exports, as do some of its service firms such as Qantas which is well known overseas, especially in its region. This chapter will explore Australia's trade links in its membership with regional trading blocs and agreements, and its shift away from its traditional trading partners such as Britain, and the types of goods exported.

Trade in Austarlai

For many years, Britain was Australia's major trading partner, with its acquire of Australian farm products and supplies to Australia of consumer goods. Britain's trade with Australia has declined since the 1960s, so that it now ranks sixth behind Australia's top five trading partners. Australia still exports primary products such as minerals, wheat and fruit to Britain and other western European countries despite the decline in trade. However, Japan has develop into Australia's largest trading partner with its importing of Australian wool, and minerals such as coal and iron ore. Other regional Asian countries have become major importers of Australia's primary products, especially wheat. Japan and also the United States have replaced Britain as Australia's main source of consumer goods. As well as supplying food, raw materials and insincere goods, Australia currently provides services such as education, training and software development to its Asia-Pacific neighbours.

Australia belongs to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group (1989). APEC began in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies, and has 18 member nations located around the Asia-Pacific Rim that includes Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. The significance of APEC can be seen in its member countries' increase in exports, valued at approximately US$2.5 trillion and representing about 43% of total world exports, as well as imports, valued at approximately US$2.4 trillion and representing about 44% of total world imports in topical years. More than half of Australia's exports go to APEC countries and about 40 percent of imports and much of its foreign investment come from these. Australia seeks from APEC the promotion of free trade in the region and other countries, to protect and project regional interests in wider negotiations such as the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations and to develop cooperative projects in improving the economic routine of member countries and the region in general.

Australia's first trading agreement in its region was the New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (1965), which was a response to Britain's move away from trade in the British Commonwealth to join the European Economic Community (ECC). This was followed by a call for closer trade and industry ties and the signing of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) in 1983. In 1988 the two countries agreed to implement free trade in goods from 1990 and discussions are ongoing for increased harmonisation of competition policy, banking and accountancy regulations, as well as mutual links in migration, tourism, transport, and the relaxing of export subsidies between the countries. Points of friction remain on issues such as Australia's strict quarantine laws. CER is recognised as one of the world's most successful free trade agreements.

A high level of foreign investment into Australia has allowed faster advance of its domestic resources. In 2003, foreign investment into Australia reached $904.4 billion, up by $47.4 billion or 5.5 percent on the previous year, with direct investment rising 8.4 percent to $233.5 billion. Australia's government has a regional headquarters program aimed at encouraging global companies to establish regional bases in Australia by stressing its economic strengths, cultural diversity and stability. It has further used this to promote its image as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific with strong trade and cultural links with countries in this region. In the late 1990s, Australia's unique stability and economic strength was shown by its remaining relatively unscathed by the Asian Financial Crisis, which was caused by a boom of international lending to the region followed by a sudden withdrawal of funds. Many Australian companies retained a presence in countries hit by the crisis such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Australia has since benefited from honouring its district trade links now that conditions have improved. Further, its ability to adapt to such crises has now been seen by many overseas investors to be proven. Such investors with a regional base in Australia include American firms, Dow Chemical, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft, the Finnish firm, Nokia, and German firm, Siemens.

Another major Asia-Pacific trading bloc is the connection of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (AFTA). Australia's exports to AFTA countries exceed exports to either the European Union or North America. Its member countries include Burma, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. AFTA's future goals coincide with Australia's regional trading aims. These goals include liberalising trade in ASEAN by progressively removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, attracting foreign investors, and adapting ASEAN to the rise of other district trading blocs.

The law in most countries requires that a signature on a document be witnessed or other procedures applied before the document can be used for legal purposes or in a court of law. Solicitors, justices of the peace, and notaries public normally perform these functions in Australia, but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) may also be authorised to do so.

Trade in Austarlai

DFAT provides notarial army, or the legalisation of documents, to Australians, or people planning to use documents in Australia, through its State/Territory offices in Australia and its diplomatic missions overseas.

Following over a decade of uninterrupted growth, the Australian economy is now feeling the effects of the pressures of the global economic crisis and is in a period of minimal or zero growth. While consumer demand has been strong and the housing sector robust, the real story regarding growth in GDP forecast for 2009 is .05%, A mild recovery in fiscal growth, to 1.2% may arrive in 2010 but could be as late as 2011.

The unemployment rate for 2008 was estimated at 4.2 per cent and is forecast to rise to 5 per cent by the June quarter 2009 and 5¾ per cent by the June quarter 2010.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will continue to cut interest rates in the first quarter of 2009, despite the fact that inflation is calculate to remain well above the bank’s target. Headline consumer inflation accelerated to 5% year on year in the third quarter of 2008, up from 4.5% in the previous quarter. The forecast is that inflation will ease to 3.1% in 2009 and 2.6% in 2010.

Imports of goods rose by AUD$5.6 billion in the third quarter of 2008, to AUD$59.8 billion. Imports of consumer goods fell, in a reflection of the deteriorating outlook for consumer confidence in Australia.

The general tariff reduction on industrialized goods has now fallen to 5 per cent. Duties on passenger motor vehicles (PMV) and parts components has been reduced from 10% (General rate of customs duty) to 5% on 1 January 2010. Duties on textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) have fallen to 10% since 1 January 2005 & will be the same rate as other manufactured goods - 5% in 2015.Pharmaceuticals
Trade in prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals between Australia and Canada have been enhanced through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) signed in March 2005. This agreement allows manufacturers batch certifications to be recognised by one without re-analysis by the other. In addition, the agreement reduces compliance costs and shortens delays in the marketing of Canadian curative/drug products in Australia and vice versa.

The High Commission in Canberra is primarily involved in market access issues and the development of industrial, economic and systematic cooperation with Australia. It facilitates strategic alliances and investment. It also handles business development and trade enquiries in the following sectors: government and defense procurement; aerospace; agriculture, food and beverages; fish and seafood products, agricultural technology and equipment; education; forest industries; metals, minerals and related equipment, services and technology; and science and technology, and is responsible for business progress in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Canberra co-operates with the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney and the Consulate and Trade Office of Canada in Auckland.

We serve Canadian clients in all sectors. Based on our knowledge of the market, the following sectors offer the greatest opportunities for Canadian companies:

Trade in Austarlai

Drug Trade in Bangladesh

2012-07-08T21:41:00.002-07:00

Crime in Bangladesh is at hand in various forms. Organized crime include drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, murder for hire, fraud etc. Other criminal operations engage in human trafficking, robbery, corruption, black marketeering, political violence, terrorism, abduction etc.

Bangladesh is a transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries. According to the Annual Report for 2007 in print by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Bangladesh has become the main transit point for trafficking of heroin to Europe from Southeast Asia. The report noted that the porous borders between Bangladesh and India make a payment to the cross-border trafficking of narcotics.There are three routes used for trafficking of heroin into Bangladesh: by courier from Pakistan, by commercial vehicle or train from India, and by sea (Bay of Bengal) or by road from Myanmar.

An estimated 100,000 people work in the drug trafficking commerce in Bangladesh.

According to police reports, homicide has increased in the country in recent years. Between 2001 and 2003, a total of 10,331 cases of homicide were reported in Bangladesh^.

Bangladesh is on top of the list in Software piracy in the Asia Pacific region^.Software vendors lose 102 million US dollars every year^.There is no strict law to stop the crime in this country.

In our recent political history corruption became a buzzword in all our public sectors and even in our private organizations.Bangladesh has been acknowledged as the most corrupt country in the world for consecutive four years by Transparency International.Corruption means to draw any profit or benefit that goes touching law and harms others interest.Corruption done by many ways like bribery,favouritism,extortion,fraudulence and deception etc.Corruption is a social crime.Capitalistic economic system,unequal distribution of wealth,gap between wealth and poverty,economic insolvency,high living cost,unemployment are the social and economical causes of corruption. In a poor and underdeveloped country like Bangladesh the effects of corruption in country and politics are very devastating.If government officials are corrupt people do not get good service from them.If politicians and policy-makers are corrupt .It affects country's overall development.By corruption a group of people earn lots of means and lead luxurious life.This creates social gap between poor and rich people. Corruption in the educational systeam lowers down standard of education .All this corruption seriously harms the image of our nation and also create economic and social crimes. It is also a social problem.Due to corruption only a group of people gain but a majority of people suffer.It has became a serious national problem.we must eliminate the problem from the society.

Among the trafficking routes to Bangladesh, the vast forests and terrain areas of hill tracts and the Bangladeshi, Myanmar and Thai Fishing Trawlers are being safely used for trafficking heroin into Bangladesh.

It is alleged that heroin produced in North Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and India is by and large trafficked into foreign countries through Calcutta, Madras and Mumbai routes of India and through Thailand and Rangoon. But the International drug barons and the Mafia network also find Bangladesh as a out of harm's way and alternate trafficking routes when the Indian and Myanmar routes become risky.

Bangladesh, with its longest borders with India on 3 sides and with Myanmar to the northeast has become very risky and vulnerable for drug trafficking and abuse.

It has been spread over from urban areas to rural areas. The most frequently used drug is heroin, thereafter, phensidyl (Codeine based cough syrup) illegally transit from India and the third highest is cannabis. Bangladesh have borders with India on its three sides excluding the south, which stands on the Bay of Bangal. The three border routes are as follows:

The western routes with India are – Darshana, Zibannagar of Chuadanga, Hili and Birol of Dinajpur and Moghulhat, Aditmari, Durgapur, Fulbari, Nageshwari of Kurigram and Nawabgonj, Rajshahi, Meherpur & Debhat and Kaligonj of Khulna and Benapole, Chowgacha of Jessore.

n the otherside of Indian boundaries, there are factories/industries of manufacturing codeine based narcotics (with ‘Phensidyl’ as trade name) and are being trafficked into Bangladesh, where BSF and BDR are guarding borders on their respective sides.

Codeine – ‘A’ class narcotic liquid has been trafficked into Bangladesh by bus, truck packed in different baggages and luggages through the above border areas in the trade name of phensidyl and also drugs are smuggled into by ships, fishing trawlers and by airways. It seems that Bangladesh has been all the time more used as a ‘transit country’ for heroin shipments using Dhaka Airport and the seaport of Chittagong as exit-points.

About 100,000 people, including 30,000 women and children, are involved in illegal drug trade in Bangladesh, the country's Department of Narcotics be in charge of (DNC) said Wednesday.

drug trade

"It is unfortunate for us that we have failed to control the use of narcotics," DNC director general (DG) Humayun Kabir told reporters Wednesday, on the eve of the globally observed anti-drugs day on June 26.

Drug addicts spend at least 460 million taka (about 6.57 million U.S. dollars) on narcotics every day, leading English newspaper The Financial Express reported Thursday quoting the DNC DG.

Kabir said there was no specific government data on the number of drug addicts or drug use in the country.

Two weeks ago, an odd incident took place while this reporter was en route to Dhaka from Cox's Bazaar, riding a renowned luxurious AC bus. The expedition was smooth all the way; however, it came to a halt when the bus suddenly stopped near the Kanchpur Bridge. It was at the crack of dawn; the passengers were waking up, all bleary eyed, some wondering what was going on. They found the bus blocked by a police vehicle. Another police vehicle was blocking the way behind the bus. A few police officers in civilian clothing carrying pistols got on board. They claimed to have been tipped off that there was a member of a drug peddling ring travelling with us, smuggling heroin and 'yaba' to Dhaka. Each and every passenger was searched, along with their luggages. After pointed for half an hour, the officers found four small packets of heroin, tucked inside a mobile phone packing box along with the phone, in the luggage carrier of the bus. While everyone was getting over the shock from what had just been found, two of the officers got busy estimating the worth of the catch. "I think each of those packs has around 250 grams of heroin," whispered one cop to the other. According to them, the total amount of heroin was about one kilogram, approaching from Myanmar through Cox's Bazaar. Police search is almost a usual occurrence on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, as it is in Nageshwari alongside Rangpur-Dhaka highway, and on the Jessore-Dhaka highway. But drug traffickers are still mostly out of reach of the law enforcement agencies. According to a source, more than 400 drug dealers are administration this illegal business at about 374 spots in Dhaka city. A number of godfathers, including ward commissioners of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), and one listed fugitive 'top terror' are in control of the entire business in the capital. Despite law enforcers' routine and special raids to combat the prohibited drug trading, the situation virtually remains unchanged as most of the arrested drug dealers resume their businesses after securing bail from the court. The arrested drug peddlers can easily get out of jail due to the loopholes in police reports in connection with the cases The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) sources said that the amount of drugs seized is only 10 per cent of the total drugs smuggled into the country. Some 100,000 people are engaged in this illegal trade, and 30 per cent of those charged with drug industry are women and children. Most of the drugs sold in the drug dens are heroin, cannabis and phensedyl, as they are most preferred by the drug addicts; yaba, on the other hand, is a 'fashionable drug'. Sale of these drugs, especially phensedyl, openly takes place under the very nose of the law enforcing agencies. Drug addicts, mostly youngsters - both male and female - gather at different drug spots from afternoon till midnight. The traders normally adopt new ntactics to increase their business.According to some intelligence sources, the
highest number of illegal drug spots has been identified in Dhaka's Jatrabari, Demra, Shyampur and Kadamtoli thanas, where 93 drug dens are active. About 87 sellers are dealing at those spots. "I think it will be very difficult to remove drugs from the city because Bangladesh lies on one of the most central drug trafficking routes in the world," said an official from DNC. According to DNC, there are two major drug trafficking routes that are being used to smuggle huge amounts of illegal substances around the world, with each consignment being significance thousands of dollars. One of these routes starts from Golden Triangle, ending up in Canada via Myanmar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Middle East, Europe and the US. The other route starts from Golden Crescent, ending up in Canada via Pakistan, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the US. Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent are the two major opium-producing areas in Asia. Golden Triangle covers the mountains of Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand; Golden Crescent overlaps the mountainous territories of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Apart from this, NDC marked another route that goes from beginning to end Bangladesh, India, Middle East, Indian Ocean, Europe, the USA and Canada. The vast forests and hilly terrains of Southeast Bangladesh provide shelter to the drug smugglers. Bangladeshi, Burmese and Thai fishing trawlers are recurrently used to bring heroin into Bangladesh. As mentioned in various intelligence reports, heroin produced in North Myanmar, Laos,Thailand and India is generally trafficked to foreign countries through Kolkata, Chennai(formerly named Madras) and Mumbai of India, Thailand and Yangon of Myanmar. However,international drug barons and the mafia find Bangladesh as a safe alternative way when the Indian and Burmese routes become risky. Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, stated that goods worth more than US $3.5 billion are smuggled every year. Visiting extensively alongside the Bangladesh-India border, this reporter found that Indian border authorities help smugglers in trafficking drugs into Bangladesh; they are even involved in human trafficking. This watching was also backed up in a top national intelligence source. According to the Border Guards Bangladesh headquarters, drugs worth more than Tk 4.538 billion including heroin, cocaine, opium, charas, phensedyl and marijuana was seized earlier this year from the Bangladesh-India border. Phensedyl, a cough syrup that is banned in Bangladesh and one of the choicest substances namong the youngsters, is quite easy to supply. nThere are more than hundreds of mini factories near the Indian wall of the border that produce
phensedyl. It is strictly prohibited in Kuchbihar, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya; any physician who prescribes this drug will be punished. Reliable sources from the Indian side of the border said to this reporter that these drugs originate from India and gain access to Bangladesh
through the porous border, under the patronage of RAW officials.A senior official of the Directorate of Narcotics admitted that the inflow of drugs from India can hardly be checked. Despite many attempts, only 5 per cent of the total quantity of smuggled drugs is seized by Bangladesh border authorities; the drug pushers manage to smuggle the rest using road, rail and water ways. Bangladesh is a signatory to all the three UN Conventions of 1961, 1971 and 1988 and the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1990. Obligated under these conventions and being in the close proximity of the two major heroin-producing areas, Bangladesh has full various measures to stop, or atleast restrict, imports. However, there has been very little progress. There are several drug trafficking routes between India and Bangladesh. The western routes go through Darshana, Jibonnagar ofChuadanga, Hili and Birol of Dinajpur,Moghulhat, Aditmari, Durgapur, Fulbari, Nageshwari of Kurigram, and Nawabgonj, Rajshahi, Meherpur and Debhat, Kaligonj of Khulna, and Benapole, and Chowgachha of Jessore. Eastern routes are through Akhaura, Jhautala, Sadullahpur, Nawgaon, Singer Beel, Col Bazaar, Gangasagar and Kasba of
Brahmanbaria, Bibirbazar, Chagalnaiya, Maharajganj and Gutuma of Feni, Barkal and Baghaichari of Rangamati, Chittagong, Teknaff of Cox's Bazaar, and Dighinala, Panchari, and Matiranga of Khagrachari. Northern routes include Haluaghat (Telikhali/Karaitali/Surjyapur/Bandarkata/Munsirhat/ Munshipara) of Mymensing and Durgapur (Bijoypur and Bhabani area) of Netrokona and Bangla Banda, Bhurungabari, Jhenaigati, Sunamgonj and Tamabil. Investigation by this reporter revealed that there are three important drug wholesaling spots in Dhaka city: Amin Bazar at Gabtali, Ashulia at Uttara and Chittagong road near Jatrabari. These three locations are the safe spots for the rewarding drug trading and dumping house. 'The drugs are carried into the capital through Jessore Road inside coconuts," said a drugs carrier from Amin Bazar. The 'goods' are then sold at various points of Mirpur 1, Gabtali and Amin Bazar, currently single-handedly controlled by the notorious armed group GangchilBahini."Besides drugs, they also sellarms which are smuggled through the Indian border," said a tea stall owner from Ashulia. "Most of these drugs and arms are wrapped in plastic and dumped under water in the lake in Ashulia, or are hidden near the lake premises," he shared. "When daylight breaks, the retailers fro mthe city arrive to buy them, which they in turn sell to their customers in Dhaka,"added the tea stall owner.Interestingly, last year the expense of DNC to extract illegal substances was Tk 183,199,589 but drugs recovered were worth much less. It is funny that DNC claimed to have held only 9.5 kg heroin last year, while a DNC insider told this reporter that the actual quantity was a lot more. DNC is headed by a director general. It has a sanctioned manpower of 1,283, but the existing manpower totals 868. A DNC official asserted that it is difficult to run the operation with such inadequate manpower. However, the intelligence agencies regarded the statement as a funny excuse. All we can do now is hope that the concerned authorities will get just about to take appropriate and effective means to put a stop to drug trafficking in this country.

drug trade

Dhaka: Bangladesh has become the prime transit route for trafficking heroin to Europe from Southeast Asia, according to a report from the International Narcotics Control Board 2007 annual report that was released on Wednesday.An independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body which implements UN drug-related conventions, the INCB also blamed a lack of resources and training of law enforcement agencies for Bangladesh's failure to 'properly implement' its drug control policy.

Bangladesh police are quoted in the report as saying that the Chittagong seaport is the "main exit point for drugs leaving the country," while the rest is smuggled out through Sylhet and Chittagong airports.

The report also cites press reports of couriers trying to smuggle heroin to Europe on their way from Pakistan through the Zia international airport in Dhaka.

The report observed that the use of Bangladeshi courier services for drug trafficking is on the rise, with drugs shipped primarily to Canada and South Africa, citing the seizure of 550 kilograms of ephedrine in February 2007.

On July 28, 2010 an article was published in the Telegraph (Kolkata, India) under the heading 'Glare on African drug cartels' written by Pankaj Sharma. The article focused on the increased participation of African nationals, especially Nigerians, in the regional drug trade. Among other things, the article quoted one unnamed customs official as saying that these African (Nigerian) syndicates who traditionally operate from the heroin trafficking routes (the drugs are trafficked from the Golden crescent in Afghanistan through Pakistan) in the Western border of Pakistan and India are increasingly using the North Eastern states (in this case the drugs are trafficked from the Golden triangle of Myanmar) for achieving their business purposes.

So what does this have to do the current or future scenario in Bangladesh? Barely 24 hours after this article was published in Kolkata, only 252 km away in a city called Dhaka, a Nigerian national Afolayan Oladipupo Zaccheaus was apprehended in the Shahjalal International Airport trying to smuggle six kilograms of heroin estimated to be worth 6 crore taka to Malaysia using Bangladesh as the transit country. Credit for this discovery lies with a customs official named of Rasheda Parveen. The customs official at Departure gate no. 3 noticed some anomaly in the colour of the steel handle of the luggage. She immediately suspected that something was amiss. Had the steel handle been vacant i.e. if there was nothing inside the handle, the scanners would have displayed a slightly different colour. As it turned out, she was right, the steel handles did contain something -- 58 small foil packs with white powder inside a total of 10 aluminium packs. Zaccheaus tried to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by the Armed Police Battalion. His partner Ratmi Aziz however, managed to escape. examination in the case is currently ongoing.

This is hardly the first time that foreigners have been caught for drug trafficking in Bangladesh. As his passport shows, Zaccheaus himself has been to Bangladesh seven times. This year alone, he has been in Bangladesh four times. "He is very familiar with our country," comments Shahidul Mannaf Kabir, Superintendent, Department of Narcotics Control, Airport in-charge, the agency that is handling the exploration. "I asked him in Bangla, 'what is your name' and he replied promptly. As he was taken to the prison cell, he shook hands with all the other prisoners and exchanged courteous greetings. I was astounded by the astuteness of this foreigner. He knows that he is likely to languish here for some time and under such circumstances he needs to be on good terms with the other local prisoners."

His words were echoed by an officer of an elite law enforcement agency: "He has been in Bangladesh seven times. What do you think he was here for? Playing football for Rahmatganj?" quips the officer on condition of anonymity. "Since the 80s, Nigerians are regular visitors to this country. The High Commission of Bangladesh has been giving them tourist visas on a regular basis, no questions asked. Bangladesh is not exactly a tourist's paradise, especially not for citizens of another third world country situated in another part of the world. There are many international students who come to Bangladesh from those parts of the world and their presence in our country is mutually beneficial. About the others I have my reservations." while we're on the subject, Zaccheaus was posing as a stock lot broker of ready-made garments, although he has always been travelling to Bangladesh on a tourist visa. An identity card found on him dating back to 2008 reads that he is a member of Rahmatganj Muslim society.

Zaccheaus's passport has revealed that he is a regular traveller and his places of frequent visits include India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, UAE, Nepal and the Philippines.

In recent years, Nigerians have been heavily involved in Indian drug trafficking, ranging from Mumbai on the West coast to the North Eastern states, often known as the seven sisters. UAE, the last destination of Zaccheaus, has also been suffering from operations of international crime syndicates.

The world’s major heroin smuggling route.

In June 2006 the arrest of a footballer Ozor Michael in Nepal revealed the existence of a flourishing global drug syndicate linked to Afghanistan and Europe. Michael was a footballer in a top Nigerian club. His passport raised worries among Nepalese narcotics officers as it revealed that he had travelled on a very suspicious route -- Afghanistan, Dubai and Doha. Like many Nigerian drug traffickers arrested before and after him, Michael claimed that it was his love for football that brought him to this country.

In Thailand, Nigerians also have a heavy hand in drug trafficking operating from the capital city Bangkok. The presence of foreigners in other places is too conspicuous and drugs are brought from the Burmese border by Thai local smugglers who then sell it to the Nigerian 'mules' who carry the merchandise by air to their destined places. Bangkok has one of the world's busiest airports and accordingly this makes smuggling drugs a lot easier. Proximity to the Golden Triangle of Myanmar has made Thailand a haven for local and international drug syndicates. Nigerian syndicates also activate in other South Eastern countries in conjunction with local criminals.

Zaccheaus has himself claimed that in the last few days he has been to Cox's Bazaar and Comilla. Cox's Bazaar lies near Teknaf, the main border town with Myanmar, which is the second largest producer of heroin after Afghanistan. Comilla lies in close proximity to the border with Tripura, the gateway to the seven sisters. As mentioned earlier, Nigerian organised groups are very active in the North Eastern states of India. So it would have seemed appropriate that he had good reasons to be in Comilla or Cox's Bazaar for his 'business' purposes.

However, there is one setback in this initial testimony. In Bangladesh, foreigners are a rare sight, especially in the countryside, and they attract a lot of attention from curious onlookers, many of whom have never seen an outsider in their life. Consider the fact that this particular foreigner is a drug trafficker and it would be literally impossible for him to be involved in underhanded dealings in most places in Bangladesh without attracting the undue attention of hundreds of locals. “He is definitely not telling us the truth. By stating Comilla and Cox's Bazaar as the places he last visited, he is only trying to misdirect the investigation and cover up the point in Dhaka from where he actually receives the supplies,” says Shahidul Mannaf Kabir. “We shall hopefully get to the bottom of the whole affair once he is placed on remand.” The magistrate court granted three days remand on August 3.

A law enforcement official specialising in Narcotics expresses similar views. “The Nigerians cannot operate clandestinely unless they are in the posh areas of Banani and Gulshan where the sight of foreigners are more common and they can mix among their own people,” he says. The official requesting anonymity also expressed disappointment concerning the immigration system of Bangladesh.

“The airport is operated by 18 different agencies. There is little co-ordination between the different agencies. As far as the Immigration Police is concerned, they can only check the passports, make sure they are not forged and then authorise the traveller. They cannot open the baggage, which is done by the Customs officials. The background officials have played little role in stopping the flow of drugs from the international airports,” says the official. “Most custom officials are more occupied with other affairs from where they can derive an income.” He, however, praised the efforts of the official who had detected the white powder but maintained that such people were a rarity. “The system needs an overhaul. Bangladesh has long been a transit point for trafficking drugs to other countries and the vast majority of the consignments pass through the international airports, especially the one in Dhaka.”

The international illegal drug syndicates change their modus operandi almost instantly when their contraband goods are seized by the law enforcing agencies, he said. They also change their routes and the system of carriage making it extremely difficult for DNC members to detect their movements.

Meanwhile another official of the department said that a total of 7,881 kilograms of heroin, 25,961 bottles of contraband Indian Phensidyl syrup, 240 kilograms of cannabis, 49 of cannabis plants and 1437 ampoules of Pathedine, 14,50,210 poppy foliage and other contraband drugs were seized between January and May".

Despite attempts to stop smuggling of drugs, such as heroin and Yaba tablets from Burma to Bangladeshthe armed forces and other law enforcing agencies cannot seem to control the rampant trade in drugs. It continues unabated, an intellectual said.

In Bangladesh the middle class, including students are into the use of Yaba tablets and other drugs coming from Burma forcing the Bangladesh government to crack down against drug users and dealers. The surplus drugs, including Yaba tablets are dispatched to other countries, said an observer.

The members of law enforcing agencies and the staff members of the DNC are in a position to nab the dealers and retailers. But the ring leaders of the drug mafia and godfathers remain out of reach as they are well organized and equipped with sophisticated firearms and telecommunication gadgets.

The governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh on Monday decided to initiate cooperation in counterterrorism, counter narcotics and drug trafficking.
The fifth round of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral consultations was held here with Pakistani side led by Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Bangladesh handing over by its Foreign Secretary M Mijarul Quayes.
During the three hour-long discussion, including the lunch hosted by the foreign secretary in honour of the foreign secretary of Bangladesh, the two sides held a detailed overview of political, economic and trade, defence, cultural, educational and consular issues.
"The two foreign secretaries agreed to give fresh impetus to the promotion of bilateral relations and a comprehensive partnership," said the foreign office spokesman, Abdul Basit, in a statement. They agreed to the holding of next meeting of Joint Economic Commission and biannual consultations at senior officials' level."
It was also decided to initiate support in counterterrorism, counter-narcotics and drug trafficking besides facilitating visas and enhancing connectivity by direct shipping and more air links, he said. Basit said the next round of bilateral consultations would be held in Dhaka in 2011.

drug trade

Teade in UK

2012-07-07T11:58:00.001-07:00

The United Kingdom reported a trade deficit equivalent to 4421 Million GBP in May of 2012. Historically, from 1955 until 2012, the United Kingdom Balance of Trade averaged -1157.8 Million GBP reaching an all time high of 2946.0 Million GBP in March of 1981 and a record low of -6067.0 Million GBP in August of 2005. The United Kingdom is the world's fifth-largest trading nation, highly dependent on foreign trade. It must import almost all its copper, ferrous metals, lead, zinc, rubber, and raw cotton and about one-third of its food. The United Kingdom's exports manufactured items like telecommunications equipment, automobiles, automatic data processing equipment, medicinal and pharmaceutical products and aircraft. Its main trading partners are European Union countries, The United States, China and Japan. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Balance of Trade.

The balance of trade is the difference between the monetary value of exports and imports in an economy over a certain period of time. A positive balance of trade is known as a trade surplus and consists of exporting more than is imported; a negative balance of trade is known as a trade deficit or, informally, a trade gap. The balance of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as international aid. If the current account is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position. The Balance of Trade is identical to the difference between a country's output and its domestic demand - the difference between what goods a country produces and how many goods it buys from abroad; this does not include money respent on foreign stocks, nor does it factor the concept of importing goods to produce for the domestic market.

The information provided on this site is not intended to be distributed to, or used by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject ETSL, ETHK or their affiliates to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country. Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this site constitutes a solicitation or offer by ETSL or ETHK or any affiliates to buy or sell any securities, foreign exchange, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance or success, whether actual or historic. System response and account access times may vary or fail due to a variety of factors including market volatility and trading volumes, market conditions, system and software errors, Internet traffic, outages or other factors beyond ETSL, ETHK or their affiliates' control.

This web site is managed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Trade Statistics unit, and operates alongside the main HMRC website for the purpose of publishing and hosting UK trade statistics data.

These statistics record the movement - for trade purposes - of goods between the UK and both EU and non-EU countries.

They are collected from the EU-wide Intrastat survey and from Customs import and export entries, both administered by HMRC. he UK remains firmly committed to the multilateral system of free and fair global trade, as governed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Whilst this will always provide the best route for trade liberalisation, FTAs can bring real economic benefits if they are implemented in the correct way. Even following a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (the current round WTO trade negotiations), obstacles will still remain in place for businesses, and FTAs could help tackle these.

Free Trade Agreements can bring real economic benefits to UK business, offering deep and comprehensive market opening. For example, the EU-South Korea FTA will bring a £1.4 billion reduction in Korean tariffs on EU industrial exports, half of which will be immediate, and could deliver £500 million of economic benefits annually to the UK economy.

The EU is currently negotiating a number of FTAs. Including with South Korea, India, Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), Canada, Ukraine and Singapore. The EU already has FTAs with South Africa (since 1999), Mexico (since 2000) and Chile (since 2002).

According to Royal Mail Packetpost instructions, it is recommend that all items are sent via the Post Office(TM), as all items will receive a proof of posting (which helps cover against fraud, and also without which you cannot claim for any loss or damage against Royal Mail). If posted in a pillar-box, the customer should be aware of having no proof of posting. To find your closest Post Office(TM) location, visit the branch finder or go to www.royalmail.co.uk and select 'branch finder'. We're constantly updating the trade-in programme with new titles. Please check back often to see what's been added.

There is a yawning chasm between the way the Tory government treats its friends in the City and the public at large.

UK trade

After the latest rate fixing scandal, Bank of England governor Mervyn King described the banks' behaviour as shoddy and deceitful, but Cameron is still not backing a public inquiry. Why?

Instead, we learn that one of Barclays' top bosses has been appointed to the NHS Commissioning Board and given a say over its finances. What a disgrace - we don't want a banking culture - mired in deceit - brought into our NHS.

While the bankers and financiers enjoy smoked salmon and champagne at Wimbledon, families across the public sector have had their pay frozen and struggle to put food on the table and to pay their bills.

It's time to stop the cronyism and start building an economy based on fairness and opportunity for all - not just for the few.

The Trade Delegation of the Russian Federation in the United Kingdom as a governmental body is acting on the basis of the bilateral intergovernmental agreement and representing economic interests of Russia in this country.

The Trade Delegation is one of the organizers of the functioning and active provider of the solutions for the Russia-Britain Intergovernmental Steering Committee on Trade and Investment and its working groups on High-tech, Energy, Construction and Aviation/Aerospace. The Committee is considered to be one of the most effective forms of the support to business.

trade balance

For the United States and United Kingdom, our economic well-being is inextricably linked to one another. We are each other’s largest investors, and largest foreign employers. Our mutual language, common history and shared values make business collaborations between Britain and America easier and more prosperous. We are home to innovators and entrepreneurs who are building the economies of the future.

This page is a portal to explore doing business with the UK. You can find out more about the incomparable bonds of UK-US trade and investment. You can learn about the core strengths of the UK economy. And you can find resources for your business to expand into the UK with the help of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Economists said that net trade did probably make a positive contribution to the UK economy in the final quarter of 2011 but would probably not be enough to avoid overall growth being virtually flat or even negative thanks in part to a slump in consumer spending.

There were also warnings that the government's hopes of rebalancing the economy away from domestic demand towards manufacturing and foreign trade will be hard to realise this year.

"Exports appear to have regained a modest upward trend in recent months, which is likely to have persisted into December. Trade is nevertheless unlikely to contribute strongly to UK economic growth in 2012, which looks set to be a challenging year as signs of improved demand from countries such as the US and China are likely to be countered by weak demand in the eurozone," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. "The longer term outlook is one where 2012 looks set to be a challenging year for UK exporters."

The news of falling exports and official figures showing a dip in growth in Britain's key European trading partner Germany renewed calls for exporters to look further afield to emerging markets.

"The UK is pinning much of its hopes on exports to power the recovery, but with our main markets struggling it's imperative that exporters look to new, faster-growing, markets if they are to play their part," said Andrew Goodwin, senior economic adviser to the Ernst & Young Item Club.

"The UK lags well behind other developed economies, such as Germany, in its penetration of emerging markets, but with our traditional markets facing a long, hard struggle, the time is right for UK exporters to make that move."

In November, despite the ongoing eurozone crisis, there was a slight rise in exports from the UK to its most important trading area. Exports to the European Union edged up – albeit by less than £0.1bn – while exports to non-EU countries fell £0.4bn from October.

Vicky Redwood at Capital Economics the rise in exports to EU countries was surprising but unlikely to be sustained.

"We doubt that the recent resilience will last as eurozone demand weakens. The recent rise in the pound to a 16 month high against the euro won't help either," she said.

The ONS said the overall drop in exports was driven by lower exports of silver to non-EU countries, including India.

At the same time, imports rose £0.4bn, driven largely by goods coming in from EU countries and slightly higher imports from non-EU countries, which reached a record level. The overall rise in imports was driven by higher imports of chemicals largely from EU countries, including Ireland.

The ONS said the trade deficit for goods and services taken together widened to £2.6bn from £1.9bn as the services surplus held steady.


trade balance

Trade in France

2012-07-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

France's trade is one of the largest in the world. France export and imports various raw materials, automobiles and electronic products. The country ranks sixth in the world in terms of export volumes and 5th when it comes to imports.Agriculture is also another strong point for France's economy, with almost 25 percent of the EU’s total undeveloped products being produced in France. The government provides subsidies to the rural sector and the development of this sector is likely to give export activities a more boost.

Besides French trade, sightseeing is also a big contributor to the national GDP. France rules the tourism industry with over 82 million tourists visit the country for its rich heritage and culture.The international fiscal crisis of 2009 led France into a recession, the French economy shrinking by 2.5%. The country has nonetheless resisted this development better than the eurozone average, thanks to a more diversify economy a more solid banking system, as well as a immense

France is the biggest agricultural power in the European Union, secretarial for a quarter of its total agricultural production, and the second farming power in the world after the United States. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector only represent a very small part of the country's GDP. It receives significant subsidy, especially from the European Union. Wheat, corn, meat and wine are France's main farming products.

France's manufacturing industry is varied, however, the country is in the middle of undergoing a de-industrialization process which translates into many relocations. The key industrial sectors in France are telecommunications, electronics, cars, aerospace and weapons.

The tertiary sector represents about three-fourths of the French GDP and employs almost 75% of the active workforce. France is the leading-tourist purpose in the world with more than 75 million foreign tourists every year

Trade in France

France has the world's fifth largest economy by nominal figures and the ninth largest economy by PPP figures. It has the second largest economy in Europe (behind its main economic partner Germany) in nominal figures and [[List of sovereign states in Europe by GDP (PPP).

France's economy entered the recession of the late 2000s later and left it earlier than most comparable economies, only enduring four quarters of contraction. Between January and March 2011, France's GDP growth had been stronger than expected at 0.9%, one of the best figures in Europe but shrunk between April and June 2011 decreasing by -0.1%. In 2011, the GDP surprisingly grew at 1.85%, below Germany at 2.9% but more than the UK that grew by 0.6%.

France has long been part of the world's wealthiest and most developed national economics

After the turn of the century, wealth per adult grew very strongly in France, tripling in value between 2000 and 2007. It then fell back by 15% and has not yet regained its 2007 value. Much of the earlier rise can be attributed to appreciation of the euro against the dollar, a factor which affected all Eurozone countries. However France also experienced a rapid rise in house prices as a result of which real property now accounts for two thirds of household assets. Personal debts are 12% of household assets, which is a relatively low ratio in developed economies.

Trade in France

embarked on an ambitious and very successful programme of modernization under state coordination. This programme of dirigisme, mostly implemented by governments between 1944 and 1983, involved the state control of certain industries such as transportation, energy and telecommunications as well as various incentives for private corporations to merge or engage in certain projects.

The 1981 election of president François Mitterrand saw a short-lived increase in governmental control of the economy, nationalising many industries and private banks. This form of increased dirigisme, became criticised as early as 1982. By 1983, the government decided to renounce dirigisme and start an era of rigueur ("rigour") or corporatization. As a result the government largely retreated from economic intervention; dirigisme has now essentially receded, though some of its traits remain. The French economy grew and changed under government direction and planning much more than in other European countries.

Despite being a widely liberalised economy, the government continues to play a significant role in the economy: government spending, at 53% of GDP in 2001, is the highest in the G-7. Labour conditions and wages are highly regulated. The government continues to own shares in corporations in a range of sectors, including banking, energy production and distribution, automobiles, transportation, and telecommunications. These differ from countries such as the US or UK where most of these companies have been privatized.

France, with its developed economy, is one of the most active participants in world trade. After World War II, the French government saw that closer ties to Ger many would bring it political security and greater economic strength. Thus, the European Coal and Steel Community was formed, which brought the 2 countries and other European nations into a consultative body to discuss the production of steel and coal. The EU, which France was instrumental in creating, has helped it to diminish government intervention in economic affairs by privatizing several industries. In 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed, which was the watershed event in bringing Europe into political and economic union. On a practical level, the lower trade barriers and fewer restrictions that integration has brought have opened doors to French products to be sold in many European countries and has allowed a wider freedom of movement of capital in Europe, all of which has benefitted France.

The contribution of smaller-scale enterprises to the French export picture has been on the rise since 1990. Almost half of total exported goods and services were produced by companies having somewhere between 10 to 499 employees. These types of companies are called Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Firms hiring fewer than 10 people are called Very Small Enterprises (VSEs). Foreigners control about 27 percent of SMEs in France and about 33 percent of VSEs. SMEs concentrate in agricultural products such as agro-foodstuffs and consumption goods such as wood and leather.

ealizing the importance of operating in the country where the market is, French companies have extended their presence abroad. French companies have established a sizable presence in other countries which amounted to 239.7 billion francs in 1998. France is a net exporter of direct capital investments to the rest of the world. The balance of export and import of direct capital investment almost doubled in 1997 from its 1996 value and did not change much in 1998, standing at 74.4 billion francs. This rate was due largely to the increased volume of foreign direct capital investment in France, overall, a remarkable change from the 1990 deficit of 112.3 billion francs. Emerging economies is another reason why French capital opted to take advantage of new markets abroad. But despite new investment in the developing world, two-thirds of French capital in 1998 was invested in the EU and the United States.

Trade in France

Trade and industries

2012-07-03T13:37:00.001-07:00

FOREIGN TRADE is the official source for U.S. export and import statistics and responsible for issue regulations governing the reporting of all export shipments from the United States. If you're searching for import or export statistics, information on export regulations, commodity classifications, or a host of other trade related topics, this is the place to get the information you need.

A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information which is not generally known or practically ascertainable, by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers. In some jurisdictions, such secrets are referred to as "top secret information", but should not be referred to as "classified information", due to the nature of the word in the USA.

Trade secrets are by definition not disclosed to the world at large. Instead, owners of trade secrets seek to protect trade secret in sequence from competitors by instituting special procedures for handling it, as well as technological and legal security measures. Legal protections include non-disclosure agreements (NDA) and non-compete clauses. In exchange for an opportunity to be employed by the holder of secrets, an employee may sign an agreement not to reveal his or her likely employer's proprietary information. An employee may also surrender or dole out to his employer the right to his own intellectual work produced during the course (or as a condition) of employment. breach of the agreement generally carries the possibility of heavy financial penalties. These penalties operate as a disincentive to reveal trade secrets. Though proving a breach of a non-disclosure agreement against a former employee who is legally working for a competitor can be very difficult. A holder of a trade secret may also require similar agreements from other parties he deals with, such as vendors or licensees.

Protection of trade secret can, in standard, extend indefinitely and then may provide an advantage over patent protection, which lasts only for a specific period of time. Coca-Cola, for model, has no patent for its formula and has been very effective in protecting it for many more years than the twenty years of security that a patent would have provided. In fact, Coca-Cola refused to reveal its trade secret under at least two judges' orders.The inconvenience is that there is no protection once information protected as trade secret is uncovered by others through reverse engineering, for example, whereas patent has a guaranteed time of protection in exchange for disclosing the in order to the community.

World trade

To acquire rights in a trademark under U.S. law, one must simply use the mark "in commerce." It is possible to register a trademark in the U.S., both at the federal and state levels. (Registration of trademarks confers some advantages, including stronger protection in certain respects, but it is not required in order to get protection.) Registration may be required in order to file a lawsuit for trademark infringement. Other nations have different trademark policies and this information may not apply to them. Assuming the mark in question meets certain other standards of protectibility, it is protected from infringement on the grounds that other uses might confuse consumers as to the origin or nature of the goods once the mark has been associated with a particular supplier. (Similar considerations apply to service marks and trade dress.) By definition, a trademark enjoys no protection (qua trademark) until and unless it is "disclosed" to consumers, for only then are consumers able to associate it with a supplier or source in the requisite manner. (That a company plans to use a certain trademark might itself be protectible as a trade secret, however, until the mark is actually made public.)

A company can protect its confidential information through non-compete and non-disclosure contracts with its employees (within the constraints of employment law, including only restraint that is reasonable in geographic and time scope). The law of protection of confidential information effectively allows a perpetual monopoly in secret information - it does not expire as would a patent. The lack of formal protection, however, means that a third party is not prevented from independently duplicating and using the secret information once it is discovered.

urveillance of national trade policies is a fundamentally important activity running throughout the work of the WTO. At the centre of this work is the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM). All WTO members are reviewed, the frequency of each country’s review varying according to its share of world trade.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.

On this site, consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen. Businesses can learn how to help their customers deal with identity theft, as well as how to prevent problems in the first place. Law enforcement can get resources and learn how to help victims of identity theft.

Read on to find out more about identity theft and what you can do about it.

Here's an example of a "yen carry trade": a trader borrows 1,000 Japanese yen from a Japanese bank, converts the funds into U.S. dollars and buys a bond for the equivalent amount. Let's assume that the bond pays 4.5% and the Japanese interest rate is set at 0%. The trader stands to make a profit of 4.5% as long as the exchange rate between the countries does not change. Many professional traders use this trade because the gains can become very large when leverage is taken into consideration. If the trader in our example uses a common leverage factor of 10:1, then she can stand to make a profit of 45%.

World trade organization

The big risk in a carry trade is the uncertainty of exchange rates. Using the example above, if the U.S. dollar were to fall in value relative to the Japanese yen, then the trader would run the risk of losing money. Also, these transactions are generally done with a lot of leverage, so a small movement in exchange rates can result in huge losses unless the position is hedged appropriately.

A strategy in which an investor sells a certain currency with a relatively low interest rate and uses the funds to purchase a different currency yielding a higher interest rate. A trader using this strategy attempts to capture the difference between the rates, which can often be substantial, depending on the amount of leverage used.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, and yet couldn't get it without paying fees or buying other services. TV ads, email offers, or online search results may tout "free" credit reports, but there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report.

Many companies claim to offer free credit reports – and some do. But others give you a report only if you buy other products or services. Still others say they’re giving you a “free” report and then bill you for services you have to cancel. If you go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com and follow the prompts for your free credit report, you can be sure the reports you get really are free.

Looks like the Nets aren’t waiting for Dwight Howard’s situation to get resolved before making moves. According to Nets Daily, they just went ahead and traded for Joe Johnson, whose contract will have Brooklyn unable to re-sign Deron Williams and still make a deal for the Orlando big man this summer. More details: “The Nets have all but completed a trade for Joe Johnson, the six-time all-star, league sources tell NetsDaily. In return, the Hawks get expiring contracts and a first round pick. NOT included in the trade: MarShon Brooks and Gerald Green. The Nets also didn’t have to give up their own first round pick in the trade. The trade will not be finalized until July 11. Johnson, who is still owed $89.3 million over the next three years, was dealt for Anthony Morrow; Jordan Farmar, who will be bought out at Atlanta’s expense; Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, a signed-and-traded DeShawn Stevenson and the Rockets 2013 lottery protected first round pick.”

Trade agreements usually involve a detailed list of rights that nations must provide to authors of new works -- including any original content from books to software. But while the deals often include general provisions, permitting countries to adopt exceptions to those rights, they have never been explicitly required.

Those exceptions are what allow for the existence of everything from libraries to movie reviews. They're also critical for a host of internet operations, which frequently reference or make use of copyrighted material under well-established "fair use" standards and other key exemptions.

We're encouraged that the USTR (United States Trade Representative) has acknowledged that we can have strong and balanced copyright," said Matthew Schruers, vice president of law and policy at the Computer and Communications Industry Association, a tech lobbying organization. "There is still much more to be done, on this issue, other IP issues, as well as issues outside of the IP space. Nevertheless, this is an important first step toward modernizing the trade framework for the twenty-first century."

The USTR -- the White House agency, led by Ron Kirk, that's responsible for negotiating the Trans-Pacific deal -- said this new outline aims to enhance the framework of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"The TPP is intended to be a 21st century agreement, covering a number of emerging issue areas, and it’s clear that this is an issue of major importance to many stakeholders," said USTR spokesperson Carol Guthrie in a written statement. "After consulting with them and with our trading partners, we’ve decided to further enhance our framework."

Tech policy and transparency in the Trans-Pacific deal have generated some concern among a few members of Congress, who have said that key staffers were denied access to draft negotiation documents, even though more than 600 corporate officials were able to view the documents through positions on advisory panels.

Fair trade

Tarde and garments

2012-07-01T05:55:00.002-07:00

Cotheeka Trading Agency is one of the leading trading companies in Bangladesh specialized on Export-import, Local Trading and Marketing of various products ranging Computer & Electronic Accessories to Jute Products.

Cotheeka Trading Agency is reputable worldwide for its excellent Quality Control and Fast Turnaround time for delivering all kinds of products or services. Our commitment to customer services and passion for providing the best consumer value have enriched our spectacular growth since 2001. Our experience in management, including a wealth of experience in the areas of finance, strategy and operational management with distribution and direct marketing helped us to be established as one of the best trading companies in Asia. We have extensive experience developing inventive and original marketing campaigns that build our customer relationships in the retail and consumer product industries.
Web site of Cotheeka Trading Agency is updated with new information and fresh product offers on daily basis. So, don't forget to bookmark the site and visit often.

Your search for clothing industry trade fairs, fashion & textile exhibitions, apparel trade shows, garment technology trade fairs, optics & eyewear trade show, clothing accessories tradeshow, kidswear/children expositions and bridalwear tradefairs & expos from across the globe ends on this encompassing section. Here you can get access to the well-ordered data of Apparel & Clothing sector expositions based on knitted cloths & accessories, denims, scarves, lingerie, sportswear, gold/silver/platinum/crystal/metal jewellery, watches and other fashion ornaments & accessories helping you to opt from around 300 related expos.

International Trade Garments has been operating in the casual clothing industry since 2001.
You can have a look at our new updated Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter collections in our showrooms in Bergamo , where we are located. Our highly qualified staff follows the

There is a considerable increase in the textile and ready garment import trade in USA. Off late the USA garments importers have been importing huge quantities of garment from the Indian Exporters.

Due to the rising effects of globalization and technology transfer, setting up an international trade deal with the garments importers of any other country is not a big deal anymore. If you are dealing in garment / readymade garment or textile export trade, you might like to consider extending your business to USA. Almost every person exporting textile wants to establish trade links with USA importers of garments. One of the prime reasons that attract a lot of sellers to this place is the fact that they are able to earn dollars. Also, USA garments importers are known for being extremely professional and particular about their payment terms. Though it is easy to set up trade with these traders, but you will need the right sources to reach them. If you don’t have any existing links with these traders, you will have to find out ways to approach those who would be interested in buying your products.

The best help would be taking aid from the services of online export import database companies like Infodrive India. The database companies provide genuine export import data that is collected right from the ports and Customs offices. Whether you want to find US readymade garments importers or US textile and garment importers, you can always depend on their accurate list of active importers / buyers. The database includes all the important fields like US garments importers Name and Address, US Notify Party, Exporters Name and address, and Bill of Landing details. The Bill of Landing column has entries like BL number, Arrival Date, Weight kg, Pieces, Piece Unit, TEU, Measure cm, HS Code, and container number. Besides this information, the data also states Port of Embarkation, Port of Arrival, Product Description, and Marks number.

The data service of the export import database companies enables you to extend your business to new destinations and more prospective clients. With some business intelligence and a proper analysis of the latest database, you can also enhance your product’s demand in international market. development of the collections, from design up to the realization of the item, studying each single article in details always considering the new fashion trends of the market.
Thanks to a wide range of articles always available and a very good relation between quality and price, International Trade Garments is able to satisfy all the customers’ needs, guaranteeing prompt deliveries or programming them in advance time. Our production capacity in the Far East, in particular in China and Bangladesh, is one of our main asset, as we are able to produce not only our collections but also to make customized productions in Private Label. Thanks also to a very efficient logistic we are able to deliver quickly all over Italy and Europe.
International Trade Garments is characterized by a dynamic professional young team and bases its work on important values like competence, seriousness, flexibility, loyalty.

trade industry

LGE is returning this summer for its second year and has joined forces with Fashion Capital’s event PROFILE; bringing you a spectacular three days of trading, networking, catwalks and entertainment!

Held at The Business Design Centre, LGE is the must-see show for young designers, manufacturers and emerging brands. Showcasing the very best of womenswear, menswear, lingerie, swimwear and fabrics, LGE is where you will find buyers from the biggest names in the industry mixed in with new designers and world famous manufacturers.

LGE strives to create a hub of activity and excitement for 2012 by hosting exclusive catwalks, seminars, trend reports and B2B meetings, plus the chance to be a part of the VIP Gala where exhibitors can network with buyers, high profile decision makers and the most prominent apparel associations in the world.

Based on our analysis of the latest standards for Fair Trade Certified Apparel & Home Goods products and our knowledge of other initiatives towards high-road apparel production, we worry that the proposed standards for apparel to bear a fair trade label will fall short of today’s best
industry practices. We grant that—if there is a robust enforcement program—workers producing under these fair trade standards will enjoy working conditions better than the industry norm. But going just beyond the norm—sweatshop and, at times, near slave-labor conditions— should not be enough. To be the purveyor of a label that would claim to signify a high mark in terms of labor standards, wages, and working conditions, TransFair must truly push the envelope of reform, and only bestow its blessing on workplaces that provide an environment of dignity and respect, and ensure workers a meaningful voice and a decent standard of living, consistent with
the very best industry practices. There is significant risk in a fair trade label that fails to meet this bar. It can mislead consumers, lower the aspirations of major companies, and, in effect, push down standards from the top. This program does not occur in a vacuum. Other efforts that are attempting to implement good labor standards may face more obstacles if TransFair sets a low bar.
We would be proud to openly support real fair trade standards, and happy to promote the pioneering companies that seek to realize those standards for workers. But the present draft standards are not yet strong enough that we can offer our public endorsement.

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The Court agreed that goods such as those listed above in Nike's application were destined for the general public. However, Nike could not assert that the level of this public’s attention would be higher than that of the average consumer in that the garments covered by the mark applied for were what were described somewhat coyly as ‘intimate garments’. Even such garments are everyday consumer goods, in Spain at any rate. In any event, this argument would not wash: the goods covered by Nike’s application included those items of clothing which were not intimate as well as those which were.
Nike’s submission that the initially average distinctiveness of the word "jump" as a trade mark had become diluted was unconvincing. "Jump’ was not part of the basic vocabulary of the general public in Spain and would thus be perceived as a fanciful term.
Nike could not both (i) concede that it was likely that the relevant public did not attach a direct and unequivocal meaning to the term ‘jump’ and that, therefore, a conceptual comparison may not be established and (ii) argue that the word ‘jump’ bore for the average Spanish consumer – above all in connection with footwear, a connotation which was associated mentally with the idea of a sudden vertical movement or propulsion from the ground. If the word was not understood in Spain, it could have no meaning for the Spanish.
If the word ‘jump’ had no meaning to the average Spanish consumer, that word was not made more meaningful through the addition of the word ‘man’. The Board was correct to find that there was a likelihood of confusion, on account of the distinctive character of the word ‘jump’, the identity of the goods concerned and the visual and phonetic similarities between the signs at issue.

Trade in china

2012-06-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

China is the single most imperative challenge for EU trade policy. China has re-emerged as the world's second largest economy and the biggest exporter in the global wealth, but also an increasingly important political power. EU-China trade has augmented dramatically in recent years. China is now the EU's 2nd trading partner behind the USA and the EU's chief source of imports by far. The EU is also China's biggest trading partner.

The EU's open market has been a large contributor to China's export-led growth. The EU has also benefited from the development of the Chinese market and the EU is committed to open trading relations with China. However the EU wants to make certain that China trades fairly, respects intellectual assets rights and meet its WTO obligations.

Agricultural products were distributed in three major ways in China during the 1980s. They were either retained by the household (now the primary production unit) for allocation among its members, procured by the state, or sold in rural or urban free markets.

Approximately 63 percent of the populace was located in rural areas, where the majority of the people worked in agriculture and rural industries. Under the accountability system for agriculture instituted in 1981, the household replaced the production team as the basic production unit. Families contracted with the fiscal collective to farm a plot of land, delivered a set amount of grain or other produce and the farming tax to the state, and paid a fee to the collective. After meeting these obligations, the household was free to retain its surplus produce or sell it in free markets. Restrictions on private plots and household sideline production were lifted, and much of the making from these was also sold on free markets.

Once food was procured and transported to town areas, it was sold to consumers by state-owned stores and restaurants. In the mid-1980s food items were also accessible in free markets, where peasants sold their produce, and in privately owned restaurants. As noted previously, the prices of pigs, aquatic products, and vegetables were resolute by local authorities according to quality and demand; prices of other products floated freely on the market. Except for grain, edible oil, and a few other rationed items, food items were in good supply.

Industrial goods used in agricultural making were sold to agricultural units in the 1980s. Local cooperatives or state supply and marketing bureaus sold most farming producer goods, including chemical fertilizers and insecticides, to households at set prices. The state also offered preferential prices for agricultural inputs to grain farmers to encourage grain production. Households were permitted to purchase agricultural machines and vehicles to transport goods to market. In order to ensure that rural units could cover the costs of the increasing quantities of engineering inputs required for higher yields, the government periodically reduced the prices of the industrial goods sold to farmers, while raising the procurement prices for agricultural products. In the mid-1980s, however, the price gap between agricultural and industrial products was widening to the weakness of farmers.

Distribution of food and other agricultural goods to town consumers, industry, and rural areas deficient in food was carried out primarily by the state and secondarily by producers or cooperatives. The state procured agricultural goods by means of taxes in kind and by purchases by state commercial departments (state trading companies) under the Ministry of Commerce. The agricultural tax was not large, falling from 12 percent of the total value of agricultural output in 1952 to 5 percent in 1979. In 1984 the number of agricultural and sideline foodstuffs subject to state planning and purchasing quotas was reduced from twenty-nine to ten and included cereal grains, edible oil, cured tobacco, jute, hemp, and pigs. In 1985 the system of state purchasing quotas for agricultural products was abolished. Instead, the state purchased grain and cotton under bond at a set price. Once contracted quotas were met, the grain and cotton were sold on the market at floating prices. If market prices fell below the listed state price, the state purchased all available market grain at the state price to protect the welfare of producers. Vegetables, pigs, and aquatic products sold to urban, mining, and industrial areas were traded in local markets according to demand. Local commercial departments set the prices of these goods according to quality to protect the interests of urban patrons. All other agricultural goods were sold on the market to the state, to cooperatives, or to other producers. Restrictions on private business activities were greatly reduced, permitting peasants as well as cooperatives to transport agricultural goods to rural and town markets and allowing a rapid expansion of free markets in the countryside and in cities. The number of wholesale produce markets increased by 450 percent between 1983 and 1986, reaching a total of 1,100 and easing pressure on the state produce distribution network, which had been strained by the burgeoning agricultural production engendered by pastoral reforms. In 1986 free markets, called "commodity fairs," numbered 61,000 nationwide.

Trade in china

After 1982, reforms moved China's market to a mixed system based on mandatory planning, guidance planning (use of economic levers such as taxes, prices, and credit instead of administrative fiat), and the free market. In late 1984 further reforms of the urban industrial economy and commerce reduced the scope of mandatory development, increased enterprise autonomy and the authority of professional managers, loosened price controls to rationalize prices, and cut subsidies to enterprises. These changes created a "socialist planned commodity economy," essentially a dual economy in which planned allocation and distribution are supplemented by market exchanges based on on the edge or free prices.

As a result of these reforms, the distribution of goods used in trade production was based on mandatory planning with fixed prices, guidance planning with hovering prices, and the free market. Mandatory planning covered sixty industrial products, including coal, crude oil, rolled steel, nonferrous metals, timber, cement, electricity, basic trade chemicals, chemical fertilizers, major machines and electrical equipment, chemical fibers, newsprint, cigarettes, and defense industry products. Once enterprises under compulsory planning had met the state's mandatory plans and supply contracts, they could sell surplus production to commercial departments or other enterprises. Prices of surplus business producer goods floated within restrictions set by the state. The state also had a planned distribution system for imperative materials such as coal, iron and steel, timber, and cement. Enterprise managers who chose to exceed planned production goals purchased additional materials on the market. Major cities well-known wholesale markets for industrial producer goods to supplement the state's allocation organization.

Under guidance planning, enterprises try to meet the state's planned goals but make their own arrangements for production and sales based on the orientation of the state's plans, the availability of raw and unfinished materials and energy supplies, and the demands on the market. Prices of products under guidance planning either are unified prices or floating prices set by the state or prices negotiated between buyers and suppliers. Production and distribution of products not included in the state's plans are in time by market conditions.

Retail sales in China changed dramatically in the late 1970s and early 1980s as economic reforms increased the supply of food items and consumer goods, allowed state retail stores the freedom to purchase goods on their own, and permitted individuals and collectives greater freedom to engage in retail, service, and catering trades in rural and urban areas. Retail sales increased 300 percent from 1977 to 1985, rising at an average yearly rate of 13.9 percent — 10.5 percent when adjusted for rise. In the 1980s retail sales to rural areas increased at an annual rate of 15.6 percent, outpacing the 9.7 percent increase in retail sales to urban areas and reflecting the more rapid rise in rural incomes. In 1977 sales to rural areas comprised 52 percent of total retail sales; in 1984 rural sales accounted for 59.2 percent of the total. Consumer goods comprised approximately 88 percent of retail sales in 1985, the remaining 12 percent consisting of farming materials and equipment.

The number of retail sales enterprises also expanded rapidly in the 1980s. In 1985 there were 10.7 million retail, catering, and service establishments, a rise of 850 percent over 1976. Most remarkable in the expansion of retail sales was the rapid rise of collective and individually owned retail establishments. Individuals engaged in businesses numbered 12.2 million in 1985, more than 40 times the 1976 figure. Furthermore, as state-owned businesses either were leased or turned over to collective rights or were leased to individuals, the share of state-owned commerce in total retail sales dropped from 90.3 percent in 1976 to 40.5 percent in 1985.

In 1987 most urban retail and service establishments, including state, collective, and private businesses or vendors, were located either in major downtown commercial districts or in small neighborhood shopping areas. The region shopping areas were numerous and were situated so that at least one was within easy walking distance of almost every household. They were able to supply nearly all the daily needs of their customers. A typical neighborhood shopping area in Beijing would contain a one-story department store, bookstore, hardware store, bicycle repair shop, combined tea shop and bakery, restaurant, theater, laundry, bank, post office, barbershop, photography studio, and electrical appliance repair shop. The division stores had small pharmacies and carried a substantial range of housewares, appliances, bicycles, toys, sporting goods, fabrics, and clothing. Major shopping districts in big cities contained larger versions of the neighborhood stores as well as numerous specialty shops, selling such items as musical instruments, sporting goods, hats, stationery, handicrafts, cameras, and clocks.

Supplementing these retail establishments were free markets in which private and collective businesses provided services, hawked wares, or sold food and drinks. Peasants from surrounding rural areas marketed their spare produce or sideline production in these markets. In the 1980s urban areas also saw a revival of "night markets," free markets that operated in the evening and offered extended service hours that more formal establishments could not match.

Trade in china

In rural areas, supply and promotion cooperatives operated general stores and small shopping complexes near village and township administrative headquarters. These businesses were supplemented by collective and entity businesses and by the free markets that appeared across the countryside in the 1980s as a result of rural reforms. Generally speaking, a smaller variety of consumer goods was available in the countryside than in the cities. But the lack was partially offset by the increased access of some peasants to urban areas where they could purchase consumer goods and market farming items.

A number of important consumer goods, including grain, cotton cloth, meat, eggs, edible oil, sugar, and bicycles, were rationed during the 1960s and 1970s. To purchase these items, workers had to use coupons they received from their work units. By the mid-1980s rationing of over seventy items had been eliminated; production of buyer goods had increased, and most items were in good supply. Grain, edible oil, and a few other items still required coupons. In 1985 pork rationing was reinstated in twenty-one cities as supplies ran low. Pork was available at higher prices in supermarkets and free markets.

he pragmatic modernization drive led by party leaders Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping and China's growing contacts with Western nations resulted in a sharp acceleration of trade in the early 1970s. Imports of modern plants and equipment were mainly emphasized, and after 1973 oil became an increasingly important export. Trade more than doubled between 1970 and 1975, reaching US$13.9 billion. Growth in this period was about 9 percent a year. As a proportion of GNP, trade grew from 1.7 percent in 1970 to 3.9 percent in 1975. In 1976 the feeling of uncertainty resulting from the death of Mao Zedong and pressure from the Gang of Four, whose members opposed reliance on foreign technology, brought another decline in trade.

Beginning in the late 1970s, China reversed the Maoist monetary development strategy and, by the early 1980s, had committed itself to a policy of being more open to the outside world and widening foreign economic relations and trade. The opening up policy led to the reorganization and decentralization of foreign trade institutions, the adoption of a legal framework to facilitate foreign economic relations and trade, direct foreign investment, the creation of special economic zones, the rapid expansion of foreign trade, the importation of foreign technology and management methods, taking part in international financial markets, and participation in international foreign economic organizations. These changes not only benefited the Chinese economy but also integrated China into the world economy. In 1979 Chinese trade totaled US$27.7 billion - 6 percent of China's GNP but only 0.7 percent of total world trade. In 1985 Chinese strange trade rose to US$70.8 billion, representing 20 percent of China's GNP and 2 percent of total world trade and putting China sixteenth in world trade rankings.

he EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue was launched in Beijing in April 2008. The HED strengthens the dialogue between the European Commission and the State Council of China, at Vice-Premier level. It deals with issues of strategic importance to EU-China trade and economic relations and provides impetus to progress concretely in sectoral dialogues. This dialogue provides a tool to address issues of mutual concern in the areas of investment, market access and intellectual property rights protection, as well as other issues related to trade. The third meeting of the HED was held in Beijing on 20-21 December 2010.

The EU was a strong supporter of China's accession to the WTO, arguing that a WTO without China was not truly universal in scope. For China, formal succession to the WTO in December 2001 symbolised an important step of its integration into the universal economic order. The commitments made by China in the context of accession to the WTO secured improved access for EU firms to China's market. Import tariffs and other non-tariff barriers were sharply and permanently reduced. However, while China has made good progress in implementing its WTO commitments, there are still outstanding problems. China's compliance with the commitments it undertook when joining the WTO were periodically reviewed in a process called the Transitional Review Mechanism. This process ended 10 years after accession, in December 2011. The EU also uses the regular bi-annual Trade Policy Review of China in the WTO to raise a number of concerns regarding China's trade policy. These include inadequate protection of academic property rights, the maintenance of industrial policies and non-tariff measures which may discriminate against foreign companies and barriers to market access in a number of services sectors including construction, banking, insurance, telecommunications, and postal services). Export restrictions on raw materials have also been identified as a major trade obstacle.

In 2006 the European Commission adopted a major policy strategy (Partnership and Competition) on China that pledged the EU to accepting tough Chinese competition while pushing China to trade fairly. Part of this strategy is the ongoing conference on a comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) that started in January 2007. These discussions aim to further improve the framework for bilateral trade and outlay relations and also include the upgrading of the 1985 EC-China Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement. However, positions remain far apart on many important chapters, and the European payment has called upon China to make obvious more ambition.

China reported a buy and sell surplus equivalent to 31.7 Billion USD in June of 2012. Historically, from 1986 until 2012, China Balance of Trade averaged 6.0300 Billion USD reaching an all time high of 40.0900 Billion USD in November of 2008 and a record low of -66.0000 Billion USD in December of 1989. Export growth has continued to be a major component supporting China's rapid economic growth. Exports of goods and services constitute 39.7% of GDP. China major exports are: office machines & data processing equipment, telecommunications equipment, electrical machinery and apparel & clothing. China imports mainly commodities: iron and steel, oil and mineral fuels; machinery and equipment, plastics, optical and medical equipment and organic chemicals. Its main trading partners are: European Union, The United States, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. This page includes a chart with historical data for China Balance of Trade.

Retail sales in China changed dramatically in the late 1970s and early 1980s as economic reforms increased the supply of food items and consumer goods, allowed state retail stores the freedom to purchase goods on their own, and permitted individuals and collectives greater freedom to engage in retail, service, and catering trades in rural and urban areas. Retail sales increased 300 percent from 1977 to 1985, rising at an average yearly rate of 13.9 percent — 10.5 percent when adjusted for inflation. In the 1980s retail sales to rural areas increased at an annual rate of 15.6 percent, outpacing the 9.7 percent increase in retail sales to urban areas and reflecting the more rapid rise in rural incomes. In 1977 sales to rural areas comprised 52 percent of total retail sales; in 1984 rural sales accounted for 59.2 percent of the total. Consumer goods comprised approximately 88 percent of retail sales in 1985, the remaining 12 percent consisting of farming materials and equipment.

The number of retail sales enterprises also expanded rapidly in the 1980s. In 1985 there were 10.7 million retail, catering, and service establishments, a rise of 850 percent over 1976. Most remarkable in the expansion of retail sales was the rapid rise of collective and individually owned retail establishments. Individuals engaged in businesses numbered 12.2 million in 1985, more than 40 times the 1976 figure. Furthermore, as state-owned businesses either were leased or turned over to collective ownership or were leased to individuals, the share of state-owned commerce in total retail sales dropped from 90.3 percent in 1976 to 40.5 percent in 1985.

In 1987 most urban retail and service establishments, including state, collective, and private businesses or vendors, were located either in major downtown commercial districts or in small neighborhood shopping areas. The neighborhood shopping areas were numerous and were situated so that at least one was within easy walking distance of almost every household. They were able to supply nearly all the daily needs of their customers. A typical neighborhood shopping area in Beijing would contain a one-story department store, bookstore, hardware store, bicycle repair shop, combined tea shop and bakery, restaurant, theater, laundry, bank, post office, barbershop, photography studio, and electrical appliance repair shop. The department stores had small pharmacies and carried a substantial range of housewares, appliances, bicycles, toys, sporting goods, fabrics, and clothing. Major shopping districts in big cities contained larger versions of the neighborhood stores as well as numerous specialty shops, selling such items as musical instruments, sporting goods, hats, stationery, handicrafts, cameras, and clocks.

Supplementing these retail establishments were free markets in which private and collective businesses provided services, hawked wares, or sold food and drinks. Peasants from surrounding rural areas marketed their surplus produce or sideline production in these markets. In the 1980s urban areas also saw a revival of "night markets," free markets that operated in the evening and offered extended service hours that more formal establishments could not match.

Trade in china

Trade in Brazil

2012-06-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Brazil reported a trade surplus equivalent to 807 Million USD in June of 2012. in times gone by, from 1991 until 2012, Brazil Balance of Trade averaged 1310.5900 Million USD reaching an all time high of 5659.4000 Million USD in July of 2006 and a record low of -1845.3000 Million USD in December of 1996. Brazil has an export-oriented economy. The main exports are transport equipment, iron ore, industrial raw materials, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos, automotive parts, machinery. Brazil imports machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, automotive part and electronics. The primary trading partners of Brazil are The United States, European Union and Argentina. This page includes a graph with chronological data for Brazil Balance of Trade.

The balance of trade is the difference between the monetary value of exports and imports in an economy over a certain period of time. A positive balance of trade is known as a trade surplus and consists of exporting more than is imported; a unconstructive balance of trade is known as a trade deficit or, informally, a trade gap. The balance of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as worldwide aid. If the current account is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position. The Balance of Trade is identical to the difference between a country's amount produced and its domestic demand - the difference between what goods a country produces and how many goods it buys from abroad; this does not include money respent on foreign stocks, nor does it factor the concept of importing goods to produce for the domestic market.

The EU is Brazil's biggest trading partner, accounting for 22.5% of its total trade (2009). It is part of Mercosur and part of the EU's ongoing negotiations for a free trade conformity with that regional group. Brazil is the single biggest exporter of agricultural products to the EU, accounting for 12.4% of total EU imports (2009) and ranks as the EU's 10th trading partner. In goods, the EU runs an overall trade deficit with Brazil of over €4.1 billion (2009but has a surplus in commercial services trade of €2.4 billion (2009). The EU is the biggest foreign investor in Brazil with nest egg in many sectors of the economy.

The Brazilian market is relatively highly protected with an applied customs averaging tariff of 12% and the EU consistently encourages Brazil to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and to maintain a stable regulatory situation for European investors and traders. Brazil is a key interlocutor for the EU in the on-going WTO Doha Round of world trade talks.

The backbone of the EU's future bilateral trade relations with Brazil will be a wide-ranging EU-Mercosur Association Agreement which will also result in the creation of a vast free trade area. This agreement which is currently under compromise should provide a boost to regional trade integration among the countries of Mercosur and stimulate new opportunities for trade with the EU by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. The Mercosur-EU AA will cover, among other issues, trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights (IPR) aspects including protection of environmental indications, government procurement, technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary aspects.

Trade in Brazil

Until summer 2004 there was gradual but substantial progress in the negotiationwhich, however, stalled in September 2004. Since then, regular acquaintances have taken place both at ministerial and technical level in order to explore ways on how to re-engage the process. The Madrid Summit, which brought together Heads of State and Governments from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, as well as imperative non-state actors, resulted in a decision to re-launch negotiations of the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement - a process which is now under way.

Brazil was the United States' 8th largest goods export souk in 2011.

U.S. goods exports to Brazil in 2011 were $42.9 billion, up 21.2% ($7.5 billion) from 2010, and up 180% from 2000. U.S. exports to Brazil accounted for 2.9% of taken as a whole U.S. exports in 2011.

The top export categories (2-digit HS) in 2011 were: Machinery ($7.9 billion), Mineral Fuel ($6.3 billion), Aircraft ($5.4 billion), Electrical Machinery ($4.6 billion), and Plastic ($2.1 billion).

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Brazil totaled $800 million in 2011. Leading categories include: cotton ($323 million), dairy products ($40 million), wheat ($30 million), and sugars and sweeteners ($21 million).

U.S. exports of private commercial services* (i.e., excluding military and management) to Brazil were $19.9 billion in 2011 (preliminary data), 21% ($3.4 billion) more than 2010 and 219% greater than 2000 levels. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services, telecom services, and financial services), travel and royalties and license fees categories accounted for most of the U.S. services exports to Brazil.

Brazil was the United States' 17th largest supplier of goods imports in 2011.

U.S. goods imports from Brazil totaled $31.4 billion in 2011, a 30.9% increase ($7.4 billion) from 2010, and up 126% from 2000. U.S. imports from Brazil accounted for 1.4% of overall U.S. imports in 2011.

The five largest import categories in 2011 were: Mineral Fuel and Oil (crude) ($10.5 billion), Iron and Steel ($3.5 billion), Machinery ($2.3 billion), Spices, Tea, and Coffee (coffee) ($2.0 billion), and Wood Pulp ($1.0 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Brazil totaled $4.1 billion in 2011, the 4th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: coffee (unroasted) ($1.9 billion), fruit and vegetable juices ($321 million), tobacco ($278 million), and raw beet and sugar cane ($270 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services* (i.e., excluding military and government) were $6.9 billion in 2011 (preliminary data), 32% ($1.7 billion) more than 2010 and up 254% from 2000 level. The other private services (business, qualified, and technical services), travel services, and royalties and license fees categories led U.S. services imports from Brazil.

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Brazil (stock) was $66.0 billion in 2010 (latest data available), up 19.7% from 2009.

U.S. direct investment in Brazil is led by the manufacturing and finance/ indemnity sectors.

Brazil FDI in the United States (stock) was $1.1 billion in 2010 (latest data available).

Brazil’s reported direct investment in the U.S. is led by the comprehensive trade sector.

Sales of services in Brazil by majority U.S.-owned affiliates were $24.7 billion in 2009 (latest data available), while sales of services in the United States by majority Brazil-owned firms were $972 million.

OPPOSITE Rio de Janeiro's best-known shopping mall, just before the tunnel that takes drivers to the beach resorts of Copacabana and Ipanema, stands a gleaming new showroom for JAC Motors, a state-owned Chinese car maker. The importance of the location is appropriate: imported Chinese cars have suddenly become a visible presence on Brazil's roads. This has alarmed Brazil's car industry and President Dilma Rousseff's government. Last month a 30-percentage-point tax increase on cars with less than 65% local content took effect, taking the tax on some imported models to a punitive 55%—on top of import tariffs.

The government's response is a mix of short-term protectionist measures combined with modest steps towards more constructive longer-term policy changes. The tax rise on cars was announced last September, as part of a new engineering policy. The aim was to bully carmakers without plants in Brazil to hurry up and build them. This seems to be working: JAC Motors, BMW, and Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India's Tata Motors, have all announced plans to build factories in Brazil since the import tax was unveiled.

The industrial policy also features an experimental cut in the payroll tax for footwear, textile, furniture and software firms. But officials are at pains to point out that, rather than help specific industries, the main thrust of the new policy is to try to boost competitiveness more generally by promoting innovation, higher schooling and training.

The second emollient is that the real has depreciated by 17% against the dollar since its peak in late July. That is partly because investors fled emerging markets but also because of government intervention, in the form of taxes on short-term capital inflows. At the same time, the Central Bank has taken advantage of the economy's soft patch to cut its benchmark interest rate, from 12.5% in August to 11%. With inflation at 6.5%, the real interest rate is much lower than at any other time in the past decade.

But industry also wants to see fewer taxes, cheaper energy, less bureaucracy and better transport networks, says Paulo Skaf, FIESP's president. On these things the government is moving far more slowly, if at all. However narrowly targeted, protectionism will not only raise prices in Brazil but risks sending the wrong message to businesses. Across Latin America, trade with China is growing but partly at the expense of intra-regional trade in manufactures. Brazil should lead a move to tear down all trade barriers within Latin America, thus turning the Chinese challenge into an opportunity, says Mr Amaral.

In 2005, Brazil's total exports more than doubled to US$118 billion from $58 billion for 2001. Over that same period, imports into South America's largest country grew some 30% to $74 billion from $56 billion.

Brazil's trade surplus has expanded more than 16-times to $47 billion from $2.6 billion over the past 4 years.

With a population of almost 200 million, Brazil is the world's leading exporter of sugar, coffee, beef and orange juice. Soybeans are Brazil's fastest-growing shipments, powered by the appetites of China's 1.3 billion consumers. Other major exports include aircraft, vehicles, iron ore, steel, textiles and footwear.

o remain an agricultural superstar in global trade, Brazil has to deal with growing pains. The recent collapse of World Trade Organization talks in Doha shut the door on an initiative to remove U.S. and European farm subsidies and trade tariffs that would have spurred Brazil's exports onto new heights of success. Also, a weak American dollar makes Brazilian products more expensive and therefore sensitive to international competition. And Brazil is notorious for poorly constructed and maintained roads, railways and seaports. Three hour delays at airports are common. This is further aggravated by an inefficient customs service.

Brazil is one of the top ten world economic powers. Its cautious taxation and monetary policies, together with the necessary microeconomic reforms, have given the Brazilian economy solid basis allowing it to withstand the global economic crisis.

Brazil has abundant natural resources and its economy is relatively diversified.

Trade in Brazil

A major agricultural power, Brazil is the world's first producer of coffee, sugar cane and oranges, as well as one of the largest producers of soy. It also attracts many world groups in the food industry and biofuels. Brazil has the world's largest commercial livestock herd. Nevertheless, agriculture's contribution to the GDP is relatively small, accounting for only 6.6%, yet the sector represents 40% of its exports. Forests cover half of the country, with the largest ombrophilous forest in the world situated in the Amazon Basin. Brazil is the world's fourth largest exporter of timber.

Brazil is also a great industrial country. It benefits from its mineral ore wealth and is the second world exporter of iron and one of the main producers of aluminum. As an oil producer, the Brazil is aiming to become self-sufficient in the near future. The country is asserting itself more and more in the textile, aeronautics, pharmacy, automobile, steel and chemical industry sectors.

and France enjoy a close bilateral relationship based on values shared by the two countries: promotion of democratic principles and human rights, strengthening of international law and multilateralism, promotion of the development and respect of social justice, preservation of peace and security, commitment to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to disarmament, protection of the environment and cultural diversity.

France has recognized Brazil as its special partner in South America and as a global player in international affairs. The two countries are committed to strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the areas for which working groups have been created: nuclear energy, renewable energies, defence technologies, technological innovation, joint cooperation in African countries and space technologies, medicines and the environment.

France and Brazil entered a formal strategic alliance in 2008. France supports Brazil's ambition to become a global player on the international scene, and has been a strong supporter of the Brazilian bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.Through significant technology transfers, France intends to help Brazil acquire key technologies of a major world power in the military, space, energy and technology sectors.

Brazil and France share a 673 km border between the state of Amapá and French Guiana. The cross-border cooperation between the two countries has enjoyed increased vitality. This cooperation makes it possible to better integrate French Guyana into its geographical environment, to respond to the concerns of both parties about the various cross-border risks, to encourage human exchanges and trade and to develop the economy of the Amazon region, respecting the local populations and extraordinary environment. The granting to France, on the initiative of Brazil, of observer status within the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, will strengthen this cooperation. The construction of the Oyapock River Bridge over the Oyapock River, decided during President Lula’s visit to France, will make the Cayenne-Macapá road link possible. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in 2010. In May 2012 Brazil sent troops to guard its border with France (Guiana)

Although Brazil has made substantial progress in reducing traditional border trade barriers (tariffs, import licensing, etc.), tariff rates in many areas remain high and continue to favor locally produced products. Brazil's barriers to trade are a cause for concern for the US Government and the European Union (EU), both of whom continue to work through regional trade accord negotiations and at the WTO level to influence tariff and non-tariff barriers. This report touches upon a broad range of trade regulations that may affect US companies seeking to export to Brazil.

Mexico Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa downplayed prospects for a free-trade agreement with Brazil, saying Latin America’s biggest economy has dragged its feet in trade talks with other nations.

“Brazil currently has trade negotiations under way that date far back with many different countries,” Espinosa said in an interview in Bloomberg’s Mexico City offices yesterday. “This makes us think that it’s a country in which there isn’t much flexibility for a negotiation.”

Mexican President Felipe Calderon and former Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vowed last year to start talks on a free-trade pact. A deal would help Mexico diversify trade away from the U.S., which buys 80 percent of its exports, though it may be thwarted by Brazil’s efforts to boost protection for manufacturers being hurt by a rally in its currency and increased competition from China.

Trade flow problems between Argentina and Brazil continue to exist” revealed Brazilian Industry Ministry Executive Secretary Alessandro Teixera in direct reference to the non automatic trade licenses conflict that flared between both countries a few months ago.

Non automatic import licences are an instrument contemplated by the World Trade Organization given certain periods of time and certain conditions.

“There are still trade flow problems. However, a little trouble is always expected between the Mercosur trade bloc members,” Teixeira stated from Asunción, at the Mercosur summit.

Teixeira explained that in order to move forward with negotiations to solve the trade dispute, several private meetings between Brazilian and Argentine negotiators were taking place in Paraguay.

"Doing Business in Brazil" is a follow-up to the 1999 publication "Doing Business in Latin America". Along with the portfolio’s annual "Capture the Americas — Latin America" seminar series, it is another tangible sign of the Government’s commitment to promoting Australian trade and investment in Latin America, and supporting the efforts of the business community.

The importance of expanding Australia’s relations with Latin America was highlighted by the report, tabled in September 2000, on "Australia’s Trade and Investment Relationship with South America" by the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of the Australian Parliament. The report assessed that the region had considerable market expansion potential and could play a more important role from Australia’s trading perspective.

The Government has responded positively to the thrust of the recommendations. In particular, at the time of his visit to Brazil in March 2001, my colleague, Mr Downer, and I jointly announced the creation of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR). The Council, which will include prominent business representatives with experience in Latin America, will advise government and business on ways to further Australia’s commercial, economic and political interests in the region.

Of all the region’s markets, Brazil stands out. It is already Australia’s largest trading partner there, and, due to its economic size and diversity, offers significant potential.

My first official overseas assignment as Australian Trade Minister in September 1999 included a visit to Brazil. I was struck by the warm and positive relations that exist between our two countries. I was able to speak to Australian business people on the ground and obtain first-hand assessments of the opportunities for our exporters.

While the commercial relationship is growing, it remains less than optimal: Brazil, the ninth largest economy in the world, accounts for only 0.5 per cent of Australia’s total exports. Clearly, the potential for further commercial cooperation is substantial.

Trade in Brazil

Trade in Malaysia

2012-06-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

Malaysia is one of Vietnam ’s most important strategic partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and is a huge potential market, said the Deputy Director of the Asian-Pacific Market Development Department under the Industry and Trade Ministry, Chu Thang Trung.

This year, the ministry chooses Malaysia , particularly the MIFB as one of trade promotion activities to introduce Vietnamese brand names that are exported to the exmarket, Trung added.

On display in Kuala Lumpur from July 12-14, Vietnamese pavilions were very popular with well-known brand names of agricultural products and seafood.

Statistically, over the last few years bilateral trade between Vietnam and Malaysia has been increasing at roughly 20 percent year on year. Two-way trade reached 6.66 billion USD in 2011, of which Vietnamese exports accounted for almost 2.76 billion USD. In the first six months of this year, the figure was about 4 billion USD.

This year’s MIFB attracted 350 businesses from 20 nations and territories across the world to display their various products, goods and services in 500 stands on an area of 11,800 sq.m.-VNA

Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, has been a trade hub for centuries. Since the beginning of history, Malacca has served as a fundamental regional commercial center for Chinese, Indian, Arab and Malay merchants for trade of precious goods. Today, Malaysia shares healthy trade relations with a number of countries, specifically the US. The country is associated with trade organizations, such as APEC, ASEAN and WTO. The ASEAN Free Trade Area that was established for trade promotion among ASEAN members also has Malaysia as its founding member. Malaysia has also signed Free Trade Agreements with countries including Japan, Pakistan, China and New Zealand.Malaysia was once the world’s largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil. Its manufacturing sector has a crucial role in its economic growth. The export industry was hit hard during the late 2000 economic recession drastically dropping to 78% i.e. FDI to RM4.2 billion in the first two quarters of 2009. Total exports fell down to $156.4 billion in 2009 from $198.7 billion in 2008. The imports also reduced from 154.7 billion in 2008 to $119.5 billion 2009.

The scarcity of organs available to transplant in Malaysia is the main contributing factor in this organ trade. Dr Hasan and his ministry are partly to blame for this scarcity. They have failed to publicise the life-changing potential of donating organs.

They, and our communal and religious leaders, have never provided enough encouragement to Malaysians to carry a donor card, proudly and nobly.

Our conservative culture plays no small part in this organ shortage. Many Malaysians, of all races and religions, are fearful of death, and regard any discussion of death as taboo. This makes it difficult, of course, for a young Malaysians to bring up the subject of carrying a donor card at the family dinner table, for example.

Scarcity, perhaps inevitably, leads to high prices. Relatively affluent Malaysians can fly to China or India to have a liver or kidney transplant. Where does the organ come from? It’s best not to ask. It’s entirely believable, given the demand for organs, that living Bangladeshis can be imported to Malaysia, as a kind of organ delivery service.

Karachi—Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed that while bilateral trade had witnessed a steady growth after FTA in January 2008, there still existed a considerable untapped potential to enhance the two-way commerce and broaden the narrow range of products being traded between the two countries.

Leading businessmen and senior government officials from Pakistan and Malaysia underscored an effective use of various protocols and frameworks available under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost economic relations and broaden the scope of bilateral trade.

Trade in Malaysia

The consensus to work aggressively to forge business partnerships emerged at a daylong Pakistan Malaysia Business Forum held in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday under the joint aegis of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). The event that drew nearly 200 leading Malaysian and Pakistani investors and businessmen for a daylong exchange of business ideas also served as an ideal opportunity for productive networking and business matchmaking. Malaysian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on South Asia, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu who recently led a business delegation on a visit to Pakistan, also attended the Business Forum.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says the agreement will see Malaysia cut tariffs on 99 per cent of Australian imported goods by 2017, and Australia will eliminate all tariffs on Malaysian imports.

After seven years of negotiating, the agreement will reduce tariffs on dairy, automotive, food manufacturing, wine and iron and steel products.

Malaysia is Australia's third-largest trading partner in South-East Asia and 10th biggest worldwide.

Two-way trade in goods and services reached $16 billion in 2011.

Australia has several similar agreements with Singapore, Thailand and the United States, and bilateral negotiations with China, Japan and South Korea are under way.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson described the deal with Malaysia as "a platinum agreement" in trade liberalisation.

"I know the business community in both countries value this agreement," he told reporters.

A statement released by his office said the deal "will further integrate the Australian economy with the fast-growing Asian region, benefiting Australian exporters, importers and consumers."

Malaysian trade minister Mustapha Mohamad hailed the deal as historic.

"Australian exporters to Malaysia will also be able to immediately enjoy significantly reduced tariffs for goods, reaching up to 99 per cent by 2020," he said at a signing ceremony with Mr Emerson.

The agreement also allows Malaysian investors to participate in Australian private hospital services including massage, homeopathy and traditional medicine.

Malaysia, meanwhile, has agreed to allow 100 per cent equity holdings by Australian entities in the Malaysian education and telecommunication sectors, and 70 per cent holdings in the Malaysian insurance and investment-banking sectors.