Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Before the Trade North America Conference in Detroit, Commerce Deputy Secretary Hightower listed four key trade priorities of the Commerce Department as visa reform, export controls review, intellectual property protection, and intergovernmental cooperation and trade promotion. Also emphasized at the September 9, 2009 event was the need for enforcement of existing trade agreements to ensure free and fair trade, and to resist any impulses toward protectionism. (Remarks, dated 09/09/09, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/DeputySecretarySpeeches/PROD01_008395)
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1. Commerce Deputy Secretary Lists Trade Priorities for North America
2. Goods and Services Deficit Increased in July 2009
The Nation's international deficit in goods and services increased to $32.0 billion in July from $27.5 billion (revised) in June, as imports increased more than exports. (Information, dated 09/10/09, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/.)
3. FMC to Hold Partially Open Meeting on September 15th
The Federal Maritime Commission is holding a partially open meeting on September 15, 2009. Matters under consideration during the open portion of the meeting include the statutory re-codification of 46 CFR and a FY 2009 budget status update. The closed session includes a staff briefing on the global economic downturn and its potential impact on stakeholders. (FR Pub 09/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21948.pdf)
4. China Plans to Allow More Foreign Investment, Etc.
China's Ministry of Commerce states that China will gradually reduce limits on equity stake proportion in investment from overseas companies, allowing qualified foreign-invested enterprises to list in the country's stock market. China also says it will create a legal and policy environment in mutual investment, gradually granting foreign-funded enterprises the same treatment as their Chinese counterparts. A senior Chinese Cabinet official added that the Chinese government has pledged to provide more opportunities for overseas investment to help refuel global trade. (News release, dated 09/09/09, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200909/20090906506188.html)
5. China's AQSIQ Announces 3 National Children's Garment Standards Implemented Since August
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine announced that that three national standards on children's garments have been formally implemented since August 1, 2009. These standards are Safety Specifications for Cords and Drawstrings on Children's Clothing, Standard Safety Size for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Wear, and Code of Practice for the Design and Manufacture of Children's Clothing to Promote Mechanical Safety. (News release, dated 09/10/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200909/t20090910_126433.htm)
6. DHS Awards Stimulus Funding for Airport Security Technologies
On September 10, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security announced $35.4 million in funding for three airport security projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-designed to enhance the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to strengthen security at airports while creating jobs across the country. (Press release, dated 09/10/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1252610232386.shtm.)
7. DHS and Seneca Nation Formalize WHTI Agreement
On September 10, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security and the Seneca Nation of Indians formalized an agreement to develop a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC). (Press release, dated 09/10/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1252601775704.shtm.)
8. APHIS Correction Affecting Clementines, Mandarins, Tangerines from Chile
Effective September 10, 2009, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is correcting its April 2009 final rule that allowed the importation of sweet oranges and grapefruit from Chile into the continental U.S. In making the April change, APHIS inadvertently amended the regulations to incorrectly restrict the importation of clementines, mandarins, and tangerines from Chile. (D/N APHIS-2007-0115, FR Pub 09/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21801.pdf)
9. Members Needed to Represent U.S. in U.S.-India CEO Forum
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice requesting applications for membership opportunities for appointment as representatives to the U.S. Section of the U.S.-India CEO Forum. Applications are due by October 1, 2009. (FR Pub 09/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21696.pdf)
10. FTZB Notices
FTZ 25. Reorganization/Expansion, Broward County, FL
11. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bid for Cheddar
The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted bids under the Dairy Export Incentive Program from exporter Hoogwegt U.S., Inc. (cheddar cheese) to Africa and the Middle East. (News release, dated 09/09/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0221-09)
12. FDA Posts Enforcement Report for September 9th
The Food and Drug Administration has posted its Enforcement Report for the week of September 9, 2009. The report contains information on actions taken in connection with agency regulatory activities. (Report, dated 09/09/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm181754.htm)