West Virginia World Trader
December 2004
Council News  

In This Issue


Click on sponsor links to learn more


Visit This Sponsor


Visit This Sponsor


Visit This Sponsor


Visit This Sponsor


Visit This Sponsor


Add/Remove

Enter your email address in the box below to be added to the West Virginia Export Council newsletter mailing list. Unsubscribe by entering your email address and clicking on Remove:

Add Remove

Message from the Chairman

Over the summer the WV Export Council joined with the U.S. Commercial Service and the West Virginia Development Office to develop a new website – worldtradewv.com. The website was created as a resource for West Virginia businesses – large and small – wishing to expand their export activity or enter exporting for the first time.

We believe worldtradewv.com.com serves as a clearinghouse for West Virginia companies by providing useful information and important links businesses need to succeed internationally. Here is a sampling of what you will find at worldtradewv.com:

  • Learn how to find international partners and customers
  • Get answers to your shipping and freight forwarding questions
  • Find out what time it is anywhere in the world
  • Determine the best payment method for your new international customer
  • Join a trade mission of West Virginia companies to personally meet with potential representatives

Visit worldtradewv.com today and sign up for the monthly newsletter of the West Virginia Export Council. Follow the scrolling link under “Current News”.

If you have calendar items, suggested content to include on the website or want to share your comments, please contact the West Virginia Development office at 304-558-2234 or via email: sspence@wvdo.org, ldrake@wvdo.org, dmartin@wvdo.org.

Federal Update

Congratulations To Sharon Lovejoy - Sharon Lovejoy, Export Assistance Specialist in the Charleston Export Assistance Center (EAC) will be retiring from government service effective January 7, 2005.

Sharon began her government career with the Social Security Administration in the early 1980’s and has worked in the Charleston EAC since July 1985. Pictured is Sharon receiving her 20 year certificate this past summer from Philadelphia Network Director Joe Hanley. She has been a tremendous asset in the functioning of the Charleston EAC and we all wish her the very best in retirement.

Should you wish to congratulate Sharon, you may send a note to her at: Sharon.lovejoy@mail.doc.gov

U.S. Department of Commerce Publishes Best Market Reports for U.S. Exports - Best Market Reports for U.S. Exports are now available for the following industries:

  • Pollution Control Equipment
  • Telecommunications Equipment and Services
  • Medical Equipment and Technologies
  • U.S. Computers and Peripherals
  • U.S. Airport and Ground Support Equipment

For a copy of any of the above reports, send an email request to: charlestonwv.office.box@mail.doc.gov

U.S. Microelectronics Trade Mission, Shanghai, China, March 14-18, 2005 - The U.S. Microelectronics Trade Mission to Shanghai, China, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service, March 14-18, 2005, is an ideal way to establish or maintain a competitive position in China's lucrative market. This mission will coincide with the acclaimed annual Shanghai exhibition Electronica and Productronica China 2005 - co-located with SEMICON China.

Participation is open to representatives of U.S. firms specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of a range of microelectronics products, including semiconductor devices, IC design, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, clean room equipment, and electronics packaging/interconnects. If you are interested, please contact Marlene Ruffin by phone at 202-482-0570 or by email: Marlene.Ruffin@mail.doc.gov.

Click Here To View The United States Department of
Commerce Trade Events List

U.S. Department of Commerce Publishes “Business Ethics”: A Manual for Managing a Responsible Business in Emerging Market Economies - Business enterprises looking for guidance on how to operate in accordance with modern standards of corporate accountability and ethics need look no further than this comprehensive guide to business ethics.

Designed as a training tool for enterprises operating in countries that have just recently transitioned to a market economy, “Business Ethics” will also be useful to decision-makers in any organization that is seeking to design and implement a business ethics program that conforms to global standards.

The 10 chapters of “Business Ethics” are organized into five sections that answer the questions:

  • What is a responsible business enterprise?
  • What constitutes a business ethics program?
  • How is a business ethics program structured?
  • How is a business ethics program put into practice?
  • How can responsible business conduct be achieved?

To obtain more details and ordering information, click here.

Seeking Electric Current Standards in Foreign Markets - “Electric Current Abroad” is a useful tool for exporters, manufacturers, and travelers alike. This U.S. Department of Commerce publication lists the characteristics of electric current available and the type of attachment plugs used in over 150 countries. It is an update of a similar handbook published in 1991.

The booklet includes a comprehensive table that indicates the type of current (alternating or direct current), number of phases, frequency (hertz), and voltage, as well as the stability of the frequency and the number of wires to a commercial or residential installation. Accompanying illustrations clearly show the types of plugs and sockets in commercial use.

Note that the information contained in this publication pertains to domestic and commercial service only. It does not apply to special commercial installations involving relatively high voltage requirements or to industrial installations.

To obtain ordering information or to download in PDF format, you may click here.

China Commercial Brief
Please click here to see the latest edition of the U.S. Commercial Service’s China Commercial Brief to learn about the latest developments in the Chinese market.


Phonebook of the World
With Phonebook Of The World.com you can click on a section of the world map and then type in the name of a business or person whose number you want to find. This is the easiest way to locate a phone number internationally, and it is cheaper and takes up less space than a stack of phone directories.

Commercial News USA - The official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Commerce Department is read worldwide by more than 300,000 pre-qualified prospects in 145 countries. Promote your products and services around the world. Listing ads start at less than a penny per day. Commercial News USA can be reviewed online in html or pdf format.

Reserve your space in the next issue today. The deadline for advertising in the March/April 2005 issue of Commercial News USA is Jan. 12th. Call 1-800-581-8533 or
Visit Our Web site at www.export.gov/cnusa
Featured Market

Turkey
Few countries in the world share Turkey's geo-strategic position as a bridge between east and west. This makes Turkey one of the most exciting trade centers in the world, as it connects Europe with the Caucuses, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Turkey's large domestic market and a Customs Union with the European Union (EU) offer numerous opportunities for American firms. Best prospects for Turkey include telecommunications services and equipment, automotive parts/service equipment, information technology, safety and security equipment and services, and more.

Learn more about this market: Click Here

Global Roundup

Mexico: Border Clearance - The United States and Mexico recently began a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) between Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, which provides importers expedited release for qualifying low-risk commercial shipments. FAST cuts truck-wait times from an average of two hours to approximately 20 minutes. For details, log onto the U.S. Customs & Border Website.

Experts’ Advice for Seeking Foreign Patents - The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) in consultation with a group of patent law attorneys produced a 66-page report on obtaining foreign patents. Included in this report is a list of steps small businesses should take to improve their foreign patent efforts. Some of the key steps include:

  • Avoid divulging information about the invention prior to filing a U.S. patent application.
  • Be familiar with key dates and deadlines that are specified under U.S., foreign, and international law, and take foreign filing actions accordingly.
  • Manage patent portfolio as an asset and regularly review foreign portfolio.
  • Only file in countries where protection will be meaningful and the patent will produce a return on investment.
  • Consider filing under international and regional treaties (Patent Cooperation Treaty, European Patent Office, etc.).

To obtain a copy of the complete 66-page report, send an email request to the Charleston Export Assistance Center Office box at: charlestonwv.office.box@mail.doc.gov
West Virginia World Trader produced by
Capitol City Communications.