Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. China Eases Currency Rules for Foreign Subsidiaries

The Journal of Commerce Online reports that China will allow multinational firms to move foreign exchange capital freely among their subsidiaries in China, in an effort to ease capital controls on foreign companies. According to the article, the relaxation in foreign exchange controls, effective November 4, 2004, makes it easier for companies to invest and expand within China. (JoC Online dated 11/04/04, www.joc.com.)

2. Commerce Launches New Web Site on Intellectual Property Rights

The Commerce Department has issued a press release announcing the launch of a new web site dedicated to assisting American innovators and entrepreneurs secure their intellectual property rights at home and abroad. According to the press release, the new site, www.StopFakes.gov is an element of the Administration's "Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP)" initiative.) (Press release dated 10/29/04, available at http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/2004_Releases/October/04_Evans_IPRPressConference_Release.htm.)

3. U.S. and Vietnam Hold Bilateral Talks on Vietnam's WTO Accession

The U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) has issued a textile development memo reporting Vietnamese trade officials visited Washington, DC for extensive negotiations with the U.S. on Vietnam's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). USA-ITA adds that in October 2004, Vietnam and the European Union (EU) successfully concluded their bilateral negotiations on Vietnam's accession. (USA-ITA Pub, www.usaita.com)

4. State Dept's International Economic Policy Advisory Committee to Meet

The State Department has issued a press release announcing that on November 15, 2004, its Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) will meet Monday, November 15, 2004 to discuss upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events in Santiago, Chile; the lifting of sanctions regarding Libya; and subcommittee updates. The State Department notes that the public may attend this meeting as seating capacity allows. (State Department Pub 10/29/04, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/37595pf.htm)