Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Embassy of China in the U.S. has issued a news release announcing that China hopes for a continuation of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED) mechanism between China and the U.S. While the SED was initiated by Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President George W. Bush in 2006, China hopes the two countries can continue with the meetings as it has become an important platform for the economic leaders of both sides to conduct an in-depth exchange of views on economic and trade relationship. (Embassy of China press release, dated 11/18/08, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t522696.htm)
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1. China Hopes to Continue SED Talks After Bush Leaves Office
2. ITA Announces Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice announcing that it is organizing a trade mission to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok, Thailand, April 20-28, 2009 to promote U.S. firms offering environmentally friendly design and engineering services, energy efficient building systems, efficient lighting and heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and eco-friendly building products. (ITA notice, FR Pub 11/21/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27761.pdf)
3. U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Report
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has released its 2008 Annual Report to Congress. The Commission cites Chinese cyber attacks, authoritarian rule, and trade violations as impediments to U.S. Economic and national security interests, and offers 45 recommendations to Congress. (U.S.-China ESRC press release with link to the report, dated 11/20/08, available at http://www.uscc.gov/pressreleases/2008/08_11_20pr.php)
4. Canada Issues Notice on Food Products from China Containing Milk, Milk-Derived Ingredients
The Canada Food Inspection Agency has issued a notice advising all importers of food products from China containing milk or milk-derived ingredients that the CFIA will require documentation demonstrating certain safety and compliance for these products. (CFIA notice available at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/invenq/inform/chinmele.shtml)
5. Japan Announces Carbon Footprint Program
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has issued a notice announcing that it has been working toward the establishment of Carbon Footprint Program, under which products carry a label indicating the amount of CO2 emissions generated throughout their lifecycles (from material procurement to disposal) with an eye to preventing global warming. As part of that effort, METI will exhibit labeled products such as daily items and food on a trial basis at "Eco Products 2008" to be held in December 2008. (METI notice, dated 11/14/08, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/nBackIssue20081114_03.html)
6. ARS Seeks Nominations for Biotechnology Committee Which is to Hold Meeting Dec. 17-18, 2008
The Agricultural Research Service has issued notices (1) soliciting nominations by December 22, 2008 for the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture; and (2) announcing that the committee will hold a meeting on December 17 - 18, 2008 in Washington, DC. (ARS notices, FR Pub 11/21/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27724.pdf and http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27725.pdf)
7. NAPPO Posts Annual Meeting Highlights
The North American Plant Protection Organization has posted information to its Web site regarding the 33rd NAPPO Annual Meeting that was held from October 19 - 23, 2008 in Chicago, IL. NAPPO posted, among other things, panel documents and reports, the meeting schedule, a list of panel members and their contact information, etc. (NAPPO Web site available at http://www.nappo.org/menu_e.shtml)
8. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
Cheese Due to Microbiological Contamination
White or Brown Basmati Rice from India
FDA has also posted a revised version of its Import Alert on the adulteration of honey. (IA36-01, revised 11/19/08, available at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia3601.html)
9. OFAC Designates 17 Entities, 26 Individuals Under Kingpin Act
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice publishing the names of seventeen additional entities and twenty-six additional individuals whose property and interests in property have been blocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. (OFAC notice, FR Pub 11/21/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27680.pdf)
10. OFAC Adds 4 Individuals to Its SDN List
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice announcing that four individuals have been added to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. The Treasury Department has issued a press release regarding the designation of Redouane El Habhab, a Germany-based terrorist financier and facilitator who has provided financial support and other services to al-Qaida in Iraq. The Treasury also issued a press release regarding the designation of three members of al-Shabaab, a violent and brutal extremist group in Somalia. (OFAC notice, dated 11/20/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20081120.shtml and Treasury press releases, dated 11/20/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1284.htm and http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1283.htm)
11. FTZB Notice
The Foreign-Trade Zone Board issued the following: