U.S. Trade Representative Kirk announced that the U.S. will contribute $1.05 million for trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) to the World Trade Organization. The WTO’s TRTA program provides training for developing countries that enhances their ability to analyze issues, assess their interests and participate effectively in the negotiations. The program also provides these nations with assistance in meeting their WTO obligations and ensures they fully benefit from the results of WTO negotiations.
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Liser recently concluded her two-day visit to Ghana, where she met with senior government officials and private sector representatives to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Ghana trade relationship. Liser also co-chaired with Ghanaian Trade Minister Hannah Tetteh the sixth meeting of the U.S.-Ghana Trade and Investment Council, under the U.S.-Ghana Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, which was signed in 1999.
President Obama has issued a statement on food safety. A year ago, the Food Safety Working Group announced key findings on how to upgrade the food safety system. Since then, the Administration has taken steps to ensure the safety of food. He also thanked the House for its work and support efforts in the Senate to pass S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued an updated version (July 6, 2010) of its list of Canadian firms eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service is soliciting nominations for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (which it previously inadvertently published with errors on June 30) to fill twelve vacancies that resulted from a USDA change in the member term limit. Nominations are due by August 9, 2010.
The International Trade Administration requests input regarding foreign or domestic policies or conditions that impede U.S. environmental technology exports to China, with emphasis on water management, to guide the Environment Working Group of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in its October 2010 Environmental Industries Forum agenda, etc.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a pest risk analysis which evaluates the risks associated with the importation into the continental U.S. of fresh leaves of perennial wall rocket from the United Kingdom. Comments are due by September 7, 2010.
On July 2, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual. This Manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border.
The Transportation Department announces that representatives of the U.S. and Barbados have reached an Open-Skies Agreement. Upon its signature, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes, destinations and prices for both passenger and cargo service based on consumer demand and market conditions. The agreement, which was reached on July 1, 2010 and provides airlines, for the first time, with codesharing and intermodal rights.
During a recent referendum conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, honey producers elected to disapprove a new national U.S Honey Producer Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order. The order failed because only 41 percent of those who voted -- representing 52 percent of the volume of U.S. honey -- favored its implementation.The referendum was conducted May 17 to June 4, 2010.