Kira Yevtukhova Archives

ICC Appoints Seasoned International Executive as New Secretary General

Published on June 3, 2009
New ICC Secretary General Jean Rozwadowski
New ICC Secretary General Jean Rozwadowski

Paris and New York, June 3, 2009 –  Jean Rozwadowski, a businessman with broad international experience, has been named secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Rozwadowski was unanimously appointed by the ICC World Council at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday on the eve of the biennial ICC World Chambers Federation Congress.  He will replace Guy Sebban, who retires on July 1 at the end of his four-year term.

The Paris-based ICC is the largest, most representative private sector association in the world, with hundreds of thousands of member companies in over 130 countries.  The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), based in New York, serves as ICC’s American national committee.

“I am delighted and honoured to be joining such an illustrious organization,” Mr. Rozwadowski said in accepting his position.  “In these times of dramatic and accelerating change, it is more important than ever to strengthen ICC’s mission as the voice of global business in promoting a rules-based multilateral trading system and international cooperation.  Protectionism and other challenges to globalization must be firmly addressed,” he added.

Mr. Rozwadowski, 62, was born in Holland to a Polish father and a French mother and grew up in South Africa. A French national, he has lived and worked on five continents, holding senior executive positions in Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Singapore, and the United States. He speaks several languages, including English, French, Portuguese, Polish and Spanish.

“My professional experience has allowed me to witness first-hand how international business contributes to making this a better world ─ creating employment, reducing poverty and stimulating education,” he said.

Mr. Rozwadowski’s nomination was approved by the ICC World Council following the recommendation of the ICC Executive Board. The nomination was concluded after a robust global search which started with some 100 names.

“Jean Rozwadowski is the right man at the right time for our organization and for the international business community,” ICC Chairman Victor K. Fung said.  “He will lead ICC at a time of major global shifts when protectionist pressures are increasing and the global recession has sharply reduced international trade.”

“His experience and contacts around the world should be invaluable for us as we move forward in this challenging environment,” Mr. Fung added.

The ICC chairman praised the outgoing secretary general for his role in strengthening the organization. “Guy Sebban, by tirelessly working with all the stakeholder groups inside and outside the ICC organization, made us stronger and more responsive to the needs of international business,” he said.

The selection committee said Mr. Rozwadowski had easily fulfilled the criteria it sought in a new secretary general, namely strong international business experience coupled with a track record in managing change, delivering quality customer service in member-driven organizations, and developing innovative products and solutions to enhance revenue.

It said Mr. Rozwadowski had the personal and business stature necessary to work closely with leaders in business, government and multilateral organizations.

Mr. Rozwadowski was president of the Latin American and Caribbean division of MasterCard between 1999 and 2004.  Previously he was the company’s executive vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, based in Belgium.

Before joining MasterCard, Mr. Rozwadowski held numerous executive positions during a 20-year career with American Express, heading up the Southeast Asia and Middle East divisions, based in Singapore and Bahrain, respectively, and leading American Express operations in Brazil for six years. The new secretary general also served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Mr. Rozwadowski graduated with a MBA degree from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris.

Mr. Rozwadowski’s wife is Brazilian and they have two children.

USCIB promotes international engagement and prudent regulation in support of open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility.  Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of the economy, and with operations in every region of the world.  With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contacts:
Jonathan Huneke, VP of Communications, USCIB +1 212 703 5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org

Dawn Chardonnal, ICC Communications Dept. +33 1 4953 2907 or dcl@iccwbo.org

ICC website

OECD Tax Conference Tackles Crisis’s Impact on Tax Rules

Published on June 2, 2009
Rep. Charles Rangel (D. – N.Y.) addressed the conference.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D. – N.Y.) addressed the conference.

Washington, D.C., June 2, 2009 – Participants at a major conference on global tax policy organized by the United States Council for International Business and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development addressed new challenges arising out of the ongoing economic crisis.  Over 200 attendees, including senior corporate executives and government officials, met over two days to review the 30-nation OECD’s evolving role in shaping international tax policy.

“OECD initiatives can help rebuild the post-crisis global economy,” said OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría.  “They are aimed at guaranteeing the level playing field, integrity, transparency, fairness and predictability that are the cornerstones of a healthy international economy in which businesses can compete fairly.”  He said the financial crisis would focus policy makers’ attention on tax rules that may encourage “excessive risk-taking.”

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D. – N.Y.) addressed the gathering, observing that he expects tax reform to be a priority for the current presidential term.  He said reduction of corporate tax rates could be part of reform, but only as part of a balanced package that increases overall fairness.  He invited business to enter into a dialogue with Congress to develop useful proposals.  Congressman Rangel also called for greater international cooperation to target tax evasion.

IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, providing the conference’s keynote remarks, said the financial crisis showed global interconnectedness in “stark terms.”  He said President Obama‘s tax proposals aimed to promote fairness and reduce tax avoidance.  “Good laws make it easier to do right and harder to do wrong,” he said.

Panels at the conference addressed a range of international tax topics, including bilateral tax treaties, transfer pricing and permanent establishment, attribution of profits and business restructuring.  Jeffrey Owens, director of the OECD’s Center for Tax Policy Administration, said the loss of tax revenue brought about by the ongoing global recession would put pressure on governments to review rules governing transfer pricing, potentially affecting how companies allocate losses among jurisdictions where they operate.

The conference was co-organized by the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, which officially represents the view of industry in the Paris-based body.   It was the fourth such event organized by USCIB, the OECD and BIAC.  “This conference has grown into a bit of a springtime tradition for us,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson.  “It’s clear that the critical nature of the OECD’s tax policy work merits regular high-level gatherings with business.”

Supporting organizations included the International Fiscal Association – USA Branch, International Tax Policy Forum, National Foreign Trade Council, Organization for International Investment, Tax Council Policy Institute, Tax Executives Institute, Inc., and the Tax Foundation.

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation.  Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world.  With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including BIAC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment.  More at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, VP communications, USCIB
(212) 703-5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org.

Conference website

More on USCIB’s Taxation Committee

OECD website

Washington Hosts Global Tax Policy Conference

Published on May 19, 2009

U.S. and international officials to discuss key developments at latest OECD event

OECD Tax 2009Washington, D.C., May 19, 2009 – Against the backdrop of renewed attention in Washington on multinational tax issues, company executives and tax counsel have an opportunity next month to learn about the latest international tax policy developments affecting their businesses.  Top officials with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which is playing an increasingly important role in international tax deliberations, will take part in a two-day conference organized by the United States Council for International Business (USCIB).

“The OECD’s Evolving Role in Shaping International Tax Policy,” June 1 and 2 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., is the latest in a regular series of conferences focusing on the OECD’s key role in global tax matters.  The event provides insight into how the Paris-based OECD, which groups the world’s most advanced industrialized nations, influences tax policies worldwide, and how business can engage with it.

“More and more, executives and tax planners are coming to recognize the scope of the OECD’s work, and the importance of an informed, ongoing dialogue with the OECD secretariat and its member states,” according to Lynda K. Walker, USCIB’s vice president and international tax counsel.  “This year’s event provides high-level access to key OECD representatives and influential U.S. policy makers.”

Speakers at the two-day conference will include OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D. – N.Y.), IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman and Jeffrey Owens, director of the OECD’s Center for Tax Policy Administration.  Panels will include numerous other U.S. and OECD officials along with representatives of industry and the legal community.  Topics range from transfer pricing and permanent establishment to attribution of profits and business restructuring.  OECD enlargement, dispute resolution and an open-microphone “Ask the OECD” panel will round out the agenda.

The conference is being co-organized by the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, which officially represents the view of industry in the 30-nation body.  Supporting organizations include the International Fiscal Association – USA Branch, International Tax Policy Forum, National Foreign Trade Council, Organization for International Investment, Tax Council Policy Institute, Tax Executives Institute, Inc., and the Tax Foundation.

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation.  Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world.  With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including BIAC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, VP communications, USCIB
(212) 703-5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org.

Conference agenda, registration form and other information

More on USCIB’s Taxation Committee

OECD website

USCIB Honored During World Trade Week

Published on May 18, 2009

Carnet service for temporary exports celebrated on 40th anniversary

USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson (right) accepts the Commerce Department’s Export Appreciation Award from James Cox, Northeast network director with the U.S. Commercial Service.
USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson (right) accepts the Commerce Department’s Export Appreciation Award from James Cox, Northeast network director with the U.S. Commercial Service.

New York, N.Y., May 18, 2009 – The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), a leading pro-trade group based in Midtown Manhattan, was honored with the Department of Commerce’s Export Appreciation Award at a breakfast today at Baruch College.  The award, presented as part of the New York-area celebration of World Trade Week, recognized USCIB’s innovative ATA Carnet service for temporary exports.

“We are delighted to receive recognition for this invaluable commercial tool,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson in accepting the award.  “Companies of all sizes use Carnets to operate smoothly across borders.  What’s more, Carnets can help pave the way for new overseas sales, which are more important than ever as we seek to get our economy out of recession.”

Introduced in the United States forty years ago this month, ATA Carnets are internationally recognized customs documents, accepted in 65 countries, that allow for temporary duty-free, tax-free import of commercial samples, professional equipment and goods displayed at trade shows.  USCIB issues and guarantees Carnets in the United States from it’s New York offices and via a nationwide network of service providers.

Companies find “merchandise passports” essential for reducing costs and speeding global operations.  The ATA Carnet system was developed by the International Chamber of Commerce, the world business organization USCIB represents in the United States, and the World Customs Organization.  (“ATA” is a combination of the French and English abbreviations for “temporary admission.”)  More information on ATA Carnets is available at www.merchandisepassport.org.

Originally proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, World Trade Week is marked in cities nationwide to celebrate international trade’s contributions to the U.S. economy.  The New York-area trade community will celebrate World Trade Week with a full agenda of conferences, educational seminars, global business networking events and an awards breakfast recognizing exemplary contributions in the field.  More information, including a complete roster of events, is available at www.wtwnyc.org.

President Obama, in a proclamation issued by the White House, stated: “The United States is well-positioned to reap the benefits of trade.  America is a leader in the global marketplace and ranks at the top of almost every measure of global competitiveness.  Our businesses, workers, and farmers remain the most innovative, productive, and adaptable in the world.  The United States is also the world’s largest exporter.”

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation.  Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world.  With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
(212) 703-5043
jhuneke@uscib.org

World Trade Week NYC website

President Obama’s proclamation: World Trade Week 2009

More on USCIB’s ATA Carnet Export Service

More on USCIB’s Trade and Investment Committee

ENGAGING BUSINESS: ADDRESSING CHILD LABOR

Published on May 17, 2009

Sponsored by the U.S. Council for International Business, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,

and the International Organization of Employersin Cooperation with the International Labor Organization

Hosted by The Coca-Cola Company

Atlanta, Georgia

February 25, 2009

Presentations:

(Benjamin Smith, Chief Technical Advisor, International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor, International Labor Organization)

(Benjamin Smith)

(Charita Castro, Operations and Research, Division Chief; Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking; US Department of Labor)

(John B. Trew, Senior Technical Advisor, Child Labor & Girls’ Education)

Member Staff News

Published on May 1, 2009

Winter 2008/2009

USCIB Even More Valuable in Tough Times

By William Martin, USCIB Senior Vice President for Development

During these difficult economic times, the first instinct of many companies and organizations will be to cut costs and perhaps cut memberships in organizations such as USCIB.  However, our response, not surprisingly I suppose, is that your membership in USCIB is more relevant and important than ever because these are such difficult economic times.

As the economy struggles, and in response to the financial crisis, we will see a push for more regulation and most likely a backlash against free trade and open markets.  Given USCIB’s mission to promote open markets and help business flourish, the private sector will need USCIB’s unique advocacy platforms and coverage to ensure prudent regulation — not over-regulation.

New USCIB Members

We warmly welcome Kraft Foods and the law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP as the newest members of USCIB. To learn how membership can benefit your company, contact Alison Hoiem at (202) 682-1291 or ahoiem@uscib.org.

Whatever the issue may be, whether it involves free trade agreements, foreign investment restrictions, tax regulation, climate change policy or regulation of the Internet, USCIB’s “one-stop-shop” policy coverage and its international affiliates provide its members with the information and access needed as the international regulatory landscape undergoes what will likely be a dramatic transformation.  In addition, as members see their travel budgets slashed, they will need to rely more on USCIB staff to attend critical international negotiations and represent their interests.

While we obviously believe USCIB membership is valuable, particularly in this environment, we do understand that many of our members are facing difficult economic times and thus we are even more appreciative of the record number of companies that have already paid their dues for 2009.  We believe that these payments to USCIB reflect the value that USCIB is providing.

If you have paid your dues for 2009, thank you.  If you have not, we strongly hope that you will continue to see how valuable your membership in USCIB is and that you will remain a member.  I would encourage you to contact me if you have questions or concerns about membership.  As always, thank you for your support.

Contact Alison Hoiem at (202) 682-1291 or ahoiem@uscib.org.

USCIB Member News

USCIB Chairman William G. Parrett and Bill Sterrett of Roanoke Trade Services.
USCIB Chairman William G. Parrett and Bill Sterrett of Roanoke Trade Services.

At the November meeting of USCIB’s Executive Committee, Bill Sterrett, president of Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., was presented with an award by USCIB Chairman William G. Parrett, in recognition of Roanoke’s 30 years as outstanding years of service as an ATA Carnet service provider.  The Carnet system itself marks its 40th anniversary in the United States this year … Ann Condon, director and counsel for environmental health and safety programs with General Electric Company, has taken on the chair’s duties for USCIB’s Environment Committee, succeeding Terry Cullem of General Motors.

Global Network News – Marie-C. Psimènos, the longtime general delegate (executive director) of ICC’s French national committee, stepped down from her post at the end of 2008. She will continue to serve as advisor to the chairman of ICC France during 2009. Madame Psimènos was succeeded by François Georges, former senior executive in the international department of EDF, one of the world’s leading energy groups. …The chief executive of the South African Chamber of Mines, Mzolisi Diliza, was named chair of ICC’s South African national committee.  Mr. Diliza said he intended to strengthen the ties between ICC South Africa’s sister organizations in Southern Africa to the ICC secretariat in Paris.

USCIB Staff News

Congratulations to Lynda Walker, USCIB’s vice president and International Tax Counsel, who was recently named a vice chair of the BIAC Taxation Committee, as well as to Ronnie Goldberg, executive vice president for policy, who is a new vice chair of BIAC’s Employment, Labor and Social Affairs Committee.

Send your USCIB member news to news@uscib.org.

G8 Business Federation Heads Unite on Need to Avoid Credit Crunch

Published on April 24, 2009

Meeting in Sardinia, they also call for open trade and a concerted effort on climate

Sardinia was host to this year’s G8 Business Summit.
Sardinia was host to this year’s G8 Business Summit.

Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy, April 24, 2009 – Business leaders from the G8 nations gathered in Sardinia yesterday and today to address urgent global economic issues.  Their conclusions and recommendations are contained in a joint declaration that will be presented to the G8 heads of state in preparation for July’s G8 Summit in Abruzzo, Italy.

The G8 Business Summit, hosted by Confindustria, the Italian Confederation of Industry, focused on three pressing issues: responses to the financial and economic crisis, free trade and investment, and the need to tackle climate change.

The United States was represented by William G.  Parrett, chairman of the United States Council for International Business, Harold W.  McGraw III, CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies and chairman of the Business Roundtable, and Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S.  Chamber of Commerce.

The business summit is the fourth multilateral meeting to be organized by the main business associations representing the private sector in the countries that make up the G8.  The first G8 Business Summit was held in Berlin in 2007, followed by Tokyo in 2008 and an extraordinary Summit dedicated to the financial crisis, held in December 2008 in Paris.

The main conclusions of the 2009 summit, contained in detail in the G8 Business Summit joint declaration, are:

Response to the financial and economic crisis: Business Leaders addressed the need to find short- and medium- to long-term solutions to address recovery of the real economy by stimulating economic growth, employment, global trade and investment.  The greatest and most urgent efforts must be directed at avoiding and mitigating the impact of a broader credit crunch.  It is crucial to restore companies’ access to finance at reasonable prices.  The need to durably reinforce financial stability requires proper financial market reforms ensuring a suitable balance between better regulation and risk prevention.

Free trade and investment: Business Leaders called for open trade and sound investment policies, which are vital in strengthening economic growth, job creation and industry competitiveness, and are especially important to small and medium companies, severely affected by the credit and liquidity crunch and by increasing limitations on market access worldwide.  The economic situation requires G8 governments to strengthen and publicly renew their full commitment to an open global economy.  The successful conclusion of the Doha Round in 2009 lies at the heart of all possible strategies as it is the most effective way to establish a level playing field at the global level and its positive conclusion would weaken the drifts towards protectionism and isolationism in the global economy.  The delivery of an ambitious and balanced WTO agreement would be a concrete symbol of effective international cooperation and the strongest possible stimulus for the recovery of the global economy and for the growth of developing and less developed economies.  G8 Business also calls for the conclusion of the negotiations for the accession of Russia to the WTO before completion of the Doha Round.

Tackling climate change: the road to Copenhagen.  Business Leaders called for a concerted global effort based on long-term cooperative action as the only way to succeed in tackling the issue of climate change.  The forthcoming Copenhagen UNFCCC conference is a great opportunity to reach a global agreement based on clear, equitable and firm worldwide commitments to emission reduction.  Business accepts its share of the responsibility and has already made major changes in operations including introducing new processes, products and services to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will continue to tackle climate change.  However, business calls for the full burden of emissions reduction to be shared among all emitters.  Tackling climate change can unleash numerous business opportunities, provided that innovation and technological development are properly encouraged.  To effectively achieve emissions reduction targets, business needs to remain competitive.  Clear, predictable and stable frameworks are essential for long-term planning and investments at national, regional and international levels.  At the same time, policies must be balanced to avoid diverting resources away from innovation and encouraging protectionist barriers to trade.

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation.  Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world.  With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, VP Communications, USCIB
Tel: +1 212.703.5043 (office) or +1 917.420.0039 (mobile)
E-mail: jhuneke@uscib.org

G8 business leaders declaration 

G8 Summit official website

More on USCIB’s Trade and Investment Committee

More on USCIB’s Environment Committee

The Financial Crisis: USCIB responds

Published on April 2, 2009

Latest statements and information from USCIB and our global business network

Glass globe being held by C clamp on blue background with moneyAmid ongoing financial shocks and market turmoil, USCIB and its global business network continue to actively promote efforts to provide sensible regulatory oversight and get world economic growth back on track.

Our unique affiliations with leading worldwide business groups – including the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers, and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD – provide an invaluable channel through which to influence the course of global policies and regulations affecting business and the economy.

Here are links to the latest statements and actions from USCIB and our global network.

3846_image002USCIB:

– “The G-20 and the Danger of Protectionism” (letter in The New York Times by USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson, April 1, 2009)

– Joint industry letter to President Obama on keeping markets open for foreign investment
(March 30, 2009)

– Business, Anti-Poverty and Faith-Based Groups Unite in Support of Open Markets (March 20, 2009)

– U.S. Multinational Companies Strengthen the Domestic Economy: Study demonstrates how domestic multinationals contribute to American productivity and prosperity
(March 16, 2009)

– G8 Business Summit Preparations Well Underway (March 2, 2009)

– U.S. business groups urge rejection of “Buy American” provisions in stimulus package (letter to Senate, February 3, 2009)

– USCIB letter to President Obama on priorities for tackling the economic crisis (January 21, 2009)

– Now More Than Ever: In the current crisis, USCIB’s core values matter (column by USCIB President Peter M. Robinson, January 2009)

– G8 Business Leaders: Crisis Demands Urgent Response, But Does Not Indicate a Failure of Market Economics (December 4, 2009)

– Accepting USCIB Award, Coca-Cola CEO Says Financial Crisis Jeopardizes Market Openness
(November 17, 2008)

– USCIB statement on the G-20 Summit (November 13, 2008)

– USCIB President Peter M. Robinson: Some Thoughts on the Current Crisis (October 21, 2008)

– Key Officials Address Critical Role of Sovereign Wealth Fund Investment (October 14, 2008)

3846_image004International Chamber of Commerce:

– ICC welcomes G20 boost to trade finance and pledge to conclude Doha Round (April 2, 2009)

– ICC plea in Financial Times: avoid deceptively simple solutions (April 1, 2009)

– “Resist Protectionism”
(letter to The New York Times by ICC Chairman Victor Fung, March 31, 2009)

– G20 must take action to fight protectionism and support trade finance to keep trade flowing
(March 31, 2009)

– ICC calls on G20 to address impact of Basel II on trade finance (March 27, 2009)

– Trade volume and value decline sharply as a result of crisis (March 23, 2009)

– A staunch advocate of globalization and trade (interview with ICC Chairman Victor Fung, International Herald Tribune, March 20, 2009)

– ICC issues positions on global economic crisis (March 13, 2009)

– ICC Chairman Victor Fung meets Gordon Brown ahead of G20 Summit (March 12, 2009)

– Lowest global economic index in history (February 18, 2009)

– ICC experts discuss the financial crisis and its implications (December 19, 2008)

– Doha Round agreement all the more vital in global economic crisis (December 17, 2008)

– First ICC Regional CEO Forum for Asia Pacific calls for unlocking of liquidity to spur global trade
(November 24, 2008)

– Lowest global economic index in 20 years (November 20, 2008)

– ICC Chairman hails G20 leaders rejection of protectionism and commitment to conclude WTO’s Doha Development Agenda (November 17, 2008)

– ICC Commission on Banking discusses trade finance problems at WTO (November 17, 2008)

– In CNN interview, ICC Chairman urges G20 to stimulate trade (November 13, 2008)

– ICC Chairman urges G20 leaders to adopt bold solutions to financial crisis (November 12, 2008)

– Op-ed by ICC Chairman calls for a revitalized global trading system (November 10, 2008)

– International cooperation vital to resolve financial crisis (October 15, 2008)

3846_image006Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD:

– Business calls for credible G20 action to support open markets (March 31, 2009)

– Water and the economic crisis (March 16, 2009)

– The financial crisis and the role of the OECD (BIAC newsletter, December 2008)

– Major exporters pledge ongoing credit support for developing country imports (November 24, 2008 – OECD website)

– OECD welcomes G20 Declaration and offers support (November 17, 2008)

– OECD forecasts protracted economic slowdown (November 13, 2008 – OECD website)

– OECD preparing two-pillar action plan in response to crisis, says Gurría (November 12, 2008 – OECD website)

– OECD business calls for decisive G20 action against protectionism (November 10, 2008)

3846_image008International Organization of Employers:

– IOE information paper: Exiting the Crisis in Labor Markets (April 2009)

– World Employers: Financial Markets Need to Provide Stability and Liquidity to Business
(February 10, 2009)

– IOE president: Global employers are up to the challenge of the economic crisis (IOE newsletter, January 2009)

– The impacts of global crises on labor markets must be addressed (October 20, 2008)

Member Staff News: Spring 2009

Published on April 1, 2009

USCIB Member News

ICC’s Intellectual Property Commission has appointed Douglas W. Kenyon of the law firm Hunton & Williams to head a task force on data exclusivity. As a partner with the firm’s litigation and intellectual property practice and previous chair of ICC’s task force on Chinese trademark law revision, Mr. Kenyon has litigated in tribunals around the world, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the European Commission and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Brian Fix, a partner with the law firm Salans, will succeed Michael Hodin of Pfizer as the new Chairman of USCIB’s European Union Committee. Mr. Fix specializes in structuring of investments into Europe and emerging markets, joint venture transactions, project finance, the development and construction of large infrastructure projects, and the media. …William Sample, vice president of worldwide income tax with Microsoft Corporation, is the new vice chair of USCIB’s Taxation Committee … Geoffrey Gamble, director of international government affairs with DuPont, has been named vice chair of the ICC Commission on Trade and Investment Policy. He joins Rajya Kanoria, chairman and managing director of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries and president of ICC India, who was appointed to chair the commission last October.

Send your USCIB member news to news@uscib.org.

 

Passings

We mourn the death of Lee Morgan who passed away in January at age 89.  The former chairman and chief executive officer of Caterpillar Inc., Mr. Morgan was the 1982 recipient of USCIB’s International Leadership Award.

 

USCIB Staff News

In addition to his appointment to serve on a key National Academy of Sciences panel on forced labor (see story), Adam Greene has been nominated to serve as a non-government member of the Agriculture Department’s Consultative Group to Eliminate the Use of Child Labor and Forced Labor in Imported Agricultural Products, where he would represent private agriculture-related enterprises.

Protection From Brand Infection

Published on March 23, 2009

steel boxUSCIB has teamed up with the Chief Marketing Officer Council on “Protection from Brand Infection,” a new initiative to help leading brand specialists understand and contain the brand damage caused by counterfeiting, piracy and fraud.

A variety of tricks, schemes and frauds have been “infecting” leading brands for years.  According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy between $200 billion and $250 billion per year, as well as 750,000 American jobs.  A Gartner study estimates 3.6 million Americans lost $3.2 billion in the 12 months ending in August 2007 to phishing scams.

To help explore these issues of brand image and integrity issues and implications, “Protection from Brand Infection” will examine how Internet fraud schemes are impacting brand trust, confidence, credibility and affinity among consumers, channels and business partners and what today’s senior marketers can do to combat these schemes.

Please share your experiences with us by completing this brief online survey.  All responses will be kept confidential and all participants will receive a free copy of the final research report.

For more information on the survey or the CMO Council, please contact Peter Moore at (646) 652-5205 or pmoore@globalfluency.com.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Click here to launch the survey

More on USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee

More on USCIB’s Marketing and Advertising Committee