Kira Yevtukhova Archives

New York Conference Draws the Curtain on ICC Court

Published on August 29, 2007

3696_image002New York, N.Y., August 29, 2007 – The ICC International Court of Arbitration, the world’s best-known arbitral institution, returns to New York, to set the stage for its second annual conference on Monday, September 24 at the Hilton New York.

“As a practitioner, I always wondered what happened at the Court,” reflected Josefa-Sicard-Mirabal, ICC’s director of arbitration and ADR for North America. “And, now as director, I decided to draw the curtains on the Court and invite the world to see what happens inside.”

The Court is part of the International Chamber of Commerce, the world business body that has been in the forefront of cross-border dispute resolution since 1923. The conference is designed to explore current views and opinions on the issues of arbitrator independence.

The conference is being presented in cooperation with the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), ICC’s U.S. national committee, which has its headquarters located in New York.

“This is a unique opportunity for participants from the U.S. legal community to experience first-hand what goes on in the plenary court session and to afford an understanding of an actual scrutiny process,” said Ms. Sicard-Mirabal. She said the event is designed to appeal to any legal practitioner involved in international arbitration and dispute resolution – including arbitrators, corporate counsel, magistrates, and transactional lawyers.

The conference will feature a stellar cast of panelists, including former members of the ICC Court and of its Paris-based international secretariat, former and current U.S. secretary generals, leading arbitrators, and professors of law.

“New York is one of the leading centers of arbitration practice in the world, and what better place to set the stage for a mock court session than in the city of Broadway,” said Ms. Sicard-Mirabal.  “We believe the front row access to the Court and its members really sets it apart.”  She said a highlight of the conference is a first-time opportunity to observe a mock ICC Court plenary session deciding on challenges to arbitrators serving ICC cases. Participants will engage in an interactive dialogue on the issues raised.

Since its founding in 1923, the ICC court has handled over 14,000 cases.  In 2006, more than 500 cases were filed, involving parties in over 100 countries and independent territories.  The court itself has an exceptionally broad representation, comprising members from 86 countries.  Over the years, ICC has developed a full range of other dispute resolution rules in addition to arbitration to meet the latest international commercial challenges.

A brochure and registration form for the workshop is available at https://uscib.org/docs/ICC_arb_Sept07_Conf_Brochure.pdf.

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is ICC’s American national committee.  As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade.  USCIB’s Arbitration Committee serves as the contact point for the ICC International Court of Arbitration and its multi-faceted dispute resolution services.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:

Amy Lehr, USCIB

(212) 703-5063 or alehr@uscib.org

USCIB Dispute Resolution Website

More on USCIB’s Arbitration Committee

Key Indicator Sees Growth for U.S. and Global Economies

Published on August 21, 2007
3733_image001
Despite sub-prime lending woes in the United States, the global economy’s outlook is strong.

Paris and New York, August 21, 2007 – The global economy is set to expand in the second half of the year in all major regions of the world, according to results of the latest quarterly ICC-Ifo World Economic Survey released today.

The report, conducted by the International Chamber of Commerce and Germany’s Ifo Institute for Economic Research, surveyed over 1,000 economic experts in 91 countries last month, at the same time as a credit crisis touched off by a wave of defaults in U.S. sub-prime mortgages first sparked global jitters.

The Ifo World Climate Index rose to 113.6 this quarter, up a sharp 6.9 points from 106.5 in the previous quarter.

“These results point to a robust world economy in the second half of 2007,” said Hans-Werner Sinn, president of the Ifo Institute, part of the University of Munich.

Headquartered in Paris, ICC is the largest, most representative private-sector association in the world. Its New York-based national committee, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), works to promote trade and investment worldwide, and disseminates the quarterly ICC-Ifo survey to American business and economic experts.

Economists polled upgraded their expectations for the U.S. economy. U.S. consumer spending is seen stabilizing due to wage growth, and U.S. exports rising due to a strong global economy, keeping in check the fallout from a slowdown in the housing market.

The overall economic climate in Western Europe improved markedly in the recent survey, although growth is seen tempered over the next six months in Spain, the U.K., Ireland, Norway and Denmark. In Asia, economists raised their outlook slightly for the region, with Hong Kong showing the strongest improvement over previsions the previous quarter. The outlook for Japan has also brightened as exports are expected to accelerate due to a weaker yen versus the U.S. dollar, and the outlook for China continues to be favorable.

In Latin America, economists see economic stabilization in the next six months but with large country-by-country variations, with positive growth in the second half seen in Chile and Brazil, while a slowdown is predicted for Argentina and Venezuela. In the Middle East, economists raised their six-month forecast for Turkey but noted the economy in Iran continues to worsen. In South Africa, economists downgraded their six-month outlook due to inflationary pressures and flagging consumer spending.

Except for North America, where inflation is seen remaining at 2.7 percent, experts predict inflation will accelerate to an average of 3.1 percent across all regions of the world besides Australia and New Zealand. In the euro zone, the outlook for inflation increased slightly to 2.1 percent from 2.0 percent. However, inflation in China is expected to rise a full percentage point above the rate in the last survey to 3.7 percent.

A larger number of experts in the current survey said the U.S. dollar is undervalued, although a further weakening of the dollar versus other currencies is expected in the next six months. A majority of economists continue to view the Japanese yen as undervalued. More economists than in the previous survey said the British pound and the euro are overvalued.

Economists hailing from all major regions broadly expect interest rates to rise in the coming six months.

Better data on counterfeiting and piracy needed

Responding to a separate set of questions, most economists surveyed agreed that a comprehensive analysis of the full financial and social impact from counterfeiting and piracy is needed. They also said the problem of counterfeiting and piracy will only be solved when national governments commit adequate resources to strengthen law enforcement and establish effective penalties that deter this criminal activity.

The quarterly Ifo World Economic Survey is conducted in cooperation with ICC and receives financial support from the European Commission. Additional charts and data associated with this latest survey are available at ICC’s website, www.iccwbo.org.

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment. Its membership includes some 300 U.S. companies, professional service firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3 trillion. As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contacts:
Catherine Foster, ICC
Tel +33 1 4953 2822 or cfr@iccwbo.org

Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
+1 212 703 5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org

ICC website

More on USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee

The International Herald Tribune: U.S. trade policy

Published on August 6, 2007

Letters to the Editor

Regarding the editorial ”Beating up on trade is not the answer” (July 28): How ironic that Congress has been considering yet another incomprehensible farm bill, yet it cannot be bothered to take the necessary steps to ensure the country benefits from future trade agreements, nor even to ratify the bilateral trade agreements America has signed with Korea, Peru and others.

The business community agrees that we need to invest in the future of our people and to deal better with the problems caused by trade. But it is hard to engender strong support for these positions with the strident anti-trade rhetoric emanating from so many in Washington.

To retain America’s leadership in the world, we must better engage emerging markets like China and India, where so much of tomorrow’s economic growth will take place. But we will never do so as long as America’s leaders cannot see beyond tomorrow’s elections.

Peter M. Robinson, New York

More on USCIB’s Trade and Investment Committee

The New York Times: The Costs and Benefits of Free Trade

Published on July 31, 2007

To the Editor:

Congratulations for ”The Case for Trade” (editorial, July 27). We need to stop blaming the Chinese for problems that are essentially home-grown and get on with the business of ensuring that American workers and companies can compete in a globalized world market.

One key element of that process will be an expanded program of assistance, in the form of retraining, for workers who lose their jobs for whatever reason.

Congress also needs to be serious about reducing our absurd farm subsidy programs.

There are enormous benefits to be gained from approval of the pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama, Colombia and South Korea and from conclusion of the Doha round. This is where the administration and Congress should direct their attention.

Thomas Niles

Scarsdale, N.Y., July 28, 2007

The writer is a vice chairman of the United States Council for International Business.

More on USCIB’s Trade and Investment Committee

Companies Assail Tax Bill Punishing Investment in the U.S.

Published on July 26, 2007

New York, N.Y., July 26, 2007 – America’s top global companies have expressed serious concern over proposed legislation, introduced as a potential means of funding the farm bill currently under Congressional consideration, that would discriminate against foreign companies operating in the United States. The proposal would effectively and unfairly raise taxes on foreign based companies which contribute to the U.S. economy and through American jobs and substantial U.S. based operations. It would also do serious damage to the tax treaty network on which U.S. business relies to prevent double taxation and provide certainty in its pursuit of business outside the U.S. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which represents U.S.-based multinationals and major exporters, said the measure could serve as an impetus for retaliation against American firms doing business in abroad.

“This bill, if enacted, would clearly violate an array of U.S. tax treaties, invite retaliation overseas, and damage our economy by discriminatorily raising taxes on foreign investment, hampering foreign investment and job creation in the United States,” said USCIB President Peter M. Robinson.

On the heels of introduction by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) of the legislation in question, H.R. 3160, yesterday, the Administration appropriately expressed its strong opposition to the proposal in a statement of opposition delivered to Congress. The bill could come up for a vote in the House of Representatives today, without the benefit of the normal hearing process. Its effect would be to force foreign companies to pay higher withholding tax rates than their U.S.-owned counterparts on such payments as royalties, interest and management fees to their foreign affiliates. This would violate many bilateral U.S. tax treaties, which aim to both reduce double taxation and ensure cooperation with foreign tax authorities.

Mr. Robinson urged members of Congress to avoid measures targeting foreign firms specifically. “Such practices are often seized upon by foreign governments as an excuse to restrict market access and investment opportunities by American companies,” he noted. “We are concerned that formal and informal barriers to investment are on the rise in many countries. It is clearly in the interests of the United States, as the world’s largest source of overseas investment and one of the largest hosts for foreign direct investment to maintain a level playing field for foreign firms, to ensure that our own firms are treated fairly.”

Mr. Robinson noted that U.S. subsidiaries of foreign businesses account for more than five million U.S. jobs, supporting annual payrolls of over $300 billion.

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment. Its membership includes more than 300 leading U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3.5 trillion. As the exclusive American affiliate of three key global business groups – the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers, and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD – USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, VP communications, USCIB
+1 212.703.5043 (office), +1 917.420.0039 (mobile) or jhuneke@uscib.org
More on USCIB’s Taxation Committee

World Chambers Congress Attracts Record Numbers to Istanbul

Published on July 19, 2007
Over 1,600 delegates from 116 countries took part.
Over 1,600 delegates from 116 countries took part.

The fifth World Chambers Congress, held July 4 to 6, drew more than 1,600 delegates to Istanbul, Turkey for three days of discussion, insight, business development and networking by chamber of commerce executives, other business representatives and top public figures from around the world.

The record turnout included a large number of Americans – the highest ever for this event – who together made up the largest national delegation after the host country. Over all, delegates from 116 countries took part.

Held under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce and its World Chambers Federation, the biennial congresses have established itself as essential dates on the calendars of chamber executives across the globe. By the time Rona Yircali, the Turkish chair of ICC’s World Chambers Federation Chair, brought the Istanbul congress to a close, chambers were lining up bids for future congresses well into the next decade. The sixth World Chambers Congress will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009.

Next June, bids will be entered for 2011, when the event will return to the Western Hemisphere. (Quebec City hosted the 2003 congress.) Mexico City has announced its candidacy, and the United States is also considering a bid.

“I think everyone will agree that the 5th World Chamber Congress has set the benchmark for all future congress gatherings,” said longtime supporter Robert Recker, executive vice president with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and vice chair of the World Chambers Federation. “I was especially pleased with the high number of U.S. participants.” Mr. Recker also serves as vice chair of USCIB’s Chamber of Commerce Committee.

First-time congress-goers also came away impressed.

Some of the American delegation in Istanbul, plus guests, at USCIB’s booth in the Congress exhibition area. L-R: Brennen Searcy (Iraqi American Chamber), Anne Blouin (American Society of Association Executives), Gary Toebben (Los Angeles Area Chamber), Janice Toebben, Adam Hobson (Iraqi American Chamber), Janice Rys (Metro Atlanta Chamber), Amanda Barlow (USCIB), World Chambers Federation Chair Rona Yircali, Win Hallett (Mobile Area Chamber), Robert Recker (Orlando Regional Chamber), Anthony Parkes (World Chambers Federation), Leslie Schweitzer (U.S. Chamber), David Kreider (Pennsylvania Chamber), Chris Mead (American Chamber of Commerce Executives), Jonathan Huneke (USCIB), Susan Sarfati (American Society of Association Executives), Raad Ommar (Iraqi American Chamber) and Demet Ariyak (ICC Turkey).
Some of the American delegation in Istanbul, plus guests, at USCIB’s booth in the Congress exhibition area. L-R: Brennen Searcy (Iraqi American Chamber), Anne Blouin (American Society of Association Executives), Gary Toebben (Los Angeles Area Chamber), Janice Toebben, Adam Hobson (Iraqi American Chamber), Janice Rys (Metro Atlanta Chamber), Amanda Barlow (USCIB), World Chambers Federation Chair Rona Yircali, Win Hallett(Mobile Area Chamber), Robert Recker
(Orlando Regional Chamber), Anthony Parkes (World Chambers Federation), Leslie Schweitzer (U.S. Chamber), David Kreider (Pennsylvania Chamber), Chris Mead (American Chamber of Commerce Executives), Jonathan Huneke (USCIB), Susan Sarfati (American Society of Association Executives), Raad Ommar (Iraqi American Chamber) and Demet Ariyak (ICC Turkey).

“I not only had the opportunity to meet a great number of interesting people, I made contacts that will be advantageous for future international missions,” said Winthrop M. Hallett III, president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. “I was impressed by our U.S. delegation, and I hope we will be able to grow that number in years to come.”

Other American delegates included senior representatives of chambers in Pennsylvania, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Orlando, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the national professional association.

As ICC’s American national committee, USCIB coordinated the delegation and organized several side-events, including participation at a Fourth of July Party hosted by U.S. Consul General Deborah Jones.

“Our memories of the event and this city will stay with us for many years to come,” ICC Chairman Marcus Wallenberg told delegates assembled at the congress closing. “But, more importantly, the partnerships and connections made here will also continue long into the future. This is what the congress is all about: building the links that ultimately facilitate trade among nations.”

Mr. Wallenberg hailed a declaration that appealed urgently to governments to press harder for a global trade accord in the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round of trade negotiations. The statement was endorsed by all the delegates attending the congress.

“We are counting on you to redouble your efforts when you return home, to convince your government leaders to act swiftly to finalize an agreement in the Doha Round,” said Mr. Wallenberg, who is also chairman of the Swedish banking group SEB.

Other highlights from the three-day congress included:

  • At a standing-room-only session, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, told delegates that businesses could play a vital role by in eliminating poverty by creating projects whose principal aim is to achieve a social good.
    At a standing-room-only session, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, told delegates that businesses could play a vital role by in eliminating poverty by creating projects whose principal aim is to achieve a social good.

    An opening address by Turkish Prime Minister Reycep Tayyip Erdogan.

  • An address by Mohammed Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, on microcredit and reducing world poverty.
  • An address by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
  • Five plenary sessions on threats to multilateralism, managing global risks, supporting SME development, securing the future of energy and chambers and migration.
  • More than 20 workshops covered a wide range of topics, including customer service, chamber branding, leadership versus management, intellectual property, IT and e-business for chambers, and empowering businesswomen.
  • A Bosphorus cruise and banquet at the Ciragan Palace, as well as a dinner at the Rahmi Koc Museum.
  • The 2007 World Chambers Competition for the most innovative projects from chambers of commerce (see below).

This year’s congress was hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce, the World Chambers Federation, and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.

Staff contact: Jonathan Huneke

Chamber Competition Winners

Winners of the 2007 World Chambers Competition were unveiled at a gala dinner in Istanbul at the end of the 5th World Chambers Congress. Avijit Mazumdar, honorary chairman of ICC’s World Chambers Federation and head of the competition jury, announced the victors:

  • Best Unconventional Project for a Small Business: Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, which, following the 2004 tsunami, set up ten regional help desks to assist businesses in getting back on their feet. To date, more than 11,000 businesses have been restored.
  • Best International Cooperation Between Chambers: Confederation of Brazilian Commercial and Business Associations, together with Essen Chamber of Arts and Crafts in Germany, which implemented a program northeastern Brazil that successfully changed the perception of chambers from social clubs to key parts of the business community.
  • Best Skills Development Program: The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh, which launched a training center with human resource development programs to help SMEs face the challenges of globalization.
  • Best New Membership Recruitment Project: Vancouver Board of Trade, which leveraged its potential as the region’s best venue for networking, including publishing a book on the subject, and boosted membership by 30 percent.
  • Best Project for a Chamber in a Developing Country: Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the Caribbean, and Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared this new award recognizing outstanding achievement by chambers operating in a challenging business environment.

This year’s contest was the most diverse and most competitive in the history of the awards, drawing a record number of 55 entries from 38 countries.

More on the Fifth World Chambers Congress

USCIB Response to Doha Setback in Potsdam

Published on June 21, 2007

New York, N.Y., June 21, 2007 – The president of the United States Council for International Business, Peter M. Robinson, issued the following statement today in response to news of the breakup of the G4 (Brazil, India, EU, U.S.) meeting in Potsdam, Germany on the WTO Doha Round:

“USCIB calls on governments to quickly revisit their positions and find the political will to overcome the lack of progress at the Potsdam G4 meeting.

“The defining moment of the Doha Round is now. The outlines of a balanced agreement are clearly visible. But unless this setback is rapidly reversed, there will be no time to conclude an agreement by the end of this year, before the U.S. becomes politically locked up in its 2008 election campaigns.

“USCIB remains committed, as a matter of top priority, to achieving substantial new trade liberalization in industrial goods, services and agriculture products in the Round.

“The Doha Round is the best opportunity to boost economic growth and development, not just for the United States, but also for all WTO members. Governments must not fail to seize it.

“USCIB strongly supports the leadership efforts of the U.S. negotiators and appreciates their willingness to show flexibility. Clearly, all governments must find more flexibility, and do it now, to prevent a failure of this Round.”

Mr. Robinson also expressed full support for the statement issued by International Chamber of Commerce Chairman Marcus Wallenberg. The ICC statement is available at http://www.iccwbo.org/iccbefeg/index.html.

About USCIB

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment. Its membership includes some 300 U.S. companies, professional service firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3 trillion. As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

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

Business Engages Top International Tax Officials at OECD Conference in Washington

Published on June 5, 2007
Assistant Treasury Secretary Eric Solomon spoke at the OECD tax conference.
Assistant Treasury Secretary Eric Solomon spoke at the OECD tax conference.

Washington, DC, June 5, 2007 – Nearly 300 U.S. and international executives, government officials and other tax experts convened at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., for a major two-day conference, concluding today, which highlighted the work of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the development of national tax policy and international tax arrangements governing cross-border trade and investment.

Organized by the OECD, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, the conference, titled “New OECD International Tax Initiatives: Looking Ahead,” sought to provide American business with the opportunity to interact directly with key representatives from the OECD and its Center for Tax Policy and Administration.  Also on the program were senior representatives of the U.S. Treasury/Internal Revenue Service and private industry.

The 30-nation OECD seeks to promote growth through coordination of economic and regulatory policies between its members, all of which are democratic market economies.  BIAC, composed of major business federations from all OECD countries, provides policy guidance to OECD members.  USCIB is BIAC’s representative in the United States and regularly fields American industry experts for BIAC and OECD activities.

Constance A. Morella, U.S. ambassador to the OECD, opened the influential annual conference, now in its fourth year.  “Thomas Friedman has said the world is flat, but it’s worth noting that there are still some bumps, including in tax policy,” she commented.  “The OECD tries, with strong business support, to flatten some of those bumps.”

Thelma Askey, deputy secretary general of the OECD, also addressed the gathering.  “The U.S. government plays a leading role at the OECD in getting agreement on international tax rules,” she said.  “Without clear, transparent rules that have the support of governments around the world, business often finds itself tied up in uncertainty, intractable disputes and double taxation.”

In a keynote address today, Eric Solomon, the Treasury Department’s assistant secretary for tax policy, presented an overview of the U.S. tax system and its effects on American competitiveness.  He noted that, since the last major overhaul of the U.S. tax code in 1986, other developed countries had lowered corporate tax rates to spur investment and boost employment.

“As the global economy continues to expand and markets become more open to investment, developed economies such as those within the OECD continue to adapt their corporate tax systems to compete in the global marketplace,” Mr. Solomon stated.  “However, since 1993, the federal statutory corporate tax rate has remained 35 percent.”

Also speaking at the conference were Jeffrey Owens, head of the OECD’s Center for Tax Policy & Administration; Patrick J. Ellingsworth, executive vice president, Royal Dutch Shell and chairman of BIAC’s Taxation Committee; Peter M. Robinson, president of USCIB; and numerous tax experts from the OECD secretariat, U.S. government and major multinational companies.

The event drew representatives from more than a hundred top companies, testifying to the broad importance of the OECD’s work and its influence on international taxation policies.  The full conference agenda is available at www.uscibtax.org.  Among the topics up for discussion were:

  • attribution of profits to permanent establishments
  • the application of the transfer pricing guidelines
  • issues arising from business restructurings
  • cooperation and information exchange in international tax administration
  • other tax treaty topics, such as the non-discrimination principle and collective investment vehicles
  • current OECD work on cross-border services, and the OECD’s dispute resolution report.

“As we move forward on these issues, it is essential that U.S. business provide ongoing input,” said the OECD’s Mr. Owens.  “Conferences like these, and input from USCIB, ensures that the solutions we adopt work for American firms operating in the global marketplace.”

Lynda K. Walker, USCIB’s vice president and international tax counsel, commented that the annual conferences have become a highlight of the U.S. tax calendar.  “By bringing together the main U.S.-based organizations that work on international tax policy, these events enable American business to more effectively follow and provide input to the OECD’s work.”

Supporting sponsors of the event included the International Fiscal Association-USA Branch, the International Tax Policy Forum, the National Foreign Trade Council, the Organization for International Investment, the Tax Council Policy Institute and the Tax Foundation.

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment.  Its membership includes more than 300 leading U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3.5 trillion.  As the exclusive American affiliate of three key global business groups – the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers, and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD –  USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:

Jonathan Huneke, VP communications, USCIB

+1 212.703.5043 (office), +1 917.420.0039 (mobile) or jhuneke@uscib.org

Conference agenda

Remarks by Assistant Treasury Secretary Solomon (Treasury Department website)

OECD website

BIAC website

More on USCIB’s Taxation Committee

U.S. Business Welcomes OECD Report on Countefeiting and Piracy

Published on June 4, 2007

New York, N.Y, June 4, 2007 – Representatives of America’s top global companies applauded today’s release of a landmark report from the 30-nation Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the economic costs of counterfeiting and piracy.  Release of the report’s summary was timed to coincide with this week’s G8 summit in Germany, where the issue is on the agenda for leaders of the world’s leading economies.  The full report will be released this summer.

The United States Council for International Business welcomed the OECD report, “The Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy.”  The report includes new figures on the scope of international trade in fake goods, and concludes that the magnitude and effects of the problem are “of such significance that they compel strong and sustained action” from governments, business and consumers.  The report recommends increased enforcement of existing laws and tighter cooperation between governments and industry to make current policies more effective.

“Policy makers need to pay close attention to what the OECD is saying,” according to USCIB President Peter M. Robinson.  “Counterfeiting and piracy take a heavy toll on governments, businesses of all sizes and of course consumers.   It’s wholesale theft, by well organized criminal networks, that endangers consumer health and safety, harms the reputation of companies, cuts into tax revenues and discourages much-needed foreign investment.”

The OECD report says the flow of illicit cross-border trade in so-called “hard goods,” i.e., tangible counterfeit and pirated products, could be up to  $200 billion, a figure greater than the national GDP of some 150 countries.  But it concedes that this represents just the tip of the iceberg, since the OECD did not tally the cost of domestically produced and consumed counterfeit and pirated products, or the economic costs of online piracy.  The report concludes that, if these factors were included, “the magnitude could be several hundred billion dollars more.”

The report provides clear indications that product counterfeiting and piracy are growing – and affect virtually every country, industry and product category.  The OECD notes that, while governments are increasingly acknowledging the problem and putting laws and regulations in place, more effective enforcement is critical.

For the past several years, business representatives and others have been pushing the G8 to more forcefully address the growing tide of counterfeiting and piracy. Last week, a group of top executives from around the world wrote to G8 leaders under the umbrella of Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP), an initiative of the International Chamber of Commerce, urging them to take bigger, bolder steps to beat back counterfeiting and piracy.

The private sector contributed data and analysis to the authors of the report, working through the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, and it wants to see the OECD do more to assess the scope of the problem and explore solutions.

“The OECD report points out that these illegal activities have significant effects on governments, industry, consumers and society at large from lost innovation, creativity, investment, jobs and overall economic growth and development, especially in developing markets,” said Richard Johnson of the law firm Arnold & Porter, who chairs the BIAC counterfeiting task force.  “We support the OECD’s conclusion that more work is needed in this area, and we stand ready to help find ways to do this.  We hope the upcoming G8 summit will endorse the findings of the OECD report and its recommendations for future government actions.”

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment.  Its membership includes more than 300 leading U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3.5 trillion.  As the exclusive American affiliate of three key global business groups – the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers, and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD – USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade.  More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:

Jonathan Huneke, VP communications, USCIB

+1 212.703.5043 (office), +1 917.420.0039 (mobile) or jhuneke@uscib.org

OECD Report on Counterfeiting and Piracy

BIAC website

BASCAP website

More on USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee

Member Staff News

Published on June 1, 2007

USCIB Members Turn Out for World Trade Week

As part of World Trade Week in New York, IBM’s George Pohle spoke about emerging growth strategies for foreign companies in China.
As part of World Trade Week in New York, IBM’s George Pohle spoke about emerging growth strategies for foreign companies in China.

May 21-25 was World Trade Week in cities around the country, an occasion for pro-trade groups like USCIB to marshal their resources in support of enhanced awareness of trade’s importance to America’s prosperity. We thank all the USCIB members and friends around the country who helped make the week’s events such a big success.

In New York, the theme was “Small Business Success in the Global Marketplace.” USCIB joined with several other groups in organizing an array of events, discussions and get-togethers. A kickoff award breakfast recognized New York companies that have scored major successes in overseas markets. In another event, USCIB Senior Vice President Cindy Duncan led a discussion of the ATA Carnet service for temporary exports

At a packed panel discussion of new tools for doing business in China, George Pohle of IBM’s Institute for Business Value gave an incisive presentation of new study on China’s new mass markets. Foreign companies, he said, must alter their business models and operations to tap China’s rapidly growing middle class.

Mr. Pohle noted that prosperity outside of major coastal cities, coupled with fierce competition, will drive more companies to develop innovative, low-cost business models to reach new markets and customers across diverse regions of China. Companies will need to transform key areas of their businesses – including sales channels, distribution, R&D, procurement and human resources – to capture this opportunity. Click here to access a copy of the IBM study.

Louise Kantrow
Louise Kantrow

New ICC Representative to the United Nations – We are delighted to welcome Louise Kantrow as the International Chamber of Commerce’s new permanent representative to the United Nations. In April, Ms. Kantrow succeeded William J. Stibravy, ICC’s longtime UN representative, who retired after more than a quarter-century representing business in the world body. Like him, she will be based in USCIB’s Midtown Manhattan offices.

Ms. Kantrow most recently served as executive director of the International League for Human Rights, one of the oldest human rights organizations in the world. She has also held senior positions in UN Association of the USA, the United Nations Population Fund and the Population Council, and worked for many years as economic affairs officer in the UN Department of Economic and Social Development.

In March, USCIB members and friends, along with a host of current and former UN official and delegates, joined in celebrating Mr. Stibravy’s years of service and record of accomplishment. “A lot of the credit for the UN’s more positive attitude toward business in recent years can go to Bill Stibravy,” noted USCIB President Peter M. Robinson.

L-R: USCIB Vice Chair Thomas Niles, ICC Finland Chair Markku Pohjola and Jorma Korhonen of Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
L-R: USCIB Vice Chair Thomas Niles, ICC Finland Chair Markku Pohjola and Jorma Korhonen of Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

More Comings and Goings – USCIB Vice Chair Thomas Niles paid a visit to Finland in April at the invitation of ICC Finland. Mr. Niles, the former assistant secretary of state for European affairs who served as U.S. ambassador to several countries, met with business and government leaders, as well as the press, to discuss the current state of transatlantic relations. … USCIB President Peter M. Robinson has joined the U.S. Trade Representative’s Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee, which provides expert advice to U.S. trade negotiators on environmental matters. … David Lewis has retired as vice president of government affairs with LENNOX International and stepped down as chair of USCIB’s Climate Change Working Group, a position he had for seven years.

USCIB Trustee Thomas Gottschalk has retired from his position as general counsel with GM, and taken a position with law firm Kirkland & Ellis. … Mark Beckett of Latham & Watkins is the new chair of USCIB’s Arbitration Committee on June 1, succeeding Louis Kimmelman of Allen & Overy.

Welcome New Members! – We are proud to welcome the following new USCIB members: General Mills, Inc., Kilpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP, Littler Mendelson, P.C., Scott & Scott LLP, Entertainment Software Association and the Managed Funds Association.

New Faces at USCIB Headquarters – A warm welcome to Lea Felluss, the new executive assistant supporting ICC’s liaison team in New York, which handles both commercial arbitration and outreach to the United Nations. Lea is a graduate of Berkeley College. … We are also pleased to welcome Alix Anfang as program assistant, supporting our Environment, Intellectual Property and Competition Committees among other areas. Alix is a graduate of Georgetown University. … Finally, Kirsten Robinson has joined us for the summer as receptionist and administrative assistant. Kirsten will be a junior at James Madison University in the fall.