News Stories Archives

Business Supports Internet Transition Proposal

Published on May 26, 2016

Digital GlobeUSCIB signed an open letter to Congress along with 15 other companies and trade associations on May 23. The letter endorsed the transfer of the stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a set of core functions necessary for the running of the Internet domain name system, from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to the multi-stakeholder Internet community, with safeguards to enable active involvement in processes designed to hold ICANN accountable as an independent entity.

In March 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a plan to transition its stewardship of the Internet’s domain name system to the global Internet community. This plan represents the final stage of the development of ICANN as a private-sector led, multi-stakeholder organization to coordinate Internet addresses.

USCIB actively contributed comments throughout the two-plus-year development of the transition process, having recently submitted comments on the draft ICANN bylaws that would implement the IANA transition and ICANN Accountability reforms.

“We endorsed the final package, expressing confidence that it will meet [the Commerce Department’s] criteria for the transition of the IANA stewardship role and ensure the continued stability, security and resiliency of the domain name system as well as fundamental openness of the Internet,” USCIB wrote in its comments. “Equally important in USCIB’s view, the March 10 package includes safeguards to enable active involvement by the community in processes designed to hold ICANN accountable as an independent entity.”

USCIB members look forward to ensuring that the transition continues smoothly and in a timely manner.

On March 10, USCIB issued a press release welcoming the ICANN Accountability package and the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

World Trade Week NYC Celebrates the Big Apple’s Export Success Stories

Published on May 23, 2016
At the May 16 World Trade Week NYC kickoff awards breakfast, Lucy Ambrosino of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (speaking) and USCIB’s Cynthia Duncan (at right) were honored for their contributions to the annual World Trade Week NYC celebrations over the past 10-plus years. Joe Schoonmaker (left), chair of the New York District Export Council, presented the awards.
At the May 16 World Trade Week NYC kickoff awards breakfast, Lucy Ambrosino of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (speaking) and USCIB’s Cynthia Duncan (at right) were honored for their contributions to the annual World Trade Week NYC celebrations over the past 10-plus years. Joe Schoonmaker (left), chair of the New York District Export Council, presented the awards.

The third week of each May, in cities across the country, business groups and the trade community come together to celebrate World Trade Week and our common cause of promoting and facilitating international trade in the U.S. economy. As in years past, USCIB joined with others in the New York metropolitan area to organize World Trade Week NYC. The week got off with a bang at the International Trade Awards Breakfast, held on the campus of Baruch College.

Co-chaired by Molly Campbell, port director with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Chuck Ludmer, principal with Cohn Reznick, the breakfast saw awards presented to a diverse array of local businesses, many experiencing their first flush of export success, and to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to global trade.

Among the latter were USCIB’s Cynthia Duncan, who for many years headed our ATA Carnet Service and served as a member of the New York District Export Council. Duncan was honored along with Lucy Ambrosino of the Port Authority with the World Trade Week NYC/NY DEC Appreciation Award. Both women have been instrumental in organizing highly successful World Trade Week celebrations for more than a decade.

The awards breakfast featured remarks by Under Secretary of Commerce Stefan Selig as well as Maria Torres-Springer, president of New York City Economic Development Corporation. For a full list of award winners and information on other World Trade Week NYC events, visit www.worldtradeweeknyc.org.

USCIB Talks Poverty Reduction at Development Conference

Published on May 23, 2016
SDG Goal 1 End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SDG Goal 1 End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Eliminating poverty everywhere is the first goal of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its placement at number one underscores the importance given to poverty reduction by the international community and the urgent need to achieve it with respect to the subsequent goals. Ariel Meyerstein, USCIB’s vice president for labor affairs, corporate responsibility and corporate governance, spoke at a poverty reduction panel at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Society for International Development on May 23 in Washington D.C..

Meyerstein gave the business perspective on the challenges associated with achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries. The panel touched on a wide range of topics, including how metrics and indicators help civil society engage with the broader SDG process, which goals play a vital role in poverty reduction, which kinds of partnerships can be the most effective towards achieving the SDGs, and how the international community will fund and implement the UN’s ambitious goals.

Other panelists included Adolfo Lopez-Claros, director of the Global Indicators Group of the World Bank Group and Casey Dunning, senior policy analyst at the Center for Global Development.

USCIB has played a central role in marshaling business support for sustainable development. In September 2015, USCIB officially launched its well-received Business for 2030 web portal, a catalog of business engagement that showcases the private sector’s contributions to the SDGs. Business for 2030 features over 140 initiatives from 35 companies in over 150 countries of how businesses are helping to achieve 72 of the 169 SDG targets.

In addition to educating the business community about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, the website highlights concrete initiatives and public-private partnerships to inspire renewed trust in the private sector, and to catalyze sustained and active business engagement in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through its blog and Twitter presence, the site also targets business perspectives to the UN community to sensitize them to business views on SDG priorities and implementation.

Business for 2030 features hundreds of case studies of business contributions to sustainable development through the filter of the SDGs. Three USCIB members – Dupont, Mastercard and Qualcomm – have contributed case studies under the End Poverty goal.

Business Priorities for UN Climate Agreement Implementation

Published on May 23, 2016
Norine Kennedy and Peter Robinson speak at a press conference on December 9 at COP21 in Paris.
Norine Kennedy and Peter Robinson speak at a press conference on December 9 at COP21 in Paris.

Following last year’s landmark conclusion of the United Nations climate negotiations (COP21) culminating in the Paris Agreement, an international treaty designed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, USCIB attended the first meeting of the UN’s Ad Hoc Working Group (APA) on the Paris Accord on May 17 in Bonn, Germany to provide business views on the agreement’s implementation.

Norine Kennedy, USCIB’s vice president for strategic international engagement, energy and environment, spoke on behalf of the Business and Industry NGOs at the first meeting of the APA on May 17. She noted that COP21 saw an unprecedented level of business support for the Paris Agreement, and that business across all sectors provides solutions for the world’s mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

“Business develops and provides sustainable solutions in energy production and use, industry, building, transport, energy efficiency, smart cities, water and food security, industrial processes, finance and others that will all be needed for the ambitious, effective global strategy we are embarked on together,” Kennedy said at the meeting.

Kennedy said that transparency, innovation, and investment and markets are business priorities for immediate attention as the UN implements the climate agreement:

Transparency

Defining common rules to measure, report and verify commitments will be essential for the long-term success of the Agreement, and will help promote business support.  Credibility and predictability are vital considerations for private sector planning and investments.

Innovation

All countries and business sectors need to support developing new skills to respond to climate change challenges, enabling energy transitions and shaping public policies for sustainable economies.  Enabling frameworks for innovation and its dissemination, including intellectual property rights protection, are essential. Predictable and transparent policy conditions, open trade and investment and a level playing field in global markets are a prerequisite for effective climate protection.

Investment and Markets

Business welcomes Article 6, because in our view, all markets — including for carbon, goods or financial — should be enlisted to support and deliver results for mitigation and adaptation. Market-based approaches should synergize with other existing policies and options such as international standards, voluntary agreements or other regulatory instruments.

Because business has the relevant expertise to contribute to the review and strengthening of countries’ climate pledges, Kennedy said that a recognized channel for business engagement with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is a must.

“In our view, an institutionalized channel within the UNFCCC for private-sector consultation and engagement would provide the necessary institutional infrastructure to support dialogue, partnership and action in short and long term,” she concluded. “This recognized and regular interface should feature not only at high level events, but in all working aspects of the UNFCCC.”

USCIB Attends Highest Health Policy Forum

Published on May 23, 2016

WHO_hq_full_sizeThe World Health Organization’s annual World Health Assembly takes place this week in Geneva, convening health ministers from 194 countries to deliberate on major global health policy issues. Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation, attended the World Health Assembly representing the views of U.S. business.

USCIB has been monitoring and providing input into the WHO’s Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), a policy that will determine how the WHO interacts with non-state actors including businesses. USCIB recently submitted comments at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Stakeholder Listening Session calling for clarity as the WHO implements its new framework.

USCIB argues that the proposed FENSA is too stringent, as it would limit the WHO’s ability to fully benefit from the private sector’s practical expertise, resources and research.

“Given the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, we believe that all stakeholders including business should be involved in supporting the WHO’s policies,” said Medina.

USCIB called on U.S. negotiators headed to the World Health Assembly to push for a resolution that reflects the need for positive measures that invite and enable public-private partnerships to advance the WHO’s mission.

While in Geneva, Medina will be supporting USCIB members on the ground at the assembly, as well as attending side-events related to non-communicable diseases and intellectual property rights and innovation.

USCIB Receives President’s Award for Exporting Excellence

Published on May 23, 2016
L-R: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Derek Leite, USCIB’s director of Trade Services
L-R: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Derek Leite, USCIB’s director of Trade Services

On May 16, USCIB was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce as one of 123 organizations to receive the President’s “E” Award for exporting excellence during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker honored USCIB during the ceremony for our work as an advocate of open markets and promoter of U.S. exports. Derek Leite, USCIB’s director of Trade Services, was on hand to receive the honors.

“USCIB has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the organization. “The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with USCIB’s dedication to promoting international trade. The organization’s innovative work to implement the ATA Carnet was also particularly notable. USCIB’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

In addition to USCIB’s policy work promoting growth, jobs and open markets, USCIB is the National Guaranteeing Association for the ATA Carnet, a customs document under which merchandise can be temporarily imported duty-free into the United States and many other countries. USCIB also offers a number of services designed to facilitate cross-border trade and investment. Learn more about USCIB’s Trade Services.

“This is a period of expanding use of ATA Carnets by U.S. companies,” said Leite at the award ceremony. “This spurs U.S. exports worldwide, and helps to smooth the flow of global commerce. We would like to thank our ATA Carnet issuing providers, Boomerang Carnets and Roanoke Trade, for their persistent efforts to help grow ATA Carnet usage in the United States and around the world.”

Read the press release by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Business Asks for More Time on Treasury’s Debt-Equity Regulations

Published on May 13, 2016

Fountain pen on taxUSCIB joined 22 other business organizations asking the government to delay the effective date of Treasury’s controversial earnings-stripping rules (proposed 385 regulations) and offer additional time for public comments. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew sent on May 12, the business groups explained that the new regulations would “significantly increase the cost of doing business in the United States” and change the way businesses can finance their operations using intercompany debt.

The new regulations are intended to prevent companies from shifting income outside of the United States through loans to subsidiaries by treating some of those loans as equity instead of debt. The business groups explained that although Treasury’s earnings-stripping rules are designed to reduce the number of corporate tax inversions, the regulations “go far beyond cross-border mergers and apply to a wide range of ordinary business transactions by global and domestic companies both in and outside the United States.” Once finalized, the new regulations could cost companies millions in lost tax deductions.

The groups requested that, given the broad impact of the new regulations on critical business operations, the government delay the effective date of the new regulations’ implementation, extend the public comment period from July to October and dedicate adequate time and resources for a thorough review of the public comments on the proposed regulations.

Read the letter.

Public-Private Collaboration Offers Solutions for Better Health

Published on May 9, 2016
L-R: Riz Khan (CNN), Robin Nuttall (McKinsey & Company), Jon Woods (Coca-Cola), Jorg Spieldenner (Nestle) and Jan Derck Van Karnebeek (Heineken)
L-R: Riz Khan, Robin Nuttall (McKinsey & Company), Jon Woods (The Coca-Cola Company), Jorg Spieldenner (Nestle) and Jan Derck Van Karnebeek (Heineken)

Last week, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (BIAC), convened a high-level forum to identify the central role for business as partners in bringing innovative solutions in health and well-being.  The business community understand the importance of health, and it can bring benefits and opportunities that will make societies healthier and economies more productive. At the forum participants called on the OECD governments to work with business as an important stakeholder to tackle today’s health challenges.  Speakers identified key priorities and potential solutions for governments to improve the productivity of economies and well-being of populations which included the following:

  • using business collaboration to respond faster to changing consumer and societal needs;
  • scaling up partnerships for promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors; and
  • developing sustainable healthcare systems that leverage private sector-led innovations.

“This first dialogue of its kind brought together senior representatives from government, the OECD, and the private sector, as well as leading experts in health and well-being working together to improve understanding of current global health challenges and identify effective policy recommendations,” said Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation.

The two-day event featured over 20 speakers that included the following USCIB members:

  • Dr. Bernard Prigent, Head of Medical Affairs Europe, Pfizer Inc.;
  • Dr. Jorg Spieldenner, Head of Public Health Nutrition, Nestle Research Center
  • Jon Woods, General Manager, Great Britain and Ireland, The Coca-Cola Company.

During the first day, the audience learned how the food and drink industries are investing in product formulation and medical nutrition to deliver healthier products for consumers. Industry also demonstrated that is it committed to responsible marketing approaches in communicating with consumers to do its part in promoting healthy lifestyle choices.  As employers, speakers discussed the importance of offering wellness programs, which empower populations and increase productivity.

“Because there is no silver bullet to dealing with chronic diseases, working in partnership with governments and community stakeholders is crucial, as are holistic educational programs that encourage physical activity and healthy life styles throughout ones’ life span,” Medina said.

The second day focused on policies that encourage sustainable healthcare systems. The audience was reminded that 21st healthcare systems must be patient-centered to be effective while also integrating digital technologies to make strides in disease prevention and management. Better cooperation with all stakeholders and integration of key technologies, such as big data, telemedicine and electronic health records can greatly improve the measurement and utilization of health outcomes, leading to improved health outcomes for patients while maintaining financial sustainability of healthcare systems through reduced waste and optimal resource allocation.

With regards to non-communicable diseases, today’s largest cause of mortality across OECD countries, panelists said there’s a need for rapid access to new therapies and innovations to reduce the disease burden. Achieving fast access and managed introduction of new technologies in healthcare systems requires new and innovative solutions, including payment and funding schemes, through cooperation between all stakeholders such as regulatory authorities, payers, health technology assessment agencies, healthcare providers and industry.

New technologies are critical to finding solutions for health challengs but equally important is striking a balance between encouraging innovation and access to new medicines. On this item, engaging all stakeholders in the conversation is a must. The innovation ecosystem is changing, and the private sector is providing new products and services to respond to global health challenges, including ageing and other unmet needs. The pharmaceutical R&D model of innovation is also evolving. Health should be included in all policies, and governments need to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to achieve better patient outcomes. New technologies are still needed to overcome future health challenges, and private sector investments focusing on unmet health needs, with the patient in the center, should be encouraged from a broader policy framework.

The BIAC Health and Wellness Forum was moderated by Riz Khan a well-known CNN reporter. For more information, contact Helen Medina.

US Labor Secretary Talks TPP at USCIB Meetings

Published on May 9, 2016
(Photo credit: U.S. Department of Labor)
L-R: Ariel Meyerstein (USCIB), Laura Rubbo (Disney), Thomas Perez (US Labor Department), Ronnie Goldberg (USCIB), Kevin Coon (Baker & McKenzie) (Photo credit: U.S. Department of Labor)

USCIB members and government officials gathered in Washington, D.C. on May 3 and 4 to review several important upcoming events and initiatives regarding labor policy, business and human rights, and corporate social responsibility. Convening at the offices of Baker & McKenzie for the first of two yearly meetings, USCIB’s Corporate Responsibility Committee and Labor and Employment Policy Committee discussed member priorities and concerns about upcoming transnational regulatory events and initiatives throughout 2016.

On May 3, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez briefed members on a wide range of international labor policy issues. He expressed support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying it has the strongest labor provisions of any trade agreement the United States has ever negotiated, and noted he expects TPP to pass, but not without continued advocacy and support from the business community. Perez also made a pitch for apprenticeships to help spur youth employment, saying apprenticeships are broadly applicable in many different sectors. The current administration has backed-up its belief in job training and skills development with a $175 million new grant-making initiative.  And he argued America needs to do more on progressive paid leave for mothers to include more women in the workforce to keep the United States competitive with its peers. USCIB is actively involved in all these areas at the global level, particularly on apprenticeships, which it has advanced by helping establish the Global Apprenticeships Network (GAN) through its global partner, the International Organization of Employers (IOE). Eric Biel and Mark Mittelhauser of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs accompanied Secretary Perez and remained on hand to answer member questions.

Laura Chapman Rubbo (Walt Disney) chaired the committee meetings while USCIB Vice President for Labor Affairs, Corporate Responsibility and Corporate Governance Ariel Meyerstein facilitated the discussions. On the first day of meetings, members reviewed developments at the International Labor Organization (ILO), including the update of the ILO Multinational Enterprise Declaration and the General Discussion on Decent Work in Global Supply Chains that will take place at this June’s International Labor Conference; legal developments related to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; international tax avoidance and how it relates to illicit financial flows and human rights and development, and future of work developments at the OECD. Other government guests included Lewis Karesh, assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Labor Affairs, who briefed members on TPP’s labor provisions.

On the second day, members listened to presentations about new empirical studies benchmarking company responses to human trafficking regulation, international policy developments and company initiatives around ethical recruitment, public-private partnerships with USAID on labor rights capacity-building, partnerships with the U.S. Department of Labor’s International Labor Affairs Bureau, and new software for issues management, benchmarking and stakeholder engagement. Government guests included Bama Athreya of USAID’s s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance and acting division chief of labor and employment rights; Prairie Summer of USAID’s Global Development Lab; Ana Aslan, global coordinator of the Better Work Program at the U.S. Department of Labor; and Josh Kagan, senior labor advisor for trade policy at the U.S. Department of Labor.

USCIB’s Labor Policy and Corporate Responsibility Committees will reconvene in early Fall 2016. The Committee will also have a substantial role in the upcoming 9th Annual Engaging Business Forum in Atlanta, hosted by the Coca-cola Company. For more information on the committee’s work and meetings please contact Ariel Meyerstein at ameyerstein@uscib.org.

 

USCIB Calls for Inclusiveness in Addressing Global Health Challenges

Published on May 9, 2016

WHO_hq_full_sizeAhead of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy setting body, USCIB submitted comments at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Stakeholder Listening Session calling for clarity as the WHO implements its Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA).

Eva Hampl, USCIB’s director for investment, trade and financial services, spoke at an HHS listening session held to solicit knowledge, ideas and feedback from all stakeholders – including private industry – as the U.S. positions itself to negotiate with other countries at the upcoming World Health Assembly. She urged the United States government to ensure that all stakeholders are included in the development and implementation of the FENSA guidance.

“Under current WHO rules, business organizations like ours, and our broad international affiliates, already encounter roadblocks to observing and supporting most WHO work,” Hampl said. “We are concerned this situation could worsen.”

USCIB argues that the proposed FENSA is too stringent, as it would limit the WHO’s ability to fully benefit from the private sector’s practical expertise, resources and research. Given the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, USCIB believes that all stakeholders should be involved in supporting the WHO’s policies.

“In our view, FENSA extends already discriminatory and restrictive practices on business, is cumbersome, lacks minimum transparency and accountability, and will set negative precedents in other [United Nations] forums,” USCIB said in a statement submitted to HHS. “It is a step backward and in contradiction to what has been the prevailing international trend by governments and inter-governmental bodies toward innovative and enhanced engagement with private sector entities to advance sustainable development.”

USCIB called on U.S. negotiators headed to the World Health Assembly to push for a resolution that reflects the need for positive measures that invite and enable public-private partnerships to advance WHO’s mission.