Communication Department Archives

USCIB Commences 2022 With Robust Engagement With Biden Trade Officials

Published on February 2, 2022

USCIB is off to a vigorous start in 2022 in the area of business advocacy. In January, USCIB Director for Investment, Trade and China Alice Slayton Clark held three major committee meetings to bring USCIB members together with Biden Administration officials to discuss China, India and Indo-Pacific trade policy.

Launching this effort, the USCIB China Committee met January 11 for an off-the-record virtual discussion with Deputy Assistant USTR for China Affairs Tim Wineland regarding the key issues confronting the U.S.-China trade relationship. The meeting provided an opportunity for USCIB members to discuss the latest policy developments impacting relations with one of our largest trading partners; topics addressed included the Biden-Xi virtual leaders’ summit, the Administration’s new China trade policy and negotiating agenda for 2022, an assessment of the China Phase 1 trade agreement, and the U.S. plan to address industrial subsidies with China, among other concerns.

The following week, USCIB members met January 19 with Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia Chris Wilson and Deputy Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch for an update on the US-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) process and the chance to share trade concerns to help inform U.S. priorities as TPF working groups in the areas of agriculture (regulatory alignment), non-agriculture, intellectual property, and services (including digital) are formed for 2022.  A dialogue established by India and the United States in 2005, the TPF was on pause for several years until the Biden Administration relaunched it with an inaugural meeting November 23, 2021.

According to Clark, “the TPF is important to the elimination of trade barriers between the United States and India, and we are grateful to the Biden Administration for resetting the bilateral relationship by reviving this process.  It was important for USCIB members to talk with the negotiators and share their company concerns so the discussions can yield the best results for U.S. industry and its workers.”

Finally, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the Department of Commerce Pamela Phan joined the USCIB Trade and Investment Committee quarterly meeting January 27 to discuss the Biden Administration’s recently announced Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The IPEF is a Biden Administration initiative intended to reassert U.S. leadership and influence, particularly vis-à-vis China’s economic linkages in the region.  While IPEF is in its early stages, USCIB felt it important to engage with Administration officials now to help shape workstreams and expectations for the discussions ahead.

USCIB Launches Competition Webinar Series; First One Focuses on China

Published on January 26, 2022

The USCIB Competition Committee launched a new webinar series for 2022 titled “Updates in International Competition Law and Enforcement,” spotlighting antitrust developments in key jurisdictions around the globe.

The first event was held last week, focusing on China antitrust regulation and enforcement and featuring experts from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) China National Commission: Dr. Hao Zhan, managing partner at Anjie Law Firm Beijing and ICC Competition Commission regional ambassador to China, Susan Ning, senior partner and head of compliance department of King & Wood Mallesons in Beijing, and Song Ying, antitrust partner at Anjie Law Firm Beijing.

“We hope these webinars will benefit USCIB members, giving them the opportunity to learn from competition experts from around the globe on issues critical to their business,” said USCIB Director Investment, Trade and China Alice Slayton Clark.

Zhan discussed recent fundamental changes in China’s antitrust system, with consolidation in 2018 of three authorities into the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), a centralized, vice ministry level authority with more power to promulgate and enforce competition rules and laws. According to Zhan, this has ushered in a new era of antitrust enforcement in China with the establishment of the State Anti-Monopoly Bureau and more cases and higher penalties targeting mostly the media, finance, technology internet platform and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ning outlined the Anti-Monopoly Law, draft amendments released in October 2021 and the anti-monopoly guidelines on the platform economy enacted in February 2021. She discussed how the trend in China is to focus antitrust efforts on the platform economy, focusing on the role of algorithms and platform technologies being misused to exclude or coordinate with others in the marketplace.  Vertical, horizontal and hub and spoke relationships are all targeted. She also discussed the behavior patterns for big data killing, when platforms discriminate in pricing practices using algorithms to differentiate consumers and customary spending costs and described a few high-profile penalty decisions imposed on platform operators who hindered the flow of consumers between platforms – “picking one from the two” problem.

Finally Song described the recent history of anti-monopoly law development in China, highlighting a few of the key changes sought through AML amendments, most of which fall under merger control, addressing no safe harbor, aiding and abetting (liability of third parties), stop the clock, and higher penalties for gun jumping, for example.

Clark plans to host the next webinar in the spring, spotlighting European or Latin American antitrust enforcement practices.

Job Opening: International Trade Policy Research Intern – Washington D.C. Office (remote work possible)

Published on January 19, 2022

Position: International Trade Policy Research Intern

Organization: United States Council for International Business

Office: Washington D.C.

Reports to: Policy and Program Managers

Duration: 8 weeks, Summer 2022. Dates flexible. Open to Part-Time or Full-Time depending on candidate’s availability.

Compensation: $2,000

The Opportunity – About USCIB:

Founded in 1945, USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence.  Its members include 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 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 and investment. More at www.uscib.org

General Description

Main areas of responsibility:

  • In collaboration with the policy staff, the intern will update a variety of USCIB policy documents focused on global trade, international investment, intergovernmental forums [e.g., APEC] and multilateral institutions [e.g., WTO].
  • Additional responsibilities will include implementation of projects involving the development and dissemination of USCIB policy positions on international business policy issues, particularly related to trade, investment, and customs, which will include research, analysis and initial drafting of policy papers, blog posts and other website content and social media outreach.
  • Additional miscellaneous projects as needed and as time permits.

Qualifications

Graduate student with a background in international economics, international affairs, international trade, international law or other related areas. Candidates for master’s in international relations or business administration or law degrees welcome. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as well as computer proficiency are essential. Must be detail oriented, have strong interpersonal, administrative and organization skills with interest in international relations, trade, and investment policy issues.

Responsibilities

  • Research and writing related to the update and production of USCIB documents on international policy matters and in response to requests for public comments.
  • Coordination of member comments on international affiliate papers and drafts, as well as drafting of other papers and documents.
  • Assist with management of documents and communications with USCIB members, international affiliates and international organizations related to this work and as needed.

How to Apply

Please email resume, cover letter and 2 writing samples to Ashley Harrington (resume@uscib.org), along with your dates of availability. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

USCIB Participates in First-Ever Virtual ILO Labor Conference

Published on January 12, 2022

The 109th International Labor Organization’s (ILO) International Labor Conference (ILC) concluded in December 2021, and USCIB once again actively participated in negotiations as the U.S. Employer Representative. Of special note, USCIB Senior Counsel Ronnie Goldberg was elected and served as Vice President (Employers) of the conference. USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson, Vice President for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Gabriella Herzog, and Senior Counsel and ILO Governing Body Member Tom Mackall also participated on behalf of business.

According to Herzog, the ILC is the leading global forum for discussion of key social and labor questions. Each year, Employer, Worker and Government delegates gather at the ILC to negotiate and to adopt international labor standards. Held virtually for the first time in the ILO’s 100+ year history, the 2021 ILC was conducted over two online sessions – one in May/June, and one in November/December. Due to the pandemic, the ILC was not held in 2021.

Among the outcomes across the two 2021 sessions, the ILO’s tripartite constituents adopted a Global Call for Action for a Human-Centered Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, an emergency resolution on the situation in Myanmar, a resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social protection (social security), and two sets of conclusions and reports on Skills and lifelong learning  and Inequalities and the world of work. This is in addition to regular proceedings, such as the Committee on Application of Standards and adopting the ILO’s program and budget.

“USCIB was gratified that the ILO was able to pivot and continue the important tradition of hosting the ILC, albeit virtually,” said Herzog, “and we look forward to the end of the pandemic and the safe return to in-person tripartite social dialogue at the ILC for the ILO and its 187 Member States.”

USCIB Joins IOE in Mourning the Passing of IOE Honorary President François Perigot

Published on January 12, 2022
François Perigot

USCIB is joining the International Organization of Employers (IOE) in mourning the passing of François Perigot, who served as IOE President from 2001-2006, after which he was given the role of Honorary President.

Perigot was widely known throughout the employer community as an individual with strong and deep human values, and a forceful believer and advocate for employer organizations. He made significant contributions, during his tenure at IOE, to promoting and protecting employer interests worldwide. He particularly stood out for his unwavering commitment to champion the international business community.

“He was a man of great stature, and IOE and its members were fortunate to have him as their President,” commented Ronnie Goldberg, USCIB senior counsel and former IOE vice president.

As a member of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation, he participated in the elaboration of the report “A fair globalisation: Creating opportunities for All,” presented to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2004.

Perigot was also widely respected businessman and served as president of CNPF (the French employer organization, now known as MEDEF) from 1986 – 1994, and President of MEDEF International from 1997 – 2005.

USCIB Welcomes New Policy Staff Members

Published on January 5, 2022

USCIB has welcomed several new policy support staff at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. In November, USCIB welcomed Katya Nicholas as USCIB’s new Executive Assistant, Office of the President replacing Crys Won who has left the position in March 2021. Agnes Vinblad joined later in November as USCIB Policy and Program Associate, Sustainability. Finally, USCIB welcomed Angela Goulovitch, starting most recently on January 3, 2022 as Policy and Program Associate, Corporate Responsibility & Labor Affairs.

Katya Nicholas

For the past several years, Katya Nicholas has served in a number of C-Suite EA positions in New York and San Francisco, including for a marketing technology company and a technical company supporting the automotive retail industry. Her experience includes calendar, travel, and project management; team coordination; event management and meeting logistics; communications and HR. Nicholas has expressed great interest in USCIB’s mission, and is an internationalist herself. She was born in St. Petersburg, and lived in Prague and Vienna before moving to California.

She has an MA in Communications/Translation and Interpreting (English/French/Russian) and also speaks Czech, Spanish and German. She has certificates in High-Tech Product Management/Marketing and Project Management from UC Berkeley. She is also a photographer and certified Clifton Strengths Assessment coach. Nicholas is based in USCIB’s New York office.

Agnes Vinblad

Agnes Vinblad is based in USCIB’s New York office, working closely with USCIB Senior Vice President, Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy, supporting USCIB’s advocacy and representation at the UN and other inter-governmental forums relating to environment and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, including the SDGs. Vinblad brings professional experience with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, where she spent the past two years working with questions related to youth, the SDGs and social innovation.

She has held other short-term appointments with multiple NGOs and international organizations. Additionally, Vinblad holds private sector experience from working in strategy consulting and other administrative roles. In 2018, Vinblad was appointed as a Delegate for the Y7 (Youth 7) – one of the official G7 Engagement Groups. This opportunity brought her to both Brussels, Belgium and Ottawa, Canada. She has lived and worked in Norway, China, Hong Kong, as well as her native Sweden, prior to settling in New York.

Angela Goulovitch

Angela Goulovitch is based in USCIB’s New York office, working closely with USCIB Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Gabriella Rigg Herzog on USCIB advocacy work and Member engagement on cross-cutting issues of corporate responsibility and responsible business conduct, labor, corporate governance, human rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goulovitch joins USCIB with over 10 years of professional experience in the public and private sectors, with a strong track record of excellence in communications, project management and partnership building, among other areas. Most recently, Goulovitch served as External Advisor on UN affairs for the International Organization of Employers (IOE), where she tracked policy developments, conducted external engagements, and fostered cooperation between employer organizations and UN Resident Coordinators.

Before that, Goulovitch served as a Knowledge Specialist with the International Labor Organization (ILO), where she researched and wrote publications on government and company policy best practices that promote women’s economic empowerment. Goulovitch also has private sector experience in the financial services sector where she worked in client service, as well as public sector experience from her time interning for the U.S. Department of State and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. Originally from Ukraine, Goulovitch completed her Master of Arts degree in International Relations from New York University in 2018, and is also a true New Yorker – raised and still living in Brooklyn, NY.

 

Wanner Makes Intervention at UN Meeting on Security and Use of ICTs

Published on January 5, 2022

On occasion of the second meeting of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the Security of and Use of ICTs on December 16, USCIB Vice President for ICT Policy Barbara Wanner delivered an intervention on behalf of stakeholders during a virtual stakeholder consultative discussion with the Chair of the Group, Ambassador Burhan Gafoor.

Wanner’s intervention highlighted many of the points that USCIB had already made in a letter that USCIB submitted to the Ambassador on December 9 prior to Wanner’s intervention, which was co-signed by 147 stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, states and regional organizations as well as individuals. The letter expressed an overarching commitment to a successful OEWG process and a belief that it is likely to have a far-reaching impact on many stakeholders, including impacts on communities and individuals. The letter also emphasized the importance of an open, transparent and inclusive dialogue that would provide the basis for stakeholders to play a role in implementing the decisions and which would take into consideration their ability to participate and contribute to the outcome.

“We urge you to stay true to your commitment to continue to leverage the expertise of non-governmental stakeholders in a ‘systematic, sustained, and substantive manner’ in order to effectively build upon the work of the first OEWG,” said Wanner.

Wanner also stressed the need for transparency, both in terms of the development of texts, and the accreditation process for non-governmental stakeholder participation. She also emphasized the need to continue using a hybrid format for meetings to facilitate the participation of delegates and stakeholders who cannot travel to New York.

“This approach will remain critical as we continue to battle the global pandemic. It also will enable full transparency of the proceedings as mentioned previously,” she added.

USCIB Issues ATA Carnet Advisory on Brazil; Brazil to Terminate Carnet as of January 1

Published on December 22, 2021

New York, N.Y., December 22, 2021 — As the National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association (NGA and IA) for ATA Carnet in the United States, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is issuing the following guidance for holders (users) of U.S. ATA Carnets to Brazil (BR) or “BR ATA Carnets” for entry into the United States.

As of January 1, 2022, Brazilian customs will terminate their ATA Carnet operations.

Brazil will no longer issue or accept ATA Carnets. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) initially ended its role as the sole NGA role in Brazil in June 2021 and was subsequently extended to December 31, 2021. During this time, Brazil Customs went through a solicitation process for a new NGA and IA, but the process conducted on September 17 and November 5, 2021, was not successful. At this time, Brazil has not been able to appoint a new entity to guarantee and issue Carnets.

As a result, U.S issued ATA Carnets currently in circulation should not be used for entry into Brazil on or after January 1, 2022. Likewise, ATA Carnets issued by Brazil for entry into the United States will be rejected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Details of this announcement can be found at the Brazilian Customs’ website.

“Specific questions or assistance on U.S. ATA Carnets with regards to this announcement should be directed to our authorized service providers, Boomerang Carnets and Roanoke Insurance Group,” advised USCIB Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Declan Daly.

ATA Carnets are honored in over eighty customs countries and territories and can be used for multiple trips during a one-year period. The global ATA Carnet system is overseen by the Paris-based World Chamber Federation of the International Chamber of Commerce. USCIB administers the Carnet system in the United States.

More on USCIB’s Trade Services.

About USCIB

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development, and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. As the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and Business at OECD (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.

USCIB Members Honored With Corporate Startup Stars Awards; Pfizer Earns 2021 Grand Winner

Published on December 22, 2021

On occasion of the annual Corporate Startup Stars Awards, startups were asked to nominate corporates most active in open innovation. Launched by Mind the Bridge under the European Commission’s Startup Europe Partnership initiative in 2016, the Awards have been scaled globally by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

One company that has consistently pursued Open Innovation with Purpose and involving all nations, all genders, all generations is the 2021 Grand Winner, USCIB member Pfizer.

Pfizer’s partnership with startup BioNTech epitomizes this by crossing national, generational and gender borders to come together and help the world with its COVID-19 vaccine.

Along with Pfizer, other USCIB member companies named in the 2021 Top 25 Corporate Startup Stars are: AB InBev, BP, Mastercard and SAP. 

The 25 companies awarded in the “Open Innovation Challengers” category include USCIB members Bayer AG, Boeing and Hewlett Packard.

Regional Awards go to Mastercard (North America).

Special awards for seven categories single out approaches and best practices that merit recognition:

  • Startup Procurement Award
    AB Inbev
  • Corporate Startup Accelerator Award
    Mastercard and SAP
  • Startup Investment Award
    AEI HorizonX (Boeing)

During the Awards Ceremony, Mind the Bridge presented key evidence emerging from its Report “Evolve or Be Extinct. Future Models of Open Innovation from the 2021 Global Corporate Startup Stars” that analyses how Fortune 500/Forbes 2000 companies interact with startups and scaleups at global level.

Download the Mind the Bridge report Report “Evolve or Be Extinct, Future Models of Open Innovation from the 2021 Global Corporate Startup Stars.

See here for the full story on ICC’s website.

Vietnam to Join Global “Merchandise Passport” System in Spring 2022

Published on December 20, 2021

New York, N.Y., December 20, 2021 — Vietnam is set to become the seventy-ninth member country to accept ATA Carnets for the temporary, duty-and tax-free importation of various types of goods, beginning May 1, 2022, according to the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which administers the ATA system in the United States.

ATA Carnets are critical tools of trade facilitation known as the “merchandise passport” or “passport for goods” that simplify customs procedures for the temporary movement of goods and permit goods to enter a party to the System duty and are tax free for up to one-year. They provide users with many benefits, including being easy to use and eliminate surprises at the border; one document allows many country visits during a year of validity; streamline processes at border crossings; and they save time and money (duties & taxes).

ATA Carnets cover import of professional equipment, commercial samples and items for display at exhibitions and fairs. When countries join the ATA system they determine their scope of coverage. As of May 1, Vietnam will allow ATA Carnet covering only exhibitions and fairs (E&F).

The worldwide ATA Carnet system is overseen by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – World Chamber Federation (WCF). USCIB is the sole U.S. National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association for ATA Carnets.

“Vietnam has an export market of nearly ten billion dollars,” said USCIB Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Declan Daly, who oversees USCIB’s ATA Carnet operations. “ATA Carnets are tools of export promotion as well. They will allow American and other foreign companies to explore the market and conduct business deals with the country, while enabling Vietnamese businesses easier access and exploration to the U.S. and other global markets.”

The ATA System is in place in over eighty-five countries and territories and provides duty-free and tax-free imports on goods that will be re-exported within twelve months.

Please visit the Vietnam ATA Carnet page for more info.