Policy Areas Archives

Trump’s Apple Rant Raises ‘Forced Localization’ Fears

Published on March 10, 2016

Via Politico Pro

Trade experts and economists have criticized Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump’s proposals to force Apple and other U.S. companies to bring manufacturing jobs back from China, saying that such a move would raise costs for consumers, force companies to reorganize their supply chains and harm prospects for trade liberalization.

USCIB Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Rob Mulligan spoke with Politico about how Trump’s plans are similar to the forced localization policies that many countries adopted after the financial crisis, with negative effects on global trade:

Trump’s proposal also smacks of “forced localization” policies that the United States is currently fighting around the world, where governments use the power of public procurement to require goods to be made domestically to qualify for contracts, said Rob Mulligan, a senior vice president at the U.S. Council for International Business.

If all countries started requiring their companies to bring manufacturing jobs back home, “it’s going to raise the cost for everybody,” Mulligan said.

Read the full Politico Pro article. (Paywall)

IRS Sees Potential Problems with Surrogate Filings

Published on March 8, 2016

USCIB’s Carol Doran Klein spoke to Bloomberg BNA about the surrogate filing option of the country-by-country reporting template, recommended by the OECD’s action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).

Tax experts cited the challenges created by differences in timing in the implementation of the country-by-country reporting requirements, part of the OECD’s plan to combat tax avoidance. Klein expressed skepticism about U.S. multinationals filing their country-by-country reporting in the UK.

Read the full Bloomberg BNA article. (Paywall)

IOE Celebrates International Women’s Day

Published on March 8, 2016

Women_lawInternational Women’s Day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. As employers strive to advance women’s empowerment, they must also identify current and long-standing barriers to women’s economic opportunities in their countries. Removing legal barriers to women’s advancement is a policy priority for the business community, as full female empowerment would unlock the full potential of a country’s workforce.

Public policy should be the result of an active dialogue and engagement between the public and private sectors, as well as with other stakeholders to deliver policies that align with and support efforts by business to advance women’s economic opportunities.

The International Organization of Employers (IOE) celebrated International Women’s Day in a constructive spirit by organizing a webinar on promoting economic opportunities for women around the world. The IOE and its members stand ready to collaborate in advancing gender diversity and supporting the economic dividend this creates for women, families, companies and society.

During the webinar, Augusto Lopez-Claros, director of global indicators group at the World Bank, presented the findings of a 2016 World Bank report on “Women, Business, and the Law,” which examines laws and regulations affecting women’s prospects as entrepreneurs and employees across 173 economies. The report’s quantitative indicators are intended to inform policy discussions on how to remove legal restrictions on women and promote research on how to improve women’s economic inclusion.

The report will be a useful tool for governments seeking to revise existing laws that are discriminatory against women and improve the circumstances surrounding women as economic actors, from better childcare and family support to greater workplace and labor market flexibility.

 

U.S., China Offer New Environmental Goods Staging Proposals

Published on March 7, 2016

Bloomberg BNA

“For China, EGA is a part of their climate agenda and certainly something that can move forward for them,” said Eva Hampl, a director of investment, trade and financial services at the U.S. Council for International Business. “Whereas the December WTO ministerial was an action-forcing event, now the G-20 would appear to be the next opportunity to move something forward,” she told Bloomberg BNA in a telephone interview.

Read the full article Bloomberg BNA article. (Paywall)

BIAC Secretary General Appointed Treasurer of the Global Apprenticeships Network

Published on March 7, 2016

worker_femaleThe secretary general of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, Bernhard Welschke, was appointed treasurer of the Global Apprenticeships Network (GAN) for a term of two-and-a-half years. The GAN is the global coalition of leading companies committed to tackle youth unemployment and skills mismatch by investing in work-based training.

Welschke, who will guide the GAN Board in the financial administration and budget of the Secretariat, commented: “I am pleased and honored to serve as treasurer of GAN, as we all understand that employment opportunities for the young are key for the success of our economies and the future of our societies.”

Working with Alain Dehaze, CEO of the Adecco Group, as chair, Welschke will oversee the financial administration of a coalition that is extending its presence in several countries, including Turkey, Indonesia, Spain and Argentina and will guide its presence in several more countries over the next few years, leading up to its next stage of success.

Internet’s Future to be Discussed at OECD Digital Economy Ministerial

Published on March 7, 2016

Digital GlobeThe rapid increase of information and communications technologies (ICT) and online participation compels us to consider the potentially transformative effects of technology on a broad range of socially beneficial, data driven applications. The upcoming 2016 OECD Digital Economy Ministerial in Cancún is an opportunity to think about the path forward and continue to promote these transformative opportunities in an open, transparent, responsible and inclusive manner, respecting both individual rights and freedoms and the rule of law.

Contributing actively to the development of the next OECD Committee on Digital Economy Policy (CDEP) Ministerial Declaration, a delegation from the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD led by USCIB ICT Committee Chair Joe Alhadeff is raising business concerns about the future of the digital economy. The drafting session for the Ministerial Declaration, a multi-stakeholder consultation process also including advisory members of the technical community, has progressed substantially from the first draft in September. The next version of the consensus-built OECD CDEP Ministerial Statement will be available during the next CDEP meetings from March 29 to April 1.

Please read “Enabling a Vibrant Digital Economy” by USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson for more information on USCIB’s involvement in the Digital Economy Ministerial.

BIAC to Hold Forum on Innovation in Health and Well-Being

Published on March 7, 2016

heart_cardio_resized_ssActive and healthy populations are the backbone of our economies. OECD countries are striving to develop more sustainable healthcare systems that harness innovation to achieve better health outcomes, greater productivity, and well-being. To show what the private sector is doing to address these obstacles, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD will hold a Forum on Innovation in Health and Well-Being on May 3-4, 2016 in Paris at the OECD Headquarters.

This two day event will feature interactive panel discussions on innovative on-the-ground projects and explore trailblazing solutions from BIAC’s global membership. In 2017, Health Ministers from OECD countries will meet to discuss the next generation of health reforms and provide future orientations for OECD work. Against this backdrop, the event will allow participants to exchange solutions and policy recommendations with high-level representatives from the business community, governments, and leading voices in the field. The discussions will also explore how healthy populations can be a strong pillar for increased economic productivity and societal well-being. Registration details and an agenda will be soon released.

USCIB Proud to Sponsor Global Partnerships Week 2016

Published on February 29, 2016

Business for 2030

New York, N.Y., March 1, 2016 – The United States Council for International Business is supporting next week’s Global Partnerships Week, an annual series of events in Washington, D.C. on public-private partnerships that for government, business and development professionals, organized by the U.S. Department of State, USAID and Concordia.

“Partnership among diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving the United Nation 2030 Development Agenda and many other shared objectives,” said USCIB Vice President Ariel Meyerstein. We are delighted to provide private-sector business support to this timely and informative series of events.”

USCIB will sponsor a breakout session during the week’s kick-off event on March 7, the Global Practitioners’ Forum as well as the event’s cocktail reception. The panel discussion will focus on “Making the Business Case with Social Metrics,” and will include representatives from USCIB member companies Citi, Microsoft and Nestle.

Global Partnerships Week brings together leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors working in diplomacy, development and peace-building to share best practices in the creation and implementation of cross-sector collaborations. This year’s keynote speakers include John Brennan, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Abigail Disney, filmmaker and philanthropist.

USCIB’s Business for 2030 web portal serves as a platform for companies and business organizations to showcase partnerships and other activities that advance the UN’s 2030 Development Agenda. Launched last year, the portal features examples of private-sector engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the goal of stimulating more productive partnerships between the public and private sectors in support of the SDGs.

“In less than a year, Business for 2030 has grown into a vibrant, trusted and widely recognized platform for the development community,” said Meyerstein. “Thanks to strong support from our members and other stakeholders, we will be further growing the portal throughout 2016.”

USCIB serves as the voice of American business in the UN and other multilateral bodies, primarily through its role as the American affiliate of several global business groups, including the International Chamber of Commerce.

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. With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
+1 917.420.0039, jhuneke@uscib.org

More on USCIB’s Corporate Responsibility Committee

USCIB Reports from Peru: APEC SOM I

Published on February 29, 2016

Lima_PeruUSCIB staff attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Meetings (SOM) in Lima, Peru last week, to coordinate business engagement on a variety of issues including customs, chemicals in products, and information and communication technologies (ICT). Comprised of 21 Asia-Pacific economies that account for 40 percent of the world’s population, 50 percent of global GDP and half the world’s trade, the APEC forum is the region’s top economic dialogue dedicated to encouraging economic growth, regional cooperation and trade and investment. The Asia-Pacific region is of great interest to USCIB members, as global companies are eager to tap the region’s growing markets.

Trade Facilitation

USCIB’s Director of Customs and Trade Facilitation Megan M. Giblin participated in meetings of the Global Supply Chain Integrity Workshop, APEC Alliance for Supply Chain Connectivity (A2C2), and attended the APEC Subcommittee on Customs Procedures meetings through her role as Industry Co-Chair of the SCCP – Customs Virtual Working Group. USCIB member priorities were front and center at all the meetings attended, including the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), single window, customs reform, and other key topics such as e-commerce from a customs perspective and de minimis.

Giblin reported that the TFA and its implementation are on the minds of all APEC member economies. TFA implementation was the focus at most meetings. With respect to where APEC economies stand on TFA ratification, only 13 of the 21 APEC economies have ratified the agreement. 108 WTO members must ratify it before the agreement – which is estimated to reduce worldwide trade costs by up to 17 percent – can enter into force. Giblin leveraged her time with government delegations to promote TFA ratification, entry into force, and robust implementation of the commitments, and to simultaneously assess where the governments are in the ratification process.

Further, Giblin, assisted in a USAID-led presentation on the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, a new public private partnership tied to implementation of the TFA. In Giblin’s role representing USCIB as “ICC USA,” she spoke to the engagement with ICC Paris on the alliance, the structure and composition of the secretariat, broader alliance network, and aided in fielding questions from the delegates. She looks forward to continued communication and engagement on Alliance matters with ICC, but also with USCIB member companies in efforts to engage them directly in support of the alliance. For more information, please contact Giblin at mgiblin@uscib.org

E-Commerce and Data Privacy 

USCIB’s Vice President for ICT Policy Barbara Wanner participated in the APEC Electronic Commerce Steering Group’s Data Privacy Subgroup meetings from February 23 to 25 in Lima. The meeting’s highlights included a stock-take of the 11-year-old APEC Privacy Framework, exploration of efforts to expand participation in the Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system in the both APEC and non-APEC economies, and the launch of a new effort to develop a communications strategy to more effectively explain the benefits of the CBPR system.

These meetings came on the heels of recent negotiations between the United States and the European Union on a new data protection framework, the EU-US Privacy Shield, and USICB members took the opportunity to underscore the importance of APEC’s CBPR as a solid, accountable, and enforceable privacy code of conduct for cross-border data transfers and the need to more effectively communicate to all stakeholders its potential for enabling global interoperability. For more information, please contact Wanner at bwanner@uscib.org

Chemical Dialogue

The APEC Chemical Dialogue convenes government officials and industry representatives for discussions about how to best regulate the chemicals trade in a way that protects the environment while minimizing costs to business. USCIB’s Vice President for Product Policy and Innovation Helen Medina attended the Chemical Dialogue and closely followed plans to revise the dialogue’s goals, which currently are: to facilitate trade by expanding and supporting cooperation and mutual recognition among chemical regulators in the region, to enhance understanding of the chemical industry’s role as an innovative solutions industry and to encourage chemical product stewardship, safe use and sustainability.

Highlights from the Chemical Dialogue include considering new work on sustainable chemistry, a self-certification form for chemical imports, and future workshops related to GHS and sharing of best practices in chemicals regulation. For more information, please contact Medina at hmedina@uscib.org

USCIB, Deloitte Host Roundtable on Streamlining Transatlantic Customs

Published on February 26, 2016

USCIB-Deloitte Event SpeakersWith the U.S. Customs Reauthorization bill having been recently signed into law, and the European Union (EU) preparing for the pending implementation of the changes to the Union Customs Code (UCC) this year, USCIB worked with Deloitte to put together a roundtable discussion about current issues facing transatlantic trade in the Customs space.

The event, titled “Strengthening Customs Efficiencies to Facilitate Trade and Investment: Current Dynamics Shaping Customs in the U.S. and the EU,” took place on the morning of February 17 at the Washington, D.C. offices of USCIB member General Electric. The off the record roundtable brought together business, government and other key stakeholder groups for an informal discussion on some of the key dynamics shaping customs policy in the U.S. and the EU and their impact on helping drive forward a strong and integrated transatlantic economy.

Speakers at the roundtable will included Jerry Cook (HanesBrands) Chair of the USCIB Customs Committee; Fernand Rutten (Deloitte) who briefed the committee on the UCC last month; Nasim Delami Fussell, Trade Counsel, House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and Christina Kopitopolous, Director, Customs and Trade Affairs, WTO and Multilateral Affairs Office, USTR. USCIB Director of Customs and Trade Facilitation Megan Giblin moderated the roundtable discussion.

“This was a very timely discussion that explored the opportunities and challenges in dealing with customs fit for the 21st century,” said Giblin. “The transatlantic voice has much to offer in helping shale a way forward.”

Participants talked about how the United States and the EU are working to streamline customs rules and regulations that are more appropriate for today’s global and digital marketplace. They addressed how such customs developments are aligning – or not – with the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and other trade liberalization initiatives to further integrate both economies.