Policy Areas Archives

Barbara Wanner Named to Lead ICT Policy at United States Council for International Business

Published on October 9, 2012
Barbara Wanner

New York, N.Y., October 9, 2012 – Barbara Wanner has been named vice president for information, communications and technology (ICT) at the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), a pro-trade association encompassing America’s top global companies.

Wanner, who comes to USCIB from the Coalition of Services Industries, where she was director of the Global Services Summit and played a leading role on ICT policy, joined USCIB’s Washington, D.C. office on October 1.

“Barbara Wanner is an outstanding addition to USCIB’s policy team,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson. “She brings over thirty years of experience in trade and economic policy, as well as strong relationships with policy makers and a deep understanding of the business advocacy process.”

Founded in 1945, USCIB works to advance U.S. industry positions around the world, utilizing a unique network of international business groups – including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD – with official standing in the United Nations, the OECD and many other inter-governmental bodies. It has long championed policies to expand information flows and the global Internet, promote information security, and expand market access for telecommunications and other information services.

As the lead staff member supporting USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee, Wanner will work closely with a diverse member base led by the committee’s chair, David Gross (Wiley Rein), and its vice chairs, Joseph Alhadeff (Oracle) and Leslie Martinkovics (Verizon). Important upcoming policy initiatives falling under her and the committee’s remit include the UN’s Internet Governance Forum and this December’s World Conference on International Telecommunications.

In addition to her work with the Coalition of Services Industries, Wanner has held positions at the U.S. Asia Pacific Council of the East-West Center, the International Electronics Manufacturers and Consumers of America, the Japan Economic Institute, and on Capitol Hill. She holds a master’s degree from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.

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
(212) 703-5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

Ten Tips for Improving Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties

Published on October 9, 2012

4390_image001The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published a proposal for improving Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) that would foster cross-border communications services, protect essential individual rights, reduce conflict of law difficulties and reduce the risk of countries establishing unnecessary local communications infrastructure requirements solely for crime investigation purposes.

The ICC Commission on the Digital Economy prepared the policy statement because modernized MLATs will bring clarity and transparency to the growing challenges of accessing information associated with cross-border communications services. As government investigations into serious crime and terrorism rely increasingly on lawful access to data that may be stored outside their country – due to new communications services such as mobile roaming, social media or cloud computing – it is appropriate for the MLAT model of cooperation to be updated to reflect the modern communications landscape.

“Modernizing MLATs so that they reflect the communications landscape can be a “win-win-win” for the broader public interest, governments and communications service providers,” said Eric H. Loeb, chair of the ICC Task Force on Internet and Telecommunications, and vice president of international external affairs with AT&T.

“As an essential part of this paper, we highlight the primary need for governments to ensure that the use of lawful access to information as part of an investigation is transparent and proportional, and consistent with all other legal and policy protections for consumers and businesses, such as information security, human rights, and privacy,” Loeb added.

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

At Internet Governance Forum, Business to Champion Multi-stakeholder Approach

Published on October 9, 2012

laptops globeUSCIB and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will use their presence at the 7th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on November 6-9 in Baku, Azerbaijan to reinforce the value of a multi-stakeholder approach to public policy development around the Internet.

David Gross, chair of USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Committee and partner at Wiley Rein LLP, will be a featured speaker, providing the business perspective on a plenary panel exploring “Managing Critical Internet Resources.” This session will examine the implications of the ITU World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) and its review of the International Telecommunications Regulations on the management of Internet resources, among other questions.

In addition, Joseph Alhadeff, vice president of global public policy and chief privacy officer of Oracle Corporation and chair of Information, Computer and Communication (ICCP) Committee for BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, will contribute his considerable expertise on global privacy policy to a plenary session, “Security, Openness, and Privacy,” which will examine issues affecting security and openness of the Internet as it relates to human rights and access to knowledge. Barbara Wanner, USCIB’s vice president of ICT policy, will also attend the IGF.

As part of its focus on the important role that the Internet plays in job creation and economic growth, ICC’s BASIS (Business Action to Support the Information Society) initiative will hold dedicated workshops on two key topics that impact the openness of the Internet and the free flow of information online; ‘Solutions for enabling cross-border data flows’, in partnership with the Internet Society (ISOC) and ‘Technology, economic and societal opportunities and women’ in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and the Government of Kenya.

Convened under the UN Secretary General, the IGF is a unique international platform that welcomes frank and open discussion on Internet governance issues. Last year the Forum attracted over 2000 registered participants as well as a host of remote participants.

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

Staff Contact: Barbara Wanner

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

G20 Employment Task Force Looks at Need for Apprenticeships

Published on October 5, 2012

Two machinists working on machineDeveloping quality internship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people has been a focus of the employment agenda of the G20 under the Mexican presidency. Recommendations by G20 labor and employment ministers in May highlighted the need for the G20 to provide a platform for fostering the sharing best practices in the design and implementation of high-quality internship and apprenticeship programs. Business voiced its full support for such programs to the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, recognizing that implementation will vary from country to country and across business sectors.

At an October 1-2 meeting in Geneva, the G20 Employment Task Force considered key elements of successful apprenticeships, and invited business and other social partners to contribute to the debate. USCIB Executive Vice President Ronnie Goldberg, joined by Brent Wilton, secretary general of the International Organization of Employers (IOE), provided the business perspective, drawing on work pursued jointly with BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD. Both BIAC and the IOE are part of USCIB’s global network.

Goldberg’s presentation focused on how apprenticeships fits in the context of youth employment, why this issue is a critical opportunity for G20 engagement, and the steps the IOE and BIAC are taking to scale up opportunities for both internships and apprenticeships. She stated that apprenticeship program, while “neither a panacea nor a global solution, …are an important vector for creating employment opportunities and raising skills.” Goldberg applauded the G20 initiative as an opportunity “to demonstrate value by driving forward concrete solutions to address a critical economic and social problem.”

The IOE and BIAC are working with their members around the world to compile a truly representative global picture and perspective on this important topic. Please contact us if you would like additional information on this initiative.

Staff contact: Ronnie Goldberg

More on USCIB’s Labor and Employment Policy Committee

Nairobi Conference Maps Out Future UN Work on Chemicals

Published on October 1, 2012

africaAgainst the backdrop of growing international attention to the use of chemicals throughout the production and consumption chain, Helen Medina, USCIB’s director of life sciences and product policy, attended the Third International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM3), September 17-21 in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference was held under the auspices of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).

An overarching issue at the conference was financing and technical resources for implementing the goals of the UN’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). SAICM is a voluntary policy framework, implemented in a multi-stakeholder process, with the aim of ensuring that, by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

“Since SAICM’s activities are increasingly dealing with products, downstream users and manufacturers need to be more fully included in the SAICM dialogue,” noted Medina. “This means that we need more participation from manufacturers, and that the SAICM process should take their views into account and reflect this in the outcomes.”

One of SAICM’s main objectives is that information and knowledge about chemicals contained in products “is available, accessible, user friendly, adequate and appropriate to the needs of all stakeholders.” As a step towards fulfilling this objective, UNEP has led a Chemicals in Product (CiP) project.

During ICCM3, it was decided that the CiP project would move forward to develop a proposal for an international voluntary program to facilitate and provide guidance on how relevant information on chemicals in products along the supply chain and throughout their life cycle can be shared with stakeholders. USCIB intervened during the negotiations to ensure that the proposed voluntary program would not target product categories within the scope of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of chemicals, and that only relevant information is sought from companies. USCIB also stressed that as the project develops it is important to recognize the existing information exchange systems which have already been developed and it underscored the importance of protecting confidential business information.

Other discussion items of interests to USCIB members included decisions on emerging issues such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, and additions to SAICM’s Global Plan of Action.

The issue of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) as a new work stream for SAICM was contentious. Derek Swick (American Petroleum Institute), representing USCIB, actively participated in the negotiations to emphasize the need for continued scientific knowledge on EDCs, and to underline that it was premature to include any work items to examine potential EDCs.  USCIB’s advocacy successfully limited new endocrine work under SAICM solely to known endocrine disruptors and not to “potential” endocrine disruptors.

The issue of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products continued to be of high interest to delegates, with African nations in particular voicing concern that, as production of electronics continues to increase, managing the waste and recovery of those products is crucial. Negotiators agreed that SAICM would develop an international set of best-practice resources, including in product design, to minimize the use of hazardous substances.

Another topic of interest to USCIB members was how SAICM’s Global Plan of Action might be expanded to address hazardous substances within the lifecycle of electrical and electronic products, as well as nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials. Mike Irwin (Procter & Gamble) followed these negotiations on behalf of USCIB.

Currently, the GPA is list of activities is a menu of non-negotiated items, which countries may choose to undertake in implementing SAICM objectives. USCIB’s main concern was that list of activities discussed in Nairobi would be included in the GPA in a manner that would elevate the importance of the activities.  After much debate, the additional activities to the GPA continue to remain as list of optional actions which countries can carry out as they continue to implement SAICM.

Sophia Danenberg (Boeing) was also invited to participate in a high-level dialogue of representatives from government, industry and civil society to discuss strengthening SAICM’s implementation. She reiterated that, with SAICM’s activities increasingly dealing with products, downstream users and manufacturers need to be more fully included in the SAICM dialogue.

Staff contact: Helen Medina

More on USCIB’s Product Policy Working Group

Updated Framework Helps Industry Navigate Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing

Published on September 27, 2012

food scaleThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today released a revised Framework for Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing Communications, intended to provide an updated and relevant self-regulatory tool at a time when pressure on industry is increasing, particularly with respect to marketing to children and growing concerns regarding obesity.

The framework presents a standard, uniformed approach to encourage responsible food and beverage communication and has been used as a foundation for aligning industry efforts and self-regulatory commitments in response to the World Health Organization’s agenda on reducing obesity. The framework requires that responsible food and beverage marketing should be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and clarifies that marketing communications must not undermine the importance of healthy lifestyles. Responsible marketing can help consumers make appropriate choices about products and to understand the role of nutrition, diet and physical activity in healthy lifestyles.

Prepared by the ICC Commission on Marketing and Advertising, the framework has been revised to align with the relevant revisions of the Consolidated ICC Code on Marketing and Advertising Communication Practices (ICC Code). It sets out business positions regarding: the role of commercial communication in our information-focused society, responsible marketing to children, and the importance of marketing to a competitive economy and consumer choice, while offering practical guidance on applying the general code principles specifically to food and beverage marketing.

“The ICC framework was first developed in 2004 at industry’s request and has subsequently been updated twice to keep current with the changes to the general ICC marketing code,” said Brent Sanders (Microsoft), chair of USCIB’s Marketing and Advertising Committee and chair of the ICC Commission on Marketing and Advertising. “It provides a tool industry can apply through effective self-regulation within a legal framework that protects consumers from false and misleading claims.”

USCIB hosted the ICC Seminar on Consumer Savvy Marketing held in New York City June 7, which brought together top consumer protection and advertising self-regulation experts from the United States and around the world. The seminar showcased the importance of self-regulation work, where ICC has been a major rule-setter in international advertising self-regulation since 1937. The revised Consolidated ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communication Practice was launched in 2011.

ICC Framework for Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing Communications

Consolidated ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communications

Staff Contact: Jonathan Huneke

More on USCIB’s Marketing and Advertising Committee

BIAC Engages Emerging Economies on International Tax Policy

Published on September 27, 2012

For American global companies, it is hard to overestimate the importance of the OECD’s tax standards being accepted beyond the organization’s 34 member countries. OECD standards, embodied in a network of over 2,000 bilateral tax conventions, aim to prevent double taxation and ensure the effective resolution of tax disputes when they arise between jurisdictions. Through our affiliation with BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, USCIB members are able to track developments in the OECD’s tax work and share their views with policy makers from around the world.

In July, a BIAC delegation headed by BIAC Tax Committee Chair Chris Lenon (Rio Tinto) made a second trip to Beijing to meet up with top officials of the Chinese Tax Authority for a practical discussion on key issues for business and for China in context of the OECD tax policy agenda. The BIAC tax leadership also traveled to Cape Town, South Africa in May to address the African Tax Administration Task Force on tax capacity-building issues and to participate in the plenary meeting of the OECD Task Force on Tax and Development.

To read more about these BIAC Tax Committee activities, click here.

Staff Contact: Carol Doran Klein

More on USCIB’s Taxation Committee

ICC to Co-Host Intellectual Property Seminar in Beijing

Published on September 25, 2012

beijing lanternsThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Commission on Intellectual Property is teaming up with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to co-host a conference entitled “Increasing Economic and Business Competitiveness Using Intellectual Assets” in Beijing on October 26.

Organized principally for Chinese policymakers, corporate representatives and intellectual property (IP) professionals, the event will bring in top speakers from China and beyond, including Tian Lipu, Commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO), David Koris, Global Head of Intellectual Property for Shell, senior figures in the U.S. and European patent offices, and IP specialists from major companies.

Talks will focus on how IP can help businesses and be used in government strategies to boost economic competitiveness, promote innovation and attract investment.

“We’re delighted to be working with CCPIT to organize this conference. Intellectual property is a crucial tool for businesses in today’s economy, and we hope this event will stimulate a fruitful exchange between businesses and government officials from inside and outside China on some key intellectual property issues facing businesses and governments,” said David Koris, who is also Chair of the ICC Commission on Intellectual Property.

Shell, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., State Nuclear Power Technology Cooperation, Monsanto and General Electric are just a few of the businesses whose high-level IP specialists will speak at the event.

For more information on which topics will be discussed, click here.

Staff Contact: Helen Medina

Intellectual Property Conference in Beijing Program

More on USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee

U.S. Council for International Business Investment Policy Work in OECD’s Business Advisory Process

Published on September 25, 2012

uscib_nwp_layer

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) represents the U.S. business community in the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD in Paris. Every year BIAC systematically engages over 2100 business representatives from 49 national business organizations from the OECD’s 34 member nations to work together in 37 different policy groups. BIAC’s Investment Policy Committee works actively with the OECD Committee on Investment and Multinational Enterprises (CIME) and other relevant OECD committees and secretariat staff.   USCIB plays a leadership role in BIAC’s Investment Committee and actively engages with the OECD staff on key investment policy issues.

Some recent documents from BIAC’s investment policy work include:

Questions related to BIAC’s Investment policy work should be addressed to:

Shaun Donnelly
Vice President, Investment, Financial Services and Banking
United States council for International Business
1400 K Street, suite 905
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: 202-682-1221
E-Mail sdonnelly@uscib.org

Business Strongly Supports Bill to Raise Customs Duty Threshold

Published on September 24, 2012

stop sign military customsNew York, N.Y., September 24, 2012 – The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) has joined 27 companies and business associations in applauding a new bill in the U.S. Senate that would raise the minimum value at which customs duties are imposed on imported goods, calling it a major step forward that would facilitate trade, and a boon to both large and small companies.

The bill, S. 3597, was introduced on September 20 by Senators John Thune (R. – S.D.) and Ron Wyden (D. – Or.).  It would raise the “de minimis” value, which is the monetary value below which shipments entering the United States are free from tariffs, taxes or formal customs procedures, to $800 from the current level of $200.

“Raising de miminis levels helps foster trade, and the jobs that come with it,” stated USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson. “This bill clearly deserves strong support on its own merits, but we are especially pleased at the timing. It will reinforce efforts to raise de minimis levels overseas, something we are actively pursuing through the APEC forum and other channels.” He noted that de minimis levels abroad were sometimes even lower than the current U.S. level.

In their statement, the business groups noted that, in addition to promoting faster border clearance for low-value shipments, a higher de minimis level would allow customs officers-ud-736-UD-736 to focus enforcement efforts on urgent priorities like ensuring product safety and protecting intellectual property. It would also benefit small businesses by reducing the burden associated with importing low-value goods as well as international retail returns. Furthermore, the legislation would have no impact on security, since all shipments entering the United States undergo a security review regardless of value.

The U.S. de minimis level has been held at $200 for nearly 20 years, while the Consumer Price Index has risen some 60 percent over that same period. A companion bill in the House of Representatives, introduced by Rep. Aaron Schock (R. – Ill.), has garnered the support of 142 other legislators from both sides of the aisle.

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 information is available at www.uscib.org.

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

More on USCIB’s Customs and Trade Facilitation Committee

More on USCIB’s Trade and Investment Committee