Category: Press Releases and Statements

NFTC Leads Call for Changes in Visa Policy

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Current policies hinder U.S. competitiveness

 

Washington DC – In a letter to the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, the National Foreign Trade Council, joined by major international trade and business associations, urged the implementation of specific changes in visa policies to improve the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the global marketplace. 

 

“This represents an on-going effort to work with the Bush Administration to develop a visa policy that balances our security concerns with the needs of U.S. businesses to be competitive in the global economy,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch.  “We believe that the recommendations set forth in this letter strike that balance and we look forward to working with the Administration to implement them,” added Reinsch.

 

The letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff stated that while changes made after September 11 have improved security, they have had an adverse impact on U.S. companies.  Specifically, the letter cited that increased security checks of certain individuals added uncertainty to the visa process, making it difficult for U.S. companies that need a predictable movement of personnel, supplies and customers to be competitive in the global economy.

 

The letter laid out specific improvements including:

 

-Reinstituting visa revalidation by waving the interview requirement for low risk applications and permitting those working in the United State to renew visas without leaving the country

-Establishing specific criteria for 214(b) visa denials, thereby reducing the arbitrary use of it as a catch-all category and building accountability into the system

-Undertaking a regular review of the Technology Alert List every two years to remove non-critical technologies and make the list simpler to use.

 

NFTC was joined on the letter by major Washington, DC based international trade and business organizations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. China Business Council and the Information Technology Industry Council.

 

A copy of the letter is available on the NFTC website, http://www.nftc.org/default/visa/lricechertoffvisas1%20305.pdf

 

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

 

NFTC Sets Trade and Investment Agenda

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council today set its Trade and Investment Agenda, reaffirming its role as the preeminent business association dedicated solely to international trade and investment issues.
 

“Without question, 2005 will be a landmark year for international trade and investment issues. From ensuring progress in the Doha Round, to expanding trade and engagement in the Middle East, to reforming U.S. sanctions policy, NFTC will continue to be a leader in international trade issues and a vital resource for business and government,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch.
 

“Through broad-based advocacy with policy makers and opinion leaders, technical expertise, and forums with leaders in government and the private sector, NFTC will play a key role in advancing public policies that foster an open international trade and investment regime,” added Reinsch.
 

Through its Trade and Investment Agenda, NFTC and its partner organization USA*Engage, will provide leadership in key issue areas including:
 

– Doha Round of WTO Negotiations – NFTC will provide a broad-based U.S. business voice and leadership for an ambitious outcome to the negotiations by co-chairing the Doha Round Working Group of 20 major U.S. companies, leading delegations to Geneva and the Hong Kong Ministerial and through position papers on key issues, including GATS Mode 4 and tariff and regulatory transparency.

– Bilateral and Regional Free Trade Agreements – NFTC will continue to support high quality trade agreements throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East. As co-secretariat of the U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Agreement Coalition (US-MEFTA Coalition), NFTC will work to secure passage of the US-Bahrain FTA and seek early conclusion of FTAs with UAE and Oman. These agreements are part of President Bush’s Middle East Free Trade Area Initiative, which will help advance market-oriented economic reforms and trade liberalization in the region.
 

– Visa Policy – USA*Engage will be a leading advocate for changes in visa requirements to facilitate normal international commercial travel. This will be accomplished by demonstrating to the Executive Branch the impact of visa delays and procedural hurdles on companies’ abilities to conduct routine international business transactions.

– Sanctions Reform – USA*Engage will continue to be the leading organization opposing unilateral sanctions and will work to increase understanding of their ineffectiveness as a foreign policy tool by recruiting co-sponsors and lobbying for the passage of the Sanctions Policy Reform Act (S. 270). In addition, USA*Engage will lobby against new unilateral sanctions proposals and support repeal of existing sanctions.

– Alien Tort Statute – USA*Engage will play a leadership role in business efforts to combat the growing number of alien tort lawsuits by working with other trade associations and companies to present the costs of the lawsuits to the economy to the Executive Branch and the courts through amicus curie briefs.

– International Tax – NFTC will continue to support the ratification of international tax treaties and through Tax Committee Meetings and Tax Lunch Forums, will work with leaders in government and the private sector on key international tax issues.

“This is an ambitious agenda that will keep NFTC, USA*Engage and the U.S.-South Africa Business Council at the forefront of major trade and investment issues in the year ahead,” concluded Reinsch.

NFTC’s Trade and Investment Agenda is available in its entirety on the NFTC website (www.nftc.org).

 

 

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

 

NFTC Sets Trade and Investment Agenda

Posted on by dcadmin

Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council today set its Trade and Investment Agenda, reaffirming its role as the preeminent business association dedicated solely to international trade and investment issues.

 

“Without question, 2005 will be a landmark year for international trade and investment issues.  From ensuring progress in the Doha Round, to expanding trade and engagement in the Middle East, to reforming U.S. sanctions policy, NFTC will continue to be a leader in international trade issues and a vital resource for business and government,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch.

 

“Through broad-based advocacy with policy makers and opinion leaders, technical expertise, and forums with leaders in government and the private sector, NFTC will play a key role in advancing public policies that foster an open international trade and investment regime,” added Reinsch.

 

Through its Trade and Investment Agenda, NFTC and its partner organization USA*Engage, will provide leadership in key issue areas including:

 

– Doha Round of WTO Negotiations – NFTC will provide a broad-based U.S. business voice and leadership for an ambitious outcome to the negotiations by co-chairing the Doha Round Working Group of 20 major U.S. companies, leading delegations to Geneva and the Hong Kong Ministerial and through position papers on key issues, including GATS Mode 4 and tariff and regulatory transparency.

 

– Bilateral and Regional Free Trade Agreements – NFTC will continue to support high quality trade agreements throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East.  As co-secretariat of the U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Agreement Coalition (US-MEFTA Coalition), NFTC will work to secure passage of the US-Bahrain FTA and seek early conclusion of FTAs with UAE and Oman.  These agreements are part of President Bush’s Middle East Free Trade Area Initiative, which will help advance market-oriented economic reforms and trade liberalization in the region.

 

– Visa Policy – USA*Engage will be a leading advocate for changes in visa requirements to facilitate normal international commercial travel.  This will be accomplished by demonstrating to the Executive Branch the impact of visa delays and procedural hurdles on companies’ abilities to conduct routine international business transactions.

 

– Sanctions Reform – USA*Engage will continue to be the leading organization opposing unilateral sanctions and will work to increase understanding of their ineffectiveness as a foreign policy tool by recruiting co-sponsors and lobbying for the passage of the Sanctions Policy Reform Act (S. 270).  In addition, USA*Engage will lobby against new unilateral sanctions proposals and support repeal of existing sanctions.

           

– Alien Tort Statute – USA*Engage will play a leadership role in business efforts to combat the growing number of alien tort lawsuits by working with other trade associations and companies to present the costs of the lawsuits to the economy to the Executive Branch and the courts through amicus curie briefs.

 

– International Tax – NFTC will continue to support the ratification of international tax treaties and through Tax Committee Meetings and Tax Lunch Forums, will work with leaders in government and the private sector on key international tax issues.

 

“This is an ambitious agenda that will keep NFTC, USA*Engage and the U.S.-South Africa Business Council at the forefront of major trade and investment issues in the year ahead,” concluded Reinsch.

 

NFTC’s Trade and Investment Agenda is available in its entirety on the NFTC website (www.nftc.org).

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

 

U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement Will Create Economic Opportunity

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Washington DC – The Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, members of the U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Coalition Steering Committee, today testified in support of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Appearing before the U.S. government ‘ s inter-agency Trade Policy Staff Committee, representatives of both organizations strongly endorsed this potential agreement as a key step in promoting economic reforms and creating economic opportunities in the region.

“The US-Oman FTA will allow PhRMA member companies to expand and continue providing life-saving medicines in the region, while protecting the intellectual property that makes the research and development of these drugs possible,” said Susan Kling Finston, Associate Vice President for Intellectual Property and Middle East/North African Affairs at PhRMA, a Steering Committee member of the US-Middle East Free Trade Coalition. ” The establishment of the highest intellectual property standards will promote an attractive environment for foreign investment and create long-term economic growth,” added Finston.

“This agreement presents a significant opportunity to eliminate trade barriers in the Omani market, thereby increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in that market,” said Megan Carpentier, Manager of Global Public Policy for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, a Steering Committee member of the US-Middle East Free Trade Coalition. “Increasing economic ties with Oman will also create opportunities for increased trade throughout the Middle-East and promote key economic reforms in the region,” added Carpentier.

*U.S. goods exports to Oman in 2003 were $323 million, including machinery, aircraft, vehicles, and electrical machinery. U.S. exports of agricultural products to Oman were $13 million, including sugars, sweeteners and beverage bases, and vegetable oils.

The Free Trade Agreement with Oman will help advance market-oriented economic reforms and will help to demonstrate to other Middle Eastern nations the important benefits of trade liberalization.

In November 2004, the United States Trade Representative announced the beginning of negotiations with Oman, as part of the Middle East Free Trade Area Initiative. The United States has recently signed an FTA with Bahrain, which is now awaiting Congressional approval. Additional Middle East Free Trade Area agreements are in place between the United States and Israel, Jordan and Morocco.

The U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Coalition, managed jointly by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), is made up of over 70 U.S. companies and associations supporting trade expansion and economic development in the Middle East. The Coalition ‘ s US-Oman FTA Task Force, is working for a high quality Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Oman.

The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based world economy. Founded in 1914 by a group of American companies that supported an open world trading system, the NFTC now serves several hundred member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a U.S. business association founded in 1959 at White House initiative, is dedicated to promoting dialogue and action between the business and government communities for the purpose of expanding international commerce.

National Foreign Trade Council Announces Annual World Trade Award

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New York, NY – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today honored Raymond Gilmartin with its 2004 World Trade Award.  Mr. Gilmartin is Chairman, President and CEO of Merck & Co.   He will receive the award on December 10 at NFTC’s World Trade Dinner in New York.
 
“Ray Gilmartin has led Merck with distinction for a decade.  During his tenure, Merck has tackled major global health problems by increasing access to life saving medicines and vaccines in countries throughout the world.  His dedication to philanthropic outreach is truly remarkable, and has directly enhanced the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.  Ray Gilmartin exemplifies the spirit of the NFTC World Trade Award,” said Michael Jordan, Chairman of the NFTC and Chairman & CEO of EDS.

This year’s NFTC World Trade Award Committee chose Mr. Gilmartin for the award based on his leadership in improving global health and access to medicines. In 2004, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Merck the number one corporate donor in the United States for the second year in a row. In September 2002 Merck earned one of only two Triple-A ratings for ethics by the Management & Excellence group.  The Economist stated that Merck has “won the admiration of advocates of corporate responsibility,” and is considered the “acceptable face of capitalism.”

Mr. Gilmartin is active in issues that involve the pharmaceutical industry, both globally and domestically. In 2003, he was sworn in as a member of President Bush’s Export Council. He was asked to chair the Subcommittee on Stewardship to emphasize that America’s companies not only bring their capital, but also their values to world markets.

Mr. Gilmartin joined Merck as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 1994. He was named Chairman of the Board in November 1994.  Merck has been an active member of the NFTC for over 30 years.

Dating from 1937, NFTC’s World Trade Award was established by the Dollar Family of San Francisco in memory of Captain Robert Dollar, pioneer in American shipping and world trade and a charter member of the National Foreign Trade ouncil. 

The Award has been given to 48 Americans, including Government officials, industrialists, bankers, and shipping, publishing and association leaders.  Last year, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Lee Raymond accepted the award.  Other past winners include Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, awarded in 1938; George Schultz (Bechtel), awarded in 1974; David Rockefeller (Chase Manhattan Bank), awarded in 1964; and William E. Brock (United States Trade Representative), awarded in 1982.

The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves 300 member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

NFTC Sees Mostly Success in “Lame Duck” Session – Congressional Support for Mission of Export-Import Bank Evident

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Majority Support for Liberalized Cuba Travel Rules Thwarted Again

Washington DC – The National Foreign Trade Council logged several legislative victories in the close-of-session Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, approved by Congress on November 20, 2004.  Among the provisions supported by NFTC:

Libya Assistance Waiver – Congress granted the President a waiver to Section 507 of the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill (H.R. 4818), which bans the Export-Import Bank from providing assistance to Libya.  The ban remains on assistance to Cuba, North Korea, Iran or Syria.   The action offers the President flexibility as U.S.-Libya relations continue on a path towards normalization.  The United States lifted its nearly 20-year-old embargo on trade and investment in Libya earlier this year in response to that country’s positive steps to dismantle weapons of mass destruction and to make reparations for past terrorist actions.  While a positive development, the Congressional action does not immediately allow the Export-Import Bank to conduct business in Libya, but removes a significant legal obstacle to doing so.

NFTC also scored a success in the final Foreign Operations Appropriations bill with the rejection of the Sanders Amendment, which would have placed restrictions on Export-Import Bank financing for certain offshore facilities, without regard to their importance to overall U.S. economic interests.  Revisions were also made to a provision that would have required the Export-Import Bank to undertake an economic analysis of a Bank-supported ethanol production plant in Trinidad and Tobago and report on its findings to Congress within 30 days, which would have overridden Ex-Im’s current procedures for determining whether a full-blown economic impact analysis was warranted.  Finally, Congress approved adequate funding levels in line with the Administration’s requests for the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Trade Development Agency.

“Congress clearly demonstrated its support for U.S. trade and investment through its strong support of critical institutions such as the Ex-Im Bank, OPIC and USTDA.  Expanding U.S. business opportunities abroad, including in countries such as Libya, provides the path to economic growth for America.  These institutions play a pivotal roll in making that growth possible,” said Bill Reinsch, NFTC President.

In addition to the items included in the omnibus appropriations measure, NFTC also lauded the Senate’s recent approval of the Dutch-U.S. Tax Treaty.  This approval adds to the completion of six other important tax agreements in this session of Congress. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, under the leadership of Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), as well as the U.S. Treasury Department have shown a significant commitment to the competitiveness of U.S. business in the international marketplace through their dogged pursuit of these important treaties.

While support for international trade and investment was evident in the lame duck, Appropriations Conferees once again stripped language passed by both the House and Senate that would ease onerous travel restrictions on Cuban-Americans seeking to visit family members in Cuba.   The original FY05 Treasury-Transportation Appropriations bill denied funding to implement these travel restrictions.

“Congress delivered a lump of coal to Cuban-Americans, many of whom now will not be able to visit elderly relatives in Cuba for Christmas,” concluded Reinsch.

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) www.nftc.org  is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC serves its several hundred member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

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