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U.S. Fed ChiefBen Bernanke Urges A Trade Imbalance Fix [TOP] BERLIN, GERMANY - The United States and other countries must work together to right a skewed pattern of trade and investment around the globe, a move that would help worldwide economic stability, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested Tuesday. So-called “global imbalances” occur when countries such as the U.S. run up bloated trade deficits, while other countries, such as China and oil-producing nations, produce big trade surpluses. The International Monetary Fund has been leading efforts over the years to reduce lopsided trade and investment patterns. As for prospects of fixing the problem, Bernanke said, “Signs of progress have appeared but ... most countries have only just begun to undertake the policy changes that will ultimately be needed.” He spoke at a conference in Berlin. Copies of his remarks were made available in Washington. So far this year, the U.S. trade deficit is running at an annual rate of $711 billion, down from $758.5 billion in 2006. Last’s year trade deficit marked the fifth year in a row where the trade deficit hit an all-time high. Economists believe the trade balance will finally shrink this year as U.S. exporters benefit from strong economic growth in many countries overseas and a weaker dollar against many currencies. That makes U.S. products cheaper on foreign markets and imports more expensive for American consumers. The United States larger current account deficit, which includes not only monthly trade figures but also investment flows, would be helped if the country boosts savings and continues to trim its federal budget deficit, Bernanke said. China, meanwhile, has recognized the need to increase its domestic spending and scale back its reliance on exports, Bernanke said. Those and other measures will help global trade imbalances over time, he added. The United States’ politically sensitive trade deficit with China last year climbed to $233 billion, the highest ever recorded with a single country. As trade tensions with China have intensified, critics in Congress have championed legislation to punish China for what they believe are unfair trade practices by the country. Secretary Chao Tours Port of Houston, Praising Strong Labor-Management Relationship [TOP] HOUSTON, TX - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao toured the Port of Houston, praising workers and management for their strong partnership, which has helped increase productivity at the Port. Secretary Chao pointed to the solid labor-management relationship as a catalyst for the creation of good jobs, stressing training and education as a key for future job creation. 
Pakistan Visit Further Cements Ties With Dynamic Nation [TOP] AUSTIN, TX - Managing Director, Texas Emerging Technology Fund, Mark Ellison and President, Texas Trade Council, Faisal Amin ended their official visit to Pakistan today and described it as positive for the growing trade and collaboration relationship. “This is an exciting time in the relationship between Texas and Pakistan with the two way goods trade growing well, up more than 17% since last year and business, tourism and cultural links being developed and strengthened”, said Mr Ellison. “The first leg of this visit was focused around the activities of the Texas trade delegation where links were established at both national and individual levels. We have been extremely impressed about the value we have derived from this visit and the opportunities for further engagement. “Pakistan was the setting for a series of meetings with senior Pakistani officials including Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Minister IT & Telecommunications Awais Laghari, Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, Federal Secretary IT, Telecommunications & Petroleum Farrakh Qayyum, Managing Director Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) Yusuf Hussain, Director Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Sohail Naqvi, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) Shahid Hassan Sheikh, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) Majyd Aziz.” "Much of the discussion focused on our goal of increasing bilateral trade and opportunities for Texas and Pakistan alike. The Prime Minister was very receptive to our ideas and said publicly that Texas and Pakistan should work together to further develop collaboration opportunities”, said Faisal Amin. "The next formal engagement will be a round of meetings that Texas will host in the immediate future. Between Dr. Sohail Naqvi’s planned visit to Texas and PSEB’s planned IT delegation to Texas in January 2008, we are on a fast track to further cement our relationships.” "A successful free trade agreement will clearly help Texas exporters by removing barriers to trade with one of the world’s fastest growing economy. However it will be up to initiatives taken by the private sector, drawing where appropriate on assistance from Texas Trade Council, which will determine what benefit we draw from the opportunities presented by this dynamic market", Mr Amin said.   
Houston Community College develops Houston's First Export Academy [TOP] Houston Community College received a two-year grant from the Department of Education for the Business and International Education (BIE) program to implement Houston¹s first Export Academy. The Export Academy is designed to provide training in exportation for Houston’s small business community, in particular minority businesses as well as faculty development international business, curriculum development, student involvement in international employment and preparation for the NASBIT Certified Global Business Professional Credential.
Deanna Teel, HCC international business faculty member will be the project director. “The small business community needs assistance in exporting and importing and the Export Academy will provide this expertise,” according to Ms. Teel. The Export Academy will be located at HCC's Town & Country Campus, I-10 at the Beltway.
The Export Academy will provide training in negotiating the global market. Course work will include, foreign market entry strategies, international business plans, customs, exporting licenses, international financing, transportation, global marketing and others.
This grant is in partnership with the District Export Council and the support of the US Department of Commerce, Commercial Service and the Greater Houston Partnership.
”Exporting was a business area specific to large companies, today, this is no longer the case. The Export Academy will provide small-to-medium companies the skills and knowledge needed to complete globally,” stated Dr. Zachary Hodges, HCC Northwest President.
For more information on HCC”s Export Academy please contact: Deanna Teel at 713.718.6423 or
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. TTC Signs and MOU with Pakistan Software Export Board [TOP] ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – During the recent visit to Pakistan, the Paksitan Software Export Board (PSEB) held a networking reception with Mr. Mark Ellison, Managing Director, Texas Emerging Technology Fund and with Mr. Faisal Amin, President Texas Trade Council (TTC) and US Honorary Investment Consular, in Islamabad on Thursday, June 28. Federal Secretary for Information Technology, Farrakh Qayyum, was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by various businessmen and leading IT professionals in Paksitan. PSEB also signed an MoU with TTC during the event. 
Gov. Perry Names Phil Wilson Texas Secretary of State [TOP] AUSTIN, TX – Gov. Rick Perry today named Phil Wilson as Texas' 106th Secretary of State. As secretary, Wilson will serve as the state's chief elections officer, the governor's liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and Texas' chief protocol officer. The Office of Secretary of State also serves as the formal repository for official and business records, publishes government rules and regulations, and attests to the governor’s signature on official documents. Wilson’s appointment takes effect July 1. “In addition to his responsibilities as secretary of state, Phil will continue to serve as my designee on the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund. In this role, he will continue his leadership of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism,” said Perry. “Phil’s new role will allow my office to coordinate with the Office of Secretary of State in a seamless way to expand trade, economic development, emerging technology initiatives in the private sector and higher education, and workforce development.” As deputy chief of staff for Governor Perry, Wilson has overseen the governor’s initiatives in economic development, job creation, federal funding issues, military base realignment and closure, and policy development. He has served as the governor’s designee on the $200 million Emerging Technology Fund and the $185 million Texas Enterprise Fund to recruit business to the state. While serving in this post, the Texas Enterprise Fund has leveraged $10 billion in capital investment and 45,000 jobs. Wilson has also led public relations and media strategies for the $20 million annual Texas tourism campaigns. Previously, Wilson worked as Gov. Perry’s Director of Communications from 2002-2003, and as State Director for U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. White House Internship Program - 2007 [TOP] The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. We are seeking exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to typical office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Every candidate must be a United States citizen, enrolled in a college or university, and at least 18 years of age. An application and additional information about the program can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html. Strong applications exhibit: - sound academic credentials
- a history of community involvement and leadership
- solid verbal/written communication skills
- a demonstrated interest in public service
Applications should be submitted to Meghan Espinoza, Intern Coordinator, at
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on or before the following deadlines: - June 26, 2007 for FALL 2007 -- (September 4 to December 14, 2007)
- September 18, 2007 for SPRING 2008 -- (January 8 to May 9, 2008)
If you have questions you may contact Meghan Espinoza at (202) 456-5979 or
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. TTC to host a delegation of Pakistani Officials in Texas [TOP] During the week of June 11th, Mr. Farrakh Qayyum (Federal Secretary) and Mr. Yusuf Hussain (Managing Director) from the Government of Pakistan will be in Texas to meet local companies as well as local and state officials. In conjunction with their visit Texas Trade Council and Pakistan Chamber of Commerce-USA has organized a business networking reception and dinner. 
Lawmakers Consider Increasing Small Business Tax Exemption [TOP] Austin, TX - The Texas House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has approved a provision that would help Texas' small businesses by increasing the small business exemption under the franchise tax. Currently any business with total revenue of $300,000 or less is exempt from the new franchise tax. The proposed bill would double the exemption to $600,000. The state comptroller has estimated that this measure will protect an additional 60,000 businesses from the franchise tax. TTC President Faisal Amin to lead a trade facilitation visit to Pakistan [TOP] Houston, TX - In an effort to expand U.S.-Pakistan trade and business opportunities, Faisal Amin, President – Texas Trade Council and Honorary Investment Consular for Government of Pakistan will lead a delegation of U.S. business executives to Pakistan March 18-23, and will discuss with senior officials ways to resolve key bilateral trade issues. Amin will highlight core areas for intensified discussions and will give remarks at key events hosted by local trade organizations in his stops at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. "Bilateral trade between U.S. and Pakistan is already at record levels, but we're not satisfied--there's room to grow. Pakistan is a key market for American businesses and workers, and we have a great group of American business leaders who are excited about establishing partnerships with Pakistani companies" said Amin. "I will be meeting with senior Pakistani officials to continue consultations on how we can strip away impediments to bilateral trade. Our business delegation will be able to hold key meetings with important Pakistani government and business contacts."
Amin and the delegation will visit Karachi November 17-19, travel to Islamabad for meetings November 20-21 and will visit Lahore for meetings November 23-25. The business delegation will conduct pre-scheduled meetings in all three cities. TTC co-sponsors Asia Society’s ASEAN Ambassador Luncheon (Feb. 15, 2007) [TOP] For more than a decade, the US-ASEAN Business Council has conducted the ASEAN Ambassadors Tour in an effort to build mutual understanding and provide an up-to-date, balanced assessment of business and economic conditions throughout the Association of South East Asian Nations. This year the touring delegation includes the diplomats from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These Ambassadors to the United States, accompanied by their Economic or Trade Attaches, have carried the ASEAN banner to such strategic cities as San Francisco, Hawaii, New York, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, Phoenix, Chicago, and Houston, where the delegation meets with local businesses with interests in their region, state and local government officials, students, academics and the media. Join Asia Society Texas Center in welcoming these esteemed diplomats, who will each lead a roundtable discussion at the Houston luncheon. participating diplomats include: -
H.E. Sereywath Ek Ambassador of Cambodia -
H.E. Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat Ambassador of Indonesia -
H.E. Rajmah Hussain Ambassador of Malaysia -
H.E. Willy C. Gaa Ambassador of Philippines -
H.E. Chan Heng Chee Ambassador of Singapore -
H.E. Virasakdi Futrakul Ambassador of Thailand -
H.E. Nguyen Tam Chien Ambassador of Vietnam -
Mr. Phomma Sidsena Chargé d'Affaires, Laos -
Mr. Myint Lwin Chargé d'Affaires, Myanmar -
Ms. Angela Shim Deputy Chief of Mission, Brunei Ticket price is $40 for Asia Society members and members of TexasTradeCouncil; $50 for non-members; $1500 for table sponsorship. Click here for more information. Houston Business Organizations Unite for 2nd Annual Business Networking Reception [TOP] You can register for the reception at http://www.hwcoc.org/en/cev/?177 
Pakistani Ambassador Durrani in Houston, December 5, 2006 [TOP] Asia Society Texas Center in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Texas Trade Council Presents His Excellency Ambassador Mahmud A. Durrani Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Tuesday, December 5, 2006 The Houstonian Hotel 111 N. Post Oak Lane 11:30 AM Registration, 12:00 PM Lunch Mahmud Ali Durrani became ambassador of Pakistan to the United States on June 8, 2006, having previously served in the Governing Council of the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London from 2001 to 2004. After retiring from the Pakistani Army, he was also actively involved in the peace efforts between Pakistan and India, and, as part of a process sponsored by the United Nations, he worked with former senior officials from the United States, Russia and Iran to find a peaceful settlement to the Afghan crisis. Ambassador Durrani graduated from the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961 and served in various command and instructional appointments during his army career, including Pakistan's defense and military attaché in Washington (1977-82), military secretary to the Pakistani president (1983-86), and chairman and chief executive of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board (1992-98). He is the author of several books and studies, including India and Pakistan: The Cost of Conflict and the Benefits of Peace and Pakistan's Security Imperatives Year 2000 and Beyond. Ambassador Durrani is married with three children. The cost of the program is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Students and educators receive complimentary admission through a generous grant from ConocoPhilips. Free parking at the Houstonian’s self-parking garage. Registration information. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez’s statement on Senate passage of United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement [TOP] Washington, DC - Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on the Senate passage of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement:
"I am delighted the Senate today passed the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 60 to 34. I congratulate Majority Leader Frist, Chairman Grassley, and Senator Baucus on passing a bipartisan bill that embraces the President's plan of developing economic growth and democracy in the Middle East. The Oman FTA is a key part of this Administration's regional and global efforts to open markets around the world in order to expand American opportunities in overseas markets.
"Open and competitive markets are the key drivers of economic efficiency, innovation and growth. The Oman FTA will generate new opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, businesses and service providers. Perhaps more important, this agreement will advance our national security interests by fostering economic growth and strengthening democratic institutions, which are the foundation of hope and opportunity for people throughout the region.
"I urge the House of Representatives to join the Senate in passing this important trade agreement." Background: Oman is the fifth country in the Middle East and North Africa to negotiate a free trade agreement with the United States and is an integral component of the President's Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) initiative, which will promote economic growth and opportunity the Middle East through regional integration. MEFTA would also transform the individual countries of the area into a cohesive market for the United States TTC sponsors Houston Community College Citizenship Day July 1 to aid permanent residents in becoming U.S. citizens [TOP] HOUSTON- Immigrants who are legal permanent residents may soon be able to celebrate July 4th as their own holiday by attending one of two Citizenship Day workshops to be hosted by Houston Community College, in collaboration with elected officials, the NALEO Educational Fund, and community partners. The two, day-long events will be held Saturday, July 1, 2006, beginning at 8 a.m. at HCC’s Southeast College Annex and the Southwest College’s West Loop campus. At the workshops, trained volunteers—including elected officials and representatives of community-based organizations—will be on hand to assist in completing the naturalization paperwork required for U.S. citizenship. “As an immigration lawyer, I know how critically important obtaining citizenship is for all legal residents. It remains the only way to fully become empowered in our society with all of the rights and privileges of being an American,” said Jay Aiyer, chairman of the HCC Board of Trustees and Trustee for the Southwest Houston area. “I am proud that HCC is holding these two workshops and making the process user-friendly and convenient for everyone.” “Obtaining American citizenship is a very important step in the life of an immigrant. Citizenship status provides new Americans the right to vote. Most importantly, it guarantees that new citizens will have a voice in the political decisions that are affecting their families,” added Houston Councilmember Carol Alvarado, Board Member of the NALEO Educational Fund. Upwards of 400 permanent residents are expected to attend, and the organizers of the event project that more than 200 volunteers will need to be trained to help them. Volunteer training sessions will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at HCC Southeast College Annex, 2524 Garland, just off I-45 South; and Thursday, June 29, 2006, at the same times at the HCC West Loop Campus, 5601 West Loop South. Attendance at the workshop is free, and all those eligible or who think they may be eligible should bring all information required to complete the N-400, Application for Citizenship. At the workshop, each attendee will receive an evaluation of their citizenship qualifications, completed N-400 form, review of naturalization packet by authorized personnel and a complete packet ready for delivery to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Permanent resident applicants will also have the option of completing the entire process by filing their applications on site. If they wish to do this, they must bring $400 ($330 for the application fee, $70 for fingerprinting fee). Bank of America is helping underwrite this one-stop-shop process by providing free photography for the photos required, and waiving their fee for processing money orders for payment of the application. The basic requirements immigrants must meet to complete the N-400 form are the following: - Be a permanent resident for five years (three if married to a U.S. citizen) OR have a parent who became a U.S. citizen before their 18th birthday
- Have lived continually and physically in the U.S.
- Have knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
- Have the ability to read, write and speak English
- Be a person of good moral character
National Citizenship Day is an annual project of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Among the sponsors for this year’s event are Houston Community College, HCC Trustee Jay Aiyer, HCC Trustee Diane Olmos Guzmán, Houston City Councilmember Carol Alvarado, AAMA (Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans), Asian Chamber of Commerce, Bank of America, Civic Community Alliance, GANO-CARECEN (Gulfton Area Neighborhood-Central American Resource Center), National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund Local Organizing Committee, South Asian Chamber of Commerce, Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Univision Radio, KXLN-TV/Channel 45, Texas Trade Council, Coalition of New American Communities (CONAC) and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA). For more information on volunteering at the U.S. Citizen workshop or to volunteer, call 713-718-7021. Applicants may register at 1-888-Ve Y Vota (1-888-339-8682). HCC is an open-admission, public institution of higher learning offering associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for living and working in an increasingly international and technological society. HCCS is composed of six colleges serving Houston and surrounding areas. Gov. Perry Signs Largest Tax Cut in Texas History into Law [TOP] HB1 Provides $15.7 Billion Property Tax Cut, Gives Teachers More Money, Improves Schools HOUSTON – Gov. Rick Perry today signed into law House Bill 1, which provides the largest tax cut in Texas history, a $2000 across-the-board pay raise for teachers, and major education reforms. “I wholeheartedly believe this is one of the most significant legislative accomplishments for Texas in a generation, because it is one of the most significant steps we have ever taken to improve opportunity for the next generation,” Perry said. Taxpayer protections included in HB 1: School districts can raise the tax rate only 4 cents one time. Beyond that, if local leaders want more money from taxpayers, they have to get voter approval. Under current law, local school boards can raise tax rates by 6 cents every year without giving voters any say at the ballot box. (HB 1) If appraisal creep yields more revenue than voters have authorized, school districts must automatically seek voter approval to keep it. This provision will not lower the cap on appraisal increases – something Perry strongly supports – but it caps the amount of money school districts can receive from higher appraisals without a vote of the people. Gov. Perry Announces $6 Million in Emerging Tech Fund Awards [TOP] Grants Will Help Businesses Get Innovations to Marketplace, Keep Texas Competitive AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry announced nearly $6 million in awards to four emerging technology companies to help these early stage businesses get their emerging technology innovations to the marketplace. The awards are the second announcements by Perry under the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature last year at the governor’s request. “With these grants, we are investing in Texas companies, the long-term economic health of our economy and keeping Texas competitive with other states investing in emerging technologies,” Perry said. “More importantly, though, our investments will accelerate the availability of new technologies that will make life better for Texans. The TETF awards are going to: CardioSpectra, Inc., of San Antonio, $1.35 million for the commercialization of its Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Diagnostic Catheter. The catheter allows doctors to better predict the likelihood a patient will suffer a heart attack based on vascular plaque; it provides diagnostic capabilities unavailable through existing technologies, such as MRI, CT and ultrasound devices. The OCT also has applications in ophthalmology, cancer detection and glucose monitoring for diabetics. Xilas Medical, Inc., of San Antonio, $1 million for the commercialization of three medical devices that will aid in the early detection of neuropathies, foot stress and inflammation that often lead to diabetic ulcers and amputation. The VPT meter provides physicians the ability to determine a patient’s risk of amputation as the result of neuropathy. The GlideSoft insole reduces friction and pressure where traditional insoles only reduce pressure. The Temp touch dermal thermometer allows home monitoring for patients to detect inflammation before a wound is created. Molecular Imprints of Austin, $3 million for the commercialization of a “disruptive” technology called Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (S-FIL) for fabricating nano-scale devices and components. It has applications to semiconductors, light emitting diodes, disk drives, displays, digital cameras and bio devices. CorInnova, Incorporated, of College Station, $500,000 for the commercialization of its Heart Therapy Device, a life-saving technology that reduces by 60 percent or more the instances of congestive heart failure in patients who have suffered a severe heart attack. A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential projects and recommends projects for funding to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House. The first TETF award was announced earlier this year, with Texas Tech University receiving nearly $2 million to help it become the international leader in agriculture genomics research and development and help make the west Texas region the fiber capital of the world. The grant will further Texas Tech’s partnership with Bayer CropScience and help launch the International Center of Excellence in Agriculture Genomics and Biotechnology. The TETF program has three main areas of investment: - Increasing research collaboration between public and private sector entities through new Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization where the seeds of an idea can take root in a university lab and eventually grow into a new product marketed by a new or expanding firm.
- Matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire the capital they need to bring their idea to life.
- Attracting more top-notch research teams from other universities around the nation that will help put Texas universities on the cutting edge of technology research and development.
Many states, including California, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, are pumping billions of dollars into high-tech research and development and warned that Texas could be left behind without the Emerging Technology Fund, Perry noted. "Over the next decade, emerging technologies will generate $3 trillion in revenue worldwide,” Perry said. “The question is, where will those investments be made and who will reap the benefits? Our TETF helps ensure that Texas has the competitive edge to provide greater opportunity, prosperity and a brighter future for all of our people."
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