Archive for October, 2006


Bush Signs Port Security Act

22 October 2006

Washington — President Bush has signed into law a port security bill authorizing $3.4 billion over five years for security measures.
Congress passed the bill September 30 before adjourning to campaign ahead of November congressional elections.
At the October 13 signing ceremony, Bush said, “Our seaports are a gateway to commerce, a source of opportunity, and a [...]

Vietnam to Join the World Trade Organization

22 October 2006

The World Trade Organization’s door has now opened for Vietnam, as the 14th session of multilateral negotiations concluded successfully last Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.
On Friday afternoon, Eirik Glenne, Norwegian Ambassador to the WTO and the chairman of the multilateral negotiations committee on Vietnam’s accession, made an important announcement: “Multilateral negotiations on Vietnam’s entry to WTO [...]

Ben & Jerry’s Expands Fair Trade Certified Products

15 October 2006

October is Fair Trade Month -
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 11, 2006–Ben & Jerry’s announced today that it is expanding its Fair Trade Certified ice cream flavors, making it the largest ice cream and frozen food manufacturer to offer Fair Trade Certified ingredients. Ben & Jerry’s Fair Trade Certified line-up now includes: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee, Coffee [...]

BIS Computers Under Chinese Attack

6 October 2006

Computers from the Bureau of Industry and Security have been targeted by Chinese hackers. The BIS is responsible for controlling U.S. exports of commodities, software and technology having both commercial and military uses.
The attacks were traced to Web sites registered on Chinese Internet service providers, Commerce officials said. “We determined they were owned by the [...]

International Direct from Amazon

6 October 2006

Amazon has introduced an interesting and very useful service for customers of their online store called International Direct:
International Direct offers Amazon customers a unique service: providing duty and tax estimation during checkout and customs clearance by the courier on your behalf. Your order arrives at your door without surprise duty charges. International Direct is also [...]