Importers in Germany

Driscoll backs Katter’s call to reign in the Supermarket Giants

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:07:58 +0000

Australia: Scott Driscoll, National President of a peak industry body, the United Retail Federation, has backed the calls by federal independent MP Bob Katter for the Coles-Woolworths duopoly to have it’s dominance reigned in for the sake of Australian consumers, farmers and producers.

“Australia has some of the highest rates of food inflation in the entire OECD and we have Coles and Woolworths controlling 80% of the Australian grocery market with a death grip around the throat on our nation. It’s unacceptable for this to be allowed to be ignored by government any longer”, said Mr Driscoll.
“As most Australians now finally realise, the Coles-Woolworths juggernaut is no longer just about food either. Under their many guises and linked corporate entities they are peddling and controlling the petrol bowsers, pubs and bottle shops, department stores, pokie machines, hardware shops and the list marches on, ever centralising power and revenue.

“In my dealings and lobbying of the Rudd-Gillard federal government on behalf of our sector over the recent term of the federal Labor government, we have seen plenty of smoke screens, but precious little that would ever do any real good to increase competition, back local famliy owned businesses and also drive down prices for consumers. Glib slogans, “watch” websites and associated bells and whistles have taken the place of any genuine policy direction.

“On the other hand I’ve had a number of conversations with Tony Abbott and also his senior Shadow Ministers over the last 12 months and I believe we have people there who are genuinely concerned about this issue and are actually prepared to work towards a practical and pragmatic solution in the national interest. The time for talk alone must now stop.

“I obviously implore the three regional and rural independent MP’s in Bob Katter, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor to support those who our sector believe will most aggressively support real action on creating real downward pressure on retail prices for consumers, support Australian family owned small businesses, including farmers and producers and help break down the overwhelming control of the Australian retail sector that is currently in the hands of Coles and Woolworths and their associated corporate powerbrokers,” said Mr Driscoll.

Source: http://www.unitedretailfederation.com.au/media_releases/2010

German Autoparts & Accessories Importers
German Food & Food Products Importers
German Handicrafts & Decorative Items Importers
German Home Furnihsing Materials Importers
German Imitation & Fashion Jewelry Importers
German Leather Products Importers
German Readymade Garments Importers
German Textiles & Fabrics Importers

Local printers should not fear Print in Australia campaign

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:54:05 +0000

Australia: Australian companies with offshore operations have nothing to fear from Printing Industries Print in Australia campaign.

The campaign which is in the early stages of development is not intended to name and shame Australian printing companies; the primary target of the campaign is printing industry clients who bypass Australian printing companies in favour of offshore print providers.

Printing Industries CEO Philip Andersen said the campaign is being designed to identify entities in government and corporate Australia that place print work offshore and to educate them about the capabilities of the local printing industry and the importance of giving local industry an opportunity to bid for the work.

“Printing Industries acknowledges that we operate in a global environment and that not all printing that is commissioned in Australia will be done onshore. Some will inevitably be done offshore for a host of reasons,” he said.

“Indeed Printing Industries recognises and has promoted the value of business models where local printers developed relationships with offshore companies to better compete in the global environment.

“Our China in focus initiative was developed with the specific aim of assisting Australian printers form strategic alliances with their Asian counterparts. Thus, if in certain circumstances the printing or some elements of print production process had to be done offshore, then they could at least secure a portion of the overall revenue stream.”

Mr Andersen said another core component of the Print in Australia campaign would be to ensure that tender documents do not suggest or stipulate where the printing should be sourced from.

“Printing Industries believes that it is the prerogative of the tenderer to determine how they can best submit the most competitive tender. How or where the production is done should not be a tender requirement,” he said.

Source: http://www.printnet.com.au/news_items/print_in_australia_clarification_2_september_2010.html

Whirlpool Announces New Tennessee Plant That Will Spur the Economy

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:49:25 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C: The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO John Engler issued the following statement on Whirlpool’s announcement that it will build a new approximately 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Tenn.:

“Whirlpool’s decision to expand its operations and build a new state-of-the-art facility to produce premium cooking appliances is encouraging news for manufacturing. The company says this $120 million investment will replace its existing plant and create an additional 130 jobs in Cleveland.

Manufacturers continue to face new tax and regulatory burdens that create a high level of uncertainty. Whirlpool’s announcement is welcome news as our nation braces for new unemployment numbers this week.

It is critical that lawmakers in Washington put policies in place that will strengthen our nation’s competitiveness and allow our economy to grow. The NAM continues to advocate for its ‘Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America,’ a comprehensive plan for pursuing policies that allow manufacturers to compete in the global market.

To learn more about the Strategy, please visit www.nam.org. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure many more manufacturers can continue to invest in innovation, the American worker and our economy as Whirlpool has done.”

Source: http://www.nam.org/Communications/Articles/2010/09/Manufacturers-Whirlpool-Announces-New-Tennessee-Plant-That-Will-Spur-the-Economy.aspx

Uncertainty Casts Shadow on Labor Day 2010

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:47:01 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC: The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released its annual economic report entitled “Labor Day 2010: The Impact of Anti-Labor Policies on Working Men and Women.” This year’s report focuses on the uncertainty facing manufacturers and examines specific legislation, laws and regulations that will have a detrimental impact on the economy.

“The most concerning fact is that for the second straight Labor Day, national unemployment remains well above 9 percent, and there are few indications people will go back to work anytime soon,” said NAM President John Engler. “Americans want jobs, but proposals that expand government, increase taxes and impose new regulations will make business in the United States less competitive. These proposals will stifle the already weak recovery and destroy manufacturers’ ability to create jobs.”

According to the “Labor Day 2010” report, manufacturing has the potential to produce long-term opportunities for U.S. workers more than any other sector of the economy.

“To the extent that there is a bright spot in the economy, it comes from manufacturing,” said Engler. “Production has risen since economic growth returned in the second half of last year, and manufacturers started hiring back some employees this year. We also saw a strong rebound in U.S. exports, which was very good news for manufacturers who account for nearly two-thirds of all U.S. exports.”

“We have had four consecutive quarters of economic growth, but much of the increase was temporary in nature,” said NAM Chief Economist David Huether.“More than half of the upturn in the economy over the past year was from business restocking inventories. Now, with inventory-to-sales ratios back to reasonable levels, this source of growth will likely fade.”

In looking at specific legislation, laws and regulations that could magnify the uncertainty that afflicts the economy – if poorly handled – the following could have a significant impact on American workers:

Expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed new regulatory regime to control greenhouse gas emissions and raise energy costs
Government implementation of the new health care law, with its numerous mandates on employers, insurers and consumers as well as a myriad of unintended consequences
Failure to achieve an ambitious trade agenda necessary to ensure and expand global market share for U.S exporters
Labor policies, such as the Employee Free Choice Act, that could rob the U.S. economy of its dynamic growth potential

In June 2010, the NAM released its “Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America” to address fundamental challenges facing the U.S economy. The NAM’s “Labor Day 2010” report outlines these policies as a way to strengthen growth, employment and wages.

Source: http://www.nam.org/Communications/Articles/2010/09/NAM-Report-Examines-Impact-of-Anti-Labor-Policies-on-Working-Men-and-Women.aspx

No health risk from BPA in food packaging

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:45:44 +0000

Australia: Food regulators around the world have found no major health risks associated with the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging and closures, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said.

Responding to new research on BPA levels in foods and baby products by consumer group Choice, AFGC highlighted that the world’s leading food authorities, including Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), maintain that levels of exposure to BPA are safe and don’t pose a significant health risk.

AFGC Deputy Chief Executive Dr Geoffrey Annison highlighted that Choice’s latest findings found that none of the 38 canned foods tested contained BPA levels above the European Union’s limit of 660 parts per billions (ppb).

“There’s no scientific evidence internationally that has shown any dangers to humans from BPA in canned products or bottles,” Dr Annison said.

“Products containing BPA have been subject to significant and rigorous investigations by leading world authorities and, in recent years, food regulators in the United States, UK and the EU have examined the latest findings and have determined that the use of BPA continues to be safe.”

FSANZ’s chief scientist Paul Brent recently said that the regulator was working closely with industry in Australia after having meetings with AFGC and the Packaging Council of Australia as well as various manufacturers of canned foods and infant formula.

Following consultation with industry, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler has also announced a voluntary phase out by major retailers and manufacturers of baby bottles containing BPA which began on July 1, following some level of public concern relating to BPA.

“Australian manufacturers have acknowledged this level of consumer concern and proactively undertaken to phase out baby bottles containing BPA,” Dr Annison said.

Industry understands that BPA-free products, including baby food cans will be available within 12 months, with metal closures on glass jars and bottles to follow soon afterwards.

Source: http://www.afgc.org.au/media-releases/306-no-health-risk-from-bpa-in-food-packaging.html

Fire Services Levy reforms a step in the right direction

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:44:45 +0000

Victoria, Australia: The Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) notes the release of the State Government’s final response to the report of the Bushfire Royal Commission.

VECCI welcomes the announcement by the State Government that it will proceed with reform to the inequitable Fire Services Levy (FSL). VECCI supports a broader based levy than the existing FSL, but believes any new levy must be simple, efficient and equitable and reserves its views on collection mechanisms.

“The State Government must ensure it consults with the community on the design of the new levy, and that the levy provides incentives for actions that reduce the risk of bushfire related damage and injury,” says VECCI CEO, Wayne Kayler-Thomson.

VECCI also welcomes the decision by the State Government to not proceed with the Retreat and Resettlement policy proposed by the Royal Commission. VECCI does not support a property buy-back scheme as it is not likely to be economic or efficient.

VECCI remains alert to ongoing concerns about ‘Code Red’ days, and the need to ensure there is greater clarity for employers about their obligations under the law.

Planned increases in fuel reduction enjoy widespread support from industry as a method of reducing fire-risk.

“However, any additional planned burns should be considered against their impact on business and residents, particularly for their capacity to disrupt peak tourism periods,” Mr Kayler-Thomson says.

In addition, VECCI notes the State Government’s decision to fund a $2 million taskforce to investigate ways to reduce fire-risk posed by electricity infrastructure.

“Proposals to cable all power lines underground in fire-risk areas have been estimated at up to $20 billion.

This would pose a significant additional cost to electricity consumers, and more cost effective ways to reduce fire-risk from power lines should be investigated,” concludes Mr Kayler-Thomson.

Source: http://www.vecci.org.au/news/Pages/Fire_Services_Levy_reforms.aspx

Better business contacts, skills and intelligence in South East Melbourne begin with VECCI

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:43:36 +0000

Australia: VECCI is coming to Melbourne’s South East to listen to the region’s business community. Victoria’s peak employer advocacy organisation will also run briefing sessions, training courses and networking events in the area, based in Dandenong.

VECCI CEO Wayne Kayler-Thomson says VECCI serves around 15,000 members, customers and clients every year and is committed to bringing its knowledge about building better business skills to the South East area.

“VECCI is committed to serving its members in the South East and by bringing training courses, briefings and networking events often only held in the City, businesses in and around Dandenong will reap the benefits of their VECCI memberships,” says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

“It is also a great opportunity for local businesses that may not be members of VECCI to see the advantages of becoming a member of Victoria’s most influential employer organisation.

“A range of briefings will also be held with the aim of bringing better business intelligence to local businesses. Topics range from ways to help businesses in the transition to a carbon-constrained economy, to understanding how culture can impact on international business.

“Courses range from a Diploma of Management to OHS training courses.

“VECCI is also bringing its newest networking series, Fast Forward – Speed Networking (on 16 September) to the South East, helping to bring better business contacts to the local business community.

“The event has proved to be very popular in the City and I’m sure it will be with businesses in the South East.

“VECCI prides its self on being the state’s most influential business advocacy group and the benefits of being a member are many and varied.

“VECCI looks forward to showcasing its services to the South East business community,” says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

Source: http://www.vecci.org.au/news/Pages/Better_business_contacts_and_skills.aspx

Schumer Introduces Legislation to Protect Fashion Design

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:59:52 +0000

Washington, DC – Following a year of detailed negotiations with fashion industry stakeholders, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) today introduced the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act (S. 3728), a realistic and practical approach that will offer intellectual property protection to unique and original fashion designs.

Supported by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), this legislation will for the first time allow creative American designers to benefit from legal protections and at the same time continue to ensure the competitiveness of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry as it delivers fashionable and affordable clothing to consumers.

“After a year of negotiations, I am pleased we were able to find agreement on the issue of fashion design piracy,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “The AAFA would like to extend gratitude to Senator Schumer for his diligent work bringing all the stakeholders to the table to reach a practical solution. As we move forward, AAFA will continue to seek the strongest trademark and copyright protections for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry competing in the global market for the benefit of their brand reputations, employees, and consumers.”

“When the CFDA originally launched the campaign to bring intellectual property protection to fashion design, our goal was to give a new generation of American designers the recognition and support they need to grow their businesses into household names” said CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb. “We have worked closely, under the leadership of Senator Schumer, with the AAFA and the industry to create a law that will provide long overdue protection our industry deserves. America is the world fashion leader, and yet it is basically the only industrialized country that does not provide protection for fashion design. This bill is good news in that it promotes creativity and thus strengthens the fashion industry’s significant contribution to a healthy and working economy.”

The U.S. fashion industry’s competitiveness in the global marketplace rests on its ability to be creative and innovative while delivering quality products to market. Fashion design has remained until now an industry with limited options for intellectual property protection for even the most unique designs.

The new bill will provide a short, three-year term of protection to new and original fashion designs, while leaving every design ever created prior to enactment of the bill in the public domain. Only deliberate copies that are substantially identical to protected designs will be prohibited by law, and neither consumers nor retailers will be liable for inadvertently buying or selling illegal copies. There is also an exception for home sewers who will be permitted to copy a protected design for personal use or the use of a family member.

In addition to its clear, specific, and narrowly tailored scope of protection, the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act includes procedural provisions that will discourage frivolous litigation. In particular, the plaintiff will have to plead specific facts establishing that he has a case. If a dispute does arise, a defendant will be entitled to show that the design in question was created separately and independently from the protected design or that it was copied from a design already in the public domain.

Senator Schumer, the AAFA, and the CFDA are confident that this legislation will bolster the American fashion industry by encouraging creativity, protecting innovation and enhancing the status of the designer.

Source: https://www.apparelandfootwear.org/UserFiles/File/PressReleases/2010/080610idppparelease.pdf

Services sector sluggish in August

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:43:34 +0000

Australia: The services sector was sluggish in August with the gradual withdrawal of fiscal stimulus and the uncertainty surrounding the national political landscape continuing to impact on demand. The latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) rose slightly to 47.5 in August remaining below the critical 50 point level for the fourth consecutive month (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).

The accommodation, cafes & restaurants sub-sector was flat in August while retail trade contracted once again. The expansion in activity in communication services, wholesale trade and finance & insurance, largely due to employment growth, wasn’t enough to lift the sector’s overall performance. A slump in supplier deliveries and selling prices particularly impacted personal & recreational services and health & community services.

Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said: “The continuing sluggish performance of the services sector reinforces Ai Group’s view of the ongoing patchiness of the recovery in the broader economy. Although there are some promising signs among the services sub-sectors, the sector as a whole is yet to feel the full benefits of the gradual re-emergence of private sector demand.”

Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist, John Peters, said: “The latest Australian PSI® readings are consistent with the latest national accounts, which revealed retail spending by consumers (roughly 40% of total household spending) edged up by just 0.3% in the June quarter. In contrast, the non-retail areas of household spending expanded by 2.3% in the same period.

“We think that households, buoyed by ongoing labour market strength, a falling unemployment rate, and gifted with real wage increases, and likely rising asset prices in the year ahead, will become more confident and relaxed about the future. They will thus become increasingly less jittery about balance sheet repair, and will boost their spending levels and the breadth of their purchases,” Mr Peters said.

Source: http://www.aigroup.com.au/

Industry welcomes new blueprint for QLD infrastructure investment

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:35:24 +0000

Australia: “Ai Group welcomes new initiatives by the Queensland government to channel investments into infrastructure projects and skills development,” Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said.

“The plans outlined in the Connecting SEQ 2031: A South East Queensland Integrated Regional Transport Plan (IRTP), are important for the long-term interests of the $224 billion Queensland economy.

“Queensland businesses, whether they are in the construction sector or in the supply chain, stand to benefit significantly from this proposed pipeline of investment.

“We’ve seen rapid population growth in recent years and if this is to be sustained the implementation of a clear strategic plan is critical.

“The 207 kilometres of new railway line in SEQ, proposed in the rail part of the IRTP, will not only create jobs and opportunities for Queensland industry, the extra capacity from congestion-busting rail projects is vital to boosting productivity and keeping SEQ moving. We are also very encouraged by the proposed ‘ring road’ system which will also significantly improve the current transport network.

“While these proposed infrastructure projects are welcomed it’s absolutely critical that they are matched with real funding commitments.

“Funding such a visionary blueprint is only feasible if both the Government and the Opposition continue down the path of asset privatisation.

“If the current asset sales process falters then the State’s capacity to invest in these critical projects will also be severely constrained for years to come.

“In recent times SEQ has been home to the largest regional infrastructure program in Australia but with this comes challenges. Skills shortages are again looming and must be addressed, especially as the resources sector starts to kick-on again.

“QR National’s new trade mentoring program, announced earlier this week, is an important step in enhancing Queensland’s skill base and will go some way to ensuring we have the skilled labour necessary to deliver future infrastructure projects, ” Mr Martyn-Jones said.

Source: http://www.aigroup.com.au/