Ross Announces Activation of ZTE Denial Order in Response to Repeated False Statements

April 16th, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has imposed a denial of export privileges against Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Corporation”) and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Kangxun”) (collectively, “ZTE”).

In March 2017, ZTE agreed to a combined civil and criminal penalty and forfeiture of $1.19 billion after illegally shipping telecommunications equipment to Iran and North Korea, making false statements, and obstructing justice including through preventing disclosure to and affirmatively misleading the U.S. Government.  In addition to these monetary penalties, ZTE also agreed a seven-year suspended denial of export privileges, which could be activated if any aspect of the agreement was not met and/or if the company committed additional violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The Department of Commerce has now determined ZTE made false statements to BIS in 2016, during settlement negotiations, and 2017, during the probationary period, related to senior employee disciplinary actions the company said it was taking or had already taken.  ZTE’s false statements only were reported to the U.S. Government after BIS requested information and documentation showing that employee discipline had occurred.

“ZTE made false statements to the U.S. Government when they were originally caught and put on the Entity List, made false statements during the reprieve it was given, and made false statements again during its probation.” said Secretary of Commerce Ross.

These false statements covered up the fact that ZTE paid full bonuses to employees that had engaged in illegal conduct, and failed to issue letters of reprimand.

“ZTE misled the Department of Commerce.  Instead of reprimanding ZTE staff and senior management, ZTE rewarded them.  This egregious behavior cannot be ignored,” Secretary Ross said.

BACKGROUND:

Denial Orders are issued by the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement of the Bureau of Industry and Security, denying the export privileges of a company or individual. A denial of export privileges prohibits a person from participating in any way in any transaction subject to the EAR. Furthermore, it is unlawful for other businesses and individuals to participate in any way in an export transaction subject to the EAR with a denied person.

This is a regulatory action and is unrelated to any ongoing trade-related actions.

BIS is the principal agency involved in the implementation and enforcement of export controls for commercial technologies and many military items. The BIS Office of Export Enforcement detects, prevents, investigates and assists in the sanctioning of illegal exports of such items.

For more information, please visit us at www.bis.doc.gov.

Commerce Pledges Support for Commercial Space Industry

Coming on the heels of Secretary Ross’s announcement of a new initiative to support space commerce, space-focused professionals filled the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on March 12th – 15th for the satellite industry’s annual meeting.

On Monday, the industry heard from Secretary Ross about his plans for elevating space commerce functions within the department, a key objective in the Department of Commerce’s recently released strategic plan for 2018-2022.

NTIA Assistant Secretary David Redl addressed the convention on Wednesday, pledging his commitment to collaborating with the U.S. satellite industry – highlighting the importance of maintaining global leadership for satellite-based services and manufacturing. He told attendees that the United States needs a vibrant satellite sector, which directly supports tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs and indirectly enables millions more in the larger economy.

Fast-paced innovation in the satellite sector is paving the way for a new era in satellite coverage that will strengthen our nation’s broadband infrastructure and power advanced services to improve people’s lives. “The Commerce Department is invested in the health and success of all aspects of the satellite sector, from spacecraft design and manufacturing to earth-station equipment standards and manufacturing,” said Assistant Secretary Redl.

Secretary Ross Outlines Commerce-Led Initiatives to Advance Space Leadership

Secretary Wilbur Ross addressed the second meeting of the reconstituted National Space Council today, where he outlined Commerce-led initiatives to advance American leadership in space commerce.

Read more of Secretary Ross’s remarks at the National Space Council meeting.

Expanding commercial space activities is a key objective in the Department’s recently released strategic plan for 2018-2022.

The scientific discoveries resulting from space exploration have created new industries and technologies that improve our lives, our economy, and our national security. While the technological advancement of commercial space activities has created profitable opportunities, current government regulations are an impediment to the commercial space sector.

As Secretary Ross outlined earlier today, Commerce will be leading efforts to cut red tape that hinders the American commercial space sector.

Asia Nuclear Business Platform 2017 (TFC Event)

nbpf 2017

Asia Nuclear Business Platform will be held for the 5th consecutive year in Shanghai from May 16-18, 2017.

The past four editions of the event have seen tremendous support from U.S., Asia and International companies.

According to a recent report from the World Nuclear Association, nuclear power generation between 2014 to 2025 is projected to grow by 1400 GWe, over 120 GWe per year, which will account for 46% of the world’s new capacity. Much of this growth will be in China, Japan, India and Korea. The nuclear share of this to 2020 is expected to be considerable in three of those countries, especially if environmental constraints limit fossil fuel expansion nuclear business transactions.

Connect, interact and network with over 150 industry experts exploring NPP new build in Asia and 50+ international industry experts with a combined 100+ reactor years of experience.

Edward McGinnis, Deputy Asst. Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, US Department of Energy has confirmed his attendance.

This year’s show will feature a site visit to the Shanghai Electric manufacturing base, which is the biggest nuclear equipment manufacturing base in China.
There will be multiple sessions tailored to financing and risk management, localisation, human resource development and licensing.

For more information, please visit the event website at [http://www.nuclearbusiness-platform.com/asia/].

2017 North America International Auto Show (NAIAS)


JANUARY 8 – 22, 2017
Cobo Center
1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226

Last January, the 2016 NAIAS featured 61 vehicle introductions, a majority of which were worldwide debuts. News coming out of NAIAS is heard across the globe as more than 5,000 journalists from 60 different countries annually attend to cover the latest and greatest happenings our industry has to offer.

With the integration of AutoMobili-D, the 2017 NAIAS will serve as the world’s leading showcase of vehicles and technologies aimed at defining how people across the globe experience mobility.

NAIAS is unmatched in the industry in presenting six unique shows in one, including: The Gallery, an ultra-luxury automotive event, AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms, Press Preview, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and all concluding with a nine-day Public Show.

THE GALLERY – JANUARY 7, 2017

2017 marks the tenth year of the ultra-luxury automotive event, The Gallery. This event has now become the official kick-off to the North American International Auto Show. Once again, the event is hosted at the luxurious MGM Grand Detroit where a strolling dinner will be served by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck in the Ignite Lounge. Guests will then have the opportunity to stroll through the MGM Grand Ballroom and experience a nearly $7 million collection of the most amazing automobiles the world has to offer, including brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce. In addition, executives and designers responsible for the creation of these products will be on hand to discuss the brands.

AUTOMOBILI-D – JANUARY 8-12, 2017

Automobili-D is a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape.

Spearheaded by NAIAS, AutoMobili-D will run in conjunction with the 2017 auto show and will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups. AutoMobili-D will kick-off on Sunday, January 8, 2017, the day prior to the start of NAIAS Press Days (Jan. 9-10), and will run through NAIAS Industry Days (Jan. 11-12). A very prominent industry thought leader will keynote Sunday’s opening ceremony following an open house that will allow guests to network with peers and participating companies as well as interact with the technologies and vehicles on display. NAIAS will dedicate specific press conference slots for participating AutoMobili-D companies on the afternoons of both Press Days.

Planet M Hall will be open:

Sunday, January 8, 2017
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, January 9, 2017
11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m,
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Dates and Times
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Noon – 9 p.m.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

PUBLIC SHOW – JANUARY 14-22, 2017
Experience an automotive event unlike any other. At NAIAS you have the opportunity to see up-close the vehicles and technologies that will shape the future automotive landscape. From muscle and electric cars, to high-performance supercars and full-size trucks, NAIAS has something for everyone to enjoy.

U.S. Department of Commerce Partners with USC Marshall School of Business, Ports of L.A., Long Beach to Advance Nation’s Supply Chains

A strategic partnership with the USC Marshall Center for Global Supply Chain Management aimed at improving the global competitiveness of the nation’s supply chains was signed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on October 14 at the University Park campus.

“Through this new partnership, we hope to encourage ports around the country to increase efficiency by adopting new technologies that will provide more information on the flow of goods to port users and stakeholders,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The ability to move cargo quickly through our ports is critical to national and regional trade, economic growth, and our nation’s overall competitiveness.”

The partnership with USC Marshall will allow for collaboration on digitalization of the nation’s supply chains, including applications related to IoT (Internet of Things).

The first formal event of the partnership will be the Port Community IT Systems Exhibition and Technology Challenge at USC on Nov. 18-20. The gathering will open with a symposium offering leaders from ports communities and supply chain owner organizations, as well as public policy and academic experts a chance to explore how digital innovations can increase port operating efficiencies and reduce overall supply chain congestion.

“The Port of Los Angeles isn’t just the nation’s leading cargo port—it’s a laboratory for ideas and technologies that show how ports across America can thrive in the global marketplace for generations to come,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Los Angeles is the perfect home for this innovative partnership, and I’m proud of the critical role our port has played in making it possible.”

The November conference will also feature a technology challenge, allowing teams of startups and student developers to compete for $15,000 in prizes for innovative new applications and solutions for sharing vital information through Port Community IT systems.

The Department’s 21st Century Ports Initiative is designed to promote excellence in the operation of the nation’s ports and associated supply chains. Digitalization of supply chain operations offers exciting opportunities for innovation and increased efficiencies that can benefit the wider U.S. economy. The existing research program at the Center for Global Supply Chain Management brings real synergy to this effort. 

“At the direction of Mayor Garcetti and Secretary Pritzker, The Port of Los Angeles will embark upon a project to test the capabilities of advanced digital technology to support efficiency, transparency and reliability in the maritime supply chain,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “We must engage a broad network of experts to succeed and the partnership announced today offers an excellent platform to do that.”

The Center for Global Supply Chain Management at the USC Marshall School of Business has worked with the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach on multi-year research projects to develop efficiencies and solutions for improved cargo flow and environmental sustainability for three years. The Center has hosted the annual Global Supply Chain Management Excellence Summit since 2012, bringing together key supply chain stakeholders to network and share knowledge.

“The alliance between the Dept. of Commerce, USC Marshall and the CGSCM will facilitate the crucial first step of dissecting this problem so we can move forward with modernizing global supply chain using digital technology,” said Nick Vyas executive director of USC Marshall’s Center for Global Supply Chain Management (CGSCM) and assistant professor of clinical data sciences and operations at USC Marshall.

Registration for the conference on Nov. 18 and the Hackathon on Nov.19 is now open atwww.uscsupplychain.com/digitalsc.

For more information on the conference, contact Eric Chow, associate director at digitalsc@marshall.usc.edu or 213-821-0093 or Marni Goldberg at Mgoldberg@doc.gov.

For media inquiries, contact Alison Stateman, Alison.stateman@marshall.usc.edu or 917-224-8777.

Just In! Global Smart Cities Decision Makers Coming to Chicago!

Hear from top decision makers and learn about India’s
100 Smart Cities Program!
November 1-3 | Chicago, IL

Meet International Market Experts from Brazil to China to Europe!

Meet with key officials from Visakhapatnam (Vizag), one of the leading smart cities in India:
Praveen Kumar, District Collector & Magistrate of Visakhapatnam
Hari Narayanan, Commissioner of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation

India is set to become the most populous country in the world by 2030, making it the home to the biggest and the most under-penetrated market for global manufacturers and service providers. This growing population is shifting, giving rise to new megacities estimated to generate 80% of economic growth, with potential to apply modern technologies and infrastructure.

More to come on decision makers from Vietnam and Qatar

At Discover Global Markets: Building Smart Cities learn about export opportunities and market trends by meeting with in-country experts on a broad range of industries associated with Infrastructure & Smart Cities, including:
21st Century Infrastructure
Airport & Ground Support Equipment
Building Materials
Cyber Security
Disaster Risk Mitigation
Energy & Smart Grids
Intelligent Traffic Management
Information & Communication Technology
Intelligent Lighting
Smart Building Design
Smart Governance & Citizen Services
Training and certification programs
Water & Wastewater Management
Waste-to-Energy Technologies

Pre-Schedule One-on-One Meetings with U.S. Commercial Diplomats from key markets:

Register today for the best opportunity to pre-schedule your meetings with experts from the markets listed below and obtain market knowledge. Meetings are arranged on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait.

Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Hong Kong India
Kenya Korea Mexico Panama The Philippines Qatar
Singapore South Africa Taiwan Vietnam
Europe: Cyber-security
Europe: Energy Efficiency/Design & Construction
Europe: Infrastructure / Transportation / IoT
Europe: E-Mobility

At Discover Global Markets…”You are able to speak with Commercial Diplomats from all over and gather market intelligence for many countries; all at a single event.” said Cameron Javdani, Director of Sales and Marketing for Louroe Electronics.

2016 IP Strategy Innovation Summit

IP Strategy Innovation Summit
September 28 & 29, Boston, 2016
Marriott Copley Place Boston

Learn to Optimize your IP Strategy to Protect Yourself and Foster Innovation

IP Strategy is the backbone of successful innovation management. It not only bridges the gap between the legal and innovation departments but can also help build relationships with external partners.

Confirmed speakers include:

Chief Patent Counsel, Schnieder Electric
Senior Intellectual Property Manager, Stryker
SVP & General Counsel, Spartan Race
Senior IP Counsel, Sonos
Head Of Innovation, Aramco
Patent Counsel, HP
Business Unit Patent Officer, Schneider Electric
Assistant Director of IP, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
IP Rights & Clearance Associate, Viacom

To join 100+ in-house counsel, industry experts and thought leaders.

Secure your passes, please contact AICC membership service.

China eCommerce Seminar

Monday, August 1, 2016
12:00pm to 4:00pm
235 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, Georgia USA
Host: Georgia Department of Economic Development

TWO DATES AVAILABLE AUG 1 OR 2. Learn how service providers can help facilitate deliveries and expand your online sales in China.

FEATURING:
Paul Swenson
Managing Director – Trade
State of Georgia – China

Target Products (including but not limited to):
PETS toys, supplies, pet snacks (without beef)
BABY toys, clothing, nutrition and foods
NUTRITION supplements, power bars, sports drinks and powders
SPIRITS, liquors, wine and beer
PACKAGED FOODS, dried fruits, sauces,
packaged meals/soups, teas, snacks
SKINCARE cosmetics, cleansers, shampoos and soaps
FASHION, women’s and men’s shoes, clothing, bags, outerwear, snow boards, bicycles
AUTO aftermarket parts, auto sport parts, decoration and auto care

International Manufacturing Technology Show 2016

September 12- 17, 2016
Chicago, IL
Building Hours
East West: 9 am – 5 pm
North, C Hall South: 10 am – 6 pm

The Americas’ Largest Manufacturing Show

The International Manufacturing Technology Show is one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world, featuring more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and 114,147 registrants. The event is held every two years in September at McCormick Place, Chicago.

Smartforce Student Summit

Program that enriches student and educator attendance at IMTS and encourages career consideration in the manufacturing technology industry. Participating exhibitors provide information about the industry.

Co-Located Shows

You can see a complete range of manufacturing technology solutions during your visit to IMTS, making this truly manufacturing’s most comprehensive event. Complementing the metalworking solutions that you’ll see at IMTS are five additional co-located shows:

Industrial Automation North America
Motion Drive, Automation North America
Surface Technology North America
ComVac North America
Industrial Supply North America