2 November 2009

The Retail Traders' Association of Western Australia is pleased to present an exciting package of practical and inexpensive seminars that will bring you the frontline knowledge and know-how that is often lacking in business.  

Click here for further information or to register.

With the festive season almost upon us, CCI invites you to gain a practical insight into employer's legal rights and responsibilities when hosting events.  

Click here for further information or to register.

The largest free trade agreement Australia has ever concluded will come into force on 1 January 2010, following discussion between ASEAN leaders last week.

The agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) spans 12 economies, with over 600 million people and a combined GDP of $3.1 trillion.

The agreement will cover 20% of Australia’s two-way trade, worth $112 billion. The deal will eliminate tariffs on 96% of our current exports to ASEAN nations by 2020. Currently, only 67% of our exports to the region are tariff-free.

This will be the most comprehensive free trade agreement to enter into force for ASEAN, covering a range of areas including:

• goods
• services
• investment
• intellectual property
• e-commerce

The nations covered by the AANZFTA are the 10 ASEAN Member States: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam; and Australia and New Zealand.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) last week launched a set of intellectual property (IP) guidelines designed to help businesses manage copyright and branded materials and deter trade in counterfeit and pirate goods.

The Intellectual Property Guidelines for Business was released in Chinese during a special session at the Pearl River Delta International Forum on Innovation and Intellectual Property. The IP Guidelines provides information to businesses on practical steps that they can take to protect their own innovation and creativity in IP-based products and services, as well as to protect against the risk of using counterfeit materials or infringing other companies’ IP rights.

ICC’s Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy initiative (BASCAP) launched the Guidelines in cooperation with the Global Intellectual Property Coalition, who sponsored the Forum.

The ICC/BASCAP IP Guidelines will help companies to assess the effectiveness of their IP management policies and to consider new options for improving performance and managing the risks associated with counterfeiting and piracy. The IP Guidelines deals with IP management in all its forms within companies, from IP development to component sourcing, manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, relations with intermediaries and handling of third parties’ IP.

The IP guidelines are designed to be useful to a wide range of businesses in different sectors, and are suitable to be tailored to deal more specifically with particular industries or sectors.

ICC International Trademark Licence - ICC Publication No 673

ICC Model International Trademark Licence is the newest addition to the series of international model business contracts developed and published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). This model contract addresses the situation where the owner of a well known trademark licences the trademark to a company which will use it with respect to products other than those manufactured or sold by the licensor.

In this case, it is assumed that the licensed products will be designed and developed by the licensee, and that the main preoccupation of the licensor is to ensure that the licensed products conform to the overall image of the licensor and its trademarks.

Parties are advised to use ICC Model International Trademark Licence as a basis for negotiation and for drawing up their own contracts, possibly with the assistance of a lawyer with international expertise.

ICC Model International Trademark Licence is another important resource for attorneys and companies engaged in international trade. It carries the authority of ICC, the organisation that pioneered many of the basic rules and mechanisms at the heart of international business.

ICC Model International Transfer of Technology Contract - ICC Publication No 674

As technology and intellectual property rights become increasingly important in today's international business community, more and more companies across the globe are concluding transactions to transfer technology between business entities. Recognising the need to provide the marketplace with assistance on this highly technical subject, the International Chamber of Commerce has produced the ICC Model International Transfer of Technology Contract.

While the term “transfer of technology” may cover a variety of situations, ranging from patent and/or know-how licenses to more complex dealings involving the supply of technical assistance or equipment, this model covers the situation where a manufacturer licenses a package of information and industrial property rights to a licensee company so that the licensee can also manufacture the products, using the licensor's technology.

Model International Transfer of Technology Contract is designed for use by non-specialists in the area who are seeking reliable guidance and an adaptable, balanced contractual framework.  Produced by a group of subject-matter experts of the ICC Commission on Commercial Law and Practice, the model distills the relevant principles across industries and geographies into an accessible tool for business people and their advisors.

These publications are available ex-stock from the CCI International Trade Centre. Contact Qiao Ru Nah on (08) 9365 7717 or qiaoru.nah@cciwa.com.

Minister for Trade Simon Crean last week officially launched Australia’s pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010 and announced details of Australia’s $83 million participation in the project.

It is predicted Expo 2010 will be the biggest world expo in history.

“China is going to be the fastest growing major economy this year with growth of 8%, it is also an economy in significant transition – and Shanghai is going to be the centre of action. We cannot afford not to be a part of Shanghai Expo,” Mr Crean said.

“The scale of our participation reflects the Government’s intention to take full advantage of this opportunity to promote increased trade and two-way investment and to help Australian companies grab market share in China. The pavilion will showcase Australian capability, innovation and achievement to 38,000 people each day.

“It will also be the perfect place for the international launch of the Building Brand Australia, which is scheduled for May,” Mr Crean said.

Being built in China by Australian company Bovis Lend Lease, the pavilion will host an array of exhibitions, a targeted program of over 200 business events, a diverse cultural program of daily performances and a major, national day concert.

“Through Shanghai Expo, we will highlight our strengths, showcase emerging sectors and strengthen institutional links with China. The states and territories will be active partners in showcasing Australian capability,” Mr Crean said.

Leading Australian companies and institutions including the ANZ, BlueScope Steel, Rio Tinto, Qantas, Lend Lease, the University of Sydney and Telstra are partnering with the Commonwealth and all states and territories are actively supporting Australia’s participation through cash and in-kind contributions. Together, their cash investment totals close to $10 million.

The International Trade Centre at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia receives buy/sell offers and trade enquiries daily from overseas.

Click here to view the latest Trade Opportunities.

2009 will go down in history as one of the most severe economic downturns the world has ever experienced. However, signs are emerging that the worst may be over and the New Year will bring a return to growth and prosperity in WA. CCI invites members to attend this exclusive corporate breakfast to gain a comprehensive insight into what's in store for the WA economy in 2010 and beyond from CCI chief economist John Nicolaou.

Click here for further information or to register an individual.

Click here for further information or to register a corporate table.

CCI invites WA business executives to attend an exclusive corporate luncheon featuring Jon Sutton, managing director of Bankwest and Western Australia's most senior banker.

Click here for further information or to register an individual.

Click here for further information or to register a corporate table.

CCI invites you to attend an industry briefing to find out how to fully use ProjectConnect to your benefit and ensure the best outcomes for your business.

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This course will assist you to develop the skills required to motivate your diverse workforce to become high performers who achieve goals and standards. Improve your performance management skills and watch the results in your workplace.

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The PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) project management methodology provides businesses with a flexible approach for the management of their projects and a cost effective means to align to best practice project management. This three-day foundation course will develop your understanding of project management methods and the underlying principles supporting its application.

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In today’s business environment, ensuring your recruitment procedures comply with legal requirements and basic HR principles is just as important as finding the right person for the job.  This program will improve your knowledge and understanding of recommended methods for recruitment and selection which, if applied correctly, will help you avoid distressing and costly mistakes.

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Writing is an essential business skill. Whether writing emails or letters, or preparing tenders or proposals, it is important to be able to deliver a message in a way that is clear and focused. This practical course will provide you with techniques to improve your style and skill in writing business documentation. You will return to work ready to apply practical ideas and proven techniques to your written communication.

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This course benefits people who are required to deliver on-the-job training to individuals and small groups using available training resources. It is specifically designed to boost confidence and enable the trainer to transfer the required workplace knowledge and skills to others.

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This program will provide you with more advanced skills for effectively managing your section of the organisation. You will also learn how to adapt your management style to meet the changing needs of your organisation and your staff.

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