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2012 will see changes regarding U.S. free trade agreements relating to, first, the dollar thresholds at which the various agreements apply to federal purchases and, second, the likely expansion of the scope of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (“WTO GPA”). The updated dollar thresholds are important for government contractors because the thresholds determine when a contract is subject to the Buy American Act (“BAA”) or the Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”). As to the WTO GPA, its expansion should provide significant increased access to the U.S and many of its trading partners in international procurements, although the hoped for accession of China to the WTO GPA remains stalled Updated Dollar Thresholds On December 8, 2011, the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”), Ronald Kirk, announced the dollar thresholds at which free trade agreements (“FTAs”) will apply to U.S. procurements beginning in 2012. See 76 Fed. Reg. 76808. The USTR has raised some thresholds, maintained others, and even lowered some: Pending Updates to the WTO GPA In December 2011, the members of the WTO met in Geneva to revise the WTO GPA. Ever since Canada and the U.S. negotiated amendments to the U.S.-Canada FTA allowing Canada greater access to procurements by state and local governments (one of the primary outlets for stimulus funds through 2009 and 2010), members of the WTO have clamored for expanded access under the GPA. FTAs typically apply only to governmental agencies that are specifically listed in the free trade agreement; the new December 2011 agreement allows expanded access by foreign companies to U.S. procurements by listing twelve previously uncovered federal agencies (including the Social Security Administration and the Transportation Security Administration) as now covered by the WTO GPA. In exchange, U.S. companies will gain access to hundreds of foreign “central and sub-central” government procurements in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Israel, and many other E.U. countries. The new WTO agreement is expected to open significant international procurement markets, and the USTR hailed the new agreement as a major breakthrough for free trade. The changes to the WTO GPA are expected to be formalized by March 2012. Meanwhile, in November 2011, China updated its submission to accede to the WTO GPA. But the submission fell short of U.S. and E.U. expectations, setting extremely high dollar thresholds and exempting a large number of Chinese sub-central agencies and state-run enterprises. China joined the WTO in 2001 and China has reiterated that it intends to accede to the WTO GPA. However, given the above high dollar thresholds and exemptions, China has thus far been unable to make the kind of aggressive offers demanded by the international community to complete its accession. Therefore, at least for the time being, products made in China will continue to be noncompliant under the Trade Agreements Act. Current signatories to the WTO GPA include more than 40 countries: the U.S., the 27 member states of the European Union, Canada, Armenia, Aruba, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Armenia is the most recent addition to the WTO GPA, having just recently acceded to the WTO GPA on September 15, 2011. See 76 Fed. Reg. 58856; 77 Fed. Reg. 4631. Report from Armenia
From loc.gov
YOUTH FROM 14 COUNTRIES TO EXPLORE MARINE AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO CAMPS
From press.nationalgeographic
National Geographic contributing photographer Matt Moyer, with the support of Photo Camp staff, will guide 15 students, ages 14-18, during each workshop as they explore and document marine environments and design a portrait of their group’s cultural diversity through photography and writing. The photographers will coach students on the production of a multimedia show, called the Photo Camp Youth Media Project, which will convey the students’ perception of their experience and allow them to share what they have learned about ocean conservation and cultural understanding to classmates, friends and family back home. In addition to Photo Camp activities, the students will also participate in the Ocean for Life program, whose values are ocean conservation and stewardship, interconnectedness and a sense of place. They will explore the ocean and coastal areas, drawing comparisons with their own local and regional environments; they will participate in field studies in the national marine sanctuaries designed to raise their awareness of vital ocean resources; and they will learn about research, conservation and stewardship efforts to address issues threatening ocean health. Ocean for Life is made possible by a partnership of the U.S. government and private entities. “Together, Photo Camp and Ocean for Life can provide these young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding as they explore vital marine areas,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president, Mission Programs. “We are honored to participate in this endeavor.” EVOLT and Stylus Tough cameras for Photo Camp 2009 are provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Memory cards for Photo Camp 2009 have been donated by PNY, a National Geographic Mission Partner. Moyer, a photojournalist and contributor for National Geographic magazine, The New York Times and The Guardian, has been committed to telling stories that put a human face on today’s news for the past 15 years. He has worked on three stories for National Geographic, including “The Sinai: A Separate Peace” in the March 2009 issue. National Geographic Photo Camp has provided programs for more than 850 young people in over 40 locations since 2003. Photo Camps are also being held this year in Botswana; Jordan; Olympic National Park, Seattle; and Pine Ridge Native American Reservation, S.D. Visit nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information. The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 370 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. Wooden boats enliven New Hampshire museum
From feeds.boston
Wooden boats enliven New Hampshire museum
From feeds.boston
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER MAGAZINE LAUNCHES IN INDONESIA
From press.nationalgeographic
Editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler Indonesia is Tantyo Bangun, a documentary filmmaker and photographer, who also edits National Geographic magazine. Published under license from the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., each issue of National Geographic Traveler Indonesia will adhere to the core principles of the U.S. edition — culture, authenticity and sustainability — while also exhibiting a unique local editorial flavor. The Bahasa Indonesia edition features about 40 percent of the English-language-edition content and 60 percent new editorial material. Local-language editions of National Geographic Traveler are also available in China, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Israel, Poland, Slovenia, Latin America, Armenia, Czech Republic, Croatia and Romania. “National Geographic Traveler tells incomparable stories about the peoples and places of the world. Leading with an insider’s perspective, we emphasize the intrinsic flavor of each place we cover,” said Keith Bellows, editor of National Geographic Traveler. In addition to the Bahasa Indonesia editions of National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler magazine, the National Geographic Channel also is available in Indonesia, on four pay-TV platforms: Indovision, First Media, Telkomvision and Indosat. Additionally, the Nat Geo Adventure channel is available on First Media, Telkomvision and Indosat. The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. Kalash haplotype sharing | Gene Expression
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