Industry News
New Bill To Enhance Trade Between U.S., Russia, Moldova
A bill enacted by Congress in late 2012 grants the President the authority to establish Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia and Moldova — which could mean a significant increase in exports to both regions, and more opportunities for major U.S. companies abroad...More
Skilled Trades Program Offers Canadian Job Opportunities To Global Workforce
Qualified non-Canadian applicants may now gain access to work in Canada, thanks to the Federal Skilled Trades Program, launched on January 2, 2013....More
New Task Force, 'One-Stop Shop' Platform Streamlines Exporting
The U.S. Department of Commerce is setting up a “one-stop shop” operation for businesses designed to streamline the export process and create more jobs for American workers....More
Remanufacturing Expands In Several U.S. Industry Sectors
The U.S. is currently the world’s leading producer, consumer and exporter of remanufactured goods, and activity in this arena continues to grow, moving into more industries and expanding American job opportunities, according to a recent report by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)....More
U.S.-Moroccan Business Conference Discusses Expansion, Growth Strategies
Government officials and business leaders from the U.S. and Morocco recently met in Washington, DC, to discuss new ways of increasing bilateral trade and enhancing business development between the two nations, specifically within the aerospace, agriculture, automotive, and renewable energy and infrastructure sectors....More
Taiwan Granted Access To U.S. Visa Waiver Program
In an effort to increase tourism and provide more opportunities for business and trade between the two nations, the U.S. has allowed Taiwan entry into its Visa Waiver Program. Taiwan citizens with valid passports will now be allowed to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa....More
Malta Notary Reform Brings More Transparency, Efficiency, Quality
As part of an ongoing effort to streamline and reform its notarial system, Malta is implementing a series of amendments and regulations designed to create a more transparent reporting system, standardize its service model, and ensure consistent, high quality performance from its Notaries....More
Canadian Immigration Officials Crackdown On Marriage Fraud
In an ongoing effort to increase border security and to crack down against marriage fraud by those seeking illegal entry into Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has implemented a new law requiring sponsored spouses to live for a minimum of two years together — or risk losing their residency status....More
2012 U.S. Travel And Tourism On The Rise
International visitors to the U.S. spent an estimated $13.7 billion on food, lodging, recreation, entertainment, local transportation, souvenirs and other travel-related items in July 2012, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. That’s a three-percent increase from the same month in 2011....More
Foreign Investment In U.S. Real Estate Rises Sharply In 2012
The landscape of American property ownership is becoming more international, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR data shows a significant increase in the number of foreigners purchasing American homes, with Canadians, Chinese and Mexican home purchasers now comprising the top three international investors in U.S. real estate....More
New Russian Law Creates Nationwide, Unified Notarial Database
Russia last month enacted a new law creating rules of operation designed to improve the quality of notarial services throughout the country, as well as establishing a nationwide, federal database of all notarial acts....More
Export Data Report Shows Significant Post-Initiative Increases
America’s cities have seen a substantial increase in international trade since the inception of the National Export Initiative in 2010, according to a report from the International Trade Administration (ITA)....More
Survey Names Top Cross-Border Job Destinations, Addresses Relocation Challenges
China, India, Brazil and Russia continue to be the top four emerging market destinations for international job transfers, according to the latest survey from global relocation service company Cartus Corporation....More
Federal Initiatives Promote Trade With Sub-Saharan Africa
Export-minded companies in the U.S. can expect to see more opportunities to trade with nations in sub-Saharan Africa as a result of a recently announced federal initiative....More
Worldwide Law Changes Impact Notarial Role Overseas, Could Impact U.S.
Major worldwide changes to Notary systems are granting more powers in some regions, while decreasing privileges in others to make the Notary profession more competitive. While the role of U.S. Notaries tends to be more limited in scope than those performing the role elsewhere, these global law updates may have a lasting impact on Notaries everywhere....More
Oaths Vs. Affirmations: Know The Difference
When executing a jurat, some signers’ personal beliefs may cause them to object to swearing an oath of truthfulness to a higher power. In these circumstances, the signer may make an alternative promise called an affirmation instead. An affirmation is a promise to be truthful based on the signer’s personal honor....More
Q&A: Elaine Wright Reflects On The Global Role Of The Notary
Elaine Wright, NNA’s 2009 Notary of The Year, loves traveling around the world and, as a dedicated Notary educator and Signing Agent, takes time during her sojourns to meet with Notaries worldwide. The International Section caught up with Elaine to discuss her recent trip to Australia and New Zealand and what she discovered after her encounter with Notaries Down Under....More
Canada Issues Record Number of Visitor Visas, On Target For Million Mark In 2012
Canada’s Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced last month that Canada has issued a record number of visitor visas so far this year, and that they are on target for a record-breaking 2012. The surge has come on the heels of recent efforts to attract visitors and workers to the country....More
Chinese Immigration Laws Provide Stricter Enforcement, Require HR Compliance
China’s Ministry of Public Security has announced significant updates to China’s master immigration laws, known as the “Exit-Entry Administration laws,” which will provide stricter enforcement of current rules and require the implementation of new regulations. Officials recommend that companies and clients working with Chinese businesses strive toward compliance as the Chinese Government rolls out the new official protocols....More
Strategic Partnership Seeks To Increase Border Trade And Job Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) has announced a strategic partnership with Mexico-based trade show company Cintermex — a deal designed to help ease the U.S.’s ability to export to our southern neighbor, foster bilateral trade relations, and encourage job growth on both sides of the border....More
