ISSUE 4/2002

© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum - Issue 4/2002 ITC has recently produced a guide to "best practices" in purchasing, aimed particularly at public buyers, called Achetez un résultat ("Purchase a result"). During the review process, the manuscript was sent to Le Moniteur , France's lead

by Lien VerbauwhedeBusinesses often rely on employees or independent consultants to develop their intellectual property assets and assume that they automatically own the intellectual property rights on the resulting creations. However, this is not always the case.

ITC booksE-Commerce Legal KitArbitration and Alternative Dispute ResolutionModel Contracts for the International Sale of Perishable GoodsContractual Agreements in the Printing and Publishing IndustryJoint Venture Model ContractsNegotiating Licensing Agreements

by Jean-François BourqueOn average, almost everyone has witnessed the birth of two nations each year of his or her existence. So, if you are 50 years old, then about 100 new countries will have been created since your birth. Membership of the United Nations (UN) grew from 51 original members in 1945 (there were 74 nation-states at that time) to 191 in 2002.The magnitude of this process is unprecedented. Now think what this means in terms of business laws: 191 or more countries equals the same number of legal systems.

by Nadia Hebboul For exporters to succeed in today's competitive global markets, they need export strategies that are backed up by efficient information capabilities. ITC's online Trade Information Reference System helps TSIs deliver reliable information services.

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, "green" products and services offer vast new trade opportunities. Companies trading in natural products that can show respect for the environment are also likely to be more competitive than others. Consequently, ITC is taking a fresh look at its activities linking trade and the environment. An important step was the launch of a joint programme with UNCTAD to develop trade in biodiversity products at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This dynamic trade area holds a high potential for many biodiversity-rich developing countries.

© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum - Issue 4/2002 Coffee: An exporter's guide. 310 pages. Provides overview of world coffee trade, demand in importing countries, prices, statistical data; discusses niche markets, environment and social aspects; highlights organic coffee production, ma

© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum - Issue 4/2002 The need for easy-to-use model contracts will continue to grow as more and more businesses - without the means to consult specialist lawyers - negotiate and draft international trade agreements themselves. The following four articles focus

Are you looking for market overviews, trade development insights, exporter success stories or "best practices" in developing and transition economies? Information about these topics and more are available from ITC, which produces a wide range of information materials as part of its technical cooperation activities.Ordering ITC books is now faster and easier than before, with ITC's new online publications site, http://www.intracen.org/eshop

© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum - Issue 4/2002 Trade Forum article speeds trade development initiative "'Helping SMEs Get Wiser to Consumer Choice' ( Trade Forum 1/2002) generated numerous calls and e-mails from countries including Ghana, India, Mauritania, Peru, Romania,

A year ago, Trade Forum reported on an ITC programme to increase procurement from African suppliers by international aid agencies working in Africa (issue 4/2001). Using market research, training and face-to-face meetings between buyers and sellers, the initiative has generated new business for Af

by Christophe Imhoos and Herman VerbistHow can you have a final and binding decision over a business dispute out of court? Arbitration is the only definitive solution.

For FirmsModel ContractsInternational salesITC Model Contract for the International Commercial Sale of Perishable GoodsICC Model International Sales Contract for Manufactured Goods

Meet in Africa, the most important trade event for the African leather industry, brings together the African and international leather sectors. The event gives African entrepreneurs greater access to regional and overseas market opportunities. At the same time, it shows international buyers the potential of the African leather sector.

Interview with Michael GeistIgnoring the small print when buying and selling through the Internet might cost you money. More and more courts are upholding electronic agreements which are based on easy-to-find terms that buyers have to accept explicitly, such as by clicking an "I agree" button.

The new year brings a change in ITC's distribution and sales policies for publications and other information products (trade-related databases and CD-ROMs).