As reported all over the media today, the U.S. Congress cleared free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, bringing an end to years of stalemate. The Agreements, the biggest trade deals since 1994, promise to result in the export of billions of dollars of U.S. goods and boost hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Whichever side of the political fence you … [Read more...]
Success in China is Built on Relationships. Just Ask General Motors.
A few weeks ago, I received a call from a prospective client, Mr. X, looking to expand his business and enter the China market. He wanted to know how best to go about forming this new venture. It was obvious he had done his research. Mr. X discussed whether it was best to form a Wholly Foreign Owned Entity (WFOE), Representative Office (RO), Joint Venture (JV) or other … [Read more...]
Proposed Start-up Visa Promises to Boost Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the U.S.
My grandfather was an immigrant entrepreneur. He came to the United States in the 1940’s. With two young daughters to support, he worked his tail off seven days a week. He could have probably made due working just five days a week. But that was not his plan. The way he figured, the income that came in from those two extra work days would go towards … [Read more...]
Double Taxation Treaty Between Brazil and the United States Takes a Step Closer to Conclusion.
I just read an article over at Forbes’ Bric Breaker blog, authored by Kenneth Rapoza. The article, Brazil businessmen Urge Obama to Sign Double Taxation Treaty, reports that U.S. and Brazilian executives asked President Obama today [March 19, 2011] to sign a treaty that would end double taxation of goods traded between the two countries. Given Brazil’s emergence as … [Read more...]
SEC Files International Gold Fraud Case in Miami. Beware the Golden Opportuntiy.
As an attorney based in Miami, I see a lot of international fraud cases filed in Miami. But lately I'm seeing a lot of cases related to what can best be described as gold fraud. Of course, with the price of gold in record territory, this is not exactly a surprise. Just today, the Securities & Exchange Commission filed a fraud cases against Quri Resources, Inc., … [Read more...]
U.S. Supreme Court: Securities Fraud Law Does Not Apply To Transnational Securities Deals.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that America’s main law against securities fraud does not apply to investment deals that occur outside of this country, even if they have some domestic impact or effect. In the opinion, the Court declared that U.S. securities fraud law cannot be used in American courts to challenge a “transnational” … [Read more...]
Doing Business in Peru. There's Never been a Better Time.
I just arrived back from Lima, Peru, where our firm has an office. I last visited about a year ago and I’m incredibly pleased with the level of development that has taken place since then. It seems everywhere you look, there is another building going up. We’re not talking a property bubble here folks. The growth taking place in Peru is real and it’s … [Read more...]
How to Structure an International Distribution Agreement.
Although I enjoy the day-today challenges of international litigation, I’m often called upon to structure international business deals. These are fun too, as I get an inside look at the business side of many different kinds of industries. Lately, I’ve seen a considerable increase in the number of distribution deals being forged. Distribution agreements are simply contracts to … [Read more...]
International Transactions: How to Do Business in Brazil.
I’m a huge soccer fan thanks to Brazilian great Pele, who introduced me to the game. So with the 2010 World Cup only a few months away, I was happy to read today that Brazil moved into the top spot in the FIFA World rankings . This puts Brazil in pole position to go into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as the world's top-ranked team. But Brazil’s world … [Read more...]
IMF Raises Growth Forecast for China and India. Global Recovery Faster Than Expected
In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF indicated that the global economy will grow faster than expected-- at 4.2% this year. China’s growth is forecast at 10% 2010, with India also at a rapid 8.8 %. Sub-Saharan Africa has weathered the crisis well and its recovery is expected to be stronger than in previous global downturns. In the depth of the crisis last … [Read more...]