May 27, 2003 -- Declining tariffs, new initiatives in key markets, and the approach of drupa 2004 are combining to create a promising environment for U.S. exports of printing, publishing and converting equipment in the coming year. The 2003 International Trade Seminar presented by NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies will help companies build strategies to take advantage of this opportunities. The annual seminar takes place this year on Friday, July 25 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Airport near Chicago.  The theme is “Expanding Export Sales Opportunities: New International Trade Agreements, Promotion and Financing.” The seminar is open to anyone with an interest in exporting, and there is no charge for media representatives. The program will give particular emphasis to financing exports and to the ongoing development of international trade agreements that reduce tariffs or open national borders entirely.  The Latin American marketplace, for example, will become the Free Trade Area of the Americas in 2005, with an anticipated three-fold increase in export potential. “Building overseas market opportunities for members has always been a priority for NPES,” notes association President Regis J. Delmontagne.  “We now have an international situation in which NPES initiatives, broad multi-industry efforts, and U.S. government policies are combining to create a very favorable climate for our members’ exports.  This seminar will help members large and small realize the benefits of these developments.” Among the program highlights: • Opening Overseas Markets with International Trade Negotiations, presented by Scott Otteman, director of International Trade Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. • A Proven, Proactive Export Sales Tool: International Trade Financing, by Alan D. Andrews, Vice President and Business Development Manager, Global Treasury Management Group, PNC BANK, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The bank arranged some $150 million in trade financing through the Export Import Bank last year. • Gaining European Market Share: Sales Opportunities for U.S. Dollar-Based Products at drupa 2004, by Frank Thorwirth, president of Messe Düsseldorf North America. • Knowing the Latin American Market for Printing and Converting Suppliers, with David Ashe, president of B2B Portales, Inc., publisher of key Latin American trade magazines and Internet portals. In addition, the program will offer updates on two ongoing NPES initiatives: the Greater China E-Commerce Distribution Network and the recently launched Sales and Service Training Center in Moscow.  Seminar registrants are also invited to submit specific questions in advance, to be addressed by speakers. A full seminar program and registration materials are available on the NPES web site at http://www.npes.org/itrade/seminar.html, or contact the International Trade Department at 703/264-7200.