Port of New Orleans Prepares for Super Bowl XLVII – Personnel from more than 16 law enforcement agencies will conduct maritime safety and security operations at the Port of New Orleans and in the downtown New Orleans area in preparation of Super Bowl XLVII. This marks the first multi-agency operation to be conducted at the port’s Maritime Security Operations Center. All of the agencies will work together under the Port of New Orleans Harbor Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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EFTA and CU Negotiate FTA – The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Customs Union (CU) had the seventh round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in Astana this week. The EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland while the CU includes Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. An FTA would strengthen existing trade relations and create new opportunities for cooperation.
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ILA to Resume Negotiations – The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has resumed negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) this week. Negotiations are focused on reaching an agreement before the deadline on February 6th. The ILA has threatened to strike if no agreement is reached.
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Russia Implements Ban on U.S Meat Imports – Russia will no longer import U.S. meat and pork products after February 11th, 2013. The ban on U.S. meat is over concern about the use of a feed additive that is also banned by China and Europe. A U.S. Trade Association said the ban could affect about $500 million in annual sales.
Read more from Hurriyet Daily News
