A Sample of Questions from FCIB's Round
Tables in 2006
1. Please
provide an update on CAFTA. Has it had an effect with regard to increasing U.S.
exports to the region?
2. What
effects are you experiencing due to the ongoing intermittent customs/Avisa strikes
in Brazil, causing customers delays in their ability to clear goods to meet
their internal needs?
3. Has the
recent Presidential election caused any payment problems? What impact will the election outcome have
on the Mexican economy?
4. Please
share your experiences with the present use of the CADIVI process. Has it improved and what kind of delays are
members experiencing? How do the last 6
months compare with the prior 6 months in terms of payments?
5. Have you
noticed a decrease in the use of Letters of Credit in favor of open account
terms in China? Please share your
payment experience.
6. How are
business conditions in this market (Australia)? We have had no success in selling here, as distributors seem to
demand excessive margins while retail prices for mass-market products are
relatively low.
7. What
countries in Africa appear to have market potential for exporters?
8. What is
the status with regard to the legality of doing business in Libya for U.S.
exporters? Is it completely open for business from the U.S., and does anyone
have any experience there to share?
9. Please
comment on the progress made in Argentina over the past 6 months with respect
to payments and general economic conditions.
10. As more and more U.S. industries are outsourcing
the service portion of their businesses to India, how is this affecting U.S.
market sectors in terms of employment and customer satisfaction? What is the future outlook?
11. Please
comment on any experience with bank guarantees in Europe.
12. Third
party payments – How are members handling third party payments for distributors
in Europe, for example, are the end users paying directly to the distributor?
13. Please discuss payment terms and collection experience with
customers in Mexico. We have been frustrated for years in this market with
distributors who expect extended payment terms and demand markdowns and
returns.
14. Please comment on the increased use of credit insurance in
emerging markets such as China and India. Do
you see the progress in terms of trade credit having a beneficial impact on
credit insurance in these countries?
15. For SOX compliance, how are US companies addressing revenue
recognition with regard to their export transactions?
16. How much is terrorism going to limit trade in some parts of
the world?
17. What export industries can benefit the most from the current
economic environment?
18. Please comment on whether or not they get involved when the
company seeks to borrow against international accounts receivable, or if such transactions are handled by
others and with or without the credit manager’s input?
19. Please review the use of fronters for credit insurance
policies in the following countries: Spain,
Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and India.
20. Has there been a transition to 24/7 import/export operations
through Los Angeles and Long Beach due to the implementation of Pier Pass?
21. Please comment on any changes in payment habits in Turkey.
22. On what terms are members selling into the Ukraine and what
levels of credit are being given?
23. Are members experiencing problems with currency controls? Are members able to obtain confirmation on Ukraine banks and are the Ukrainian
customers able to obtain letter of credit facilities without cash cover?
24. What are members experiencing with using documentary
collection as a settlement method for international trade? Do you see and increase in this form of collection in comparison
to past years?
25. Could you discuss the issue surrounding the International
Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Standards Accounting Board with
regard to the format approval of one standard basic financial statement for
worldwide use, and when such approval might be expected?
26. Please comment on how petroleum prices are affecting business
sectors globally, particularly with regard to shipping costs and profit
margins. Has there been any serious
decline in manufacturing sectors due to petroleum price increases globally?
27. Assignment of Proceeds – Do any members have experience using
“Assignment ofProceeds to…”?
