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 of Proceeds to…”?