CUTTING IMPORT/EXPORT COSTS AND GETTING THROUGH RED TAPE FASTER!

To get through customs more smoothly, there is what is called an "advance classification ruling system" in Japan. If you know beforehand that you are going to import a large volume of products with uncertain customs classifications, you should take advantage of this system to get their classifications set in advance. Further, if utilizing the "later payment system" for duties, you don't have to pay the duties at the time of each shipment. This makes faster movement of goods possible. For details, see the homepage of the Japan Customs Office http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm

When importing or exporting on a continuous basis in Japan, acquiring a "standard exporter/importer code" would help speed customs clearance procedures and be otherwise advantageous. For more details, see the homepage of the Japan Association for Simplification of International Trade Procedures. http://www.jastpro.web.sh.cwidc.net/code/

Abacus News & Views July 2005 Edition

Abacus / Irish Exporters Association

Abacus is pleased to announce that it has formed a partnership with the Irish Exporters Association IEA (www.irishexporters.ie). The top 250 largest export companies in Ireland are members of the Association. The Association offers a range of training courses for the export professional. For more information, visit http://www.irishexporters.ie/institute-frame.htm

Non-English speaking business professionals can now take Abacus' English language modules to help them prepare for the either a certificate or diploma in international trade so they can compete on a level playing pitch with the English-speaking peers.

To facilitate the new partnership, Stephen Byrne, Abacus CEO, has been appointed development Director for 15-months (this is a part-time role only) to make sure the project runs smoothly and help the Association deliver its courses on-line successfully in 2006.

About the IEA

The IEA is a representative body who promotes and represents exporters' interests both in Ireland and abroad.

About Abacus Communications

Abacus designs, develops and delivers web-based learning products and solutions.

Asian Analysis June 2005

Asian Analysis is published by Asean Focus Group in cooperation with the Faculty of Asian Studies at The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Asean Focus Group (www.aseanfocus.com) is one of the Asia Pacific region's leading corporate advisory firms specialising in M&A, regional representation and direct investments.

The Australian National University (www.anu.edu.au/asianstudies/) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities with globally recognised Asian expertise and experience.

Asian Analysis provides 8-10 short commentaries each month that present opinions and commentary on not only economic issues in the ASEAN region and beyond, but also some of the deeper underlying social and political issues that shape the economic development of the region.

Our aim is to give client readers a wider exposure to what is happening in their Asian markets.

Please feel free to forward on this email to whoever you think would be interested in receiving Asian Analysis. Registration is free and open to all by simply registering your email address (with no further information required) at www.aseanfocus.com/asiananalysis.