There are more than 50 versions of lobbying laws in U.S. states and territories. Yet, all States share a basic definition of lobbying as an attempt to influence government action. Written and oral communications are both recognized as lobbying. Three states (Delaware, Kansas, and Texas) include in their definitions of lobbying providing entertainment, gifts, recreational events, food and beverages to legislators.

For many companies, dealing with the Chinese government is a humbling experience. The State Council consists of 28 Ministries and Commissions. The Head of each Ministry and Commission carries the title of Minister, a ranking equivalent to that of a Provincial Governor. China's leaders are not elected and can't lay claim to a democratic mandate. 

Russia has decided to renew food supplies from Brazilian companies. Brazil is the world's top exporter of beef, chicken and soybeans, and one of the only countries in the world with land available to ramp up agricultural production. The Russian market is interested in products like pork, beef, poultry, powdered milk, butter, cheese and fruit and vegetables. 89 Brazilian exporters will supply the Russian market with meat and dairy products. The pork and poultry industries alone are expected to bring in $200-300 million.

The US, Canada and the EU combined will take more than a € 13 billion hit as a result of the Russian ban on agricultural products.

In conjunction with the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a number of American companies have announced new partnerships in Africa: Blackstone will invest in African energy projects, Coca-Cola will partner with Africa to bring clean water to its communities, GE will help build African infrastructure. Marriott will build more hotels. American companies have announced new deals in clean energy, aviation, banking, and construction worth more than $14 billion.

The U.S. has also announced a series of steps to boost its economic ties with Africa:

In the face of the Russian restrictions of agricultural products imports from the EU, it is important more than ever for all trade and sectoral associations involved in the production, wholesale an retail of agricultural and agri-food products to join forces to give all affected parties a common voice and petition the EU institutions for protection of their particular interests and seek compensation for their loss of earnings.

Key Stakeholders

The European Union (EU) has allocated 415 million euro to support Africa’s integration programmes. The allocation is meant to fund the first phase of a new programme. It is the first ever EU programme in development and cooperation that covers Africa as a whole to address trans-national and global challenges, such as migration and mobility, climate change and security.

Russia remains the EU's second most important food export market after the U.S.A. In 2012, the value of food and drinks exported from the EU to Russia was close to € 9 billion. Russia is in fact the No. 1 export market for some EU Member States. A large part of the EU food and drink exports to Russia come from Germany, the Netherlands, France and Poland, which means these countries are likely to be more affected

Policy: The United States recognizes that Africa is a region of growing economic opportunity and innovation and aims to expand a trade and investment partnership that is grounded in shared interests and mutual responsibility. Africa offers a diverse and broad range of trade and investment opportunities in national and regional markets. The U.S. Government will encourage U.S.

Ban Items:

• Cattle meat: fresh, chilled or frozen

• Pork: fresh, chilled or frozen

• Poultry and its subproducts: fresh, chilled or frozen

• Salted, dried or smoked meat

• Fish, shellfish, scallops and other aquatic invertebrates

• Milk and dairy products

• Vegetables

• Fruit

• Nuts

• Sausage and similar meat products

• Cheese and similar products

Ban: Effective immediately and will last for one year