Sister Cities for Colorado There was a sister cities program going on between Colorado Springs, U.S. and six other cities worldwide. Such programs were meant not only to increase the reputations of the cities involved but also to encourage them to develop trade partnerships with each other. It is believed that this was one of the best ways to get involved in international affairs. Exporter award Program On February 5th 2004, Colorado Springs mayor Rivera presented three local firms with awards. The exports of these firms had considerably supported the economy of Colorado Springs. All companies who wished to be considered for such awards were encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to get more information on the subject. Trade Adjustment Assistance U.S. firms who have lost business to overseas competitors were eligible for up to 75 thousand dollars in Federal matching funds. This money came from the Trade Adjustment assistance program. Interested parties could get more information about the program from the Office of International Affairs.

Also, firms that were forced to fire their employees as a result of foreign competition may have been interested to find out that their former employees could be eligible for retraining assistance from the federal government. More information on these retraining assistance programs was provided by the Office of International Affairs. Antigua and Barbuda Officials Accuse U.S. of Trade Law Violation The U.S. had been accused of having violated the global trade law by shutting down the Internet gambling sites based in Antigua. Also, Barbuda and Antigua officials claimed that the U.S. prosecuting the owners of these gambling sites was also a violation of the international trade law. The same officials were considering action in the World Trade organization. U.S. Investigating Imports of Chinese-made Steel Wheels Companies involved in importing Chinese steel wheels reported that the U.S. had officially launched the anti-dumping and anti-subsidies probe as far as imported Chinese-made steel wheels were concerned. According to these sources, as well as to the China Chamber of Commerce of Imports and Exports Machinery and Electronic Products it was the first time the United States started a thorough investigation about Chinese automobile wheels and other components. F.B.I Started Investigation on Oil Dealers from Somalia The F.B.I. began an investigation on certain Somali oil dealers in an effort to support their official Ugandan counterparts. This investigation started after the double bombings in Kampala, which happened in July.