Port of Boston Reports Strong International Trade Growth in 2003
The Massachusetts Port Authority reported that total cargo volume handled through its Conley Container Terminal in South Boston increased 8.6 percent in 2003. Export growth was exceptionally strong in 2003, accounting for an 18.3% increase. Imports also grew, increasing by 6.4%. Massport officials attributed the increase to restoration of direct trade with Asia, with a direct ship calling Boston from China every week. Shipments from Europe and the Mediterranean also contributed to growth in port activity.

Bacon's Acquires MediaMap
Bacon's Information, a provider of media research, distribution, monitoring and evaluation services for public relations and corporate communications professionals, has announced the acquisition of MediaMap, a Watertown, Mass-based provider of communications management solutions. Based in Chicago, Bacon's offers a wide range of information and public relations solutions.

Forrester Research Announces Acquisition of European Distributor
Forrester Research Inc., based in Cambridge, has acquired GigaGroup, S.A. for $3.9 million. Headquartered in Paris, GigaGroup will provide Forrester with a stronger foothold in the European market, particularly in France and Switzerland. Forrester is an independent technology research company that provides consulting and advice about technology's impact on business.

Telica To Open New Overseas Offices
Marlboro, Mass.-based Telica Inc., a leading provider of intelligent voice switching solutions, has announced its international expansion with the opening of regional offices to serve the Asia Pacific and Latin America markets. The new offices are located in Melbourne, Australia and Weston, Fla. Telica provides second-generation, soft-switch-based, packet voice switching solutions for telecommunications applications.

Boston Scientific Receives Japanese Approval for Coronary Stent System
Boston Scientific Corp., based in Natick, has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to market its Express2 coronary stent system. The system was launched last year in the United States and in Europe and other international markets.

Canadian Company To Acquire Massachusetts Manufacturer
Celestica Inc., a world leader in electronics manufacturing services, has entered into an agreement to acquire Manufacturers' Services Limited Ltd., a fullservice global electronics manufacturing services and supply-chain services company based in Concord. Celestica, with headquarters in Toronto, provides a broad range of services to original-equipment manufacturers through a global manufacturing network.

TKT Enters Into Marketing Agreement in Australia
Transkaryotic Therapies Inc. (TKT), based in Cambridge, has entered into an agreement with Orphan Australia for marketing and distribution of Replagal (agalsidase alfa), a medication for the treatment of Fabry disease. Under the terms of this agreement, Orphan Australia will have exclusive marketing and distribution rights to Replagal in Australia and New Zealand for 15 years. TKT is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing treatments for rare diseases caused by protein deficiencies.

Liberty Mutual Opens Its First Insurance Office in China
Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance Company recently became the first foreign property and casualty insurance company in western China when it opened an office in Chongqing - its first insurance office in China. Initially, Liberty Mutual will provide property and casualty insurance to businesses in western China. The company also hopes to provide private passenger automobile insurance over the next several years as the Chinese market continues to open up. Liberty Mutual has had a presence in China since 1996 when it opened a safety representative office in Shanghai.

AeroMexico Begins Daily Flights Between Boston and Mexico City
AeroMexico began operating new daily flights between Boston and Mexico City in February, marking an important milestone in expanding trade relations and increasing tourism between Massachusetts and Mexico. The inauguration of flights between Boston and Mexico City is expected to lead to increased trade opportunities and to bolster travel and tourism.

Insurance Executive Wins ThinkGlobal/Southwest Sweepstakes
Richard Bridges, Boston-based account executive for Roanoke Trade Services Inc., has won the 2003 ThinkGlobal sweepstakes. Bridges, whose name was selected in a random drawing, will receive two roundtrip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies. Roanoke Trade specializes in providing insurance to firms involved in global trade and transportation. More information about the 2004 ThinkGlobal Sweepstakes is available online at http://www.thinkglobal.net