Government Agencies For Specific Regions

There are numerous federal agencies available to assist you in your region of interest. Below is a regional list of offices:

• Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center (CEEBIC) 
• Untied Aid Initiative - Central source for information on how to access Japan's foreign aid program.

• For additional information check the Commercial Service, Department of Commerce

Private Sector Business Organizations

Check the following organizations:

• APEC 
• Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA)  
• Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)  
• European and American Business Council (EABC)  
• United States Asian Economic Program (USAEP)  
• United States-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC)  
• United States-India Business Council (USIBC)  

Export Financing & Export Credit Insurance

A. The U.S. Government encourages all U.S. exporters to use a "confirmed letter of credit" in business transactions to guard against non-payment by the recipient. The U.S. Ex-Im Bank can assist with

• Export financial assistance and direct loans and loan guarantee programs
• Obtaining export insurance that covers risks on export receivables
• Working Capital Guarantee Program

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has numerous programs assisting small businesses to obtain guaranteed loans, capital and investment assistance.

Assistance With Investment Financing

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) - Independent government agency that assists U.S. companies investing in emerging markets to help increase U.S. exports and promote economic growth.

The Import and Export Bank - It was created to aid in financing and to facilitate U.S. exports. Today, this agency provides guarantees of working capital loans for U.S. exporters, guarantees the repayment of loans or makesloans to foreign purchasers of U.S. goods and services, and provides credit insurance against non-payment by foreign buyers for political or commercial risk

Federal Grants for Feasibility Studies

The U.S. Trade Development Agency's (TDA) primary mission is to assist U.S. businesses in obtaining grants to conduct feasibility studies and/or technical assistance for major projects in developing and middle-income countries.

Trade Restrictions

Countries Sanctioned by U.S. Government

The Office of Foreign Asset Controls of the Department of Treasury provides information about sanctions regulations and maintains a list of individual entities with which U.S. parties cannot do business.

Federal Agencies Involved in Export Controls

The Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) of the Department of Commerce provides links to federal agencies with export control responsibilities. Go to the Bureau of Export Administration's General Information facts web page for additional information on which federal agency has export controls/licensing authority over particular products.

Commodity Jurisdiction Requests

The purpose of a commodity jurisdiction request is to determine whether an item or service is covered by the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and therefore subject toexport controls administered by the U.S. Department of State pursuant to the ArmsExport Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  For more information, go the Commodity Jurisdiction request.

Dual-Use Exports & Licensing Agents

Dual-use exports are those materials or equipment which are defense-related, involving sensitive (e.g., military or nuclear) or non-sensitive applications, such as computers, weapons, licensing of defense services and defense (munitions) articles. Although the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) the primary licensing agent for dual-use exports, the Defense Trade Controls (TDC) in the Department of State has authority over defense articles and services.

Assisting Foreign Companies

Registering or incorporating a business in the United States

The incorporation of foreign business entities is regulated at the state level (as opposed to the federal or national level) in the United States. The application process will vary from state-to-state. Check the list of State Business Development Offices.

Importing Products into the United States

The U.S. Customs Service provides an overview of the foreign commercial importing process and requirements.  For more information go to Commercial Importing Procedures and Requirements.  The Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center provides information and web links to importation procedures.

Economic Opportunities in Various States

State and Local Government on the Net is a resource guide to government-sponsored Internet sites that allows you to search by state.