Q. How is the Department of State working on my behalf to level the playing field on which to compete for foreign investment and trade?
A. The Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) is the primary point of contact for business concerns within the State Department. CBA services include:
A. For assistance with exporting U.S. products contact the Trade Information Center (TIC), of the Department of Commerce. The Trade Information Center (TIC) is a comprehensive resource for information on all U.S. Federal Government export assistance programs.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency can also help U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. Also check the publication a Basic Guide to Exporting.
For personalized service call 1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723). Hearing-impaired callers can use a toll-free telecommunication device: 1-800-TDD-TRADE (1-800-833-8723)
Q. What organizations and government services are available to help me export?
A. Below is a listing of general and specialized export service links.
The Trade Compliance Center (TCC) of the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Commercial Service
For more specialized assistance, please review the following agencies:
My Export.com is an exporter referral service that connects exporters to the global marketplace
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) -- sells investment services to assist U.S. companies investing in some 140 emerging economies around the world.
A. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) receives technology requests and distributes trade leads to registered U.S. companies. The Global Technology Network (GTN) is a program aimed at matching the technological needs of companies in developing countries with solutions from small- and medium-size U.S. companies.
Q. My overseas supplier (or customer) tells me I need to provide them with documentation from the U.S. Government. What paperwork is required?
A. Fifteen agencies are involved in the issuance of certificates, export control licenses, and other documentation for purchasing from and selling to overseas partners.
Defense Trade Controls (DTC). The DTC handles: Licensing application for matters of defense trade compliance; defense trade exports and re-transfer; and enforcement and reporting,
A. Contact the Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC) if the item in question involves a dual-use-product (defense-related materials or equipment, e.g., computers, munitions, and certain raw materials). From the DTC web site you can:
If your material or services does not require DTC review, then the next office to contact is the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) which provides:A. Contact the Chamber of Commerce which represents more than 3 million businesses and organizations.
Q. How can the embassy or consulate in the foreign country assist me in conducting business?
A. Establishing contact with the embassy or consulate before conducting business will provide you with current information on economic, trade, business trends and practices.
If you are currently outside of the United States and need to contact the U.S. Embassy, click U.S. Missions Online
If you are in the United States, contact the Department of State Country Offices
Q. How do I authenticate documents to be used overseas?
A. The State Department's Office of Authentication provides certification of all documents used by citizens and foreign nationals overseas.