Embassy of the United States Maputo, Mozambique

U.S. Government Resources

• Department of Commerce: The Commerce Department’s mission is to help make American businesses more innovative at home and more competitive abroad.  Comprised of 12 different agencies responsible for everything from weather forecasts to patent protection, the Commerce Department touches the lives of Americans every day.

• Export.gov: Brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and succeed in today’s global marketplace.  Export.gov also hosts information on the National Export Initiative.

• Export Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank): The Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States.  Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.

• National IPR Center (IPR Center): The IPR Center stands at the forefront of the U.S. government’s response to global intellectual property (IP) theft.

• Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR):  The USTR is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.

• Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC):  OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution.  It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to U.S. small businesses and small –business owners across the nation through capital (loans), access to federal contracts, and counseling.

• U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA): helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.

Other Resources

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Amcham):  AmChams advance the interests of American business overseas.  They are voluntary associations of American companies and individuals doing business in a particular country, as well as firms and individuals of that country who operate in the U.S.  Currently, 115 AmChams in 102 countries are affiliated with U.S. AmCham.  Listings of AmChams and contact information by region of interest or country are also available.