About the Economic/Commercial Office

The Economic/Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa is the operational arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce in Ethiopia. The Economic/Commercial Section is prepared to assist you with:

• Networking and linkage opportunities for financial, operational and technological needs;
• Business climate guidance for market entry and importation/exportation activities;
• Developing your business advocacy strategies for Ethiopian Government relationships;
• Matches with agents and potential business partners for your sector; and
• Information on Ethiopian business requirements and restrictions.

Services offered by our Commercial Team:

• Gold Key Service (arranging appointment schedule with relevant parties)
• International Company Profile (report on an individual company)
• International Partner Search (compiling information on potential strategic partners)

Gold Key

The Gold Key matching program provides visiting American firms with pre-qualified and pre-screened meetings with potential overseas agents, distributors, sales representatives and strategic business partners. This program features:

• Appointments with pre-screened and pre-qualified Ethiopian firms
• Background and contact information on each potential partner, such as: the size of the company; number of years in business; product or service lines; and capability to provide after-sales service.
• Customized market briefing with Commercial Specialists.
• Available market research on the relevant industry sector.

International Company Profile

The International Company Profile (ICP) helps U.S. companies evaluate potential business partners by providing a detailed report on those companies which have been personally visited by a U.S. Embassy Commercial Section representative in Ethiopia. Clients can request answers to detailed questions about Ethiopian companies on a variety of issues and receive expert advice from our Commercial Specialists about the relative strength of the firm in its market and its reliability.

The International Partner Search

The International Partner Search (IPS) will help you to find the most suitable licensees, distributors, agents and strategic partners. You provide your marketing materials and background on your company and using our extensive contacts in the target market we will identify potential partners and provide you with a detailed description of up to five pre-qualified prospects. You will:

• Save valuable time and money by working only with pre-qualified international partners that best meet your needs.
• Obtain valuable information on the marketability and sales potential of your products and services.