Useful Resources and Training Opportunities

May 15, 2012

U.S. Government Advocacy Assistance

The U.S. Government advocacy assistance is provided through the U.S. Advocacy Center (http://www.export.gov/advocacy/index.html) in Washington, DC, whose mission is to coordinate U.S. Government resources and authority in order to level the playing field on behalf  of U.S. business interests as they compete against foreign firms for specific international contracts or other U.S. export opportunities. The advocacy ranges from U.S. Embassy and Consulate assistance to Sub-Cabinet and Cabinet messages on behalf of U.S. commercial interests to support a specific viable bid or proposal. Such messages can be delivered through a variety of media (e.g., letters, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings). For more information on other types of advocacy support, please see Coordinated ECA Support (http://www.export.gov/Advocacy/coordinated_eca.html) and Early Project Development (http://www.export.gov/Advocacy/early_project_dev.html).

For more information on the advocacy eligibility, application process, Advocacy Center services and other related information please visit the Advocacy center website http://www.export.gov/advocacy/index.html. A company interested in receiving U.S. Government advocacy assistance must first file an Advocacy Questionnaire and Anti-Bribery Agreement (http://www.export.gov/Advocacy/Advocacy_Questionnaire.pdf) with the Advocacy Center. The questionnaire is the Advocacy Center's formal way for gathering information.

Policy-related or market access and trade compliance advocacy assistance

This is handled by the International Trade Administration’s Trade Compliance Center (TCC) which works to ensure that US businesses receive the benefits of trade agreements with foreign countries. If a company perceives it is being treated unfairly in Turkmenistan, please contact the TCC by post or e-mail or visiting TCC On-Line at http://tcc.export.gov/

The US-Turkmenistan Business Council

The US-Turkmenistan Business Council is a Washington, DC based non-profit organization that promotes commercial relations between the United States and Turkmenistan. The mission of the Council is to enhance US-Turkmenistan trade and investment, advance the US-Turkmenistan bilateral relationship, and educate the public about its importance. Visit the council website for more information: http://www.us-tbc.org/

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. Website: http://export.gov/

Export Import Bank of the United States

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (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. Website: http://www.exim.gov

National IPR Center

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) stands at the forefront of the U.S. government’s response to global intellectual property (IP) theft. Website: http://www.iprcenter.gov/

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. Learn more: http://www.sba.gov/

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

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. Learn more: http://www.opic.gov/

SABIT

The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) program builds partnerships and provides technical assistance by training Eurasian business leaders in U.S. business practices. These training programs directly support Eurasian economic and civil society development by encouraging market-based reforms, while generating valuable export and investment opportunities for U.S. industry. For more information and schedule of training sessions please visit http://www.sabitprogram.org/