As an advocate for the development of U.S. service industries in international trade, the Office of Service Industries and its trade specialists work closely with the private sector to expand their exports, and participate with other U.S. government agencies to improve foreign market access for U.S. companies. The Office of Service Industries (OSI) coordinates the Services Working Group of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), in addition to the following:
Trade Policy—OSI supports and participates in bilateral and multilateral negotiations on services trade, including the GATS services agreement in the WTO and the development of new agreements on Services in the FTAA and APEC. OSI works with other U.S. agencies on implementation of services trade agreements, e.g. the World Trade Organization (WTO) and NAFTA. In addition, OSI oversees two Congressionally mandated Industry Trade Advisory Committees—Services and Finance Industries and Distribution Services--to ensure industry input in policy development.
Export Development—OSI provides export development assistance and information to U.S. companies. It manages a trade promotion program of industry events and conferences. OSI specialists help exporters identify opportunities in specific overseas markets.
Industry Analysis—OSI prepares analyses on key service industries and provides policy makers with information and analysis on international trade and competitiveness in services. OSI specialists are recognized as the U.S. Government’s primary experts on service industry issues.
David F. Long, Director
(202) 482-3575
Export Facilitation Services Team
The Export Facilitation Services Team (EFST)in the Manufacturing and Services’ Office of Service Industries provides expert guidance on industry analysis, competitiveness, trade policy and negotiations regarding a broad variety of services industries including: express delivery, trucking, rail, maritime trade and distribution (retail, wholesale, franchising, direct marketing, and direct selling) that can make the supply chain infrastructure more competitive.
