U.S. Department of State

Q. What Government offices/agencies can assist me in conducting business in a specific region?

A. There are numerous federal agencies available to assist you in your region of interest. Below is a regional list of offices:

• Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center (CEEBIC)

• Untied Aid Initiative - Central source for information on how to access Japan's foreign aid program.

  For additional information check the Commercial Service, Department of Commerce

A. Check the following organizations:

• APEC

• Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA)

• Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)

• European and American Business Council (EABC)

• United States Asian Economic Program (USAEP)

• United States-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC)

• United States-India Business Council (USIBC)

A. The U.S. Government encourages all U.S. exporters to use a "confirmed letter of credit" in business transactions to guard against non-payment by the recipient. The U.S. Ex-Im Bank can assist with:

• Export financial assistance and direct loans and loan guarantee programs
• Obtaining export insurance that covers risks on export receivables
• Working Capital Guarantee Program

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has numerous programs assisting small businesses to obtain guaranteed loans, capital and investment assistance.

Q. What agency can assist me with investment financing?

A. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) - Independent government agency that assists U.S. companies investing in emerging markets to help increase U.S. exports and promote economic growth.

Import and Export Bank- It was created to aid in financing and to facilitate U.S. exports. Today, this agency provides guarantees of working capital loans for U.S. exporters, guarantees the repayment of loans or makesloans to foreign purchasers of U.S. goods and services, and provides credit insurance against non-payment by foreign buyers for political or commercial risk

Q. Are there federal grants available for feasibility studies and technical assistance?

A. U.S. Trade Development Agency's (TDA) primary mission is to assist U.S. businesses in obtaining grants to conduct feasibility studies and/or technical assistance for major projects in developing and middle-income countries.