chambers of commerce do business U.S. Commercial Service Helping members of U.S. chambers of commerce do business in foreign markets ACCE CONVENTION 2006 Cleveland August 17, 2006

U.S. Commercial Service The U.S. Commercial Service is a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Our mission: To promote the export of goods & services from the united states, particularly by small- and medium-sized businesses To represent U.S. Business interests internationally To help U.S. Businesses find qualified international partners

Our Worldwide Network Offers Expert Assistance for Exports From the U Our Worldwide Network Offers Expert Assistance for Exports From the U.S. Trade specialists in 108 U.S. cities and commercial specialists in more than 150 cities in 80 countries worldwide can ... locate international buyers, distributors & agents provide expert help at every stage of the export process facilitate entering new markets faster and more profitably

Products & Services Market Research Commercial News USA Gold Key Matching Service Trade Counseling & Advocacy International Partner Search International Corporate Profile Trade Missions and Trade Shows China and Middle East/North Africa Business Information Centers Commercial News USA Catalog Exhibitions

Trade Information Center Call 1-800-USA-TRADE to obtain: information on all U.S. government export assistance programs general export counseling sources of international market research and trade leads import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures advice on export licenses and controls country-specific export counseling and assistance

Register on www.export.gov to obtain access to: Market Research Register on www.export.gov to obtain access to: more than 100,000 country- and industry-specific market reports, web sites, events, and trade directory listings. Country Commercial Guides - prepared annually by U.S. Embassy staff, these guides contain information on the business and economic situation of foreign countries and the political climate as it affects U.S. business and foreign investments.

Trade Counseling Our trade specialists in the U.S. work directly with our team of commercial specialists overseas to provide comprehensive market information and advice. We can help your member companies to: determine the best markets for their products & services evaluate international competitors identify and comply with legal and regulatory issues settle disputes learn about cultural issues and business protocol

Trade Missions and Trade Shows The U.S. Commercial Service: organizes U.S. Pavilions in overseas trade shows organizes trade missions of U.S. companies and trade shows featuring only U.S. companies supports trade shows organized by state governments and chambers of commerce in the United States

The Advocacy Center The U.S. Commercial Service’s Advocacy Center ensures that sales of U.S. products and services have the best possible prospects abroad. Assistance may include: visits to key foreign officials by high-ranking U.S. officials direct support from U.S. officials stationed overseas letters to foreign decision-makers U.S. export credit agency financing support to qualified U.S. companies Advocacy Center efforts are coordinated with U.S. officials stationed at our embassies around the world and other U.S. government agencies to provide companies with maximum assistance.

Check out www.export.gov/cnusa for more information Commercial News USA Monthly trade magazine that lists U.S. Products and services Distributed free to more than 400,000 buyers from around world A proven track record of high-response rates and sales results Why not advertise and increase your international sales? Check out www.export.gov/cnusa for more information

How ACCE Members Can Work With The U.S. Commercial Service ACCE member chambers of commerce can work together with the U.S. Commercial Service to facilitate a two-way flow of information to help ACCE member chambers’ company members to export their goods and services. The U.S. Commercial Service can provide information on: foreign sales and trade event participation opportunities foreign standards and regulatory changes U.S. Commercial Service products and services to the chambers for dissemination to their members. ACCE member chambers can organize trade missions and introduce their members to the overseas and domestic U.S. Commercial Service offices.

Final Words of Advice to U.S. Exporters In meetings with potential business partners, remember: Establish your credibility and that of your company at the outset of your meeting, before discussing your company’s products or services. Sell your prospective business partner on your company first. Get to know them, too – verify the information they provide and implement a solid credit and collection policy. Use your common sense. Remember – everything is negotiable if you and your prospective business partner trust each other.

How to Contact the Offices of the U.S. Commercial Service www.buyusa.gov 1-800-USA-TRADE www.export.gov