Foreign Service for Trade and Business Promotion: Training for Mexico Michael A. Lally Counselor for Commercial Affairs U.S. Embassy – Mexico March 12, 2008 U.S. Export Promotion Programs: The Case of the U.S. Commercial Service

U.S. Commercial Service 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 The U.S. Commercial Service is a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

Quick Overview of U.S. Commercial Service Quick Facts:  Founded in 1980 by an Act of the U.S. Congress, we provide both in-country policy expertise and transaction-based services to American and local firms;  Largest office is now China, with over 140 staff. Mexico is second largest office worldwide (50 full-time staff in four cities Headquartered in Washington, we have over 1,700 trade professionals employed worldwide, including about 230 Foreign Service Officers focusing solely on business development.

Trade specialists in 108 U.S. cities and more than 150 posts in 80 countries worldwide... Our Network We can... Locate international buyers, distributors & agents Provide expert help at every stage of the export process Help you to enter new markets faster and more profitably

U.S. Government Agencies Focused on Overseas Business Development Our mission:  We work closely with U.S. Export-Import Bank, The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to help U.S. firms overseas  U.S.C.S. focused on export promotion; very little in direct investment. OPIC is solely investment focus.  Work with Ambassadors, State Department and the Embassy Country Team to provide business views on in-country economic and social conditions The U.S. Commercial Service is one of nineteen U.S. Government agencies providing support for U.S. business overseas.

Products & Services Market Research Gold Key Matching Service Trade Counseling & Advocacy International Partner Search Commercial News USA

Tijuana Monterrey Guadalajara Mexico City Mexico - A Large and Complex Market

 160 days of appointments arranged for U.S. companies  103 trade events (trade missions, seminars, etc.)  20 Mexican delegations to U.S. trade shows CS Mexico Results Oct 2006 – Sep 2007 We helped U.S. companies obtain 473 distinct export sales worth over $75 million in sales for American small and medium size firms

Thank You! Michael Lally Counselor for Commercial Affairs U.S. Embassy Mexico City