Help Is On the Way

International sales are of growing importance for large and small companies, but expanding into new geographic regions often poses many vexing issues for many organizations. The U.S. government has a number of programs designed to help countries export, offering many services at low costs.

A U.S. Export Pavilion operated by the U.S. Department of Commerce will help CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2005 exhibitors increase their global sales and aid attendees making international purchases. Trade experts from the DOC and other federal agencies including the U.S. Commercial Service, Small Business Administration, and Export-Import Bank of the U.S. will be available at the Pavilion, which will be located just outside the shows' International Trade Center in the North Hall.

Pavilion services are geared to assisting smaller and medium-sized businesses. These services include research into export markets, information on international trade regulation compliance and shipping processes, and financing support. Many of the services cost less than fees charged by entities in foreign countries.

International offices of the Dept. of Commerce can provide lists that help companies find customers and business partners, also helping visitors manage foreign transactions. They also provide information on local customs regulation and other country-specific data. The U.S. Export-import Bank can help finance international sales, while export training seminars run by the Small Business Administration.