Feature: doing business in Central and Eastern Europe - a resource guide

US Department of State Dispatch, April 25, 1994 by Juanita Adams, Jim Pinkelman

Other offices at the State Department that provide information, analysis and briefings on economic trends and the political situation in CEE countries also are listed below.

Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs

Office of the Coordinator for Eastern European Assistance Tel: (202) 647-0853 Fax: (2020) 647-0414

Office of Eastern European Affairs Tel: (202) 647-3052 Fax: (202) 647-0555

Office of EU and Regional Affairs Tel: (202) 647-1708 Fax: (202) 647-9959

Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Office of Developed Country Trade Tel: (202) 647-1420 Fax: (202) 647-6540

Office of Development Finance Tel: (202) 647-9427 Fax: (202) 647-0320

Office of Investment Affairs Tel: (202) 647-1128 Fax: (202) 647-0320

Office of Commercial, Legislative, and Public Affairs Tel: (202) 647-1942 Fax: (202) 67-5713

Office of Export Control Policy Tel: (202) 67-2870 Fax: (202) 647-4232

Bureau of International Communications and Information Policy Office of Trade and Development Tel: (202) 647-5230 Fax: (202) 647-0158

U.S. Department of Commerce

The International Trade Administration (ITA) promotes U.S. international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. Four units within ITA assist firms seeking access to CEE markets: the East European Division (EED), the Eastern Europe Business Information Center (EEBIC), the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US& FCS), and the Trade Development Unit.

East European Division (EED) Country Desk Officers Tel: (202) 482-4915 Fax: (202) 482-4505

The Eastern Europe business Information Center (EEBIC). The EEBIc was established to respond to the business community's rapidly growing need for information on trade and investment opportunities in CEE. It serves as a clearing for information on market opportunities and on U.S. Government programs supporting private enterprise, trade, and investment in CEE. Since its opening in January 1990, EEBIC has responded to more than 500 calls a week. Its staff answers questions about marketing, financing opportunities, and voluntary promotion opportunities, and voluntary organizations providing assistance to CEE. It also provides material on doing business in CEE, including lists of priority industry sectors and potential trade partners; copies of investment regulations and incentives; and announcements about seminars, conferences, and trade promotion events. EEBIC publishes the Eastern Europe Business Bulletin, a monthly newsletter highlighting economic developments in the CEE. EEBIC also has contractors throughout the region who identify and report on specific business opportunities for U.S. firms.

Eastern Europe Business Information Center (EEBIC) Tel: (202) 482-2645 Fax: (202) 482-4473 Flashfax: (202) 482-5745

The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) District Offices in the United States. The US&FCS helps exporters compete more effectively in the world marketplace. Its commercial officers, stationed in CEE and the United States, pursue sales leads and current market information They also organize pavilions for U.S. firms at the major trade fairs held annually in CEE. In the United States, US&FCS trade specialists in the Commerce Department's district offices tap into its overseas network and steer local companies into promising markets.