National Export Strategy 2002 - International Trade Administration ...

Unlocking America’s Potential
see another bureaucracy and set of rules created that could duplicate what agencies
are already doing.
In developing a response to industry, the TPCC will have to develop ways of
matching problems to the unique skill sets and strengths of agencies, while
promoting a sense of teamwork and cooperation and the most effective deployment
of resources. In addition to assistance to companies competing for foreign
government contracts (as coordinated by the Advocacy Center), other types of
assistance include (but are not restricted to):
■ Transaction-driven assistance: Many problems U.S. companies experience
in foreign markets can quickly and effectively be resolved locally by our U.S.
embassies and consulates. Agriculture, Commerce, and State Department
officials in foreign countries are often the first point of contact for companies
experiencing difficulties. For companies that require ongoing assistance
developing markets or resolving problems, CS has developed the Platinum
Key Service.
■ Compliance-driven assistance: The Department of Commerce’s Market
Access and Compliance and Trade Development units and USDA foreign
attachés coordinate assistance to companies when companies request
assistance in resolving a market access or trade agreement compliance matter
with a host government. Both USDA and the Department of Commerce
work closely with the Department of State, USTR, and other agencies.
■ Investment-driven assistance: The State Department’s Office of Investment
Affairs assists U.S. investors confronted by investment disputes in foreign
markets. These disputes involve host government actions that threaten the
operation or value of an American investment abroad, such as cases of
expropriation or other claims against a foreign government. Operating
under the guidance of the State Department, OPIC provides similar services
on OPIC specific investments.
In developing a solution to a particular problem, these and many other types of
assistance requested by companies must be tapped in a coordinated approach.
Information technology will likely be a large part of the answer. To the extent
agencies can share client and issue databases, the coordination of U.S. Government
assistance will be improved. Information technology can also begin to help
government officials see patterns and trends in the problems experienced by U.S.
companies in foreign markets. This greater awareness may lead to greater market
access and more fair treatment for all U.S. companies.
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