Global Reach

 

If you are a manufacturer whose sales could easily be boosted with the help of an exporter, or if you are an export trading company (ETC) looking for goods to export or for investment capital, the U.S. Department of Commerce may be able to help Commerce recently instituted a nationwide computerized service designed to match your needs with those of export service companies and banks.

The service, known as the Contact Facilitation Service, is open to manufacturers, banks, ETCs, and export service companies, including freight forwarders and transportation consultants, through Commerce's International Trade Administration. Forms at the ITA's 48 district offices call for such information as your company's name and the type of goods you are willing to handle or export. Companies are matched according to SIC codes. There is no charge for registration. Searches cost $50 each, plus $5 for every name the search turns up Searches can be focused on one region of the world, and companies can search for as many names as they like.

More than 500 companies have listed with the department since the program began last December.