Associations in Asia can serve as your key to gaining access to the booming economies of Asia: China and India, to be precise. These two leaders in economic growth are playing a major role in bolstering the world economy today in the midst of a U.S. economic slowdown, according to an analysis published in The Economist.

Finding the right Asian trade organization to meet your business needs can help you select the best Asian country or countries to start with and connect you directly with suppliers, distributors, and potential business partners. While you explore the opportunities in Asia, trade associations also can assist you with direct networking by leading you to relevant trade fairs and expos.

There is a downside risk to growing too heavily involved in Asia, however. No one really knows the extent to which these Asian economies will keep growing robustly and can weather the current storm raging in the U.S. economy, or the extent to which they will be affected and suffer, as well.

Here are three steps to learn more and take action:

1. Survey the landscape with the assistance of an Asian business association.

2. Locate potential business partners for importing-exporting, using the resources of an appropriate Asian trade association.

3. Network and connect in person by attending trade fairs and conferences sponsored by relevant associations in Asia.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate the national markets in Asia; trade organization knowledge can help

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and a regional association for economic integration, called the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), offer a quick introduction to specific locales and resources in the region. Also, general international trade associations provide comprehensive services specific to Asia.

I recommend: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provides country-by-country overviews and links to national key economic indicators. The ASEAN Investment Page describes how and where to invest and begin operations in member countries. The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) provides a FITA Asia Trade Mini-Portal chock full with country profiles, market research, and direct trade leads.

Find leads for importing-exporting through Asian trading associations

Connect to businesses in individual countries, such as Japan, China, South Korea, and India, using the listings from Asian trading organizations. Often, these associations sponsor business delegations between the United States and the host country, in addition to company information.

I recommend: The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) lists numerous offerings individually and by economic sector in Japan. The US-China Business Council has offices in Washington, DC, Beijing, and Shanghai, and offers e-mail access to information on specific businesses. To reach India, try the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), or the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). These organizations sponsor joint business councils for direct, business-to-business interactions and trade delegations between the United States and India. For South Korea, try the Korea International Trade Association's (KITA) tradeKorea. This website lists companies for direct networking.

Gain person-to-person contacts at expos through Asian trading organizations

Several of the trade associations in Asia sponsor or publicize international trade fairs and expos. Here, you can gain multiple contacts in person to make the best business decision before you make your move.

I recommend: The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) highlights shows for China and allows a search country-by-country at FITA Trade Shows. More events for China can be found at the China Supply Chain Council. Fairs in Japan can be found at JETRO Trade Shows. Link up in India through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Events, a thorough source.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Know your partners: Travel there first or early-on in operations to gain an invaluable first-person impression of exactly whom you are doing business with. This will help ensure the reliability and quality of your operations and investment. An Asian business association can assist you with planning your trip.