World Regional Associations

Regional associations aiding entrepreneurs and those exporting to a world region or cultural region in a large country
By Elliot Feldman, freelance television and new media writer/editor Coney Dog Productions World regional trade organizations cater to a specific world region which may include countries grouped together by economic agreement, such as the European Union (EU); grouped together by political ties, such as the countries of the former Soviet Union; or by geographic/cultural ties, such as North Africa.

Other diverse world region classifications may include:

1. North America (geographic/cultural ties region)
2. South America (geographic/cultural ties region)
3. The Americas (geographic/cultural ties region)
4. (OAS) Organization of American States (foreign trade association formed by economic agreement)
5. Latin America (geographic/cultural ties region)
6. Eastern Europe (geographic/cultural ties region)
7. Central Asia and Caucasus region (geographic/cultural ties region)
8. Eurasia (geographic/cultural ties region)
9. (NATO) North Atlantic Treaty Organization states (political ties protection and foreign trade association)
10. Broader Middle East and North Africa (geographic/cultural ties region)

Before entering the marketplace of a world region, an American investor or business should first seek unbiased information and trade assistance from established non-profit resources. Those resources can be a U.S. government agency, a business association, or regional business associations endorsed or co-sponsored by the U.S. government.

Consult a region-specific American Chamber of Commerce for regional business associations

There are American Chambers of Commerce located in regions throughout the world. Several U.S. Chambers of Commerce may be located within some large countries, like India, with multiple ethnic regions.
Try:  ChamberFind is a searchable directory of American Chambers of Commerce by nation or region. For example, if you're doing business in the Americas, the AACCLA  the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America is a good resource. If you're in Europe, the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC) may be of help. Affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) acts much like regional trade associations offering information geared to small and medium-sized American businesses entering foreign regional markets.

Visit U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored regional business association information websites

These national trade association sites are major resources aimed at American import-export trade organizations, and investors doing business in specific countries and regions. Besides gathering information, you may want to contact trade specialists at certain U.S. federal government agencies.
Try:  The International Trade Administration offers a central resource for foreign trade association advice. The U.S. Commercial Service has Export Assistance Centers in every state, as well as, the Trade Information Center. An independent U.S. government agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) offers protections for American investors in regional import-export trade organizations' markets.

Contact established non-profit regional trade organizations sponsored by countries within a region

These regional associations may or may not be affiliated with a U.S. government agency or organization, but have a longstanding reputation.
Try:  The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) offers worldwide trade leads, and region-specific legal resources and information. The Organization of American States (OAS) is one of the regional trade associations offering information regarding member nation trade associations within Latin America and the Caribbean.

For financial assistance from regional trade organizations, contact a U.S. government endorsed bank

Before entering a regional market, it helps to find out about financial opportunities and protections for your overseas regional business.
Try:  The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) offers financial assistance and investment protections to American businesses exporting U.S. goods and services to international markets. They also advise small businesses. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers in-depth reports concentrating on regional political and economic environments aimed at foreign investors and businesses. The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) offers project opportunities for foreign businesses aimed at the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Attend regional trade associations' events sponsored or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Foreign and national trade association events often provide networking opportunities for American businesses, and potential regional business partners or trade associations. While attending such events may be costly, business contacts and information could prove invaluable.
Try:  The U.S. Commercial Service offers a calendar of worldwide trade events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a calendar of American-based trade shows with international attendance for U.S. food exporters.

• Consider establishing a relationship with a bank or agency offering foreign investment protection, especially if you're doing business in an emerging world regional market.
• Before doing business in a regional market, gather information about the differences and similarities between the countries within that region.
• Gather information about the political and cultural climate of the region.