Doing Business in International Markets

The Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA), headed by Frank Mermoud, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, plays a major role in coordinating trade and investment matters in support of U.S. firms doing business overseas. CBA can help answer your questions and provide information on important issues such as corruption and bribery in overseas markets, U.S. export controls on sensitive equipment and technologies, and business-related visas for employees, partners and clients of U.S. firms. CBA also coordinates State Department advocacy on behalf of American businesses and can provide assistance in opening markets, leveling the playing field, protecting intellectual property and resolving trade and investment disputes.

CBA and the Department of State work with our U.S Government trade promotion partners and our U.S. embassies around the world to support American businesses overseas by providing commercial information and identifying market opportunities for American firms, advocating on their behalf, and encouraging corporate responsibility. U.S. Embassy officers are the eyes, ears, and in-country advocates for U.S. business interests throughout the world.