You work for a firm that manufactures children’s toys. Despite little international experience, management wants to start exporting. Your boss understands the importance of using strong distributors abroad but knows little about how to find them. You are aware that many national governments offer programs that help new exporters find intermediaries in foreign countries. Examples include trade missions, trade shows, and matchmaker programs (in which the exporter is matched with foreign intermediaries).

In the United States, the International Trade Administration

(ITA) provides various services to help exporters find foreign distributors. Visit the ITA website (www.ita.doc.gov) or the main trade support agency of your country (through globalEDGE™), and see what programs are available. Then prepare a memo to your boss in which you describe specific programs to help your firm get started in exporting. 1239