Business Tools

• BIDS: The Business Information Database System (BIDS) give U.S. businesses up to the minute information about significant foreign government and multilateral bank procurements. Through an interactive map interface, businesses can find new export opportunities, validated by U.S. government economic and commercial experts overseas. Public and private partners can link to or download BIDS data for matchmaking, analysis, or other purposes.
• Direct Line for American Business: The Direct Line for American Business program connects U.S. businesses and American Ambassadors and U.S. mission personnel overseas, making you part of our “country team”. You will get up to the minute information on markets vital to your business, and learn about new sectors and tenders to help you expand your business.
• USA.gov/Business: USA Business is White House initiative that serves as an electronic clearing house for U.S. Government information and assistance that relates to business.

U.S. Government Resources

• Department of Commerce: Comprised of 12 different agencies with the mission of helping make American businesses more innovative at home and more competitive abroad.
• Export.gov: Brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and succeed in today’s global marketplace.  Export.gov also hosts information on the National Export Initiative.
• Export Import Bank of the United States: (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
• National IPR Center: The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) stands at the forefront of the U.S. government’s response to global intellectual property (IP) theft.
• Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR): All the US Trade Agreements are found in this website.  USTR has principal responsibility for administering U.S. trade agreements.
• Overseas Private Investment Corporation:  OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution.  OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to U.S. small businesses and small –business owners across the nation through capital (loans), access to federal contracts, and counseling.
• U.S. Trade and Development Agency: USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.
• AmChams: AmChams advance the interests of American business overseas.  They are voluntary associations of American companies and individuals doing business in a particular country, as well as firms and individuals of that country who operate in the U.S.  Currently, 115 AmChams in 102 countries are affiliated with U.S. AmCham.  Listings of AmChams and contact information by region of interest or country are also available.

Djiboutian Resources

• Djibouti National Investment Promotion Agency: provides information on setting up a business, investment incentives, tax, and the business opportunities in Djibouti.
• Djibouti Ministry of Trade: provides information on all the documents needed to set up a business and the different government offices to contact.
• Djibouti Free Zone: information on setting up a business in a free zone environment.