Resources
The Resources Section of the FTA toolkit contains a listing of information sources such as websites, publications, regulations, policy papers, contact information that directly relate to the issues raised in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section. Sector-specific resources on tourism, ICT, agriculture, fisheries, transportation and logistics, oil and gas can be found under the categories called "Finding Trade Leads and Partners" and "Making My Product More Competitive".
- 1. Oman-US Free Trade Agreement – General Information
- 2. Exporting to the United States
- 3. Documentary Requirements for Exporting to the United States
- 4. Government Assistance for Exporting
- 5. Visas to the United States
- 6. Product Packaging Requirements for Exporting to the United States
- 7. Technical Quality Standards for Exporting to the United States
- 8. Finding Trade Leads and Partners
- 9. Identifying Current Trends and Competitors
- 10. Distribution channels (mode of entry) available for exporting to the United States
- 11. Being Competitive in the US market place
- 12. Export Finance Assistance for Exporting
- 13. Identifying my Customs Duties and Fees
- 14. Logistics Support Services Available
- 15. Registering Your Company in the United States
| Text of the Oman–US Free Trade Agreement | United States Trade Representative Website. | View Site |
| Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Department of Commerce | U.S. statistical source that provides timely, relevant and accurate economic accounts of the US economy. | View Site |
| Tariff Schedule of the U.S. under the Oman-US FTA | United States Trade Representative (USTR). | View Site |
| The U.S. Census Bureau | Provides coverage of the statistical data collected in the U.S. Census, including detailed demographic data. | View Site |
| The U.S. National Technical Information Service (NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce | A repository of more than two million titles of government-sponsored scientific, technical, engineering and business related publications. | View Site |
| Stat-USA/Internet | Provides trade-related statistics and information by subscription only. It includes Globus (Global Business Opportunities) and the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). | View Site |
| FedBizOpps | Provides a single point of entry for the U.S. government's product and services procurement process. | View Site |
| State of California – Public Procurement Opportunities | List of all public procurement opportunities, the preferences and restrictions that apply thereto, the applicable rules and processes, and other information for doing business. | View Site |
| A Basic Guide to Exporting | Discusses principles involved in developing an export strategy including management issues involved in the export decision and developing an export marketing plan. | View Site |
| Export Readiness Diagnostic | Tool that evaluates your export readiness and provides useful feedback on areas for potential improvement. | View Site |
| Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting | Guide that discusses the principles of exporting and describes the processes that businesses commonly use to develop export strategies tailored to their needs. Chapter 2 provides information on developing an export marketing plan. Chapter 4 provides a general discussion of the factors involved in establishing prices. | View Site |
| US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) | US Government Customs websites that explains the process of importing goods into the U.S., including informed compliance, invoices, duty assessments, classification and value, marking requirements, etc. | View Site |
| Sultanate of Oman Directorate General of Custom Services | Sultanate of Oman customs website that provides information on documentation and procedures required for exporting. | View Site |
| US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) | Provides a downloadable pamphlet on U.S. import requirements that contains information about U.S. customs and entry procedures. Use the US import requirements link to download the document. | View Site |
| Provides information on how to obtain an Importer ID Number (Customs Assigned Number) and access to Form 5106. | View Site | |
| Provides information on identifying brokers at a particular port of entry. Select the port of entry and scroll down the page to the link for its brokers list. In some cases, the importer or consignee will arrange these matters. | View Site | |
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms | Information on U.S. licenses or permits required for the import of alcoholic beverages, firearms and ammunition. | View Site |
| U.S. Department of Agriculture | Information on U.S. licenses or permits required for the import of animals and animal products, meat and meat products, plants and plant products, poultry and poultry products, vegetables. | View Site |
| U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | Information on U.S. licenses or permits required for the import of biological materials, fruit and nuts, medicines, narcotics and certain drugs, milk, dairy and cheese products. Maintains guidelines for the labeling of food and beverage products; if your product falls into these categories, you may need additional documentation such as a Certificate of Hygiene, a Certificate of Free Sale or a Certificate of Inspection. | View Site |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Information on U.S. licenses or permits required for the import of hunting trophies, fish and wildlife, pets. | View Site |
| The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | Information on import regulations for clothing and textiles. Type the industry or product you would like to export to find relevant policies. | View Site |
| U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | Administers type approval and labeling requirements for electronics or other products that produce radio emissions. ‘Licensing' and ‘Rules & Regulations' can be selected from the left hand side menu. | View Site |
| Importers Manual | Compiled by World Trade Press, this is a useful guide to US customs rules for foreign importers. | View Site |
| National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) | Provides information on U.S. customs brokers. | View Site |
| Oman Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Provides information on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry | The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a public utility organization whose goals are to regulate the trade and industrial interests, their representation, development and act to defend them in various fields. The Chamber is entrusted with the powers and functions. | View Site |
| Directorate General of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries | Provides information on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| US Embassy in Muscat | US Embassy in Muscat. | View Site |
| The Commercial Section is responsible for U.S. export development activities in Oman. We ensure that U.S. businesses have accurate information to develop informed export marketing strategies. Additionally, we advocate on behalf of American investment and commercial interests in Oman. | View Site | |
| Provides access to Commercial News USA. | View Site | |
| Provides information on Commercial Resources. | View Site | |
| Oman Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Provides information on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| The Oman Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development | The Centre aims at increasing the contribution of the Private Sector to the investments required for the development plans and promoting the export of Omani products to foreign countries to improve the balance of trade of the Sultanate. | View Site |
| Customs Department, Royal Omani Police (ROP) | The Directorate General of Customs is responsible for implementing customs and security control for all matters of imports and exports. It collects custom duties and fights smuggling of narcotics and bans entry of prohibited goods in accordance with provisions of the Customs Law and its Implementing Regulations together with the Laws on commerce and the economy. | View Site |
| Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry | The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a public utility organization whose goals are to regulate the trade and industrial interests, their representation, development and act to defend them in various fields. The Chamber is entrusted with the powers and functions. | View Site |
| Public Establishment for Industrial Estates | PEIE's mission is to attract industrial investments and provide continued support, through regionally and globally competitive strategies, good infrastructure, value adding services, and easy governmental processes. | View Site |
| Ministry of National Economy | The Ministry of National Economy has the authority to propose development strategies and future trends for the national economy. The Ministry also creates development plans according to the priorities set in the country's development objectives.. MONE studies regional and international trends and their impact on the national economic policy of the Sultanate. | View Site |
| US Embassy in Muscat | Visa Application Forms can be found and downloaded at the US Embassy website. | View Site |
| US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) | Provides information about Rules of Origin labeling on the Trade Publications page. Scroll to the document titled “Marking of Country of Origin.” | View Site |
| Provides information on special invoicing requirements relevant to your product or service. (Section 141.89 of the Customs Regulations). | View Site | |
| Provides information on Rules of Origin marking on the Trade Publications page. | View Site | |
| US International Trade Commission (ITC) | Provides information on how the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) structure works through Tariff Information Centre website. | View Site |
| Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) | Underwriters Laboratories Inc is an independent, non-profit, product safety testing and certification organization. UL certifies products using several marks for American standards. | View Site |
| ASTM International | Provides information on packaging standards, and specific standards and regulations applicable in the US market. | View Site |
| American National Standards Institute (ANSI) | Provides information on packaging standards, and specific standards and regulations applicable in the US market. | View Site |
| International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO | In the section called ‘Export Packaging Notes', information can be found on the basic areas of export packaging including technical notes on the use of metal cans, corrugated paperboard boxes, plastic films and wooden packaging. |
Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Tel: +41 (022) 730 0111 Fax: +41 (022) 730 0905 E-mail: packaging@intracen.org, Web site: View Site |
| Fundamentals of Packaging Technology 2nd ed. | A concise and comprehensive book covering a range of packaging technology. |
W. Soroka, (1999), US$195 Institute of Packaging Professionals IoPP Packaging Bookstore 481 Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA20170 USA Tel: + 1 703 318 5512 Fax: +1 703 814 4961 E-mail: bookstore@pkgmatters.com, Web site: View Site |
| Packaging Development Process | Presents the techniques necessary for creating, testing and launching packaging in a convenient reference book. |
K. De Maria (2000), US$59.95 Technomic Publishing Company Inc. 851 New Holland Avenue, Box 3535 Lancaster, PA 17604, USA Tel: +1 717 291 5609 Fax: +1 717 295 4538 E-mail: marketing@techpub.com Web site: View Site |
| Integrated Packaging Systems for Transportation and Distribution | Illustrates how packaging in addition to protecting and preserving contents, can affect total system cost efficiency in the logistical system if designed to adapt well to unitized shipping methods and equipment. |
C. Ebeling, (1991), US$145 Marcel Dekker Pub., Marcel Dekker Inc. 270 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 USA Tel: +1 212 696 9000 Fax: +1 212 685 4540 E-Mail: bulksale@dekker.com |
| International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO | Provides practical information, expert support and advice in the field of packaging. | View Site |
| Information Retrieval on Standards, Technical Regulations, and conformity assessment procedures. | View Site | |
| Directorate General of Specifications and Measurements | Exporters can get packaging and labeling information from the Directorate General of Specifications and Measurements in the Sultanate of Oman. |
Directorate General of Specifications and Measurements: Ministry of Commerce of Commerce & Industry P.O. Box 550, Muscat, Postal Code 113 Sultanate of Oman, Tel: (968) 7714783 Fax: (968) 7715992 E-Mail: DGSM123@omantel.net.om |
| The Oman Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development | The Centre provides a list of insurance companies in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce | A non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration developing and promoting measurement, standards, and technology to enhance U.S. productivity and facilitate trade. | View Site |
| Provides information on technical standards. | View Site | |
| Provides guidance on federal conformity assessment activities in a paper entitled “Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities, Final Policy Guidance.” | View Site | |
| US Department of Agriculture (DA) | Provides information on SPS measures. | View Site |
| FAO/WHO – Codex Alimentarius | Provides information on food standards. | View Site |
| Oman Directorate General of Standards – Ministry of Commerce and Industry | Official site for the Government of Oman's Standards Directorate. | View Site |
| The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) | A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. | View Site |
| U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) | Provides information on “Balancing Federal and State Responsibilities for Standard Setting and Implementation,” Report to the Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate, March 2002. | View Site |
| European Commission | Provides information on US barriers to trade and investment entitled “Report on United States Barriers to Trade and Investment 2003,” Brussels, December 2003. | View Site |
| Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements | Exporters can get information on technical quality standards for exporting information from the Directorate General of Specifications and Measurements in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| Oman Fish Quality Control | Objectives:
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View Site |
| Oman Agriculture Quarantine | The department deals with aspects that insure elimination of pathogens, diseases and dangerous pests in imported plant materials. The Department of Plant Quarantine is also concerned with inspection of consignment containing seeds, seedlings, plant parts and segments, organic and chemical fertilizers as well as pesticides. | View Site |
| Oman Veterinary Quarantine | Oman Veterinary Quarantine The department provides information and inspects animal consignments. | View Site |
| Note: This section contains resources for finding trade leads in the pre-identified priority sectors in Oman: Tourism, ICT, Agriculture, Fisheries, Transportation and Logistics, and Oil and Gas. Additional resources for finding general trade leads - including importers and buyers - can also be found in the section on ‘Distribution Channels/Modes of Entry'. | ||
| Tourism | ||
| U.S. Travel Association | A non-profit trade organization that represents and speaks for the common interests U.S. travel industry. U.S. Travel is the authoritative and recognized source of travel research, arming its members with powerful and exclusive statistics and analyses on the size and economic impact of the industry as well as in marketing and other areas. | View Site |
| American Hotel and Lodging Association | The sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. | View Site |
| American Association of Museums | Dedicated to developing standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. | View Site |
| American Resort Development Association | Professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries with nearly 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. | View Site |
| American Society of Travel Agents | The world's largest association of travel professionals, including travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. | View Site |
| National Restaurant Association | The leading business association for the restaurant industry. | View Site |
| National Tour Association | Trade organization of thousands of tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry. | View Site |
| Professional Association of Innkeepers International | The largest association of inn-keeping professionals. | View Site |
| Receptive Services Association of America | Represents the major inbound operators in the United States who handle the inbound package tour business in this country and is involved in a wide range of industry activities including working with suppliers, regulatory agencies and travel promotion bureaus to improve the quality of travel related services for foreign visitors. | View Site |
| Recreation Vehicle Industry Association | The national trade association representing recreation vehicle (RV) manufacturers and their component parts suppliers who together build more than 98 percent of all RVs produced in the U.S. | View Site |
| Student & Youth Travel Association | A non-profit, professional trade association that promotes student & youth travel and seeks to foster integrity and professionalism among student and youth travel service providers. | View Site |
| Tourism Cares | A non-profit organization benefiting society by preserving the travel experience for future generations through awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-focused scholarships to hospitality and tourism students; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. | View Site |
| Travel Goods Association | The national organization for the travel goods industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, promoters, sales representatives and suppliers of luggage and travel goods; casual bags, briefcases and computer bags; business and travel accessories for travelers. | View Site |
| United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) | A professional association representing the tour operator industry. We are composed of companies whose tours and packages encompass the entire globe and who conduct business in the U.S. | View Site |
| World Tourism Organization | The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. | View Site |
| National Business Travel Association | The authoritative voice of the business travel community, representing over 4,000 corporate travel managers and travel service providers who collectively manage and direct more than $200 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry, primarily for Fortune 1000 companies. | View Site |
| International Air Transport Association (IATA) | An international trade body representing some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic. The organization also represents, leads, and serves the airline industry in general. | View Site |
| International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions | The largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 93 countries. | View Site |
| International Association of Exhibitions & Events | The leading association for the global exhibition industry representing the interests of tradeshow and exposition managers who conduct and support exhibitions around the world. | View Site |
| ICT | ||
| Information Technology Association of America | Provides leadership in business development, public policy advocacy, market forecasting and standards development to more than 350 corporate members. Its members range from the smallest start-ups to industry leaders offering services, system integration, Internet, telecommunications, software, electronics and hardware solutions to the public and commercial sector markets. | View Site |
| World Information Technology and Services Alliance | A consortium of over 60 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. | View Site |
| Telecommunications Industry Associations | The leading trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries through standards development, government affairs, business opportunities, market intelligence, certification and world-wide environmental regulatory compliance. With support from its 600 members, TIA enhances the business environment for companies involved in telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. | View Site |
| InfoComm International | The leading nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide offering industry expertise and market research serving press and others seeking information about the industry. | View Site |
| BICSI | A professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry covering the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. | View Site |
| The American Society for Information Science and Technology | A society for information professionals leading the search for new and better theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information. | View Site |
| Agriculture | ||
| International Policy Council on Agriculture, Food and Trade (IPC) | Developing and advocating policies that support an efficient and open global food and agricultural system. | View Site |
| AgSafe | Agriculture Health and Safety Professional Development Association | View Site |
| Council for Agricultural Science and Technology | To identify food and fiber, environmental, and other agricultural issues and to interpret related scientific research information for legislators, regulators, and the media for use in public policy decision making. | View Site |
| Institute of Food Technologists | Nonprofit scientific society working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia and government. | View Site |
| Livestock Marketing Association | Association that provides members in the industry information, insurance and legislative and regulatory services to remain viable businesses. | View Site |
| National Farmers Organization | Advocacy group aimed at improving agricultural commodity prices by serving as a bargaining agent for its members. | View Site |
| National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) | Nonprofit trade association that represents and provides services for grain, feed and related commercial businesses. | View Site |
| United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | The USDA mission is expanding markets for agricultural products and support international economic development, further developing alternative markets for agricultural products and activities, providing financing needed to help expand job opportunities and improve housing, utilities and infrastructure in rural America, enhancing food safety by taking steps to reduce the prevalence of food-borne hazards from farm to table, improving nutrition and health by providing food assistance and nutrition education and promotion, and managing and protecting America's public and private lands working cooperatively with other levels of government and the private sector. | View Site |
| Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association | Provider of integrated marketing services to help Western United States' agribusinesses develop and expand their export sales. | View Site |
| Fisheries | ||
| The National Shellfisheries Association | The National Shellfisheries Association is an international organization of scientists, management officials and members of industry, all deeply concerned with the biology, ecology, production, economics and management of shellfish resources - clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, snails, shrimp, lobsters, crabs, among many other species of commercial importance. | View Site |
| National Fisheries Institute | The National Fisheries Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability, and nutrition. From vessels at sea to your favorite seafood restaurant, our diverse member companies bring delicious fish and shellfish to American families. NFI promotes the US Dietary Guidelines that suggest Americans include fish and shellfish in their diets twice per week for longer, healthier lives. | View Site |
| Seafood Products Association | The Seafood Products Association (SPA) provides leadership and a positive cooperative environment for members, staff, regulators, and key government and customer contacts. The SPA functions in this environment to increase member efficiency by managing and resolving technical and regulatory issues related to food safety, food quality, and food defense. | View Site |
| International Coalition of Fisheries Associations | The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) is a coalition of the national fish and seafood industry trade associations from the world's major fishing nations. | View Site |
| Transportation and Logistics | ||
| American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) | AST&L is a professional organization that insures a high level of professionalism and promote continuing education in the field of transportation and logistics. | View Site |
| Council of Logistics Management (CLM) | The mission of the CLM is to provide logistics professionals with educational opportunities and relevant information; a variety of programs, services, and activities to enhance involvement in, satisfaction with, and contribution to the profession. | View Site |
| Food Distributors International (FDI) | The FDI is the umbrella name for the National-American Wholesale Grocers' Association (NAWGA) -- and its foodservice partner, the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) -- is an international trade association comprised of food distribution companies which primarily supply and service independent grocers and foodservice operations throughout the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. | View Site |
| The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) | SOLE is a non-profit international professional society composed of individuals organized to enhance the art and science of logistics technology, education, and management. | View Site |
| Oil and Gas | ||
| American Petroleum Institute (API) | API is a national trade association representing all aspects of America's oil and natural gas industry. API's 400 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry. | View Site |
| American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC) | AXPC is a national trade association representing 24 of the largest United States independent natural gas and crude oil exploration and production companies. AXPC members are "independent" in the sense that that they do not have petroleum refining or retail marketing operations and therefore are not "integrated." | View Site |
| Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) | IPAA represents the thousands of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies across the United States. | View Site |
| Association of Energy Service Companies (AASC) | An organization for well site provider companies of the Oil and Gas Industry. | View Site |
| Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) | Represents integrated and independent companies that produce and market domestic natural gas. Established in 1965, NGSA encourages expanded use of natural gas and a regulatory climate that fosters competitive markets. | View Site |
| The National Petroleum Management Association | We are a non profit organization dedicated to the fuel-handler. | View Site |
| OECD Statistics of Foreign Trade | Provides international trade statistics. | OCED, 2, rue Andre Pascal 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France Tel: + 33 (1) 49.10.42.35 Fax: + 33 (1) 49.10.42.76 E-mail: sales@oecd.org View Site |
| Market News Service (MNS), International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO | The MNS provides up-to-the-minute information concerning actual prices paid for specific products, supply and demand, and other economic information that may have an effect on the market situation. MNS subscribers can receive this information via electronic mail, telefax, or airmail. | View Site |
| National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) Market Research Reports, U.S. Department of Commerce. | The NTDB is a comprehensive database which selects the most up-to-date international trade and economic information available on; calendars for trade fairs, capital markets and export financing, country commercial guides, country reports on economic and social politics and trade policies, international trade agreements and regulations as well as other international trade information and contacts. | Available on CD-ROM. Price for a single month's issue: $75/- Annual subscription, $777. Stat-USA, HCHB Room 4885 U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20230 USA Tel: + 1 (202) 482-1986 Fax: + 1 (202) 482-2164 View Site |
| Business America | A monthly publication of the Department of Commerce containing country-by-country marketing reports, incisive economic analyses, worldwide trade leads, advance notice of planned exhibitions of U.S. products worldwide, and success stories of export marketing. | Contact: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 USA Tel: +1-202-512-1800 |
| Trade Information Center | This information center was established as a comprehensive source for U.S. companies seeking information on federal programs and activities that support U.S. exports, including information on overseas markets and industry trends. This center maintains a computerized calendar of U.S. Government-sponsored domestic and overseas trade events. | View Site |
| STAT-USA/Internet | A comprehensive collection of business, economic and trade information available on the Web. Through this address you can access the NTDB, daily trade leads and economic news as well as the latest economic press releases and statistical series from the federal government. | For more information on this low cost service, call 1-800-STAT-USA (800-782-8872) View Site |
| TRADESTATS | A comprehensive source for U.S. export and import data, both current and historical. Maintained by the Commerce Department's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis, this web site contains total and disaggregated U.S. trade statistics by country and commodity classifications, state and metropolitan area export data, and trade and industry statistics. Much of this data is downloadable. | View Site |
| Small Business Administration (SBA) | SBA publishes many helpful guides to assist small and medium-sized companies, including: Researching Your Market and Breaking into the Trade Game. | View Site Marketing Series |
| UN Statistical Yearbook | Published by the United Nations (UN), this yearbook is one of the most complete statistical reference books available. It provides international trade information on products, including information on importing countries useful in assessing import competition. The yearbook contains data for 220 countries and territories on economic and social subjects, including population, agriculture, manufacturing, commodity, export-import trade, and many other areas. | View Site |
| International Financial Statistics (IFS) | Published by the International Monetary Fund, IFS presents statistics on exchange rates, money and banking, production, government finance, interest rates, and other subjects. It is available in hard copy or on CD-ROM. | View Site |
| U.S. Industry and Trade Outlook '00 | Includes economic forecasts for 350 manufacturing and service sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, aerospace, and utilities. | View Site |
| Trade Information Center (TIC) | TIC trade provides information on (1) import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures; (2) standards, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and other commercial laws, regulations, and practices; (3) distribution channels, business travel, and other market information; and (4) opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies in individual markets. | View Site |
| Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) | Economic Survey of the US 2008 presents a detailed analysis of recent developments in market demand, production, employment, and prices and wages. Short-term forecasts and analyses of medium-term problems relevant to economic policies are provided. | View Site |
| OECD Publications | Focus on a broad range of social and economic issues, concerns, and developments, including reports on international market information country by country, such as import data useful in assessing import competition. | View Site |
| Export.gov Industry Sector Analyses | Provide a basis for quickly evaluating a particular commercial or industrial market in a particular country. Information can be found on market demand, market size, competitive analysis, end-user analysis, and market access criteria, as well as industry contacts and marketing opportunities. | View Site |
| Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) | Textile and Apparel Database includes specific "country profiles" which include information on marketing and distribution, market entry requirements, shipment and entry procedures, and trade policy. More general information, such as how to export, potential buyers and suppliers, current trade issues, and background on textile and apparel trade policy agreements, is also available. | View Site |
| International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce | The Industry Trade Data and Analysis page is research source, which contains links to current trade statistics from the U.S. government, select trade and economic data published by other countries, and similar trade resources. | View Site |
| US International Trade Commission | Interactive Tariff and Trade DataWeb - Direct access to trade data; customized reports; instant answers. Data and statistics in U.S. imports and exports by your list of products or one at a time. | View Site |
| Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry | The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a public utility organization whose goals are to regulate the trade and industrial interests, their representation, development and act to defend them in various fields. The Chamber is entrusted with the powers and functions. | View Site |
| OmanExpo LLC | Omanexpo LLC was established in 1986 and is the leading exhibition organizing company in the Sultanate of Oman. | View Site |
| Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE) | OITE is Oman's largest and leading events organizing and marketing company with experience serving various industry sectors. Our business expertise is in organizing trade fairs, conferences, festivals and providing event design and marketing services. | View Site |
| All Products Online - Trade Shows | Information on exhibitions around the world. Offers a guide to the World's major trade shows. | View Site |
| American Importers Association | An American trade association that brings US importers together with exporters worldwide. | View Site |
| Business.com | Offer trade leads and potential buyers. | View Site |
| EximInfo | Includes a directory of importers by region (e.g., it includes a listing of 180 North American importers for gemstones an diamonds). | View Site |
| The Federation of International Trade Associations | The Trading Hub - Import and Export Trade Leads from Around the World. | View Site |
| Foreign Trade Online | Offers information on all the trade shows & exhibitions around the world by country or states. | View Site |
| GlobalEdge Gateway | Offer trade leads and potential buyers. | View Site |
| Global Sources | Offers information on seminars, exhibitions, training programs and conferences around the world. | View Site |
| Guide to Importers Directories | A list of importers association - Prepared by the Trade Information Section (TIS) Division of Product and Market Development (DPMD), International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO. (First Edition November 1999). Free of Cost. | International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva, Switzerland Tel. + 41 (22) 730-0218 View Site |
| Interdata Directories of Importers | Includes international trade directories and export marketing services. | View Site |
| Kompass | A business to business import and export directory that enables you to gather information about other companies and promote your company in the global marketplace. | View Site |
| MBendi Information Services | Provides information on Exhibitions, Trade Shows & Conferences around the world. | View Site |
| The SME and the Export Development Company | Provides a practical guide to forging long-term business relationships in the export sector. | International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Tel. + 41 (22) 730-0111 Fax + 41 (22) 733-4439 E-mail: itcreg@intracent.org |
| The SME and the Export Development Company, International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO | A practical guide to forgoing long-term business relationships in the export sector. | International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO, Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Tel. + 41 (22) 730-0111 Fax + 41 (22) 733-4439 E-mail: itcreg@intracent.org View Site |
| Skyminder | Online source for credit and business information on 50 million public and private companies worldwide. | View Site |
| Trade Attache | Data bank containing information on products, manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of businesses engaged in international trade. | View Site |
| Trade Board by Google | Offer trade leads and potential buyers. | View Site |
| TradeKey | A worldwide online business platform for importers and exporters connecting users with worldwide buyers, importers, exporters, agents and distributors. Registration is required. | View Site |
| TSNN.com The Ultimate Event Resource | Information on upcoming conventions, expositions, conferences and tradeshows. | View Site |
| World Directory of Trade Promotion Organizations - International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO | Free of charge to public: trilingual (English, French, Spanish) directory of trade promotion organizations and other national bodies involved in international trade. Covers ministries, trade promotion organizations, import promotion offices, chambers of commerce, trade associations in 187 countries. | Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva, Switzerland Tel. + 41 (22) 730-0218 View Site |
| World Customs Organization (WCO) | Worldwide customs information. | View Site |
| Tourism | ||
| Hospitality Trends | 2009 Industry Outlook: Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure | View Site |
| Marketing Online - Tapping into Current Trends - By Sachin Suri | View Site | |
| TourismROI | Deloitte - 2009 Industry Outlook: Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure | View Site |
| ICT | ||
| US Census Bureau | Press Release: Business Spending on Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Reaches $264 Billion in 2007 | View Site |
| 2007 Information and Communication Technology Survey, released February 26, 2009 | Full Report Summary of Findings |
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| Agriculture | ||
| Agriculture Online | Agriculture Online provides the latest information in agricultural news, weather, markets. | View Site |
| National Agricultural Library | The National Agricultural Library is one of four national libraries of the United States. It houses one of the world's largest and most accessible agricultural information collections and serves as the nexus for a national network of state land-grant and U.S. Department of Agriculture field libraries. | View Site |
| AllBusiness – a D&B Company | Industry Outlook Agriculture: Weathering the Storm. | View Site |
| Fisheries | ||
| Seafood Intelligence | News for global seafood businesses, consumers and agrifood decision-makers. | View Site |
| USDA | Aquaculture Outlook | View Site |
| FAO | State of World's Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008. | View Site |
| Transportation and Logistics | ||
| Shipping and Logistics Industry Today | Shipping and Logistics Industry Today provides the latest information in Transportation and Logistics news, weather, markets. | View Site |
| Logistics Management | Logistics Management serves executives, managers and other professionals in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Editorial coverage includes comprehensive information about the role of logistics in today's business practices covering all modes of transportation services and the ever-growing impact of new technologies through the supply chain. | View Site |
| Oil and Gas | ||
| Energy Information Administration | Short-term Outlook. Highlights from Global Crude Oil and Liquid Fuels, US Crude Oil and Liquid Fuels, Natural Gas, Electricity, and Coal. | View Site |
| Annual Energy Outlook 2009 | View Site | |
| American Petroleum Institute | In this section you will find information on the average price of gasoline at the pump, the countries the U.S. imports of oil and product from, state motor fuel tax rates and information on subscribing to API statistical reports and packages. | View Site |
| Independent Petroleum Association of America | Provides a comprehensive array of facts, statistics, and analyses pertaining to the upstream oil and natural gas industry. From tax estimations to economic reports and Supply and Demand Committee Forecasts, these data and Reference Tools offer invaluable insight about the producer and for the producer. | View Site |
| Export Credit Guarantee Agency | Omani exporters are credit insured for their exports with ECGA to 91 countries. | View Site |
| Bank Muscat | Bank Muscat offers a wide range of financial services from export financing to documents checking to documentary collection. | View Site |
| Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HSBC) | HSBC can provide you with advice on any aspect of your export document preparation. They can also provide working capital finance to help you source your raw materials. | View Site |
| Oman Development Bank | Oman Development Bank is set up to promote and encourage economic development in the Sultanate of Oman by providing financial assistance to small and medium projects (whose total investment cost does not exceed 250,000/- Omani Rials) in the fields of industry, agriculture, animal resources, fisheries, tourism, education, professional offices, conventional crafts and workshops. | View Site |
| Fund for Development of Youth Projects | The fund aims to encourage Omani youth to engage in private business sectors and to establish their own small and medium size projects. | View Site |
| OCIPED | A list of banks and their addresses in the Sultanate of Oman are provided on the OCIPED website. | View Site |
| Central Bank of Oman | A list of banks and their addresses in the Sultanate of Oman are provided on the Central Bank of Oman's website. | View Site |
| US International Trade Commission | Provides a description of the how the US version of the Harmonized System (HS) structure works . | View Site |
| Tariff Schedule of the U.S. under the Oman-US FTA | United States Trade Representative (USTR). | View Site |
| Customs Department, Royal Omani Police (ROP) | The Directorate General of Customs is responsible for implementing customs and security control for all matters of imports and exports. It collects custom duties and fights smuggling of narcotics and bans entry of prohibited goods in accordance with provisions of the Customs Law and its Implementing Regulations together with the Laws on commerce and the economy. | View Site |
| The Oman Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development | The Centre provides a trade secrets document providing answers to Oman's 148 most frequently asked questions regarding export processes. A list of shipping and forwarding companies are provided on OCIPED's website. |
View Site |
| Port Services Corporation S.A.O.G (Port Sultan Qaboos) | Port information. | View Site |
| Salalah Port Services Co. S.A.O.G. | Port information. | View Site |
| Sohar Industrial Port Company S.A.O.G. | Port information. | View Site |
| National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) | Association of customs brokers and freight forwarders. Website contains a searchable membership directory with websites and contact information of NCBFAA members | View Site |
| US Customs and Border Protection – Ports of Entry Page | The website allows you to find a broker for a particular port of entry. | View Site |
| Piers USA | Database of import and export information on the cargoes moving through ports in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, and Asia | View Site |
| United Business Media Global Trade | The comprehensive transportation and logistics sector information. | View Site |
| DHL | Global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. | View Site |
| Freightworld | A guide to worldwide freight transportation and logistics | View Site |
| FedEx | Provides international logistics services, specializing in customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing and national distribution. | View Site |
| United Parcel Service (UPS) Logistics Group | Offers customs and brokerage services, and global logistics assistance | View Site |
| Business.gov (The official business link to the US Government) | Official site of the U.S. Government to help small businesses understand their legal requirements, and locate government services supporting the nation’s small business community. | View Site |
| Provides information on registration requirements for different states. | View Site | |
| Provides information on registration of a business name for different states. | View Site | |
| Provides information on tax obligations for different states. | View Site | |
| Provides information for specific permits required by different states. | View Site | |
| US Small Business Administration (SBA) | Provides information about the different legal structures for your business. | View Site |
| US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | The section on ‘Choosing a Business Structure’ provides information on the tax implication of the most common business structures. | View Site |
| To request for information on applying for the Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a federal tax identification number or the Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4, call tel: 1-800-829-4933. | Tel: 1-800-829-4933 |
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