BISNIS is the Department of Commerce's market resource center for U.S. companies exploring business opportunities in the NIS. BISNIS taps extensive information resources to keep U.S. companies informed about commercial developments in the NIS.

Since 1992, the BISNIS network of NIS-based BISNIS representatives (including in the Russian cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) and team of Washington-based trade specialists has been providing U.S. companies with the latest reports and tips on market developments, opportunities, and strategies for doing business in the NIS. U.S. businesses already credit BISNIS with facilitating more than $2 billion worth of U.S. exports and overseas investments.

Market information available through BISNIS includes:
-- Current market assessments and data
-- Trade and partner leads
-- Practical tips on transportation, banking, customs, and other practical aspects of business
-- Updates on commercial laws and regulations
-- Guidance on sources of finance for NIS trade and investment
-- Notice of upcoming trade promotion events
-- News about U.S. Government and other resources supporting U.S.-NIS business activities

BISNIS SERVICES AND PUBLICATIONS:

- BISNIS Online (www.mac.doc.gov/BISNIS) - BISNIS' daily-updated home page offers a range of practical market information to U.S. firms.

- BISNIS Bulletin - a monthly newsletter about developments in the NIS, which is distributed to nearly 30,000 U.S. business representatives

- BISNIS Search for Partners - a biweekly electronic and monthly print publication identifying promising NIS enterprises who seek U.S. partners for long-term business cooperation.

- BISNIS Trade & Tenders - a biweekly electronic broadcast of timely U.S. export sales opportunities in the NIS.

- Counseling - BISNIS' U.S.-based international trade specialists are available by phone, email, and appointment to assist U.S. companies exploring NIS business prospects.

- E-mail distribution of time-sensitive trade leads and market updates

All BISNIS information and services are free.

For more information, contact BISNIS:
Tel: 202/482-4655, or 1-800/USA-TRADe (press 2, then 2)
Fax: 202/482-2293
e-mail: BISNIS@ita.doc.gov

This report is provided courtesy of the Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS)