KEY OFFICERS

OF FOREIGN

SERVICE POSTS
 

Guide for Business Representatives
 

The Key (Officers Guide lists key officers at Foreign Service posts with
whom American business representatives would most likely have contact.
All embassies, missions, consulates general, and consulates are listed.

At the head of each U.S. diplomatic mission are the Chief of Mission
(with the title of Ambassador, Minister or Charge d'Affaires) and the Deputy
Chief of Mission. These officers are responsible for all components of the U.S.
Mission within a country, including consular posts.

Commercial Officers assist U.S. business through: arranging appoint¬
ments with local business and government officials, providing counsel on
local trade regulations, laws, and customs; identifying importers, buyers,
agents, distributors, and joint venture partners for U.S. firms; and other
business assistance. At larger posts, trade specialists of the US&FCS
perform this function. At smaller posts, commercial interests are repre¬
sented by economic/commercial officers from the Department of State.

Economic Officers analyze and report on macroeconomic trends and
trade policies and their implications for U.S. policies and programs.

Financial Attaches analyze and report on major financial developments.

Political Officers analyze and report on political developments and their
potential impact on U.S. interests.

Labor Officers follow the activities of labor organizations and can supply
information on wages, nonwage costs, social security regulations, labor
attitudes toward American investments, etc.

Consular Officers extend to U.S. citizens and their property abroad the
protection of the U.S. Government. They maintain lists of local attorneys, act
as liaison with police and other officials and have the authority to notarize
documents. The Department recommends that business representatives re¬
siding overseas register with the consular officer; in troubled areas, even
travelers are advised to register.

The Administrative Officer is responsible for the normal business opera¬
tions of the post, including purchasing for the post and its commissary.

Regional Security Officers are responsible for providing physical, proce¬
dural, and personnel security services to U.S. diplomatic facilities and
personnel; their responsibilities extend to providing in-country security
briefings and threat assessments to business executives.

Scientific Attaches follow scientific and technological developments in
the country.