TABLE OF CONTENTS


I. COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..............4
       - Overview of Import Market
       - Brief Synopsis of Commercial Environment
       - Syrian Business Attitudes Toward the U.S.
       - Major Business Opportunities
       -Major Roadblocks to Doing Business
       - Nature of Competition

II.  LEADING TRADE PROSPECTS FOR U.S. BUSINESS.........11
       - Best Prospects, Products, and Services for U.S.
         Exporters

III.  ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK......................12
       - Major Trends and Outlook
       - Principal Growth Sectors
       - Government Role in the Economy
       - Balance of Payments Situation
       - Trade and Investment Barriers
       - Labor Force
       - Major Local and Third Country Competitors in Specific Sectors
       - Infrastructure Situation Re:Goods/Service
         Distribution
       - Major Infrastructure Projects Underway

IV.  POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT.............................14
       - Nature of Syrian Relationship with the U.S.
       - Major Political Issues Affecting Business Climate
       - Brief
Synopsis of Political System

V.  MARKETING U.S. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES...............15
       - Distribution and Sales Channels
       - Use of Agents/Distributors, Finding a Partner
       - Franchising
       - Direct Marketing
       - Joint Ventures/Licensing
       - Steps to Establishing an Office
       - Selling Factors/Techniques
       - Advertising and Trade Promotion (including listing of major
           newspapers and business journals)
       - Pricing Products
       - Sales Service/Customer Support
       - Selling to the Government
       - Protecting Your Product from IPR Infringement
       - Need for a Local Attorney

VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS...................24
       - Tariffs and Import Taxes
       - Customs Valuation
       - Import Licenses
       - Export Controls
       - Import/Export Documentation
       - Temporary Entry
       - Labeling, Marketing Equipment
       - Prohibited Imports
       - Standards (e.g. ISO 9000 usage)
       - Free Trade Zones/Warehouses
       - Special Import Provisions
       - Membership in Free Trade Arrangements

VII.  INVESTMENT CLIMATE................................28
        - Openness to Foreign Investment
        - Conversion and Transfer Policies
        - Expropriation and Compensation
        - Dispute Settlement
        - Political Violence
        - Performance Requirements/Incentives
        - Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
        - Protection of Property Rights
        - Regulatory System:  Laws and Procedures
        - Bilateral Investment Agreements
        - OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs
        - Labor
        - Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports
        - Capital Outflow Policy
        - Major Foreign Investors

VIII. TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING......................35
        - Brief Description of Banking System
        - Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trading
        - General Financing Availability
        - How to Finance Exports/Methods of Payment
        - Types of Available Export Financing and Insurance
        - Project Financing Available
        - List of Banks with Correspondent U.S. Banking
          Arrangements

IX.  BUSINESS TRAVEL....................................37
        - Business Customs
        - Travel Advisory and Visas
        - Holidays
        - Business Infrastructure


X.   APPENDICES.........................................38
       A.  Syrian Country Data
            - Profile
            - Domestic Economy
            - Trade
       B.  Data on Best Export Prospects
       C.  U.S. and Syrian Contacts
       D.  Market Research
       E.  1994 Trade Event Schedule