TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART                                                          Page

I.   Commercial Overview (Executive Summary)                     1

II.  Leading Trade Prospects for U.S. Business                   6

III. Economic Trends and Outlook                                 7

-    Major Trends and Outlook
-    Principal Growth Sectors
-    Government Role in the Economy
-    Balance of Payments Situation
-    Trade and Investment Barriers
-    Labor Force
-    Infrastructure Situation
-    Major Infrastructure Projects

IV.  Political Environment                                      29

V.   Marketing U.S. Products and Services                       34

-    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
-    Pricing Product
-    Sales Service/Customer Support
-    Selling to the Government
-    Protecting your product from IPR infringement
-    Need for a local Attorney

VI.  Trade Regulations and Standards                            45

-    Tariffs and Import Taxes
-    Customs Valuation
-    Import Licenses
-    Export Controls
-    Import/Export Documentation
-    Temporary Entry
-    Labeling, Marking Requirements
-    Prohibited Imports
-    Standards
-    Free Trade Zones/Warehouses
-    Special Import Provisions
-    Membership in Free Trade Arrangements

VII. Investment Climate                                         50

-    Openness to Foreign Investment
-    Conversion and Transfer Policies
-    Expropriationa nd Compnsation
-    Dispute Settlement
-    Performance Requirements
-    Right to Private Ownership
-    Protection of Property Rights
-    Regulatory System
-    Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment
-    Bilateral Investment Agreements
-    OPIC and other Investment Insurance Programs
-    Labor
-    Foreign Trade Zones and Free Ports
-    Capital Outflow Policy
-    Major Foreign Investors

VIII.  Trade and Project Financing                              60

-    Banking System
-    Foreign Exchange Controls
-    Financing Availability
-    Local Banks with U.S. Correspondent Relationship

IX.  Business Travel                                            64

-    Business Customs
-    Travel Advisory and Visas
-    Holidays
-    Business Infrastructure (e.g. Transportation,
     Language, Communications, Housing, Health, Food)


APPENDICES

Appendix A:  Country Data                                       66

Appendix B:  Best Prospects for Industry
             and Agriculture                                    68

Appendix C:  U.S. and Country Contacts                          76

-  Country Government Agencies
-  Country Trade Associations
-  Country Market Research Firms
-  U.S. Embassy Trade Personnel
-  Washington-Based USG Country Contacts
-  U.S. Based Multipliers Relevant for Ecuador

Appendix D:  Market Research                                    91

Appendix E:  Trade Event Schedule                               92