TABLE OF CONTENTS


I.   COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY)

     -    Overview of Import Market                                I-1
     -    Brief Synopsis of Commercial Environment                 I-1
     -    Host Country Business Attitude Towards the U.S.          I-1
     -    Major Business Opportunities                             I-1
     -    Major Roadblocks to Doing Business                       I-2
     -    Nature of Local and Third Country Competition            I-2

II.  LEADING TRADE PROSPECTS FOR U.S. BUSINESS

     -    Best Prospects, Products, & Services for U.S. Exporters II-1

III. ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

     -    Major Trends and Outlook                                 III-1
     -    Principal Growth Sectors                                 III-1
     -    Government Role in the Economy                           III-2
     -    Balance of Payments Situation                            III-3
     -    Trade and Investment Barriers                            III-3
     -    Labor Force                                              III-4
     -    Major Local and Third Country Competitors in Specific
          Sectors                                                  III-4
     -    Infrastructure Situation, Re: Goods/Services Distribution III-4
     -    Major Infrastructure Projects Underway                   III-5

IV.  POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

     -    Nature of Bilateral Relationship with the United States  IV-1
     -    Major Political Issues Affecting Business Climate        IV-1
     -    Brief Synopsis of Political System, Schedule for Elections,
          and Orientation of Major Political Parties               IV-1

V.   MARKETING U.S. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

     -    Distribution and Sales Channels                          V-1
     -    Use of Agents/Distributors; Finding a Partner            V-1
     -    Franchising                                              V-1
     -    Direct Marketing                                         V-1
     -    Joint Ventures/Licensing                                 V-2
     -    Steps to Establishing an Office                          V-2
     -    Selling Factors/Techniques                               V-3
     -    Advertising and Trade Promotion                          V-3
     -    Pricing Product                                          V-4
     -    Sales Service/Customer Support                           V-4
     -    Selling to the Government                                V-4
     -    Protecting Your Product from IPR Infringement            V-5
     -    Need for a Local Attorney                                V-5

VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

     -    Tariffs and Import Taxes                                VI-1
     -    Customs Valuation                                       VI-1
     -    Import and Export Licenses                              VI-1
     -    Export Controls                                         VI-1
     -    Import/Export Documentation                             VI-1
     -    Temporary Entry                                         VI-2
     -    Labeling/Marking Requirements                           VI-2
     -    Prohibited Imports                                      VI-2
     -    Standards                                               VI-2
     -    Free Trade Zones/Warehouses                             VI-3
     -    Special Import Provisions                               VI-3
     -    Membership in Free Trade Arrangements                   VI-3

VII. INVESTMENT CLIMATE

     -    Openness to Foreign Investment                         VII-1
     -    Conversion and Transfer Policies                       VII-1
     -    Expropriation and Compensation                         VII-2
     -    Dispute Settlement                                     VII-2
     -    Performance Requirements/Incentives                    VII-3
     -    Right to Private Ownership and Establishment           VII-3
     -    Protection of Property Rights                          VII-3
     -    Regulatory System:  Laws and Procedures                VII-4
     -    Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment     VII-5
     -    Political Violence                                     VII-6
     -    Bilateral Investment Agreements                        VII-6
     -    OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs           VII-7
     -    Labor                                                  VII-6
     -    Free Trade Zones                                       VII-7
     -    Capital Outflow Policy                                 VII-8
     -    Foreign Direct Investment Statistics                   VII-8
     -    Major Foreign Investors                                VII-8

VIII.      TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING

     -    Brief Description of Banking System                    VIII-1
     -    Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trading            VIII-1
     -    Financing Availability                                 VIII-1
     -    How to Finance Exports/Methods of Payment              VIII-2
     -    Types of Available Export Financing and Insurance      VIII-2
     -    Project Financing Available                            VIII-4
     -    List of Banks with Correspondent U.S. Banking          VIII-4

IX.  BUSINESS TRAVEL

     -    How to Get to Nicaragua                                  IX-1
     -    Business Customs                                         IX-1
     -    Travel Advisory and Visas                                IX-1
     -    Holidays                                                 IX-1
     -    Business Infrastructure                                  IX-2

                                APPENDICES

A.   COUNTRY DATA

     -    Profile                                                   A-1
     -    Domestic Economy (for 1993, 1994, and 1995 Estimate)      A-1
     -    Trade (for 1993, 1994, and 1995 Estimate)                 A-2
     -    Investment                                                A-4
     -    Balance of Payments                                       A-4
     -    Labor Force                                               A-5

C.   U.S. AND NICARAGUAN CONTACTS

     -    Nicaraguan Government Agencies                            C-1
     -    Nicaraguan Trade Associations/Chambers of Commerce        C-3
     -    Nicaraguan Market Research Firms                          C-6
     -    Nicaraguan Commercial Banks                               C-7
     -    U.S. Embassy Trade Personnel                              C-8
     -    Washington-Based USG Country Contacts                     C-9
     -    U.S-Based Multipliers Relevant for Nicaragua              C-11

D.   MARKET RESEARCH

     -    List of Available and Upcoming DOC/ISAS and IMIS          D-1
     -    List of USDA/FAS/Commodity Reports and Market Briefs      D-1


E.   TRADE EVENT SCHEDULE                                               E-1