TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                             PAGE

I.   COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW / EXECUTIVE SUMMARY                   2

     Overview of Import Market
     Synopsis of Commercial Environment
     Venezuela and the United States
     Major Business Opportunities
     Major Roadblocks to Doing Business
     Nature of Local and Third Country Competition

II.  LEADING TRADE PROSPECTS FOR U.S. BUSINESS                 7

III. ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK                               8

     Major Trends and Outlook
     Principal Growth Sectors
     Government Role in the Economy
     Balance of Payments
     Trade and Investment Barriers

     Major Local and Third Country Competitors by Sector
     Infrastructure:  Distribution of Goods and Services
     Major Infrastructure Projects Underway

IV.  POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT                                     13

V.   MARKETING U.S. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES                      14

     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 Products
     Service and Customer Support
     Selling to the Government
     Protecting Your Product from IPR Infringement
     Need for a Local Attorney



VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS                          25

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

VII. INVESTMENT CLIMATE                                       31

     Openness to Foreign Investment
     Conversion and Transfer Policies
     Expropriation and Compensation
     Dispute Settlement
     Performance Requirements / Incentives
     Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
     Patent, Trademark and Property Protection
     Regulatory System:  Laws and Procedures
     Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment
     Political Violence
     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                              45

     The Banking System
     Foreign Exchange
     General Financing Availability
     How to Finance Exports / Methods of Payment
     Types of Available Export Financing and Insurance
     Project Financing Available
     List of Banks with U.S. Correspondents

IX.  BUSINESS TRAVEL                                          50

     Business Customs
     Travel Advisory and Visas
     Holidays
     Business Infrastructure


APPENDICES

                                                            PAGE

A.   COUNTRY DATA                                            55


     1.   PROFILE
     2.   DOMESTIC ECONOMY
     3.   TRADE
     4.   INVESTMENT


B.   BEST PROSPECTS FOR INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE             57
     MATRIX OF BEST PROSPECTS WITH COMMENTS

C.   U.S. AND COUNTRY CONTACTS                               69

D.   MARKET RESEARCH                                         85

E.   TRADE EVENT SCHEDULE                                    87