How Country Desks Help U.S. Exporters
Sarah Nickel, Ukraine Desk Officer, Office of Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
I often get asked if I like my job as a Desk Officer in Commerce’s Office of Russia, Eurasia and Ukraine, and the answer is a resounding “yes.” But when there is a follow-up question about what a “normal” day is like, I have to say I have no idea. I’m not sure it exists, and that is part of what makes the work so interesting.
Desk Officers work daily to advocate on behalf of U.S. companies’ projects, strategize ways to enable market access and dispute resolution for U.S. companies, and seek compliance with bilateral and multilateral agreements affecting U.S. companies’ trade and investment interests. Our job is to become expert in the country (or in many cases, countries) that we cover in order to identify opportunities for U.S. companies and help them overcome obstacles to realizing those deals. We are available to answer your questions and, if we don’t know the answers, to connect you with the sources that can best help.
The formerly Soviet markets that our particular office monitors – including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries; Ukraine; the South Caucasus markets of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia; and Russia – face challenges to rural development or redevelopment and in maximizing the efficiency of their rural economies. This presents some opportunities for American companies who are familiar with meeting these challenges.
I joined the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration earlier this year, after Russia had already launched its unlawful invasion of Ukraine and as it was becoming clear that the U.S. Government, international community, and willing members of the private sector would need to prepare to support Ukraine in a long and brutal conflict. The Commerce team sprang into action immediately, setting up a mechanism for U.S. companies to make humanitarian donations, offering commercial opportunities to the Government of Ukraine, and working across the Administration to advise decision-makers on the effects of sanctions. For example, Uber worked closely with the U.S. Commercial Service team in Warsaw to launch initiatives that included providing free transportation to refugees, charitable organizations, and major international relief agencies.
When I joined the office, the conversation was shifting to focus on supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience with an eye toward reconstruction and rebuilding. This can create opportunities for U.S. exporters, including providers of services, goods and know-how from across the United States. For example, Baron Weather, located in Alabama, has been working to upgrade Ukraine’s weather detection and forecasting technology. We are highlighting the need for U.S. Government project financing and insurance options to be available to U.S. companies wanting to assist the Ukraine reconstruction effort, even as the situation is still evolving.
A significant part of our team’s job will be to keep our colleagues, especially in the domestic U.S. Commercial Service (CS) offices, updated as plans for reconstruction come together and projects are announced. Anyone looking to be involved should stay in close touch with their local CS office. We have regular calls to share opportunities and to compare notes with them.
Ukraine and the Eurasian region may seem far away, but as the questions of energy and food security demonstrate, the issues of the region can rapidly expand to affect the world. Ukraine will be recovering from war for a long time and is eager to work with U.S. companies to rebuild. The countries of the South Caucasus region and Central Asia are balancing relations with the United States, Russia and China. Our commercial work in the region supports the rule of law, transparency, and a level playing field that benefits U.S. companies. My colleagues and I are looking forward to supporting your business as you explore export and business opportunities in the region, too.
Learn more about how ITA is supporting Ukraine and US businesses that want to support the effort.
Discover more stories related to ITA’s U.S. Business Support for Ukraine including Alphapointe and the Pittsburgh Technology Council