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Opening Trade to All
Middle East & Africa (MEA) and its colleagues in the International Trade Administration (ITA) are dedicated to opening the world of export opportunities to as many Americans as possible. To do so, we have programs that target and serve historically underrepresented populations.

Middle East & Africa Opening Trade to All

Middle East & Africa Programs

Global Diversity Export Initiative 
The Global Diversity Export Initiative is committed to helping underserved communities in the United States, including African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, veteran and service-disabled veteran, women, LGBTQI+ businesses among others increase their exports.  Learn more on the Global Diversity Export Initiative.

Women Exporters Leave Legacies Through Trade & Investment: In January 2021, the International Trade Administration’s Middle East & Africa Regional Office (MEA) launched the Women Empowered Leave Legacies through Trade and Investment (WELLTI) initiative. Through WELLTI, MEA brings together leading businesswomen from the United States, the Middle East, and Africa to discuss strategies and techniques to improve their businesses, and, to provide these businesses with the data, knowledge, contacts, and financing to increase trade.  By empowering women entrepreneurs with access to information, capacity building and strengthened networks, ITA’s Global Markets is helping women and the global economy Build Back Better. Learn more about WELLTI and other ITA Women’s Empowerment work.

Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters (RAISE)
The Rural Intel Service provides rural U.S. companies with one-on-one market intelligence from a team who identifies customized industry-specific insights and contacts. Being informed before you go helps build confidence and knowledge, making your market entry more efficient. Learn more on RAISE.

Other Department of Commerce Resources
The International Trade Administration also works closely with its sister Department of Commerce agencies to promote economic development for diverse American populations. One such agency is the Minority Business Development Agency https://www.mbda.gov/, and its Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) program that focuses on the fast-expanding minority women entrepreneur population as a revenue generator for families, communities, and the nation. Learn more on Enterprising Women of Color.