Foreign company in the US.

[thomasortega]

This morning I had a meeting with my boss and we decided to (maybe) open a branch in the US.

Our company's headquarters is settled in Paraguay, but we have branches in Brazil, Hong Kong and Toquio. We import many different kinds of products from those countries to sell in the Paraguayan market.

Could anybody here help me with informations about the procedures for opening an international branch in the US? Our company usually negotiate more than 2 million dollars per country, every year.

We have some international lawyers that could handle all these paper work, but the "solution" they ofered us seems to difficult and expensive. I'm sure there's an easier way to do everything legally.

 

[hydralique]

Why not check and see if some major U.S. cities have liasons for international businesses, or International Chambers of Commerce? If nothing else they might be able to offer some constructive help. Remember too that while import and export are governed by Federal law, anything local comes under state law and some states might offer advantages to you that others don't.

There are loads of international businesses here in Southern California due to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and the airports. In particular the San Gabriel Valley (east of LA) has so many Asian based businesses that it's common to pass a business park and see more Chinese writing on buildings than English. Many of them deal in electronic parts shipped from Asia.

Aside from SoCal, I'd guess Houston and Miami could be good prospects. Right now is a great time to look for commercial lease space as rates are dropping.

 

[thomasortega]

In my case, i want to do exactly the opposite.
Not import products to USA, but Export from USA to Paraguay.

 

[hydralique]

I understand, but my point is that someone has to know the basics of a foriegn company setting up an operation here in the US regardless of whether it is for import or export.

We import more than we export, but there are still a lot of exports leaving ports here.

 

[panthera]

Thomas,

The best solution is always to talk to the Chamber of Commerce for the State you want to set up business in. They have an interest in getting you to come to their state, the feds don't give a flying fcuk about it.

 

[thomasortega]

Thanks guys!!

Now.... How do I reach them?
I mean, I's not my area and I don't know too much about it but, as it was my idea, my boss asked me to do all the "dirty job" and save a lot of money using a lawyer only when necessary.

 

[maytagbear]

Uh,

some might start by Google-ing "chamber of commerce" (desired state). Or (desired state" "chamber of commerce."

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[hydralique]

Try this . . .

This is the international trade section of the Los Angeles area Chamber of Commerce. Remember that this is a business organization, not a government agency, but they should be able to provide some direction and advice and may know of any incentive programs applicable to you.

http://www.lachamber.com/index.php?submenu=globalinitiatives&src=gendocs&ref=internationaltrade&category=international_trade

 

[thomasortega]

Thanks Hydralique!

 

[~sudsshane]

Lullaby and Goodnight................

I always love a good story before bedtime..

Thanks, Thomas!

 

[thomasortega]

You're welcome, Shane

/mode sarcastic [ON]