The February issue of Initiatives covered several resources for U.S. companies seeking business contacts with foreign countries. Since then, Initiatives has found additional resources in this area, including the World Bank Public Information Center and U.S. Environmental Training Institute. The Eastern Europe Business Information Center and National Technology Transfer Center, mentioned in the February issue, have new services to offer.

World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial establishment that provides loans to member countries, their agencies, and private organizations for development projects. Many of its loan approvals spur economic development in these countries.

In accordance with the World Bank's decision to enact a more open information policy, it has established a public information center. The information center, in Washington, D.C., will enable the public to receive documents about bank operations, such as:

• economic reports of foreign countries,
• information reports on projects, and
• environmental assessment reports.

For more information call the World Bank Public Information Center at (202) 458-5454.

The United States Environmental Training Institute
Industrially developing countries want the best and most appropriate technology available. Businesses in the United States can supply those countries with the means to help treat ailing environments. The U.S. Environmental Training Institute is a non-profit, public-private [sic] organization that trains U.S. businesses to form successful partnerships with industrially developing countries in need of environmental solutions. Opportunities exist in Eastern Europe, Mexico, Latin America and Asia. For more information, or to obtain a copy of a course catalog, contact U.S. ETI at (202) 338-3400.

The Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center
The Central and Eastern Europe Business Bulletin is a free semi-monthly newsletter published by the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center at the U.S. Department of Commerce. A recent issue featured information concerning CEEBIC's Internet homepage. A homepage is an interactive index of information from a single source or on a particular subject. The Internet address for the homepage is http:// www.itaiep.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html.

This service grants electronic access to many documents that formerly were only available in hard copy. The homepage posts information on exporting to and investing in Central and Eastern Europe. Information that is currently accessible includes commercial overviews of countries, contacts in those countries, project descriptions, trade and business opportunities, issues of the Central and Eastern Europe Business Bulletin, and Eastern Europe Looks for Partners. CEEBIC provides a 24-hour, automated fax delivery service called EEBICFLASH. To receive documents, call (202) 482-5745 from any touch-tone telephone, and follow the voice instructions. An Initiatives staff member received a fax within five minutes of requesting it.

National Technology Transfer Center
The National Technology Transfer Center offers advice on developing and marketing technology products and processes. The goal of the center's International Technology Commercialization Training Program is to enhance the business skills of people with interest in promoting technologies in world markets.

To satisfy the needs of each client, NTTC develops and provides structured training and awareness programs in technology management and commercial viability. Covered topics include:

• potential foreign buyers of U.S. products and services,
• international business cultures,
• language barriers,
• international financing and licensing, and
• intellectual property rights in an international arena.

For more information, call (800) 678-NTTC or (800)678-6882.