ABSTRACT
When researching a new country contacts who know it can be invaluable. They can suggest whom you should meet and maybe provide introductions. They can advise on the culture and help you avoid religious festivals. If relevant, overseas subscribers, internal overseas experts or alumni associations might be able to help. To find information on a foreign country it is sometimes worth contacting its embassy in your own country and asking the information officers whether they can help. They might, for example, be able to provide a list of the top companies doing business in your country. Alternatively the trade department might help with information on companies or the business environment in a specific country. Thus in the UK both the Foreign Office and the DTI produce relatively cheap booklets such as country profiles and sector studies, and have country desks that might give free advice.
