221 



functions currently being performed by FAS that do not directly 

 support this mission are the ones that could be submitted for 

 further scrutiny. Our industry's decade of experience with FAS 

 export programs has demonstrated that the programs work, and are 

 not in need of reorganization. Three key points need emphasis in 

 order to insure that FAS moves ahead to fulfill its mandate from 

 a position of strength. They are: 



1. PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT ; 



Our experience with the FAS program has been successful 

 first and foremost because of our partnership with the FAS staff 

 in Washington and at the posts overseas. This partnership allows 

 the public and private sectors to specialize and perform the 

 tasks each is most effective in performing. This close working 

 relationship is what makes the FAS program unique and has allowed 

 our industry to learn and grow into new markets around the world. 

 The analytical, marketing, trade policy and logistical support we 

 receive on a regular basis from FAS has been invaluable to our 

 industry, which is primarily composed of small to medium sized 

 companies. We rely on the information and trade policy reports 

 from the posts and from the analysis of the domestic marketing 

 staff when formulating and carrying out our plans each year. 

 When a new market opportunity presents itself, it is often the 

 overseas post who is the first to alert us. We can then take 



