Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.

For U.S. businesses interested in doing business in Lesotho, it is important to have local presence by establishing branch offices, pursuing joint ventures with local businesses, or making use of sales agents. It is worthwhile to establish business relationships before tender opportunities are announced. U.S. firms should seek local partners with an existing reputation in their line of business or a complementary business. For instance, the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission has mentioned that preference for LHWP Phase II tenders will be given to Basotho, South African, and SADC contractors. U.S. businesses interested in this project are encouraged to form joint ventures with local and regional companies in order to benefit from the tenders in this multi-million project. Personal meetings with potential agents are encouraged, and due diligence is recommended to ensure that partners are reliable. The U.S. Embassy encourages prospective U.S. investors to contact the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), which plays a facilitating role for foreign investors, providing information to prospective investors, arranging for site visits, helping with registration and licensing, and securing premises.

In addition to information in this Country Commercial Guide, the U.S. Commercial Service office in Johannesburg offers many services designed to assist U.S. investors in developing their market entry strategy and to facilitate export experience in Lesotho. For a detailed description of these services, please visit:

http://export.gov/southafrica/servicesforu.s.companies/index.asp

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.