Who We Are

The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce that advances U.S. business interests and national security objectives around the world. CLDP helps level the playing field for American business and strengthens U.S. national security by closing legal and regulatory gaps that malign foreign actors exploit in critical sectors such as telecommunications, energy, and minerals. CLDP provides expert, government-to-government commercial legal assistance to over 85 countries around the world. 

Who Benefits from CLDP Assistance

CLDP strengthens the United States by advancing fair and transparent legal systems in over 85 countries. Partnering closely with the U.S. interagency, CLDP helps build commercial legal systems that support American and local businesses alike. By fostering transparent regulations and stronger legal frameworks, CLDP creates new opportunities for U.S. businesses in emerging markets while ensuring fair competition through improved compliance with international and bilateral trade agreements. CLDP simultaneously empowers developing nations to modernize their legal systems—driving economic growth, stability, and opportunity. With CLDP's assistance. U.S. businesses gain access to fairer and more predictable markets, while partner countries gain the tools they need to build stronger economies.

The CLDP Team

The CLDP team consists of highly skilled lawyers, trade experts, and international program specialists with deep knowledge of commercial law, international trade and business, and economic development. With fluency in over 35 languages, CLDP staff work directly with foreign governments to advance U.S. interests abroad while helping host countries achieve their economic development objectives. CLDP partners with various offices within the U.S. Department of Commerce, other federal agencies, the U.S. judiciary, and international organizations to help countries draft laws and regulations, strengthen legal institutions, and train officials to ensure fair and predictable environments for business.

Why CLDP is Important

In the past three decades, strategic and emerging countries have displayed a greater commitment to achieving economic growth through liberalization. This has created an opportunity for the United States to build stronger bilateral relationships while increasing economic opportunity for itself and its partners. Many developing countries look to the United States for assistance to improve their laws and regulations. CLDP has filled that need by working with those governments to create effective and reliable political, commercial, and legal institutions that are critical to fostering attractive environments where businesses can find opportunity. Since 1992, CLDP has collaborated with partner countries to strengthen economic environments through a broad and flexible approach to commercial law technical assistance.

Who CLDP Serves

CLDP’s Areas of Expertise

Find out where CLDP is working