Course in Steps to Success in Trade and Import & Export Operations

International trade represents one of the cornerstones of today’s global economy, as it contributes significantly to economic growth and facilitates the exchange of goods and services between nations. With increasing economic openness and the rapid development of transport and communication systems, import and export operations have become critical drivers of institutional growth and competitiveness. Understanding the mechanisms of trade, mastering the regulatory frameworks related to import and export, and acquiring the ability to manage commercial and financial risks are essential steps toward achieving success and sustainability in both local and international markets. This training program, presented by Geneva Institute of Business Administration under the title “Steps to Success in Trade and Import & Export Operations”, is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to build effective trade strategies and secure a sustainable competitive advantage.

Target Audience

• Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to expand into international markets through import and export activities.

• Procurement and supply chain professionals who need a deeper understanding of customs and logistical requirements.

• Sales and marketing specialists aiming to strengthen their capabilities in dealing with international markets.

• Bankers and financial professionals engaged in financing international trade operations.

• Administrative and managerial staff responsible for designing long-term commercial strategies and policies within institutions.

Objectives

• Introduce participants to the practical steps required to establish and sustain a successful trading business built on sound foundations.

• Enable participants to understand customs procedures, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements linked to import and export operations.

• Provide participants with knowledge of logistics management practices to ensure smooth and efficient flow of goods across borders.

• Familiarize participants with international payment methods and financing tools that support global trade activities.

• Strengthen participants’ ability to analyze foreign markets, identify opportunities, and select reliable trade partners.

Course Outline

• Fundamentals of Successful Trade

  • Core concepts of domestic and international trade.

  • Key success factors in competitive trade environments.

  • Importance of market research before entering trade ventures.

  • Political, economic, and legal factors influencing trade activities.

• Introduction to Import and Export Operations

  • Definition and significance of import and export in global economies.

  • Roles of different stakeholders in international trade.

  • Factors influencing the selection of target countries and markets.

  • Differences between domestic and foreign markets.

• Customs and Regulatory Procedures

  • Essential documents required for import and export transactions.

  • Customs regulations and the role of official authorities.

  • Tariffs and their impact on goods movement.

  • Common errors in customs processes and how to avoid them.

• International Transportation and Shipping

  • Main modes of transportation (sea, air, land).

  • Advantages and disadvantages of each transport method.

  • Packaging and labeling requirements in international shipping.

  • Importance of selecting reliable shipping companies.

• Supply Chain Management

  • Concept and importance of supply chains in international trade.

  • Coordination between suppliers, importers, and intermediaries.

  • Strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

  • Role of technology in optimizing supply chain operations.

• International Commercial Terms (Incoterms)

  • Overview of Incoterms and their purpose.

  • Differences between terms and their financial implications.

  • Responsibilities of buyers and sellers under each term.

  • Practical applications of Incoterms in trade contracts.

• International Payment and Financing Methods

  • Common payment methods used in global trade.

  • Letters of credit as a secure tool for transactions.

  • Role of banks in financing international operations.

  • Risks associated with payment methods and risk mitigation.

• Risks in International Trade

  • Financial risks and foreign exchange fluctuations.

  • Political and regulatory risks.

  • Risks linked to transportation and shipping.

  • Strategies for effective risk management.

• Foreign Market Analysis

  • Tools and techniques for studying international markets.

  • Key indicators for assessing market attractiveness.

  • Identifying competitors and building competitive advantage.

  • Selecting the right countries or sectors for expansion.

• Building Successful International Trade Relations

  • Criteria for selecting reliable trade partners.

  • Fundamentals of effective commercial negotiation.

  • Importance of trust and credibility in international trade.

  • Long-term strategies for sustaining trade partnerships.