The landscape of international trade is constantly evolving, shaped by shifting geopolitical forces, new trade agreements, and technological advancements. For businesses operating on a global scale, a deep understanding of trade policy and its business implications is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring compliance. This training course is designed to provide professionals with the strategic knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate the complexities of global commerce, from managing regulatory hurdles to optimizing international supply chains in a dynamic economic environment.

This intensive five-day program will take you on a comprehensive journey through the critical facets of international trade, from foundational concepts to advanced policy analysis. By examining the roles of key international bodies and dissecting the mechanics of trade agreements, participants will learn how to proactively assess risks, identify opportunities, and formulate robust business strategies. You will leave this course equipped with the expertise to lead your organization through the intricate world of global trade with confidence and competence.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• International trade managers and directors
• Export and import specialists
• Supply chain and logistics professionals
• Government and public policy officials
• Legal counsel specializing in trade law
• Business development executives
• Economists and market analysts
• Customs brokers and trade compliance officers
• Consultants specializing in global business
• Executives of multinational corporations

Objectives:

• Grasp the foundational theories and principles of international trade
• Analyze the impact of global trade policies on business operations
• Evaluate major international trade agreements and their legal frameworks
• Develop effective strategies for managing customs and compliance risks
• Formulate robust plans for global supply chain management
• Understand and navigate the complexities of trade finance and currency risk
• Anticipate and respond to geopolitical risks and trade disputes
• Leverage digital tools and e-commerce for international expansion
• Synthesize knowledge to create a strategic global business plan

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of International Trade

• The principles of comparative and competitive advantage
• Understanding the balance of payments and foreign exchange markets
• The role of tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers
• International trade theories and their real-world applications
• The economic and social impacts of globalization

Module 2: The Global Trade Landscape

• The role and function of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Key international institutions and their influence (IMF, World Bank)
• An overview of regional and bilateral trade agreements
• The significance of free trade areas, customs unions, and common markets
• Challenges and controversies in the modern global trading system

Module 3: Trade Agreements and Regional Blocs

• Dissecting the structure and key provisions of major trade agreements
• The impact of rules of origin and local content requirements
• How to leverage trade agreements to gain a competitive advantage
• Analyzing the implications of regional economic blocs (e.g., ASEAN, EU)
• The process of trade agreement negotiation and implementation

Module 4: Customs, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management

• The process of customs valuation and classification (HS Codes)
• Incoterms 2020: roles, risks, and responsibilities
• The fundamentals of international logistics and freight forwarding
• Strategies for optimizing global supply chain resilience
• Understanding customs compliance and avoiding penalties

Module 5: Trade Finance and Risk Management

• An introduction to various methods of payment in international trade
• The role of letters of credit, bank guarantees, and trade credit insurance
• Managing foreign exchange risk and currency fluctuations
• Understanding political risk, sovereign risk, and commercial risk
• Utilizing hedging strategies to mitigate financial exposure

Module 6: International Trade Law and Compliance

• Key legal frameworks governing international trade
• Understanding anti-dumping and countervailing duties
• Navigating sanctions, export controls, and embargoes
• The legal implications of intellectual property rights in trade
• Best practices for maintaining trade compliance programs

Module 7: Geopolitical Risk and Trade Policy Analysis

• How geopolitical events influence global trade flows
• Analyzing the impact of protectionism and trade wars
• The role of diplomacy and negotiation in resolving trade disputes
• Tools and frameworks for assessing country and market risk
• Developing scenarios for future trade policy changes

Module 8: E-Commerce and Digital Trade

• The unique challenges and opportunities of cross-border e-commerce
• Navigating digital trade policies and data localization laws
• The impact of digital platforms on international trade
• Strategies for managing customs and taxes for online sales
• Future trends in digital trade and technology

Module 9: Strategic Business Planning for Global Markets

• Conducting international market entry and feasibility analysis
• Formulating a comprehensive global business expansion strategy
• The role of trade policy and agreements in business strategy
• Building a resilient and adaptable organizational structure for global operations
• Case studies and practical applications for developing a global trade strategy

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.