Express Program: International Trade with China — Fast Start

The program aims to:
develop a comprehensive understanding of the structure of international trade transactions with China;
reduce the risk of mistakes during the first shipment;
provide tools for initial assessment of suppliers, trade terms, and logistics;
prepare participants for a conscious transition to more advanced training or practical activities.

By the end of the program, the participant:
understands the role of each party in an international trade transaction;
is familiar with the basic Incoterms applicable to China;
knows the minimum set of documents required to start importing;
is able to identify typical risks and incorrect decisions;
can assess their own readiness to begin international trade activities.

Module 1. China as a Participant in International Trade

Content:

Types of Chinese counterparts: manufacturers, trading companies, export agents
Differences in business models and areas of responsibility
Decision-making characteristics in Chinese companies
Critical mistakes made by foreign partners during communication
Module outcome:
Understanding who you are negotiating with and who is actually responsible for fulfilling obligations.

Module 2. Structure of an International Trade Transaction: China → Destination Market

Content:

Full transaction cycle: inquiry, quotation, production, quality control, shipment, customs clearance, delivery
Distribution of responsibilities between the supplier, logistics provider, broker, and buyer
Key points of financial and time losses
Module outcome:
The ability to see the transaction as a complete process rather than separate fragments.

Module 3. Incoterms as a Risk Management Tool

Content:

Practical application of EXW, FOB, CIF.
Transfer of risks and costs
Incoterms suitable for the first transaction
Incoterms that create higher risks for beginners
Module outcome:
A conscious choice of trade terms based on experience level and degree of control.

Module 4. Transaction Documentation

Content:

Minimum set of documents for import
Commercial and transport documents
Formal and actual requirements of the Chinese side
Imposed documents and services: how to distinguish necessity from manipulation
Module outcome:
Understanding which documents are truly critical and which are secondary.

Module 5. Typical Mistakes and Legal Risks

Content:

Pricing and supplier selection errors
Working without a contract or with a formal contract
Risks of intermediary schemes
Consequences of lacking quality control and proper fixation of terms
Module outcome:
The ability to recognize dangerous transaction scenarios in advance.

Module 6. Economic and Organizational Readiness for Import

Content:

Minimum volumes and financial requirements
Cash flow gaps and reserve planning
Assessment of market readiness
Situations where importing from China is not advisable
Module outcome:
A clear understanding of whether it is reasonable to start importing under current conditions.

Checklist: “Am I Ready for My First Deal with China?”
Interpretation of results
Recommendations for next steps:
advanced program
consultation support
practical internship