A Beginner’s Guide to the Core Ideas of Global Trade

A structured, comprehensive introduction to international trade designed specifically for professionals who want to build a rock-solid foundation in global commerce. This program takes you step-by-step through the fundamentals of import/export, payment methods, shipping documentation, and customs clearance.

Program Snapshot

• Target Audience: Professionals working in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Import, and Procurement.
• Duration: 6-Week comprehensive timeline.
• Format: 10 Core Sessions + Case Studies + Final Recap & Exam.
• Assessment: MCQ Exam at the end of the program.
• Certificate: Digital Certificate upon successful completion.

Why Choose This Program?

International trade can be complex and intimidating for beginners. Without a clear understanding of the rules, businesses can face severe real-world trade problems like Letter of Credit (LC) discrepancies, wrong HS code classifications, delays in customs clearance, and payment disputes.

The DeepSeek to Foreign Trade Foundation Program breaks down these complexities into easy-to-understand modules. Whether you are dealing with a Proforma Invoice for the first time or trying to understand who bears the risk during an international shipment, this course provides practical, real-world clarity.

Final Outcomes: What You Will Learn

By the end of this training, participants will have mastered:

• ✔ Import & Export Fundamentals
• ✔ International Payment Systems
• ✔ Incoterms and Shipping Responsibilities
• ✔ LC (Letter of Credit) Operations
• ✔ Trade Documentation
• ✔ Customs Clearance
• ✔ Risk Management in Trade

Recommended Course Timeline

The program is structured over a 6-Week Timeline to ensure steady, digestible learning:

• Week 1: Basic Trade Concepts
• Week 2: Payment Methods
• Week 3: Shipping Documents
• Week 4: Incoterms
• Week 5: LC Process
• Week 6: Customs & HS Code

Detailed Session Modules

Session 1: Introduction to International Trade Understand the fundamentals of global trade, domestic vs. international trade, why countries trade, and the role of the WTO, Customs, and Trade Authorities.

Session 2: Trade Terminology & Basic Concepts Learn the essential language of international trade, including buyer vs. seller, supplier vs. manufacturer, freight & insurance, and the difference between a Proforma Invoice and a Commercial Invoice.

Session 3: Basic Payment Methods Discover how buyers pay suppliers internationally. We cover advance payments, open accounts, documentary collections, the basic idea of a Letter of Credit (LC), and the critical role banks play in payment security.

Session 4: Basic Shipping & Documents Get familiar with the documents used in international shipments: Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and an introduction to the HS Code.

Session 5: Basic Import Process (Bangladesh Perspective) A practical step-by-step import flow from supplier selection and PI approval to shipment, customs clearance, and delivery. Includes introductions to IRC (Import Registration Certificate) and LCAF.

Session 6: Incoterms & International Delivery Terms Understand who pays what and who takes the risk. Get an overview of Incoterms 2020, focusing on major terms like EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR, and DDP, complete with real-life trade examples.

Session 7: Letter of Credit (LC) Deep Understanding Learn why LCs are used and the parties involved (Importer, Exporter, Issuing Bank, Advising Bank). We will walk through the step-by-step LC process and review a basic LC format.

Session 8: LC Types & Import Under LCAF Explore advanced LC structures, including Revocable vs. Irrevocable, Confirmed vs. Unconfirmed, Back-to-Back LC, Standby LC, UPAS LC, and specific import procedures under LCAF.

Session 9: Shipping Documentation & HS Code Dive deeper into how goods are classified and documented. Understand the structure of the HS Code, its classification system, and its absolute importance for customs duty.

Session 10: Customs Clearance & Duty Calculation Learn the practical import procedures for clearing goods from customs in Bangladesh. We cover the Bill of Entry, the ASYCUDA system, and the duty structure (CD, RD, SD, VAT, AT, AIT).

Advanced Add-Ons & Practical Application

Additional Professional Topics (Subject to time availability)

• Trade Risk Management: Preventing fraud, handling shipment delays, managing payment risks, and resolving LC discrepancies.
• Trade Rules: Overview of UCP 600 rules for LCs and ICC guidelines.
• Export Side Overview: Export LCs, export documentation, and document negotiation.

Highly Recommended Case Study Session Put your knowledge to the test with real-life examples. We will analyze actual trade problems such as LC discrepancy cases, wrong HS code issues, customs clearance delays, and payment disputes.

Final Closing Session & Certification We wrap up with a summary of the entire program, a key learning recap, an open participant Q&A, and the final MCQ Exam to earn your Digital Certificate.

Meet the Organizers

A K M Aleptagin

ExCo Membership and Events; GSSCP

A. K. M. Aleptagin is a supply chain professional with over 10 years of experience in raw material sourcing, vendor management, commercial operations, and logistics coordination. He has served in reputed organizations including DBL Group, Bengal Group of Industries, and Sun Home Energy Ltd. He holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management and possesses strong technical expertise in ERP systems and analytical tools.