THE Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry began an eight-day course in international trade at its training centre in Padedan township on May 11.

“The objective of the course is to enable participants to understand and be aware of the opportunities, challenges, risks and key success factors in international trade,” said U Sein Win Hlaing, the federation’s secretary-general.

“The participants will also gain a better understanding of the nuances of international business as well as how to access information and develop the linkages that will better equip them to be involved in international trade,” he said.

The course has attracted 60 participants, most of whom are from the private sector, including some involved export and import businesses.

Eight public servants from Myanma Agricultural Product Trading, the Department of Border Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Myanmar Agriculture Services are also taking part in the course.

The course will cover such topics as introduction to international trade, product selection, export financing, business communications and negotiation skills, market selection and access and export procedures.

Among those who will give lectures during the course are U Aung Moe, a member of the federation’s executive committee, U Thein Aung, the deputy managing director of the Co-operative Bank, and U Moe Kyaw, the managing director of Myanmar Market Research Development .

The training course includes discussion sessions with people involved in foreign trade.

One of the participants is Daw Khin Ohn Lwin, the managing director of Tri Light Co. Ltd., who said the course was useful for anyone involved in foreign trade.

Another participant, U Hlaing Moe, said the advice provided by those with experience in foreign trade was more useful than studying theoretical subjects.

“It’s useful to be able to discuss practical issues in business communication and negotiation,” said U Hlaing Moe, who is starting a pea export company in Yangon. “I want to attend more training courses like this,” he said.

The course fee is K9000.