Career prospects and job responsibilities of a foreign trade expert.

What are the various job responsibilities and prospects for a foreign trade expert?

The growth of foreign business and its importance to the national economy has increased the need for individuals prepared to handle the complex problems of international business, thus making international trade a lucrative profession. The job of a foreign trade expert is not limited to any specific segment such as marketing, documentation, shipping and packaging, or functions-related to export management, pricing, sourcing, costing, export market research, distribution, freight marketing, export finance, documentation and foreign exchange. It is a combination of all of the above and much more.

These professionals can get employment in both private and public sector. From banks, to manufacturing firms to government agencies, almost all industries having subsidiaries in other countries need people with a background in international business. Opportunities in merchandising companies, export units and the international business divisions of various MNCs are open to candidates of foreign trade.

The responsibilities assigned to a professional in this area include documentation related to export/import and liaison with the tax and custom authorities. Their work also involves liaisoning between exporters and port authority. Export managers and executives can find opportunities with insurance companies particularly marine insurance corporations where they are required to assess the loss or physical damage to the goods shipped in a country.