English for Business Communication

Business English for Export and International Trade — Course Outline

1. Introduction to Business English and International Trade
Learn the fundamentals of business English, essential vocabulary, and terminology used in international trade.

2. Introducing Yourself, Your Company, and Your Products
Learn how to introduce yourself, your company or cooperative, and your flagship products to prospective international business partners.

3. Business Correspondence and Professional Email Writing
Practice writing business emails, sales offers, requests for information, and follow-up messages to prospective international buyers.

4. Product Description and Presentation
Learn how to describe product specifications, quality, competitive advantages, raw materials, production capacity, and added value in English.

5. Finding Buyers and Making Business Inquiries
Learn how to write outreach messages, contact potential buyers and importers, and respond to business inquiries.

6. Business Telephone and Online Meeting Communication
Develop the skills needed to communicate professionally by telephone, video conference, and online meetings with international partners.

7. Quotations, Pricing, and Order Negotiation
Learn how to communicate prices, order quantities, discounts, payment terms, and export transaction requirements in English.

8. Negotiation Skills in International Business
Practice negotiating, making counteroffers, reaching agreements, and maintaining positive business relationships.

9. Export Documents and Trade Terminology
Learn English terminology used in export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.

10. Shipping, Delivery, and Logistics Communication
Develop the language skills needed to discuss shipping schedules, transportation methods, logistics costs, shipment tracking, and delivery delays.

11. Customer Service, Complaints, and Problem-Solving
Learn how to handle customer inquiries, complaints, product discrepancies, and transaction-related problems professionally.

12. Business Presentations and Product Pitching
Practice presenting companies and products at trade fairs, business meetings, and international networking events.

13. Cross-Cultural Business Communication
Understand cultural differences, communication etiquette, business manners, and negotiation styles when working with partners from different countries.

14. Digital Business Communication and AI-Assisted Writing
Learn to use email, business messaging applications, translation tools, and artificial intelligence to support business communication while verifying language accuracy and factual information.

15. Export Business Communication Simulation
Participate in a comprehensive export communication simulation, from introducing products and sending sales offers to negotiating terms and confirming orders.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to introduce their products in English, write sales emails to prospective international buyers, conduct basic business conversations and negotiations, and communicate professionally throughout the export process.

This course is designed to equip participants with the skills to use English effectively and professionally in international business, particularly to support export activities and the business development of cooperatives and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The learning materials cover essential business and international trade vocabulary, drafting emails and sales quotations to prospective buyers, introducing companies and products, communicating by telephone and in online meetings, negotiating prices and trade terms, and handling customer inquiries and complaints. Participants will also practice delivering product presentations, highlighting their business strengths, and building business relationships with partners from different countries. Upon completing this course, participants are expected to communicate in English confidently, clearly, and professionally to expand their business networks and increase export opportunities in international markets.