The Course

International business is increasing conducted under the influence of a growing body of international Law. These set the framework for international trade, and competition in trade, with the aim of removing unnecessary barriers. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been at the forefront of establishing global trading practices, but other multi-lateral and bilateral agreements need to be considered. This course provides an introduction to this legal framework for the non-specialist.

The course covers:

• The aims and intentions of international agreements
• Practical implications for businesses trading internationally
• Legislation applicable for international government procurement<

The Goals

• Overview of aims of WTO
• Overview of applicable legislation
• Overview of current bilateral and multinational agreements
• Understand the WTO legal system
• Review WTO Obligations and Commitments
• Study the WTO's dispute settlement, monitoring and enforcement system

The Process

Participants will learn by active participation throughout the programme through the use of course materials, exercises, questionnaires, training videos and discussion of “real life” issues in their organizations. The presenter is an experienced practitioner and consultant in international procurement, and focuses on the practical implications rather than specialist legal issues.

The Benefits

By attending this seminar, the employee will:

• Have awareness of basis of International Law
• Have Understanding of the principles of economic trade and development
• Learn key learning points for application in your own organisation

The Results

The organisation will gain the following:

• A streamlined Supply System
• Reduced working capital
• Lower costs
• Better customer service
• Reduced friction costs

The Core Competencies

• Ethical behaviour
• International Trade regulations
• International Trade practices
• Government Procurement and contracts

The Programme Content

Setting the scene

• Overview and History of The World Trade Organisation
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
• Principles underlying World Trade agreements
• Assumptions about Economic Trade and Development
• Economic Principles of Trade
• Areas not covered by WTO
• General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - GATT
• The Doha Round of negotiations – progress and stumbling blocks
• Legal remedies and processes

Practical application of WTO Practices

• WTO Obligations and commitments
• Trade Defence instruments including Anti-dumping legislation
• Tariffs and Barriers
• Non-tariff barriers
• Subsidies
• Innovation
• Intellectual Property
• Research and Development

 

Government Procurement under WTO

• Aims and intentions of Government Procurement legislation
• European Legislation
• US legislation
• Exclusions and exemptions
• Acceptable government procurement practices
• Development of local business and economies
• International Trade Development

 

Incoterms

• Purpose and applicability of Incoterms
• New revision Incoterms 2010
• Definition of each term
• Incorporation into terms and conditions
• Pitfalls and practicalities of Incoterms

 

International Ethics

• Best Practices in avoiding Corruption
• The Bribery Act in the EU
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (USA)
• Standards in Ethical Behaviour
• Corporate Social Responsibility