Jan 20, 2010

Media contact: Anne Russell
Cell: 604-798-3709
Office: 604-795-2826
anne.russell@ufv.ca

Hone your import/export skills at UFV

As global trade barriers are coming down, an increasing number of entrepreneurs are thinking of jumping into the import/export business. But to create powerful and go-to-market strategies, would-be traders need the information and resources to launch their initiatives successfully.

A new Import/Export Management program being offered this spring by Continuing Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley is intended for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, across all industries and sectors.
”We will help you to meet the challenge of succeeding in this sector by helping you to acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed to successfully develop launch and manage export/import initiatives,” says Henk Gauw, who will be teaching the program.

This highly interactive program consists of five integrated modules, covering market research, product launch, selling through multiple channels, finance/payment and risk management, and the development of an import/export plan.

The first four modules consist of four three-hour workshops and 18 hours of supervised, self-directed practicum each. The fifth module will enable you to consolidate the practicum assignments of the first four modules into a feasible import/ export plan (or case) for a market and product or service of your choice. Plans and cases will be analyzed on practicality and risks, followed by detailed feedback.

“At UFV Continuing Studies, we are dedicated to meeting community education needs, and this new program is another example of how we do that,” said UFV Continuing Studies director Cheryl Isaac.

An electronic study guide for each module is included in the course fee.

The program is offered at UFV’s main Abbotsford campus, from February 3 to June 30, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. There is no class on March 31 and June 2.

All instructors and guest presenters are practising industry professionals.

Students should have English 12-level language skills and basic word processing skills. As all course material will be posted on the course website, access to and familiarity with the Internet is also recommended.

To find out more about the Import/Export course, call instructor Henk Gauw at 1.866.824.8998 or email  henk@gauw.com

To sign up for the course, drop in to any UFV admissions and records office, phone 1-888-823-8734, or see the registration forms at: www.ufv.ca/Continuing_Studies/Registration_Forms.htm

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