International trade increases and is a driving engine for the economy at large by generating foreign exchange inflow through national value added contribution. It creates sustainable jobs and human development in competitive businesses supported by competent authorities, and acts as a promoter of regional integration. It is partially a result of the on-going process of globalisation, but it also reflects the opportunities that today are available under the guidance of international agreements and recognized supervising bodies. However, there is still a fairly long way to go for many countries before rules based trading is implemented and advantageous to the economy.

International trade offers development opportunities by removing countries and regions from a position, essentially, as raw material suppliers towards a more equal participation in the global trading system - development in terms of capacity building and enhanced competitiveness of products. Trade also enhances inter-cultural understanding and eventually assists the process of a more peaceful interaction between the global economies.