VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

🙞···☼···🙜

INTERNSHIP REPORT
GOODS EXPORT OPERATION AT 99 GOLD DATA
PROCESSING TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

Instructor: DR. Tran Thi Tuyet

MEMBERS STUDENT ID
Nguyen Vinh Dat 2052948

Ho Chi Minh – 07/2023

1
 Table of Contents
LIST OF ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................... 4
I/ OVERVIEW OF 99 GOLD DATA PROCESSING TRADING COMPANY LIMITED......... 8
1.1 Overview of the formation and development process of 99 Gold Data company ......... 8
1.1.1 Business overview.......................................................................................... 8
1.1.2 History and development process .................................................................... 9
1.1.3 Function and mission ..................................................................................... 9
1.1.4 Organizational structure .............................................................................. 10
1.2 Business performance of 99 Gold Data ................................................................. 12
1.2.1 Business performance Period 2020-2022 .............................................................. 12
1.2.2 Future development orientation .......................................................................... 13
II/ COMMODITY EXPORT OPERATIONS AT 99 GOLD DATA PROCESSING TRADING
COMPANY LIMITED..................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Company’s main export markets .............................................................................. 14
2.2 Commodity export operations at 99 Gold Data .......................................................... 15
2.3 Evaluation of commodity export activities at 99 Gold Data.......................................... 21
2.3.1 Advantages ....................................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Disadvantages ................................................................................................... 22
III/ SOLUTIONS TO COMPLETE THE EXPORT PROCESS OF GOODS AT 99 GOLD
DATA............................................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Improve product quality .......................................................................................... 24
3.2 Strengthen relationships with forwarder companies ................................................... 25
3.3 Strengthen relationships with suppliers ..................................................................... 26
3.4 Optimizing the conclusion of contracts ...................................................................... 26
3.6 Expand and diversify customers ............................................................................... 27
IV/ INTERNSHIP AT 99 GOLD DATA............................................................................. 27
4.1 Instructors.............................................................................................................. 27
4.2 Objectives achieved ................................................................................................. 28
4.3 Tasks/Works performed .......................................................................................... 28
V/ EVALUATE THE INTERNSHIP PROCESS EXPERIENCES AFTER THE INTERNSHIP
AT 99 GOLD DATA ........................................................................................................ 31
5.1 Evaluate the knowledge gained through the internship process at 99 Gold Data company
................................................................................................................................... 31
2
VI/ CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................... 32
REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 34
APPENDIX..................................................................................................................... 35

3
 LIST OF ACRONYMS

Acronyms English Vietnamese

1 B/L Bill of Lading Vận đơn đường biển

2 T/T Telegraphic Transfer Chuyển tiền bằng điện

3 C/O Certificate of Origin Giấy chứng nhận xuất xứ

4 FCL Full Container Load Hàng xếp đủ một cont

Hàng xếp không đủ một

5 LCL Less than Container Load
cont
Doanh nghiệp với doanh
6 B2B Business to Business
nghiệp

7 L/C Letter of Credit Thư tín dụng

8 PI Proforma Invoice Hóa đơn chiếu lệ

4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success and final outcome of our project required a lot of guidance and
assistance from many people. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt
gratitude to Dr. Tran Thi Tuyet, my Internship Instructor, for providing me with this
wonderful opportunity as well as helpful instruction throughout the course. Once
again, I wish Dr. Tuyet good health, happiness and many new achievements on her
teaching and research career. Moreover, I would like to express my sincerest
gratitude to the school board of directors and all the lecturers who are working at
HCMC University of Technology in general and the lecturers at the School of
Industrial Management in particular, have enthusiastically provided extremely
valuable and useful knowledge that supports and accompanies me throughout the
journey of studying and working in the future.

Furthermore, an indispensable factor, I would also like to thank 99 Gold Data

Processing Trading Company Limited – which created conditions and opportunities
for me to gain and access all practical knowledge that is completely useful. Besides, I
also have the chance to work with talented colleagues, especially Mr. PH - General
Manager. General Manager PH was ready to spend time, effort and enthusiastically
help and guide me during the internship period. As an export company with a small
scale, the company has a dynamic working environment, the employees are all
experienced, talented and willing to share from the little things about the knowledge
in the industry, as well as sincere advice and the support of data and documents, all
resonated so that I could complete this report well and thoroughly. For me, this will
surely be a beautiful memory and a memorable milestone in my career journey.
Wishing everyone in the company always have good health and keep their passion
and enthusiasm in their current work, wish 99 Gold Data company to grow more and
more successful in the coming time, firmly bring Vietnamese products to the world
market.

5
ABSTRACT

In the context that globalization is becoming an inevitable trend taking place

strongly around the world, the relationship between countries in economic terms seems to
be becoming closer and closer and foreign trade plays a very important role. Vietnam's
economy after joining the WTO in 2007 has been showing its deeper integration into the
world economy through foreign trade bridges with the core goal of promoting import and
export activities to serve as a solid foundation for the industrialization and modernization
of the country through foreign trade policy. Participating in import and export activities is
not easy because it requires businesses not only to master the operations and professional
qualifications but also to have the flexibility and sensitivity to respond when dealing with
partners around the globe, thus directly impacting the success of the business. Specifically,
imports create inputs for export production, play a role in promoting exports as well as
creating favorable conditions for bringing Vietnamese goods to the international market. In
contrast, exports provide capital for imports, support national economic development and
contribute to solving employment problems of the national economy.

With a history closely associated with agriculture like Vietnam, the agricultural
products and handicrafts sector is still one of the exciting activities and an important
contribution to national economic growth up to now. The quality of agricultural and
handicraft products is increasing day by day, gradually reaching out to the world market
because they not only serve the daily life of domestic consumers but also meet and satisfy
the strict capital needs from other countries. Therefore, the promotion of agricultural
products and handicrafts through export activities plays a very important role in Vietnam's
economic growth as well as solving employment problems for rural workers while
contributing to maintaining, preserving national cultural identity in localities, traditional
craft villages, bringing Vietnamese cultural values to the whole world.

In recognition of the internship and learning process at 99 Gold Data Processing

Trading Company Limited. I chose to conduct the report " GOODS EXPORT
6
OPERATION AT 99 GOLD DATA PROCESSING TRADING COMPANY LIMITED”
to learn and delve into import and export operations in practice.

The structure of the report consists of three chapters as follows:

Chapter 1: Overview of 99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company Limited.

Chapter 2: Commodity export operations at 99 Gold Data Processing Trading

Company Limited.

Chapter 3: Solutions to complete the export process of goods at 99 Gold Data

Processing Trading Company Limited.

In the process of implementing this report, despite certain efforts to improve

knowledge and improve skills, shortcomings and limitations are inevitable due to the short
internship time at the company and limited practical experience. Therefore, I really look
forward to receiving comments from you to help me improve this report.

7
I/ OVERVIEW OF 99 GOLD DATA PROCESSING TRADING
COMPANY LIMITED
1.1 Overview of the formation and development process of 99 Gold Data
company
1.1.1 Business overview

Figure 1. Logo 99 Gold Data Figure 2. Logo 99 Gold Craft

- Company's name (Vietnamese): Công ty TNHH Sản Xuất Thương Mại

99 Gold Data
- Company's name (English): 99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company
Limited
- Abbreviations: 99 Gold Data
- Legal representative: Pham Gia Dat
- Tax code: 0314544970
- Head office address: 99D street no. 8, Truong Thanh ward, Thu Duc
city, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
- Sales Department 1: 9 street no. 54, Thanh My Loi ward, Thu Duc city,
Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
- Sales Department 2: 236/26 Dien Bien Phu street, ward 17, Binh Thanh
District, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
- Sales Department 3: 32 street no. 82 Bung Ong Thoan, Phu Huu ward,
Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
- Phone: 0886 899 018
- Email: info@99golddata.com
8
 - Website: www.99golddata.com

1.1.2 History and development process

99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company Limited was officially established

on 31/07/2017 by Mr. Pham Gia Dat and granted a business operation license by
District 9 Tax Department. With more than 5 years of experience in the field of
purchasing and exporting key agricultural products and handicrafts, the company has
achieved many strides and achievements to be proud of. With the main office located
at 99D Street No. 8, Truong Thanh Ward, Thu Duc City, the company also has 3
other branches in Thu Duc City and Binh Thanh District to facilitate access to
customers more easily and effectively.

In addition, the company has contributed to bringing Vietnamese names and

brands to the international market by effectively approaching and building
cooperative relationships with many import partners in many different countries,
such as India, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Indonesia, ...

1.1.3 Function and mission

1.1.3.1 Function

With the main function of trading activities (buying and reselling), 99 Gold
Data Company is a bridge between Vietnam market and countries around the world.
The company always strives to meet and serve the needs of customers, while
supporting domestic manufacturers to bring domestic goods to the international
market. The company's main and key commodity strengths include processed food
goods (including vegetables, tubers, fruits, dried/frozen fruits,..) and handicrafts
(including furniture, eating utensils, bags, shoes,... made entirely of natural raw
materials such as hyacinth, bamboo, coconut, rattan ,...). Moreover, with the
increasingly diverse and abundant needs of partners, the company is also ready to
meet items such as dried spices (lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon,...), essential oils
9
(orange, grapefruit, lemon,...)

1.1.3.2 Mission

For the Vietnamese State, the company is obliged to do business in the right
registered industry, comply with the provisions of law and state policies as well as
international practices on goods import and export business activities in order to
comply with regulations.

For customers, 99 Gold Data constantly maintains and improves the quality of
products and services to satisfy the increasingly personalized and diverse needs of
customers, always responding, listening and collecting all suggestions from
customers, thereby improving the reputation of the company. In addition, Marketing
to promote the image and improve coverage is also an activity the company always
tries to improve day by day, thereby opening opportunities for long-term and
sustainable development.

For employees, 99 Gold Data Company must comply with labor laws, ensure
appropriate salary and remuneration regimes as prescribed in the labor contract. In
addition, professional training policies are also regularly organized periodically to
improve skills and skills for the company's staff, and at the same time increase the
attachment and closeness between members because sharing and support is always
the top priority in the company's activities.

1.1.4 Organizational structure

1.1.4.1 Organizational chart of human resources at 99 Gold Data company

Currently, with its young age, 99 Gold Data Company has a simple and neat
organizational structure to minimize the bulkiness in the operating apparatus, thereby
saving as much as possible the costs incurred, focusing resources on export activities
that account for the majority of related costs.

10
 Chart 1. Company structure 99 Gold Data

1.1.4.2 Functions and missions

CEO (General Manager): The founder, executive and legal representative,

responsible for all business activities of 99 Gold Data. The director is the one who
guides and sets operational strategies as well as directly manages cooperation
activities, runs departments in the company.

Manager: Responsible for navigating and building business activities for

employees as well as guiding and supporting foreign trade staff in the process of
contract performance, export of goods and trainees in the period of approaching
work.

Leader: Directly instruct team members and trainees as directed by the

manager.

Sales staff: search for potential customers, find out item information from
suppliers and advise customers, enthusiastically answer, and take care of customers;
Use marketing tools to promote and increase customer access to products in the field
11
the company pursues.

1.2 Business performance of 99 Gold Data

1.2.1 Business performance Period 2020-2022

2020 2021 2022

Revenue 24,000,962,590 24,284,582,480 32,531,238,920

Cost 22,992,101,237 23,007,927,846 30,512,481,081

Profit 1,008,861,353 1,276,654,994 2,018,757,839

Table 1. Report on business performance of 99 Gold Data from 2020-2022

(Unit: Vietnam Dong)

2020 and 2021 marked a difficult period for the global economy when the
Covid-19 epidemic hindered business activities and caused serious supply chain
disruptions. Ho Chi Minh City, which is one of the leading economic centers of
Vietnam, has not stood aside from the wave of difficulties and continuously entered
strict lockdowns, making movement and goods circulation very difficult. Moreover,
international trade business activities also face many challenges and difficulties.
However, according to the company's income report, compared to 2020, profit still
witnessed a slight increase thanks to effective management, constantly improving
productivity of employees in the company. In addition, fixed costs such as utilities
and services are expensive, because social distancing measures force employees to
work from home, the company can minimize these costs, thereby contributing to
profit growth.

Data based on table 1 shows that the company's revenue in 2021 has increased
by VND 283,619,890 (equivalent to an increase of 1.18%) compared to 2020,
although expenses have increased by VND 15,826,249 (up 0.07%) but still offset by
an increase in profit of VND 267,793,641 (equivalent to 26.54%).
12
 Revenue in 2022 witnessed a strong increase compared to the previous two
years thanks to building and maintaining close relationships with old customers,
creating opportunities for new orders with higher value because they had a certain
confidence in the quality of products from the first shipment. The epidemic is
controlled, the demand for goods in the international market becomes exciting and
bustling. Compared to 2021, revenue in 2022 increased by VND 8,246,656,440 (up
33.95%), expenses increased by VND 7,504,553,595 (up 32.61%) and profit
increased by VND 742,102,845 (up 58.13%). This is a very exciting and optimistic
sign for 99 Gold Data Company because of the relentless efforts from both the Board
of Directors and all employees in the company.

1.2.2 Future development orientation

With two core products considered as the company's strengths including

processed food and handicrafts, 99 Gold Data in the coming time will continue to
focus and pursue the commercial production orientation to export and affirm
position, its role between domestic and international businesses. In addition, the
company is constantly accumulating experience to create momentum for its plans to
expand its scale, increase business capital in the future, thereby maximizing its
operating apparatus through building prestige and corporate brand.

In order to do that, 99 Gold Data will continue to exploit, search and diversify
potential customer sources, expand target markets by thoroughly using market search
marketing tools, and continue to maintain interest and support, maintain relationships
with old customers to improve and increase the number of potential orders of the
company.

In addition, each market with different characteristics and cultures needs its
own approach, so the company needs to develop a strategy suitable for each type of
target market to bring the highest business efficiency. Moreover, food safety and

13
quality standards have also been improved to the best to meet the requirements of
demanding customers around the globe. At the same time, 99 Gold Data Company
always develops and proposes reward and incentive policies thereby improving
efficiency and creating a dynamic and effective working environment, constantly
improving information processing and professional skills of employees through
employee training programs in each department.

Moreover, with the intention of building a separate customer care department,

the Company hopes to be able to satisfy and meet the increasing needs of customers
globally. The continued preservation and maintenance of close relationships with
ship owners, forwarder companies and long-term suppliers of export products is still
more interested by the company to bring the best services at competitive prices,
attract a large number of customers.

II/ COMMODITY EXPORT OPERATIONS AT 99 GOLD DATA

PROCESSING TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
2.1 Company’s main export markets

In terms of export markets, 99 Gold Data is currently exporting in a variety of

markets but focusing on exploiting a lot in the main markets that are North America,
South America and East Asia. However, in recent times, the company has not only
focused on improving the competitiveness of these regions but also encouraging and
enhancing the expansion of business into other markets with a wide range of products
from various fields of operation, and this also gives the company more opportunities
to meet the needs of international customers in a wider and more diverse way.

Specifically, for the North American market, in which the United States is the
largest handicraft consumer market in Vietnam and of 99 Gold Data itself, with the
advantages of raw materials available on-site without relying on importing raw
materials, at the same time, handicrafts in Vietnam are mainly exported to the US,
14
Therefore, 99 Gold Data is focusing on exploiting this market, improving
competitiveness by improving product quality along with competitive prices. In
addition, Japan and the European Union (especially Germany), as well as Australia
and South Korea, are also countries where 99 Gold Data increased exports of
handicrafts to these markets.

Figure 3. List of importing markets for a product exported by Viet Nam in 2021
(rattan products)

2.2 Commodity export operations at 99 Gold Data

From the perspective of approaching and observing during the internship, in

general, the process to export a successful shipment of goods includes the following
specific steps:

Step 1: Offer and receive orders

In order to reach an abundant source of customers around the world, popular

channels that sales staff can use to find potential customers can be mentioned as
15
social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, company website
However, at 99 Gold Data, The number of customers mainly comes from:

Firstly, Alibaba – one of the world's leading e-commerce platforms at the

moment. It is undeniable that with the number of users visiting every day is huge,
owning a store and reaching this number of customers offers huge potential.
Elaborating on diverse post content, eye-catching illustrations and building popular,
accessible keywords is absolutely necessary to help the post attract viewers, quickly
reach the top of the search from which to cover more customers.

Secondly, Go4worldbusiness – a B2B e-commerce platform where information

about diverse categories between global suppliers and buyers is exchanged.
Go4worldbusiness is opened not only to effectively support businesses in finding
sources of goods with optimal prices but also brings potential business opportunities
beyond the domestic market. Sales staff after searching to find customers with
similar needs to the products of the company will receive customer information via
email that has been provided by themselves through a brief offer. From there, sales
staff can use customers' Email / WhatsApp information to offer goods to help
customers access the company's products, thereby consulting and supporting relevant
information to get orders with customers.

In terms of content, the offer letter via Email needs to be more formal and
complete through WhatsApp with the main basic contents including: name of goods,
origin, specifications, packaging, delivery conditions, payment method,... The
content of the offer letter, besides being thoughtful, also needs to be short, eye-
catching and easy to see for readers.

After receiving replies and related requests from customers, sales staff pay
special attention and follow up with customers, ready to provide and advise
information to customers because the promptness and enthusiasm often make

16
customers feel sympathetic and solve the time zone issue that is easy to hinder
negotiations foreign trade.

Step 2: Search and contact suppliers

Quality of goods and price are two prerequisites that influence a customer's
purchasing decision, so it is extremely important to conduct a search and contact the
right supplier. We can search on Facebook, Google or Shopee, Lazada,... For strong
items that the company regularly exports, sales staff can contact the old supplier
thanks to the previously established contact at a preferential price or look for a new
supplier with a better price depending on the demand. For new items or goods that
are less exported by the company, sales staff must understand the needs of customers
and find suitable suppliers for that item. Normally, sales staff need to trace the origin
of the item of the strength of any province / city, from which to be able to access the
supplier with the best price.

For example, Ben Tre is famous as the coconut country of Vietnam, where
most coconut products are processed and formed. Therefore, for coconut products
that the company is currently supplying such as Coir Mats, Copra Rice, Coconut
Rope ,... finding workshops or companies located in Ben Tre will bring the most
competitive prices.

In addition to the reputation of the supplier as well as certificates is one of the

criteria to evaluate the quality of goods, however, if the geographical location is
convenient and suitable, sales staff will survey and evaluate the quality of goods
through business trips to the factory. In case of geographical constraints or to save
time, quality assessment can still take place thanks to the supplier shipping samples
directly to the company.

Step 3: Negotiate and sign a sales contract.

17
 The negotiation process will be conducted via Email or WhatsApp. The sales
staff after negotiating the terms of quantity, quality, selling price, shipping cost,
purchase terms and summarizing all types of costs (original price, domestic shipping
fee, business fee,...) will notify the price back to the customer. After reaching an
agreement from both sides with terms that are mutually beneficial, the sales staff will
send a pro forma invoice to the buyer via Email and after agreeing on the terms of the
contract, the company director will proceed to sign the contract with the customer
and proceed with the transaction.

Step 4: Payment

In order to effectively support international trade activities to take place

smoothly and effectively, many payment methods have been created to support and
ensure maximum safety for both buyers and sellers. Currently, the company focuses
mainly on 2 main payment methods, T/T and L/C.

Usually for T/T money transfer, in order to bind the buyer's responsibility to
the order, the company usually applies T/T 100% or at least T/T 30% in advanced.
Besides, thanks to this deposit, the company can also pay part of the goods to the
supplier of the product. In case the customer wishes to use the letter of credit method,
the company only accepts 100% irrevocable L/C, but in fact, in the history of
international sales and purchase of goods, the company rarely uses this method.

Step 5: Order suppliers and prepare documents

After the purchase and sale contract with the customer has been successfully
signed, the sales staff will contact and provide information about the quantity and
quality of goods so that the supplier can proceed to make goods.

Based on the terms specified in the contract, the sales staff will prepare the
necessary documents for export in parallel with the shipment preparation process.
18
This is an important step so that the goods can be exported and the company can
receive payment from customers.

Step 6: Rent a shipping unit

In case according to the agreement, the shipment is exported according to

group E and F conditions, the company only needs to hire a transport unit to transport
the goods from the supplier's warehouse issued to the headquarters of the company.
If the shipment is issued under group C and D conditions, the sales staff will actively
contact logistics companies or shipping lines to receive assistance in transporting
goods. In addition, the process of transferring goods will be under the close
observation and monitoring of sales staff to both check the quantity of goods as well
as verify the quality according to the initial commitment.

Step 7: Packing, shipping to the port

For FCL goods, the company will pull empty containers to the warehouse for
packing. Normally, for new suppliers, sales staff will come to the warehouse to guide
and supervise the technical team of packing. For LCL goods, sales staff will inspect
and supervise the packing at the port, the person directly performing the packing is
the port's staff. This process is also not much different from packing goods at the
warehouse.

Step 8: Go through customs clearance

Sales staff must prepare the necessary documents fully so that the customs
declaration process is fast, avoiding errors that lead to time-consuming and costly
procedures during the procedure. The sales staff does not directly make customs
declarations but will go through the Forwarder. Sales staff send the staff of the
Forwarder company the necessary documents such as Commercial Invoice, Packing
List, Booking Note for them to clear customs for export.
19
 Step 9: Send the set of documents and receive payment

The sales staff double-checks the documents and sends them to the buyer via
DHL courier. After completing the delivery, the sales staff proceeds to establish and
present payment documents according to the payment method specified in the signed
contract. The buyer checks the documents and proceeds to pay 99 Gold Data
Company.

Step 10: Resolve disputes and complaints (if any)

In international trade, businesses always try to minimize disputes arising

between the two sides by preparing and closely monitoring each step, thereby
limiting the impact on shipments and 99 Gold Data company as well. However, in
case the goods may have losses or losses leading to disputes by unintended incidents
that cannot be controlled, two sides will base on the terms of the contract to come up
with the most reasonable and least expensive solution. Usually to keep the peace and
the best buying experience for customers, the company is always ready to admit
errors, be ready to learn from experience and propose incentives that can be met for
the next orders.

Step 11: Customer care

After completing the contract and the goods are successfully handed over to the
importer, it is absolutely necessary to continue to pay attention and visit customers.
This is both an opportunity to listen to customer comments on product quality and
satisfaction,... It is both an opportunity to keep a close and close relationship with
customers, from which sales staff can overcome and continue for next orders for
customers in a thoughtful and complete way.

20
2.3 Evaluation of commodity export activities at 99 Gold Data

2.3.1 Advantages

Firstly, the export of goods and the contract performance process are built
according to a reasonable and methodical framework and are guided clearly, in detail
and easily understood, thereby supporting the application into practice very
effectively. In addition, the company always updates, changes and supplements in the
process and according to each specific contract to the staff to maximize customer
needs and increase opportunities for international cooperation with partners.

Secondly, the application of pro forma invoices instead of foreign trade

contracts has contributed to creating flexibility, convenience, solving distance
barriers, thereby speeding up the negotiation and ordering process of partners. The
pro forma invoice still ensures the same basic terms as the Commercial Invoice,
helping parties focus on the core terms, thereby saving time and effort for both
parties.

Thirdly, the payment method applied mainly T/T has minimized costs incurred
too much for payment procedures, saving time and ensuring consistent profit margins
for both companies and partners. In addition, T/T is also a safe method to help the
Company minimize risks from customer partners delaying or even refusing to pay,
which greatly affects the company's business because usually, an order in
international trade is quite valuable.

Fourthly, the company is always active and proactive in contacting, seeking

and creating relationships with new suppliers. Therefore, in addition to ensuring
quality requirements, these suppliers can also offer appropriate prices and incentives
for the first cooperation so that the company can negotiate with customers and bring
the expected profit.

21
 Fifthly, the company only focuses resources on finding customers and
outsourcing the Forwarder department to minimize costs and save time, because
Forwarder will be responsible for finding the best shipping route, mode and carrier
with the most suitable price and capacity corresponding to the shipment of goods the
company needs to export. Forwarders are also responsible for finding and matching
many small quantity shipments for LCL batches, so even if you must pay a fee for
each order, this method will also bring better efficiency than the company investing
in opening its own import-export department, especially at the current stage when the
size of the company is not large enough. With highly specialized experience,
Forwarder companies with staff have good understanding of relations with shipping
lines, customs and resource distribution effectively, so the costs incurred will be
lower than the costs when the company invests itself while minimizing errors that
may arise. In addition, conventional forwarders provide many accompanying services
to maximize the needs of exporters such as customs clearance, other related
procedures such as quarantine, fumigation, certificates of origin and export licenses
(if any).

Finally, the young, dynamic, enthusiastic staff with professional knowledge as

well as the ability to learn and adapt quickly to changes thereby helping the export
process of goods to be more convenient and better. Employees are willing to support
and help each other handle arising situations and problems, share experiences and
knowledge with the aim of mutual development, thereby bringing a friendly, close
working environment and contributing to improving profit margins for the company.

2.3.2 Disadvantages

Firstly, the company mainly focuses on customers from channels that are
already popular and reached by many people such as Facebook, Alibaba and
Go4worldbusiness, so the number of customers is limited and not diverse. In
addition, despite efforts to bring posts and product promotion in the most thoughtful
22
and attractive way possible to customers, the company has not been able to fully take
advantage of the functions of e-commerce channels and sometimes the posts are less
attractive and approachable because of the lack of product images, The keywords are
not in the right focus and follow search trends, so it is difficult to reach potential
customers. With 5 years of establishment and the scale is still quite modest, the
company only focuses on exploiting mid-range orders, the flow of large and high-
value orders is infrequent and has not been fully exploited.

Secondly, the application of a pro forma invoice instead of a foreign trade

contract will eliminate the provisions on force majeure and handling of disputes and
complaints. This will be a huge risk and challenge if problems arise after completing
delivery to the importer. As a small company of the same young age in the market,
the company may be inferior in the negotiation compared to a larger, more
experienced partner. Therefore, clearly and transparently agreeing the sources of
dispute resolution law through contractual clauses and binding the obligations of the
buyer is the best way the company can control the risks that are likely to arise.

Thirdly, suppliers usually need 15 to 20 days to prepare goods because they

cannot optimize processes and machine operation, especially for handicraft goods
that rely on the skill level of craftsmen. In addition, most products are purchased
from households, factories, and small businesses, leading to the company's input
supply is not stable, which can directly affect the quality, price of products and the
ability to meet large orders, there is constant demand as well as transit time for
shipments.

Fourthly, the lack of autonomy in resources for transporting goods as well as

customs clearance due to insufficient expertise forces the company to spend money
to outsource Forwarder services. In addition, the company cannot control the ability
of third parties to understand the goods, so when accidents or unexpected incidents
arise, this may affect the delivery schedule and the performance of the contract as
23
originally agreed with the customer.

Finally, the amount of work to be done by a salesperson at the company is still

quite large and not highly specialized, which can reduce the efficiency and quality of
work because most of the jobs in the export business at 99 Gold Data are handled and
closely monitored by sales staff.

III/ SOLUTIONS TO COMPLETE THE EXPORT PROCESS OF

GOODS AT 99 GOLD DATA
3.1 Improve product quality

The reason hindering the ability and efficiency of exporting agricultural

products is due to the low quality of products, unstable, uneven, small dispersion
volume, unattractive designs.... The State needs to take measures for planning and
investment in a synchronous manner to create concentrated commodity production
areas, and high-quality raw material areas for processing and export. To increase
investment and application of scientific and technological advances, it is necessary to
focus on research and breeding, creating productive and high-quality varieties. Invest
in innovation of preservation processing technology.

The regulations on food safety, animal and plant quarantine in import and
export are created to protect human health from infectious diseases through
international trade. This is not only the goal of major agricultural consumption
markets such as the EU, the US, China, Japan ... but also of Vietnamese exporting
countries to be able to meet the standards of the target market and make good use of
new markets.

In addition, it is necessary to promote the use of modern product processing

and preservation technologies and apply scientific research into production practice
to achieve productivity, quality and efficiency. Processing and exporting enterprises
24
need to strictly comply with the targets on pesticide residues and pollutants banned
by the US and EU. Use good and highly economical seedlings, with good resistance
to pests and diseases to limit the use of agrochemicals.

In terms of handicrafts, although Vietnam is a country with many long-standing

handicraft villages, the craftsmen have long experience. However, sometimes they
are not creative and do not actively learn to improve their skills. Towards the
durability of products, creating satisfaction for customers. Besides, it is expanding
production scale to meet a large number of goods for enterprises exploiting large
quantities. Most craft villages are usually small, so the supply of large quantities is
limited. This limits opportunities to increase export value.

In order to promote the handicraft export industry to develop strongly and have
extremely abundant potential, it is necessary to better exploit the market space and
develop a clear development strategy for this industry. On that basis, craft villages,
people, enterprises and state management agencies have close coordination to come
up with synchronous solutions such as: Planning material areas, building processing
centers, preserving raw materials and innovating product designs...

For 99 Gold Data, the Company has developed its own market expansion
strategy, looking for new markets instead of traditional markets such as the US,
Japan, EU .. is considered an important task. Along with that is the proactive
understanding of each market more carefully to diversify products to suit consumer
tastes.

3.2 Strengthen relationships with forwarder companies

The booking price is also one of the costs incurred that the company needs to
manage when exporting a shipment. Checking and referencing rates on the market
today is completely easy with many public and free online tools including Facebook,
25
Phaata ,... However, with many corresponding goods being completely different
requirements in the process of loading and unloading, transporting, establishing close
relationships with forwarders is important to meet the unique needs as well as receive
the best quotes and incentives. Therefore, the company needs to focus on selecting,
seeking long-term cooperation with reputable forwarder companies, thereby
shortening the contract performance time as well as reducing part of the cost for the
process of exporting international goods.

3.3 Strengthen relationships with suppliers

After selecting, finding and stabilizing the supply of quality input products at
appropriate prices according to market trends, the company can build a long-term
cooperation plan, request goods manufactured according to international standards
and negotiate the best price. Thanks to building relationships with suppliers, the
company will easily understand price changes when there is a trend of fluctuations,
thereby receiving the best incentives from suppliers and reducing costs incurred.

3.4 Optimizing the conclusion of contracts

In order to bring about the safest and most effective sale, foreign trade
contracts should be signed instead of PI. The Company can completely minimize the
risks it may incur through specified force majeure clauses, disputes and claims,
thereby resolving issues more conveniently, efficiently and quickly. In addition, legal
disputes can also affect the reputation as well as the duration of the contract.
Therefore, with its relatively young age and low negotiating position, it is necessary
to carefully bind the obligations of the buyer and the method of resolving the dispute
to equip contingency plans once events arise.

3.5 Improve professional skills, transparency of tasks among employees in

departments

26
 Although a solid knowledge base is key, soft skills and practical knowledge are
equally important information for a foreign trade employee. Because the nature of the
work is closely associated with international trade, the company can build periodic
training programs to create opportunities to share and exchange experiences among
employees and departments as well as update developments, trends, related trade
policies to be timely, flexibly respond in your work. In addition, the transparency and
specialization of tasks between departments are also factors affecting the
performance of employees, so the company needs to limit the overlap between jobs
leading to a decrease in the company's productivity and support long-term
development goals in the future.

3.6 Expand and diversify customers

Researching and promoting sales through major e-commerce sites such as

Amazon as well as promoting international trade by actively attending international
fairs and exhibitions will increase the opportunity to reach more potential customers
for the company, Thereby increasing revenue and expanding international business
relationships because the group of agricultural products and handicrafts, which is the
strength of the company, is always in the group of potential products and brings great
export value.

IV/ INTERNSHIP AT 99 GOLD DATA

4.1 Instructors
- Department: Business Development
- Position: Sales Leader
- Phone: 032 7746 158
- Email: Angelina.99gd@gmail.com
- Instructional content: Commodity export process

27
4.2 Objectives achieved
- Understand and understand the operations to do in the field of exporting
goods.
- Proficient in basic design tools (most commonly Canva).
- Understand how to reach potential customers on B2B commerce platforms
such as Alibaba or Go4worldbusiness and Tradeatlas to cover product
information the company provides.

4.3 Tasks/Works performed

On May 20, 2023, I submitted my application for the position of Business

Intern at 99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company Limited via email. After
receiving contact and participating in the interview 3 days later, I was officially
accepted an internship offer at the company and started working from 27/05/2023.
Working time at the company lasts from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:10 and
ending 17:40 daily. During the internship, I was guided, supported and performed the
corresponding work and tasks through the following weeks:

Week 1: In the first week of starting the internship process, this is a training
week to help me shape and approach the general work that an import-export sales
staff needs to do under the guidance and detailed and enthusiastic guidance from Mr.
PH – General Manager of the company, As follows:

- Learn and introduce general information, development process,

organizational structure and operation of 99 Gold Data Processing
Trading Company Limited.

- Briefly and concisely introduce how a salesperson can search for export
customers, set up a WhatsApp account to reach target customers quickly
and effectively.

28
 - Learn and practice how to use design tools to effectively support product
promotion through self-designing images and catalogs for Soft Dried
Mango which is a popular item at the company. Then with the image
that has been carefully designed and eye-catching, I proceeded to post
product introduction on the company's Facebook under his guidance.

- Understand how to draft 1 Mail offer template and practice how to

respond to Mail to customers under the simulation situations he sets.

- Approach the calculation of product prices (FOB / CFR) and

information to check rates, then practice on some application questions
through looking up information on 2 websites, phaata.com and
ddxpost.com to determine shipping costs.

- Use TradeAtlas to extract historical data of importers who have made

relevant purchases based on the corresponding commodity name/HS
code.

- Access additional leads through the Go4worldbusiness page, where

importers specify their requirements, standards, quantities and exporters
can obtain customer information via personal email after sending a brief
offer to them.

- Understanding the unique characteristics of each market group

corresponding to completely different cultures, politics, religions and
geographical locations requires flexible approaches and professional
skills, thereby explaining which markets should focus on exploitation
and markets should limit or need safety measures to avoid arising risks
for the process of contract performance between the 2 sides.

Week 2: Following the company's navigation, I was transferred to work at

29
Binh Thanh Sales Department. Here, under the direct management of Ms. Sandy and
Ms. Angelina, I learned how to create posts on Alibaba e-commerce site, understand
the image requirements, Product information to create a successful post. Besides, I
continue to learn one of the products the company is trading about some basic
information such as keyword, domestic supply, core properties, purpose of use,
price,... and report to the room on weekends.

Week 3: I continued the task of posting on the Alibaba platform, creating PI

under the guidance of Angelina with information about commodity prices, domestic
trucking fees, searching for international shipping fees and sending emails with PI
that have been set up for customers about products that have been researched since
week 2. In addition, I continue to create a catalog of a previously researched product
with many designs, images and processing processes to create the finished product.

Week 4: Besides the task of posting on Alibaba platform and continuing to

send 20 PI to any industry, I was tasked with contacting and exchanging product
details with at least 2 target customers. To do this, I started searching, contacting
domestic suppliers to quote and product quality corresponding to the needs of
customers with the support and close follow-up of Angelina in helping me find
suppliers and calculate product prices in the most accurate way.

Weeks 5,6: My recurring duties include posting tasks, finding clients from
Go4worldbusiness and TradeAtlas, finding suppliers and negotiating with clients.
KPIs for each week I need to make include 50-100 product posts to Alibaba, posting
on other social platforms such as eworldtrade.com, tradekey.com and tradeford.com.

Weeks 7,8: I flexibly perform fixed tasks such as posting Alibaba, guest quotes
and focusing mainly on finding and nurturing potential customers. I need to focus on
exchanging and giving feedback to understand the product needs of customers,
thereby consulting and negotiating based on the information quickly obtained after

30
contacting the supplier. This requires promptness and timeliness because time and
enthusiastic support from sales staff can be important criteria contributing to the
success of an international sale.

V/ EVALUATE THE INTERNSHIP PROCESS EXPERIENCES AFTER

THE INTERNSHIP AT 99 GOLD DATA
5.1 Evaluate the knowledge gained through the internship process at 99 Gold
Data company

In general, during my internship at 99 Gold Data Company, I gained extremely

valuable practical experiences and lessons in the field of exporting agricultural
products and handicrafts, which are the strengths that the company is currently
targeting and fully exploiting. With a professional, comfortable and dynamic working
environment, as well as enthusiastic support from experienced and talented
colleagues, I had the opportunity to learn many useful things and apply the
background knowledge that has been firmly equipped since I was in the lecture hall.

During the internship, I had the opportunity to approach and handle the
required tasks including posting products and finding new customers on B2B
platforms (popular through 2 platforms, Alibaba and Go4world Business); working
with FWD department to calculate FOB / CFR / CIF prices and quotes for customers
through PI, ... All of them have contributed to creating a foundation and shaping an
overview for me about the direction for my future work.

Besides, with access to the field of international trade, I have access to an

international working environment and work with diverse partners and customers
from different countries, regions and time zones. This has allowed me to somewhat
grasp information about different cultures, notes on habits and ways of working to
adapt to each specific place most effectively, thereby improving my ability to
communicate with international customers.

31
 Through this practical experience, I also had the opportunity to develop soft
skills such as time management, effective organization and resource allocation, and
the ability to work in groups with colleagues. I am very grateful that I have had a
valuable opportunity through this internship and hope that it will be a valuable
baggage, memory and experience to help support my future work as well as open up
new social relationships with open opportunities.

VI/ CONCLUSION
99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company Limited. with the slogan
"Unlimited" has brought Vietnam's name to the continent through continuous efforts
to bring export products to the world, win the sympathy of customers and achieve
many resounding achievements during business operation. After more than 5 years of
existence, 99 Gold Data has really gained a strong position for agricultural products,
fruits and handicrafts. In addition, with the increasingly fierce competition and the
global economy is entering a very difficult period, besides improving and upgrading
the quality of products and services, the company needs to constantly make efforts to
find sources of raw materials and suppliers with competitive prices, at the same time,
continue to exploit potential customers from market areas with a lot of room and in
line with the response capacity of 99 Gold Data.

With the knowledge and a short period of internship and practical attachment at
the company, I have summarized some comments about the company's export
situation, generalized the process of exporting goods, thereby pointing out the
advantages and some outstanding limitations that the company needs to consider
overcoming to improve high work efficiency. I really had a useful internship with
practical experiences and observations during my internship at 99 Gold Data
Company. By applying the theory learned into practical work activities with
dedicated guidance with talented colleagues, I have gained a deeper and more
comprehensive perspective on my major. Besides, with some proposals made to fill
32
the gaps in the operation process, I hope the company will gradually improve its
export operations and reach out to be one of the export enterprises with sustainable
development and achieve more success in the future.

33
 REFERENCES
1. General information about 99 Gold Data Processing Trading Company
Limited: https://www.99golddata.com/

2. 99 Gold Data company internal documents. (2023)

34
 APPENDIX
APPENDIX A – Commercial Invoice

35
APPENDIX B – Packing List

36
APPENDIX C – Fumigation Certificate

37
APPENDIX D – Phytosanitary Certificate

38
APPENDIX E,F – Bill of Lading

39
40
APPENDIX G – Certificate of Origin (CO)

41
INTERNSHIP PHOTOS

Picture 1.

42
Picture 2.

43
44