The “Access to Vocational Chinese” Series is a series of vocational Chinese language textbooks jointly developed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and the Talent Center of the Nonferrous Metals Industry. Based on the actual teaching development needs of “Chinese + Vocational Skills” in various countries and relying on Chinese vocational colleges, experts from various fields have been organized to participate in the development. Referencing the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education and the Chinese Proficiency Standards for Vocational Education, the textbooks are divided into three levels: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Each level follows the compilation concepts of “integration of language and skills” and “easy to learn, convenient to teach, and practical to use”. According to the typical work scenarios, work tasks, and frequently used expressions in relevant occupations, sections such as texts, conversations, language points, and exercises are designed to continuously improve learners’ Chinese application proficiency and key technical abilities in the field of vocational technology, providing assistance for learners to quickly get familiar with and adapt to the work environment.

This volume, International Economics and Trade (Elementary), contains 30 lessons. The content covers the entire workflow and procedures of a foreign trade salesperson, including joining a new company, understanding the market, communicating with clients, making quotations, negotiating prices, discussing contracts, making payments, packaging, transportation, filling out documents, applying for insurance, familiarizing with laws, and customs declaration. The “Vocational Expansion” section provides a large number of real websites, helping learners quickly grasp authentic business backgrounds.

Adhering to the principle of equal emphasis on Chinese language and vocational skills, each lesson focuses on integrating several language skills with one typical vocational skill. Meanwhile, the textbook is supplemented with English annotations, pinyin prompts, and numerous pictures to assist learners in quickly understanding the text content. In addition, it introduces rich extended knowledge about international economics and trade as well as Chinese culture, aiming to broaden learners’ horizons.

Yu Yunfeng, Chief Editor

Yu Tianqi and Chen Weichang, Deputy Chief Editors

Experts from Shandong Business Institute, Editors.

The textbook was compiled under the editorship of Liu Jingguang and Zhang Yunsheng from Shandong Business Institute, with Yu Xingxiang and Song Suisui serving as associate editors.

1. Compiled with reference to the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education and the Chinese Proficiency Standards for Vocational Education;

2. Follows the compilation concepts of “integration of language and skills” and “easy to learn, convenient to teach, practical to use”;

3. Designs teaching sections according to the typical work scenarios, work tasks, and frequently used expressions in relevant occupations;

4. Effectively improves learners’ Chinese application proficiency and key technical abilities in the field of vocational technology.

5. Adopts a multi-dimensional design concept, equipped with various teaching resources such as electronic coursewares, teaching plans, answer keys, and audios.

This book is suitable for local employees in mechanical manufacturing-related positions at overseas Chinese-funded enterprises with zero foundation in Chinese language and skills, employees from various countries engaged in mechanical manufacturing work in Chinese enterprises, international students in China, long-term and short-term trainees, and learners interested in understanding Chinese language, culture, and mechanical manufacturing vocational skills.

It consists of 30 lessons in total, with each lesson taking 3 to 4 class hours.