Companies can choose from various methods to establish their products in a foreign market. One option is to start by working with local experts such as sole agents or dealers, who have specialist knowledge of the market and sell on behalf of the company. This often leads to the company opening a local brunch or sales outlet. Another option is to sell, or give permission to use, patents and licenses for their products. They may wish to start by manufacturing in the export market, in which case they can either set up a local subsidiary or a joint venture with a local partner.
Further development of international trade presupposes such benefits for the partner countries as new jobs, higher living standards and closing economic, educational and technological gaps between people. Specializing in production of certain goods helps make best use of natural resources.