92 | Acquisition International, Global Excellence Awards 2023 Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 18 Making International Business Easy he regulatory frameworks governing international trade can be challenging, to say the least. Compliance with requirements for customs, tariffs, licences, and import and export controls is complex, made all the more difficult by the ever-changing and shifting state of foreign affairs. Non-compliance has a range of consequences from delays and disruption of the supply chain to hefty fines, legal action, and even bankruptcy for smaller businesses. Little wonder that businesses in less wealthy countries are reluctant to step onto the international stage. Understanding the intricate complexities of international trade compliance is an essential element in sustaining long-term business growth while mitigating risks. Born and raised in South Africa, Dorothy Diedericks believes that the solution to empowering poorer countries is trade, not aid. But for trade to bring about that change, it has to be compliant and sustainable. For that reason, in 2014, Dorothy founded BlueBlox. The company, based in the canton of Zug, Switzerland, is a trade compliance consulting house that enables and streamlines cross-border trade into Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Her reason for taking this route was that most entrepreneurs look for opportunities in countries with richer economic conditions. With poor and middle-class economic countries often overlooked, it was time for a change. Dorothy says, “Growing up in South Africa, witnessing pervasive injustice, unfairness and corruption motivated me to travel down the road of philanthropy. But I soon realised that along that path lies hopelessness. Aid is a problem in Africa, not a solution. And in many instances, African trade is exploitative and unhealthy. What’s needed is connection and courage. An Africa where the wisdom of the old meets the innovation of the new. An Africa that’s known for producing pioneers of industry, invention and thought leadership. My mission with BlueBlox is to be part of the solution, to help raise standards, create hope and inspire dreams.” BlueBlox helps multinational manufacturers to overcome the barriers they face in importing products into developing markets. By doing so, the company helps to empower nations one project at a time. Serving multinational technology and telecommunications companies and manufacturers, BlueBlox works to reduce the gap between internationally agreed standards and local practical applications. The company offers three core Trade Compliance Consulting services: In proactive consulting, BlueBlox experts evaluate the viability of a market based on economic and political status, ease of entry, transparency and a host of other criteria. This approach enables clients to make smart decisions for the long term. Encouraging clients to take the time to fully explore a possible opportunity ensures costly mistakes are avoided. Active consulting is for businesses or entrepreneurs looking to improve on current processes and operations. Here, BlueBlox provides a comprehensive analysis of where each business is now. The company then drafts development plans and maps out the required strategy with the client. And finally, reactive consulting – a service designed for those companies in need of urgent assistance. This service helps clients to find a path to resolution assisting with such challenges as customs, valuation and classification disputes. Being able to trade effectively on the world stage offers the opportunity to build better economies, access more opportunities and create better lives. Trade compliance expert, BlueBlox GmbH, believes that international trade should be easy and accessible for all. For the achievements in the battle for compliant international trade in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe BlueBlox receives our Best International Trade Compliance Consultancy 2023 - EMEA award. T “ Understanding the intricate complexities of international trade compliance is an essential element in sustaining long-term business growth while mitigating risks. “ The BlueBlox Importer and Exporter of Record (IOR/EOR) Advisory guides clients through the process of building an IOR or EOR framework and creating a network in their chosen trading country. BlueBlox assists with design and deployment, legislative defence, local supplier vetting, contract structuring, pricing and more. In the area of Trade Facilitation and Government Negotiation, BlueBlox understands that even thorough advice can fall short. For this reason, the company offers trade facilitation services that allow its experts to accompany clients through their challenges, helping them to solve issues (e.g., with authorities) side-by-side. May23005
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