While the concept and procedures of International Barter, Counter-trade and Offset trade may be simple and straightforward, its implementation is not. 

This is why small, medium Firm’s, Corporations, Government's, and States, use this type of trade as a technique to promote exports and increase investmen and particularly reluctant to engage in this trade. Since Counter-trade, Barter, and Offset are reality in international business, most partakers must be proactive and well - positioned to seek out and take opportunities in this trade. 

We ask two basic questions: How can the owner-entrepreneur manage and profit from this trade? What are the factors that influence successful implementation of Barter, Counter-trade and Offset deals? To address these questions, we need understanding as well as in developing a positive attitude towards this trade.

Figure 1 below outlines the inter-relationships between the various forms of Counter-trade transactions.