Introduction

In international trade，establishing business relations is the first step in a transaction in foreign trade. Writing letters to new customers for the establishment of relations is a common practice in business communications. To establish business relations with prospective dealers is one of the important measures either for a newly established firm or an old one that wishes to enlarge its business scope and turnover.

There are several channels through which importers and exporters can get to know each other：

1. Necessary information can be obtained from the Internet.

2. They may introduce themselves or be introduced by their friends.

3. Banks are always ready to supply the names and addresses of exporters.

4. A chamber of commerce is an organization of businessmen. One of its tasks is to get business information and to find new business opportunities for its members.

5. Another way to get the information you want is through ads in the newspapers and magazines.

In such cases，the writer usually informs his/her addressee of the following：

1. Source of information；

2. Intention；

3. Self-introduction.

If the writer intends to buy for import，he/she may also make a request for samples，price lists，catalogues，etc. To close the letter，the writer usually expresses his/her expectation of cooperation and an early reply.