本书立足于“转变教育观念，改革人才培养模式，积极实行启发式和讨论式教学，激发学生独立思考和创新意识”的精神，对有关外经贸专业的教学方法以及教学内容等进行了有益的尝试，力争做到实用性、针对性、技能性和知识性的有机结合。
全书内容涵盖了书信结构、包装、装运、保险、支付、索赔和理赔、建立业务关系、询盘、报盘和还盘、成交，以及代理、投资、加工装配贸易和补偿贸易等其他贸易方式，并根据外贸新的发展形势和要求增加了“制单”一章。全书旨在通过课文和练习训练使学生能较好地掌握本章所学的知识，加深对本学科基本概念和基本技能的掌握，以更好地适应形势发展和就业的需要。
Part I Layout of a Business Letter
Part II Terms of Contract
Chapter I Shipment
Chapter II Insurance
Chapter III Payment
Chapter IV Complaints and Claims
Part III Business Negotiation and Contract
Chapter V Establishment of Business Relations
Chapter VI Enquiries，Offers and Counter—offers
Chapter VII Conclusion of Business
Part IV Miscellaneous Materials
Part V Documentation
Chapter I Introduction
Chapter II Letter of Credit
Chapter III Bill of Exchange
Chapter IV Commercial Invoice
Chapter V Marine Bill of Lading
Chapter VI Insurance Policy
Chapter VII Packing List
Chapter VIII Certificate of Origin
Chapter IX Inspection Certificate
Part VI Appendix
Chapter I Electronic Mail(E—mail)
Chapter II Fax
Chapter III Telex
