1. Where is tea produced? You learn that the closest place to Jebel Ali to get tea is India. Tea has been grown there for centuries, you learn, and can be easily shipped to Jebel Ali from the port of Nhava Sheva in Mumbai, India.
2. How can the tea be carried? You learn that it will be quickest to send the tea by ship from Nhava Sheva to Jebel Ali through the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. You also learn that Unilever goods from Nhava Sheva are often carried by shipping company APL Limited. APL has regular ship service between the two ports. The voyage takes four to five days. Including loading and unloading time, it will take nine days to get the tea to Unilever’s warehouse.
3. What cultural or shipping details do you need to be aware of? You learn that tea can easily be shipped into the United Arab Emirates — there is no tax or “duty” on tea — but that every step of the process must be carefully tracked. For instance, the tea shipment will require a Heath Certificate issued by the Municipality of Mumbai before it leaves Nhava Sheva. You will need to work with the tea company, the shipping company, the bank that is handling payment for the tea, and government officials in both Nhava Sheva and Jebel Ali. Clearing customs means that the tea must be approved to enter Jebel Ali by government officials and that all taxes on the tea must be paid.

You’ve learned a lot in just a few hours. But now you need to summarize what you’ve learned for Nigel. It’s a good thing your new office has a word processing program you know how to use!