If you are looking to make any type of foreign investment, you need to consider how you will be making out on the deal. It is not a matter of if you completely made out on the deal, but if it was beneficial to all of the parties involved. That way you are able to get the best return on the investment you make as well as possibly having a trading partner for the future. This way you will be getting the results you want as well as building relationships overseas to get the best return on your investment.
You also need to look at the possibility of protecting your investment as well. This way you can feel secure about any of the potential trades you will be making with parties overseas. Consider looking into all of the different possibilities of what could go wrong. How much will you lose and will it cause more damage than good if the trade you are looking to get involved in never materializes. Make sure to know what it is you are investing in as well so you are participating in legal activities and that you are not getting hurt in any way while you are participating.
Do not forget to look into all of the legal aspects of the trade you are partaking in. not only the laws in your home country, but in the country you are making the trade with as well. This way you are covering yourself in all aspects. What may be OK for you to do in your home may not be allowable in the country you are making the trade with.
It is not the fact that you should not be able to trust your trading partner, but you need to be able to protect yourself. Knowing what you are getting into and doing your homework will make a big difference.