If you are having to skimp on bringing supplies in I doubt you could afford my services, Shame really because I already had 3 successful tourist/hospitality related business in South East Asia 🙂
I would try and talk him out of joining the British army if you can because very soon they will be looking for 'Cannon fodder' to send to fight in Russia.
If you are hoping for your new venture to become a success then you need to source the products you need locally and not import them in friends luggage, How long do you think you are going to last having to do that?