In the ever-evolving world of international trade, standing out requires more than just ambition—it demands continuous learning, adaptability, and recognized expertise. For one accomplished professional, the journey from a biology student to a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) has been transformative, marked by diverse roles, global projects, and a relentless pursuit of growth.
Hardik Panchal, Director, Export sales at Worldest Exports, has built a career that spans global market expansion, international joint ventures, and sustainable trade initiatives. His contributions have driven multimillion-dollar export growth, created hundreds of jobs, and positioned him as a leading expert in global trade facilitation.
Helping companies diversify into new global markets from the start
Hardik’s journey in international trade began in 2007, when he joined a multinational pharmaceutical company Vipro Lifescience as an International Marketing Officer. His talent for cross-cultural negotiations and market strategy enabled him to facilitate new trade deals in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
“I started my career in international trade because of a combination of personal interest and strategic opportunities,” Hardik recalls
Over the years, Hardik has played a pivotal role in expanding exports for companies across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, chemicals, food, and textiles.
In his tenure at a leading chemical producer from 2017 to 2023, he successfully increased international sales by an impressive 60%, helping the company establish a strong presence in South East Asia, North America and Europe.
One of his key projects involved transforming a domestic chemical brand into a leading global name by expanding its global reach and distribution network within a short span of time.
I thrive on helping businesses enter new markets and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
In addition to his job, Hardik has been representing WhipAppeal Inc. company based in Ohio, USA for over a decade. His involvement with WhipAppeal has been instrumental in the marketing, sourcing, and OEM production of their Sportswear, School uniforms and boxing products as well as negotiating key trade agreements with vendors and customers.
Through his representation, Hardik has led global marketing initiatives, positioning WhipAppeal as a competitive brand in international markets,identified and sourced reliable suppliers across various regions, ensuring the quality and cost-effectiveness of products, managed OEM production relationships, coordinating production schedules and ensuring product quality and timely delivery, and negotiated favorable terms with both vendors and customers, ensuring mutually beneficial contracts and expanding WhipAppeal’s market presence.
These efforts helped WhipAppeal Inc. significantly expand its product distribution network, secure major contracts, and successfully navigate complex international trade regulations.
Formal international business training and a multicultural learning environment in Singapore
Recognizing the need to enhance his business acumen, Hardik pursued an Advanced Diploma in Business Management from AEC College, Singapore in 2011. This experience immersed him in a multicultural learning environment, allowing him to gain deep insights into international market trends, trade policies, and supply chain optimization.
Training in Singapore, with classmates from diverse nationalities, gave me firsthand exposure to global business strategies and trade regulations.
During this time, he visited Singapore’s world-class shipping port, where he learned about merchanting exports and advanced supply chain models, skills that later helped him streamline complex export operations for multiple businesses.
Driving multimillion-dollar international trade projects
Hardik’s global business impact extends beyond individual companies, as he has played a direct role in major international trade and investment projects.
One of the achievements he is most proud of was his leadership in a $6 million foreign direct investment (FDI) joint venture in South Africa between Vintron Infotech (a division of VLCP Ltd) and Ventura Infotech (Pty) Ltd., where he co-managed market research and entry strategies, regulatory compliance and trade facilitation, JV structuring and supply chain coordination, and installing the manufacturing facility.
This major initiative led to the creation of 170 sustainable jobs in Johannesburg and positioned the company as a key player in the African market.
The CITP designation as a strategic move
After over 15 years of hands-on experience, the desire to benchmark his skills led Hardik to the CITP designation.
“I was curious to see what credentials I could earn to validate my experience. I googled ‘top standards in international trade’ and found FITT.”
Conversations with existing CITPs and those in the process of applying for the designation confirmed its value.
“The CITP designation aligned perfectly with my career goals. It’s one of the most prestigious credentials in international trade, recognized globally, including by the Canadian government and the World Trade Center Association in New York.”
The certification process, supported by FITT’s responsive team, was seamless and Hardik considers achieving the CITP both a professional milestone and a personal triumph.
“It symbolizes my commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in international trade. It has enhanced my credibility, allowing me to connect with senior industry leaders and be available for new opportunities.”
Sharing international trade expertise through teaching and mentorship
Beyond business success and personal achievements, Hardik is passionate about mentorship. Throughout his career he’s had the support of leaders who took the time to help develop his industry knowledge.
He has also acted as a mentor himself, service as a faculty member at IMPEXPERTS, where he trained over 500 MSMEs and entrepreneurs in export strategies and a trainer for international business programs teaching trade finance, buyer identification, and market expansion.
“I believe in knowledge-sharing because I had mentor who guided me early in my career. Now, I want to do the same for others.”
His guidance have helped numerous businesses scale internationally, directly impacting trade volumes and economic growth.
Looking ahead to a future rooted in sustainability
Looking ahead, Hardik is focusing on sustainable trade practices and ESG compliance, aiming to help SMEs transition to low-carbon supply chains and eco-friendly products.
“The next five years will see a massive shift toward sustainable trade. Companies that adopt green alternatives early will have a competitive advantage,” he predicts.
He is currently working on export promotion initiatives that assist businesses in aligning with global ESG standards, ensuring compliance with new trade regulations in North America and Europe.
“I want to introduce sustainable business practices to SMEs globally, helping them offer low-carbon products and green alternatives.” He foresees significant shifts in international trade trends over the next 5-10 years and aim to help businesses stay ahead.
“I want to help businesses stay current with the market trend so they are ready to offer low carbon emission products and green alternatives and take advantage of this trend before it becomes too competitive.”
Hardik foresees his CITP designation will continue to play a an important role in further building his career.
“It enhances the credibility of my work, expands my influence in international trade, and unlocks new opportunities.”
Reflecting on his career journey so far, one piece of advice stands out: “Focusing on building relationships and being consistent is the way to go.”
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