But those first impressions can hide some of the biggest risks.

In a recent FITTskills Live session, Laura Pixley, CITP, drew on more than a decade of experience helping companies assess and enter new markets to explain where exporters most often make assumptions, what they should investigate first, and how to determine whether an opportunity is truly viable.

Her central message was simple: market entry starts with disciplined investigation, not enthusiasm.

Start by proving there is a real market

Before exporters spend time on distributors, trade shows, pricing or compliance, they need to answer the most basic question: does anyone actually want the product?

As Pixley put it:

“This is something that people actually want and are willing to pay for.”

That means looking beyond broad indicators such as population size or economic growth. Exporters need to understand actual demand, local consumption habits, competition and whether their product fills a meaningful gap.

A product that performs well at home will not automatically succeed elsewhere.

Consumer preferences, lifestyles, trends and purchasing behaviour can all change from one market to another.

Exporters should ask:

• Is there an established need for the product?
• Who already serves that need?
• Is there room for another entrant?
• What makes the product meaningfully different?
• Will buyers pay enough to make the opportunity commercially worthwhile?

The goal is not simply to identify an attractive country. It is to determine whether there is a realistic place for your specific product in that market.

Do not assume one country equals one market

One of the most useful points from the session was Pixley’s reminder that national borders do not always define a single commercial market.

Europe is an obvious example. Companies often speak about “entering Europe” as though it were one market, even though consumer behaviour, language, regulations and distribution models can vary significantly from one country to another.

Canada can present the same challenge. In beverage alcohol, for example, purchasing and importation are handled provincially, meaning an exporter may effectively need to treat Canada as multiple separate markets.

The same applies to the United States, where regional income levels, buyer expectations, consumer preferences and distribution systems may vary significantly.

The practical lesson is to define the market at the level where buying decisions actually happen.

Instead of asking, “Should we enter Canada?” or “Should we enter Europe?” exporters need to ask:

Which province? Which region? Which customer segment? Which sales channel?

That added level of specificity can change the entire market entry strategy.

Investigate compliance before building your commercial plan

Regulatory requirements are not something to address after a buyer shows interest. They can determine whether the opportunity is viable in the first place.

Pixley advised exporters to investigate labelling, certifications, product standards, traceability requirements and other compliance obligations early in the process. In some cases, a product may need reformulation or new packaging before it can be sold. In others, a required certification or registration may effectively determine market access.

She shared the example of traditional Scottish haggis. Because certain traditional ingredients did not meet Canadian requirements for human consumption, an exporter reformulated the product specifically for Canada.

The brand could still sell haggis, but the product itself had to change.

That’s an important distinction. Market adaptation does not always mean changing the marketing. Sometimes it means changing the product.

A free trade agreement does not automatically mean lower tariffs

Trade agreements can make a market more attractive, but only if the product qualifies for the benefits.

Pixley emphasized the importance of rules of origin.

A company cannot assume that a product will receive preferential tariff treatment simply because the exporting and importing countries have a trade agreement.

The product must meet the specific origin requirements.

“Understanding where your inputs come from and having documentation to support that preferential tariff treatment is very important,” she explained.

The commercial impact can be substantial. If a competitor qualifies for a lower tariff and you don’t, your landed price could be significantly higher. Pixley noted that the difference could be 15, 25 or even 30% in some cases.

That makes trade agreement eligibility a strategic pricing issue, not just a customs issue.

Pixley recommended involving customs brokers and other trade specialists earlier than many companies do. In some cases, exporters may also be able to seek advance rulings on classification or origin before committing to the market.

The earlier these questions are answered, the more accurately a company can assess the opportunity.

Price the full landed cost, not just the product

An interested buyer does not automatically equal a profitable export sale.

Exporters need to understand every cost required to get the product where it needs to go. That can include freight, insurance, brokerage, duties, port fees, warehousing, inland transportation, product adaptation, packaging changes, local marketing and after-sales support.

This is where Incoterms become especially important.

Pixley explained that the responsibilities built into the chosen Incoterm can materially affect both pricing and profitability. If the buyer collects the product from the exporter’s warehouse, the cost structure may be relatively straightforward. If the exporter is responsible for delivering the goods to a port or directly to the buyer, the calculation becomes much more complex.

Her warning was clear:

“Looking at just the product price alone is not a good enough strategy when you’re thinking about your own profitability.”

Companies need to know not only what the buyer will pay, but what remains after every export-related expense has been accounted for. Product reformulation, packaging changes and local promotion also belong in that calculation.

Treat the local partner decision as a strategic decision

For many exporters, the partner they choose in-market can have as much influence on success as the product itself.

Pixley called the local partner “quite often the most important decision that you’ll make when looking at exporting to a new market.”

That makes due diligence essential.

Exporters should investigate a potential partner’s history, customer base, sales channels, existing brands, geographic reach and sales capabilities. They should also understand exactly what that partner will expect from them in return.

A distributor that promises rapid growth may sound appealing, but exporters need evidence that the partner can actually deliver.

The structure of the channel may also need to change from market to market.

Pixley used non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits in Canada as an example. Due to the country’s regulations when the category first emerged many products could not be sold through the same liquor channels exporters were accustomed to using elsewhere. Some suppliers had to work with grocery and packaged-food distributors instead.

In some cases, an exporter may even need more than one partner for the same market.

The key is to understand how the product is actually bought and sold locally rather than trying to replicate the distribution model used at home.

Familiar markets deserve more investigation, not less

One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming that a culturally familiar market will also be commercially familiar.

Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, for example, share language and some cultural similarities, but they differ in regulation, labelling, channels, buyer expectations and consumer behaviour.

Pixley advised companies to investigate the differences precisely because the market feels familiar.

That includes asking:

How do consumers shop? What attributes matter to them? How much are they willing to pay? Where are products sold? What regulations apply? Does the packaging or message need to change?

Culture also affects the way business relationships are built.

In some markets, Pixley noted, companies may need to invest significant time in a relationship before a buyer is ready to do business. In others, purchasing may be much more transactional and driven primarily by price or a specific short-term opportunity.

That affects not only how exporters market their products, but also how they approach buyers, structure partnerships and set expectations for how quickly a market can develop.

Assess your own readiness before asking whether the market is ready

Perhaps the most important question is one companies sometimes ask too late: are we actually ready to export?

Pixley said exporters need to be honest about whether they have the financial resources, people, capacity and time required to support a new market.

“Do I have the capacity to fill large orders? Do I have the capacity to manage exporting?” she asked.

Fast-growing companies can be particularly vulnerable here.

Winning an international customer creates additional work in compliance, logistics, partner management, sales support and customer service.

If those responsibilities are added to an already stretched team, a promising opportunity can quickly become difficult to manage.

Domestic experience can matter as well. Pixley noted that international buyers may look for evidence that a company has already built a successful track record at home before they are willing to work with it.

Export readiness therefore needs to be assessed from both sides of the equation: is there a viable opportunity in the market, and does the company have the capability to pursue it properly?

Got an export vision? Download your free FITT | EDC Export Vision Board with a fillable template to identify the essential elements of your market expansion strategy.

Market entry is an investigation before it is an expansion

The strongest takeaway from the session wasn’t that exporters should be cautious for caution’s sake. It was that better investigation creates better decisions.

A promising market still has to survive scrutiny around demand, regulation, pricing, tariffs, distribution, partners, culture and internal capacity. Each of those areas can either strengthen the business case or reveal a reason to rethink the approach.

That does not necessarily mean abandoning the opportunity. It might mean choosing a different region, changing the product, working through a different channel, bringing in specialist advice earlier or delaying entry until the company is better prepared.

For exporters exploring diversification, that discipline matters.

The question is not simply, “Can we sell there?” It’s “Do we understand this market well enough to know how to succeed there?”

The post Beyond first impressions: What exporters need to investigate before entering a new market appeared first on Trade Ready.

International trade is more than moving products across borders. It is about building trusted relationships, understanding different markets, and creating opportunities that generate long term value.

But Radhika knows that lasting success in international trade comes from careful planning, reliable partnerships, and attention to every stage of the process.

It involves supplier evaluation, regulatory compliance, buyer assessment, documentation, cost analysis, and well structured agreements that determine whether an opportunity becomes a successful long term business relationship. As Founder and Managing Director of Avani Cognition, Radhika has built her career around helping businesses navigate these challenges with trust, transparency, and accountability.

“I began my professional journey in the software sector, working across different business verticals. Through this experience, I gained insight into how businesses operate across borders and the practical challenges involved in global sourcing and distribution. I was drawn to international trade because it remains essential across markets and economic cycles, offers structural resilience, and presents the ongoing challenge of ensuring the supply of genuine, compliant products.”

That transition laid the foundation for her work in international trade, where she has gained hands on experience in supplier development, import operations, regulatory compliance, and market development across FMCG and technology industries.

Turning opportunity into market presence

Radhika’s work has involved managing end-to-end import operations, evaluating suppliers, ensuring  regulatory compliance, and developing distribution networks for international markets.

One of the most rewarding experiences in her career was the import and market development of FMCG products. The project involved identifying reliable manufacturers, managing  sourcing, ensuring regulatory compliance, developing distribution channels, and building a strong brand presence in the market.

“Receiving positive feedback from customers  about the quality and acceptance of our products was especially rewarding because it reflected the effort invested throughout the entire process, from selecting the right manufacturer to delivering a product customers could trust,” she says.

That experience reinforced an important lesson. Successful market entry depends on much more than the quality of the product. It requires careful execution at every stage, from feasibility assessment to customs compliance and customer experience.

It also reinforced the importance of building trade operations that are reliable, transparent, and trusted.

Another significant part of her work has involved connecting reliable international manufacturers and suppliers with institutional and commercial buyers.

“Seeing these cross-border relationships develop into long term partnerships reinforced my belief that trust, transparency, and clear communication are the foundation of successful international trade.”

Building resilient supply chains

Among Radhika’s proudest accomplishments is managing complex import operations across FMCG and technology solutions while ensuring regulatory and customs compliance. These projects required close coordination between multiple stakeholders and careful attention to cost, feasibility, documentation, and risk management.

She is also proud of developing sourcing strategies that strengthened supply chain resilience through multi-supplier sourcing strategies and structured compliance frameworks. This helped reduce risk, improve reliability, and support business continuity as market conditions and regulatory requirements evolved.

In today’s trade environment, resilience is essential. Businesses cannot rely on a single supplier, one route to market, or informal commercial arrangements. She believes that careful planning, supplier diversification, and clear agreements help businesses respond more effectively to changing market conditions.

“I am motivated by helping businesses navigate the complexities of international trade, reduce risk, and achieve sustainable growth through careful planning, ethical practices, and strong business relationships.”

That commitment continues to shape the way she approaches every stage of the international trade process.

The lesson that shaped her approach

After years of working across borders, Radhika has learned that the people and organizations involved in a transaction can determine its success just as much as the product itself.

“One of the most important lessons I have learned is that choosing the right business partners is just as important as choosing the right products. Evaluating buyers for their payment discipline, reputation, and long-term commitment is essential to protecting both cash flow and brand credibility.”

It is a lesson that many businesses learn only after facing challenges. A buyer may show interest, a supplier may offer attractive pricing, or a product may appear to have strong market potential, but without proper due diligence, businesses can expose themselves to financial losses, strained relationships, and reputational damage.

“Equally important is ensuring that branding and market positioning are supported by long-term agreements where documentation clearly defines responsibilities, quality standards, and commercial commitments,” she says. “Strong contracts and thorough due diligence are what ultimately protect suppliers, brands, and market trust over time.”

For professionals working in international trade, this kind of practical insight comes only through experience. It also highlights the importance of professional standards in a field where decisions often carry financial, operational, and reputational consequences.

Why Radhika pursued the CITP designation

For Radhika, pursuing the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation was an opportunity to formally validate the expertise she had built through years of practical international trade experience.

“I chose to pursue the CITP designation to formally validate my hands-on experience in international trade against a globally recognized professional standard,” she says.

The designation also reflects the values that have guided her throughout her career.

“The CITP designation represents professional knowledge, ethical practice, and accountability in international trade. Earning this designation strengthens my credibility when working with global suppliers, institutional buyers, and strategic partners, and reinforces my commitment to disciplined, compliant, and sustainable international business practices.”

For Radhika, credibility is more than professional recognition. It directly affects how trade professionals engage with the people and organizations around them. In cross-border business, where partners may be separated by distance, culture, regulations and commercial expectations, credibility helps create confidence.

The CITP designation has strengthened that confidence in her professional journey.

“Earning the CITP designation was a moment of pride and professional validation, recognizing the years of hands-on experience I have gained in international trade,” she says.

It also confirmed that the approach she had developed through experience aligns with internationally recognized professional standards.

How the CITP strengthened Radhika’s professional journey

For experienced international trade professionals, the CITP designation validates knowledge, strengthens credibility, and provides a recognized signal of professional excellence.

“Most importantly, the CITP designation strengthened my confidence to deepen my focus on international trade as a long-term career and to apply disciplined, strategic thinking to complex cross-border challenges.”

That confidence is important in a field where decisions are rarely straightforward. International trade professionals must evaluate market opportunities, assess risk, understand regulatory requirements, and build strong commercial relationships. The CITP designation complements the practical experience she has gained throughout her career and reinforces her commitment to professional standards.

That combination of experience, credibility, and professional recognition is especially valuable as she continues to explore new opportunities across FMCG and technology solutions.

Looking to the future

As Radhika looks ahead, she sees the CITP designation playing an important role in the next stage of her career.

“It strengthens my ability to evaluate opportunities, manage compliance and risk, develop long-term business agreements, and build trusted cross-border partnerships,” she says.

“With this foundation, I am better equipped to explore new international trade opportunities, assess markets objectively, and contribute to sustainable business growth across FMCG and technology solutions.”

Her career journey demonstrates how international trade expertise is built over time: through practical execution, thoughtful decision-making, continuous learning and a commitment to doing business with integrity. It also shows how professional recognition can help experienced practitioners bring that expertise forward with greater confidence and credibility.

The post CITP Spotlight: Radhika Vyasam – Founder and Managing Director, Avani Cognition appeared first on Trade Ready.

Angela Abordo, Trade Finance Officer at Agricultural Development Bank Plc, and Abena Anyen, Senior Business Support Analyst at Oakwood Green Advisory, have become the first graduates of the FITTskills program delivered through Africa Trade Academy (ATA) to earn the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation.

For Angela and Abena, the designation marks the latest step in careers already deeply connected to international trade. For ATA and the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), it is also an early demonstration of what can happen when internationally recognized trade training is made accessible to professionals who are actively shaping Africa’s trade ecosystem.

“Angela and Abena are applying their expertise where strong trade capability has a direct effect: businesses’ ability to access markets, manage risk and pursue opportunity. Their achievement demonstrates the value of pairing  practical experience with a rigorous, internationally recognized  body of knowledge.” says Caroline Tompkins, CITP, President & CEO of FITT.

A partnership focused on professionalizing trade

Africa Trade Academy and FITT’s work together was established with a clear goal: to expand access to practical international trade education and help develop professionals equipped to navigate the increasingly complex realities of cross-border business.

ATA Founder and President Dode Seidu describes the achievement as evidence that the partnership is beginning to deliver on that ambition.

“The attainment of the CITP by these two speaks of the power of the partnership between Africa Trade Academy and Forum for International Trade Training (FITT),” says Seidu.

As a newer FITTskills delivery partner, providing training in Ghana and Nigeria, ATA has already supported 28 individuals in completing the training program and achieving the FITT Diploma in International Trade since 2025. The Diploma also plays an important role in the pathway to the CITP designation: completing the FITTskills program and earning the Diploma fulfills the educational requirement for professionals pursuing the designation through Pathway 1, alongside the applicable professional experience requirements.

In this way, the partnership is not only expanding access to international trade training, but also creating a pathway for more African professionals to work toward internationally recognized professional credentials. ATA continue to support professionals in developing the competencies needed to practise trade effectively across the continent.

From FITT’s perspective, that emphasis on capability is particularly important. International trade knowledge is not simply about understanding individual processes or transactions. It’s about bringing them all together to see how market research, finance, logistics, risk, compliance, sales, market entry and other decisions connect.

“When professionals understand how the full trade system connects, they can identify risks earlier, ask better questions and help businesses make sounder decisions,” says Tompkins. “That capability travels with them throughout their careers, and its value grows as they apply it with  clients, colleagues, and businesses in their communities.”

Angela Abordo, CITP: seeing the impact behind the transaction

Angela’s career in international trade began in banking, where joining an international trade finance team gave her a firsthand view of how deeply trade can affect businesses and economies. More than a decade later, she continues to work in trade finance at Agricultural Development Bank Plc.

One particular experience illustrates why the work has remained meaningful to her.

Angela supported a mid-sized cocoa exporter that was struggling to fulfil an international contract because of cash-flow constraints. Her team structured pre-export financing alongside a confirmed letter of credit. The exporter went from shipping only a few containers annually to becoming a consistent supplier to Europe, and years later still points to that transaction as a turning point.

For Angela, experiences like that are a reminder that trade finance is about much more than processing documents.

“The most meaningful stories in my career are those where trade finance moved beyond transactions to enable growth, solve real business challenges, and contribute to economic development.”

That perspective has been strengthened by more than a decade of solving complex trade problems, including cases where detailed technical knowledge made the difference between a stalled transaction and a successful outcome. In one instance, Angela helped resolve multiple discrepancies under a letter of credit for an agricultural commodities shipment, using her knowledge of UCP 600 and close coordination with the parties involved to help secure payment for the exporter.

Her FITTskills studies gave her an opportunity to broaden that expertise beyond her already considerable experience.

“Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the subject and had many of my questions and areas of curiosity thoroughly addressed.”

The Global Value Chain course was a particular favourite because it allowed her to explore an area she had long wanted to understand more deeply.

Earning the CITP has now added another dimension to that development.

“I feel truly privileged to have earned the CITP designation, and it has significantly enhanced my confidence and professional self-image.”

Angela sees the designation strengthening her credibility and expertise while opening doors to broader opportunities, strategic collaborations, and future leadership roles in international trade.

Abena Anyen: helping African businesses become trade-ready

Abena’s route into international trade also began in banking, but much earlier in her career.

During her mandatory national service, she was assigned to the international trade services team of a bank in Accra. There, she processed international payments and outward remittances, handled shipping documents, helped prepare letters of credit and responded to client enquiries.

That early exposure quickly became a broader interest in the systems, controls and decisions that make cross-border business work.

Today, her work at Oakwood Green Advisory has expanded from individual transactions to the wider African trade ecosystem. She helps businesses navigate digital trade platforms, KYC and due-diligence requirements, market intelligence, trade-finance readiness, and transaction advisory.

A major motivation behind that work is helping African SMEs move from informal or opportunistic trade into stronger, more sustainable business structures.

“Many businesses have the potential to trade across borders but require support to transition from informal trading arrangements into structured, compliant and finance-ready operations.”

One of Abena’s most interesting projects involved the pilot phase of a digital trade platform. The challenge went beyond simply introducing new technology. Businesses often had deeply established ways of working and were reluctant to replace systems they already knew.

The experience taught her that trade transformation depends as much on trust, education, and demonstrating practical value as it does on technology.

Her FITTskills studies helped connect those practical experiences into a more complete picture of international trade.

“The courses helped me connect the knowledge I had gained through my work experience and develop a more complete understanding of the international trade lifecycle.”

That broader perspective has influenced how she evaluates opportunities, identifies information gaps, supports trade-finance readiness and works with clients and stakeholders.

She was especially drawn to the International Market Entry Strategies course, particularly its focus on intercultural competence and the intentionality required when communicating, negotiating and building relationships across markets.

Building on her FITTskills studies, earning the CITP designation marked another important step in Abena’s journey with FITT – one that recognized the international trade experience and professional expertise she had developed throughout her career.

For Abena, the CITP represents both recognition of what she has already built and a platform for what she hopes to contribute next.

“The CITP is more than a credential, it represents an important milestone in my career journey that encourages me to continue learning and contributing to the international trade profession.”

Her longer-term ambitions extend well beyond her own career. She hopes to help structure more executable trade transactions, improve African businesses’ access to financing and markets, and contribute to the continued growth of intra-African trade.

Building capability that travels further

Angela and Abena work in different roles, but their stories have an important point in common: knowledge becomes most valuable when it can be applied.

One professional may use it to help an exporter secure financing and complete a transaction. Another may use it to prepare an SME for new markets, improve its credibility or participate more effectively in formal trade channels.

That is also what makes this milestone significant for the FITT–Africa Trade Academy relationship.

“Trade growth depends on professionals who can turn opportunity into sound decisions and executable transactions,” says Tompkins. “Through our partnership with Africa Trade Academy,  more professionals can build that capability in the markets and communities where they work. Angela and Abena’s achievement as  the first CITPs to emerge from this partnership is an important early  indication of the impact this model can have.”

Angela and Abena are the first CITPs to emerge from the partnership, but their achievement points to something much bigger: a growing pipeline of skilled trade professionals equipped to strengthen businesses, expand opportunities and help shape the future of trade across Africa.

The post Africa Trade Academy celebrates first two graduates to earn the CITP designation appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Morteza Mehdizadeh, international trade has never been only about transactions.

From the beginning of his career, he was drawn to the idea of connecting markets, cultures and people across borders.

What interested him most was the complexity of the field and the way economics, regulations, business relationships and cultural understanding all come together.

“I saw international trade not merely as the exchange of goods, but as a mechanism for knowledge transfer, cooperation, and shared prosperity.”

That perspective has shaped a career spanning more than a decade of complex import and export operations, market-entry strategy, trade finance and cross-border partnerships.

It has also shaped the way Morteza views the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. For him, earning the CITP isn’t simply recognition of what he has accomplished. It represents a commitment to how international trade should be conducted.

Building a career around global connection

Morteza was attracted to international trade because it offered something few other professions could: the opportunity to work across multiple systems, geographies and cultures at once.

“That complexity fascinated me,” he says. “I chose this path because it offered the opportunity to work globally, learn continuously, and tangibly contribute to economic development.”

Over time, that interest developed into a broader belief in the role trade can play in creating opportunity.

Morteza sees well-executed international commerce as a tool that can do more than create business growth. When approached responsibly, he believes it can contribute to knowledge transfer, employment and stronger economic relationships between regions.

That philosophy became increasingly important as he began building and leading his own international trading company.

Through Vanda Global Trade Ltd., Morteza has managed complex import and export activities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He’s worked to establish exclusive agency and distribution partnerships with European manufacturers, executing high-value industrial machinery and petrochemical transactions, and developing market-entry strategies for new regions.

Just as importantly, he has designed the logistics and trade finance structures that sit behind those transactions, structuring payment terms, financing and delivery arrangements to reduce costs and manage risk before problems arise.

Yet some of the experiences that have stayed with him most are not defined by the size of the transaction. They are the moments when business depended on trust.

When solving the problem matters more than winning the dispute

One experience in particular reinforced Morteza’s belief that technical knowledge alone is not enough to succeed in international trade.

A serious quality dispute had emerged between a European buyer and a petrochemical manufacturer over the quality and packaging of a bulk petrochemical material shipment. The disagreement threatened a long-standing commercial relationship.

There were contractual avenues available, but Morteza chose a different approach.

He travelled internationally to meet the parties in person, helped facilitate transparent technical discussions, bringing the technical teams on both sides together to examine the quality and packaging issues openly rather than trading accusations at a distance, and worked to shift the conversation away from short-term blame and toward preserving the long-term relationship.

The partnership survived.

This experience captured what international trade often demands in practice.

“Some of my most meaningful experiences have come from moments where trade required more than technical knowledge. It required trust, cultural understanding, and leadership.”

It also reinforced a principle that has guided his approach throughout his career.

“International trade is fundamentally a people-driven profession.”

That does not make contracts, regulations or commercial discipline less important. Morteza sees relationships and technical expertise as inseparable.

When problems arise across jurisdictions, cultures and organizations, trust can determine whether the parties work toward a solution or allow a commercial relationship to deteriorate.

Thinking beyond the individual transaction

Years of managing complex international business have also changed the way Morteza defines success. He is proud of the commercial results his work has produced, but he is equally focused on what remains after a transaction is complete.

“What makes these projects meaningful is not just their commercial success, but also their long-term impact,” he says.

That impact has included creating employment, transferring knowledge and building international partnerships capable of lasting beyond a single deal. It’s also why Morteza advises trade professionals to resist the pressure to focus only on speed.

“International trade rewards patience, preparation, and integrity far more than speed.”

Early in his career, he learned that a successful transaction depends on understanding the full environment surrounding it. Legal frameworks, financial risks, regulatory requirements, cultural norms and long-term commercial relationships can all shape the outcome.

“If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to always think long-term and build trust before pursuing growth.”

In practice, that means visiting partners in person early in a relationship, being transparent when problems arise, and doing the unglamorous due-diligence work before a deal is signed, because trust built in advance is what makes difficult conversations possible later.

For professionals entering the field, he recommends investing as deliberately in relationships and ethical decision-making as they do in technical knowledge.

“When trust is established, even the most complex challenges become manageable.”

Why the CITP stood out

Those values played a major role in Morteza’s decision to pursue the CITP designation.

Beyond the value of the certification itself, he wanted to join a professional community that reflected the standards he believed should guide international commerce.

“I chose to apply for the CITP designation because I wanted to be part of a professional community that represents the highest standards of expertise, integrity, and responsibility in international trade.”

For Morteza, the designation’s emphasis on professional ethics and competency was particularly important. After years of working in complex commercial environments, he had seen firsthand how much depends on sound judgment. Trade professionals regularly make decisions involving financial risk, regulatory obligations, cross-cultural relationships and competing business interests.

“The CITP designation represents not only professional recognition but also alignment with a shared mission to make international trade a force for positive global impact.”

That sense of shared purpose is one of the key advantages Morteza sees in joining the CITP community. The designation connects him with professionals across sectors and markets who bring different perspectives and areas of expertise, while operating within a common professional framework.

Earning the designation brought a sense of responsibility

When Morteza earned his CITP designation in January 2026, the achievement prompted reflection on more than his career progression. It strengthened his sense of responsibility as an international trade professional.

International trade is increasingly shaped by new technologies, data-driven decision-making and evolving global risks, from regulatory shifts to supply chain disruption. Morteza believes professionals need to embrace those tools while maintaining fairness, transparency and sound judgment.

For him, the CITP reinforces the importance of balancing innovation with professional responsibility.

He also naturally sees the designation as a signal of credibility. In a field where businesses often have to establish trust across jurisdictions, cultures and organizations, recognized professional standards can help provide confidence in the expertise and conduct of the person on the other side of the table.

Using the CITP as a platform for continued leadership

“I see the designation not as an endpoint, but as a powerful platform for continued learning, collaboration, and leadership in global trade.”

His long-term goal remains the same: to contribute to sustainable trade, ethical decision-making and shared prosperity across markets.

The designation strengthens that work by connecting him to other experienced professionals and giving him access to a broader range of perspectives and expertise.

“Being part of this professional network provides valuable access to peer insight, diverse perspectives, and collective expertise.”

That network can be especially valuable as international business becomes more complex. Navigating regulatory change, shifting markets and emerging risks often requires knowledge that extends beyond any one individual or organization.

For Morteza, being part of the CITP community creates more opportunities to learn, collaborate and make better-informed decisions. This is an outlook consistent with the philosophy that first attracted him to international trade.

After more than a decade of building partnerships, managing complex transactions and connecting businesses across regions, Morteza remains focused on what trade can accomplish when it is conducted with patience, expertise and integrity.

The post CITP Spotlight: Morteza Mehdizadeh, Chief Executive Officer – Vanda Global Trade Ltd. appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Erica Henry-Jackman, international trade has never been just about commerce. It has always been about building bridges between people, markets, and opportunities.

Long before she held a formal trade role, Erica’s journey into international affairs began on the global stage. In 1997, she was selected as a delegate to the Commonwealth Youth Programme, where she engaged with international leaders on issues of youth empowerment, sustainable development, and global cooperation. That same year, she contributed to the United Nations Awake Beyond Awareness campaign alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Those early experiences would shape the trajectory of her career.

They exposed her to the power of international collaboration and demonstrated how leadership, diplomacy, and economic development can work together to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Shortly after, Erica joined the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, first serving as a youth ambassador and later as a trade intern. It was in these roles that international trade evolved from an interest into a defining part of her professional path.

One of her earliest assignments involved supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the landmark World Trade Organization dispute against the United States regarding cross-border online gambling services. The experience provided firsthand exposure to trade law, international negotiations, and the realities smaller economies face within the global trading system.

“From that moment, I was drawn to the transformative power of strategic negotiation, fair market access, and well-designed trade frameworks in creating economic opportunity.”

That formative experience laid the foundation for a career spanning diplomacy, international relations, foreign direct investment, trade development, and economic development.

Learning that trade is built on trust

Over the past two decades, Erica has built a reputation for connecting governments, businesses, investors, and communities to advance shared economic objectives.

As Vice-Consul and Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda in Canada, she played a key role in strengthening trade, tourism, and investment relationships between Canada and the Caribbean. The position reinforced a lesson that has remained central throughout her career: successful economic partnerships are built as much on relationships and trust as they are on market access and policy.

Throughout her career, she has led and supported high-level missions involving investors, government officials, and international stakeholders, navigating diverse priorities while building consensus around common goals.

“Successful investment attraction and trade development are not just about numbers. They are about relationships, trust, and creating ecosystems where businesses and communities thrive together.”

Like many trade professionals, Erica initially focused on mastering technical frameworks, trade policy, and regulations. While those skills remain essential, her experience has reinforced a powerful lesson, relationships and trust are what enable trade to thrive. In an era marked by tariff uncertainty and rapidly changing global trade dynamics, organizations are increasingly looking for trusted partners who can help them navigate complexity with confidence.

“The strongest agreements aren’t built solely on rules and regulations. They’re built on understanding people, perspectives, priorities and trust. When there is uncertainty in the market, people look for partners who understand their priorities, respect their perspectives and are committed to finding solutions. That’s what transforms a transaction into a lasting partnership.”

Her advice to emerging trade professionals reflects that belief:

“Invest in relationships early. Listen carefully, embrace cultural awareness, and approach international partnerships with patience and empathy. These connections will become your most valuable currency in international trade and investment attraction.”

Bringing a global perspective to local economic development

Today, Erica brings a global lens to local economic development in Canada as Manager, Investment Attraction and International Relations with the City of Brampton Economic Development Office.

In this leadership role, she works to position Brampton as a competitive destination for global investment while helping local businesses access international opportunities, partnerships, and markets.

Among her most notable achievements is the creation of Canada’s first municipal Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Desk. The initiative was designed to strengthen commercial connections, facilitate market access, and unlock new opportunities between African, Caribbean, and Canadian business communities.

She has also spearheaded investment attraction initiatives that have strengthened Brampton’s position as a destination for foreign-direct investment while fostering cross-cultural partnerships focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic development.

For Erica, these accomplishments represent the convergence of decades spent working across diplomacy, trade, and investment.

The diplomatic skills developed through international representation, the understanding of global trade systems gained through her work with Antigua and Barbuda, and years of building international networks now inform her approach to economic development in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.

It is global experience applied locally, creating tangible benefits for businesses, investors, and communities alike.

Why the CITP designation was a natural next step

After more than twenty years working across diplomacy, foreign direct investment, market development, and international partnership building, pursuing the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation felt like a natural progression.

“I pursued the CITP designation because it is internationally recognized as a benchmark of credibility and professional excellence in global trade.”

For Erica, the designation represents more than professional recognition. It validates decades of practical experience against internationally recognized standards and strengthens confidence among investors, governments, and global partners.

Receiving the designation was also a significant personal milestone.

Reflecting on a journey that began with youth leadership initiatives and evolved into a career spanning international diplomacy and economic development, Erica viewed the achievement as an affirmation of both purpose and perseverance.

“It felt like an affirmation of purpose, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to creating meaningful global connections.”

Leveraging CITP expertise in a changing global economy

As international trade and investment continue to be shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, evolving policy environments, and increasing competition for global capital, Erica believes professional credibility and trusted expertise have never been more important.

The ability to help businesses and governments navigate complexity, identify opportunities, and manage risk is becoming an increasingly valuable skill set.

“The CITP designation serves as a globally recognized benchmark of trust and professionalism, enhancing confidence when I engage with investors, governments, and international organizations.”

Looking ahead, she intends to continue advancing foreign direct investment, strengthening international partnerships, and advocating for more inclusive trade and equitable economic growth.

At the heart of that vision remains a principle that has guided her throughout her career: international trade is ultimately about connecting people.

From representing Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage to attracting investment and fostering economic growth in Canadian communities, Erica has spent her career creating connections that generate opportunity and prosperity.

Today, with the CITP designation complementing her extensive international experience, she continues to build those connections, helping communities, businesses, and investors succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

The post CITP Spotlight: Erica Henry-Jackman – Manager, Investment Attraction and International Relations, City of Brampton Economic Development Office appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Tawanda Chiota, international trade first became real far from home.

While studying in China, Tawanda was immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic trading economies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international economics and trade at Bohai University, but some of his most important lessons happened beyond the classroom.

Living in China meant seeing port cities, export-driven manufacturing, logistics networks and international contracting up close.

It also meant learning Mandarin, adapting to a new culture and understanding how business relationships work across borders.

“Daily exposure to port cities, export-driven manufacturing, logistics networks, and international contracting brought trade theory to life in a very tangible way.”

That experience gave Tawanda more than an academic foundation. It gave him an early understanding of the practical realities behind global commerce and sparked a career that would eventually take him into consulting, export development, logistics and international transportation.

Turning trade theory into practice

One of the most formative moments in Tawanda’s early career came during an internship with Sinotrans, one of China’s largest logistics and freight forwarding companies.

For the first time, he was directly involved in export documentation, port operations, container movement and international shipping coordination.

Visits to coastal port cities such as Jinzhou and Qinhuangdao showed him how the pieces of a global supply chain come together under real commercial pressure.

“Working alongside logistics professionals gave me firsthand insight into how global supply chains operate from the exporter’s perspective, how goods move from factory floor to vessel, and how documentation, customs, and freight scheduling intersect.”

The experience solidified his interest in international commerce, but it also raised new questions.

Tawanda became increasingly interested in the forces shaping trade beyond individual transactions. He wanted to better understand how governments, trade agreements, regulations and political decisions influence markets and economic outcomes.

That curiosity led him to Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he completed a master’s degree in political science focused on international trade relations.

Seeing how exports support communities

After graduate school, Tawanda moved into international business consulting and began working more closely with Canadian exporters.

At White Rock International Business Consulting in Newfoundland and Labrador, he supported seafood and other export-oriented SMEs as they prepared to enter international markets.

Many of the businesses he worked with were multigenerational, family-run operations rooted in rural and coastal communities. That made the impact of international trade especially tangible.

“I worked on market-entry research, export plans, and export-readiness assessments,” Tawanda says.

“Seeing local producers position their products for global markets was extremely fulfilling because it connected trade strategy to real livelihoods.”

His work included projects supporting seafood exports to Qatar, where he conducted market-entry research, regulatory analysis and worked alongside provincial and federal trade commissioners. Those collaborations gave Tawanda another perspective on the trade ecosystem.

“Those interactions helped me understand the critical role the public service plays in lowering trade barriers, facilitating market access, and supporting Canadian exporters abroad.”

Learning that successful trade depends on execution

As his career progressed, Tawanda gained further experience in logistics and freight operations, including work with Container World.

That experience reinforced an important lesson: strong strategy means little without strong execution.

“The global economy is constantly changing, so adaptability is essential, but it is strong relationships and operational execution that ultimately sustain success in international trade.”

Tawanda has learned that companies with trusted partners, strong relationships and reliable operational processes are often better positioned to respond to industry changes.

His years in China also taught him that cultural intelligence has to be part of that equation.

“Understanding how to communicate across cultures, respect local business customs, and build trust over time is just as important as pricing, contracts, or logistics,” he says. “Trade is ultimately conducted between people, not just institutions.”

At the same time, his logistics experience reinforced the importance of detail. Even a strong commercial agreement can break down if documentation is inaccurate, customs requirements are missed or freight is poorly coordinated.

Why the CITP designation mattered

By the time Tawanda applied for the Certified International Trade Professional designation, his career had already crossed several areas of international commerce.

He had studied trade in China, explored international policy at the graduate level, supported Canadian SMEs with export development and worked directly in logistics and supply chain operations.

The CITP offered a way to bring those experiences together under a recognized professional credential.

“I chose to apply for the CITP designation as a way to formally validate the career I have been building across international education, consulting and supply chain.”

He was looking for a credential that could recognize both his academic background and his practical experience.

But professional validation was only part of the appeal. Tawanda was also drawn to the community surrounding the designation.

“Being part of a group of like-minded trade professionals creates meaningful opportunities to share knowledge, build strong relationships, collaborate across sectors, and stay connected to evolving global trade practices.”

For someone whose career has consistently crossed between policy and commercial trade, the designation also represents a useful bridge between the two.

Tawanda sees the CITP as strengthening his credibility in both business and public-facing trade environments while creating potential opportunities in policy and advisory work.

Earning the designation was an emotional milestone.

“It felt like a quiet moment of pause to look back at how far I’ve come, from being a student navigating a new country, new language, and unfamiliar systems, to building real experience in global trade and finally being recognized for it.”

More than anything, he says, the achievement gave him confidence to continue aiming higher.

Putting the CITP to work at Canadian Tire

That next chapter is already underway.

Tawanda recently transitioned into a role as Senior Business Analyst in International Transportation at Canadian Tire Corporation.

Working within a large and complex global supply chain requires an understanding of trade regulations, compliance, logistics, risk and international transportation systems.

Tawanda says the CITP designation is already proving valuable.

“The CITP gives me a strong technical and professional foundation to contribute confidently to this work and to grow within the international transportation field.”

The designation also gives him a recognized professional benchmark as he continues developing within a major international supply chain environment.

Building something of his own

Alongside his corporate career, Tawanda is also developing Vancouver Seafood Exports, a startup focused on connecting Canadian seafood producers with global markets.

The venture brings together several strands of his experience, including seafood export development, logistics, international market research and relationship-building.

For Tawanda, the opportunity is particularly meaningful because many smaller producers have strong products but lack access to international buyers, certifications or specialized trade knowledge.

“Helping bridge that gap has real economic and community impact.”

It is also where his earlier experiences in Atlantic Canada come full circle.

After helping seafood SMEs assess export opportunities, Tawanda is now working toward building a business designed to help more producers navigate those same challenges.

Expanding his role in Canada’s global trade ecosystem

Tawanda sees the CITP designation playing an important role in both sides of his future career.

In his corporate work, it strengthens his credibility and provides a framework for continued growth in international transportation. In his entrepreneurial work, it signals to SMEs, international partners and government stakeholders that his approach to trade is grounded in recognized professional standards.

“For me, the CITP isn’t just recognition of where I’ve been, it’s a stepping stone toward where I want to go.”

That destination sits at the intersection of trade, transportation, export development and policy.

It is a fitting direction for a career that began with studying global commerce in China and has since moved through ports, seafood exporters, logistics operations and complex international supply chains.

As Tawanda continues building expertise in international transportation and developing Vancouver Seafood Exports, the CITP provides both recognition of the path behind him and a stronger foundation for the opportunities ahead.

The post CITP Spotlight: Tawanda Chiota – Sr. Business Analyst, International Transportation, Canadian Tire Corporation appeared first on Trade Ready.

Michael Uzoma Agu’s path into international trade began in the energy sector, where finance, business development and cross-border relationships came together in a way that sparked a lasting interest in global commerce.

While working with Shell Nigerian Gas Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Michael gained experience in international gas sales, finance and business development.

Working within a global industry gave him an early view of how international transactions operate in practice and how commercial, financial and regulatory considerations come together across markets.

My involvement in the energy sector and working with global companies sparked my interest in international trade.

That exposure would become the foundation for a career that continued to develop across finance, import and export operations and international business.

Building international trade experience in the energy sector

Michael’s time with Shell gave him an opportunity to work directly with global clients and partners while developing an understanding of the operational and financial side of international business.

Some of his favourite career experiences came from his work with Shell Nigerian Gas, particularly his involvement in international gas sales and business development.

The role exposed him to the realities of working across borders and showed him how international trade depends on several areas of expertise working together.

One project Michael remembers particularly well was leading the finance team responsible for migrating Shell Nigerian Gas data from the SUN system to SAP.

The project was not solely a trade initiative, but it reflected many of the skills that would continue to matter throughout his career: managing complexity, working across functions and adapting to changing systems and business requirements.

At Shell, I gained valuable insights into the operational and financial aspects of international trade in the energy sector.

Those insights gave him a strong base in the financial processes that underpin global commerce, including managing international accounts and understanding how commercial activity translates into the day-to-day movement of money, products and information.

Applying that experience in Canada

Michael later brought his international experience to Canada through his work with Atlas Graham Furgale Ltd.

There, his responsibilities expanded into international trade operations, including managing international accounts payable and receivable and facilitating import and export activities.

The experience allowed him to apply what he had learned in the energy industry within a different business environment.

He also had the opportunity to contribute to the company’s international reach, giving him further experience with the practical requirements of operating across markets.

“I enjoyed working with Atlas Graham Furgale Ltd in Canada, managing international trade operations and expanding the company’s global reach,” he says.

Moving between industries reinforced an important lesson for Michael: international trade professionals have to remain adaptable.

Markets, regulations, customer expectations and business practices can differ substantially from one country or sector to another. For professionals working across those boundaries, technical expertise is only part of the equation.

One piece of advice I would share is to always stay adaptable and open to learning in international trade. Understanding cultural differences and regulatory requirements is crucial.

That commitment to ongoing learning led him to FITTskills.

Turning experience into a broader trade skill set

For Michael, FITTskills offered an opportunity to build on years of practical international business experience with a more comprehensive understanding of the disciplines that support successful global trade.

“Taking the FITTskills courses was super valuable,” he says. “The courses helped me deepen my understanding of international trade concepts and apply them practically.”

He found the learning particularly relevant in international logistics, marketing and finance, areas that connected closely with responsibilities he had already encountered throughout his career.

His favourite course was International Sales & Marketing.

“It gave me insights into how to navigate different markets and cultures, which has been super helpful in my international trade work.”

That focus on applying knowledge in real-world situations was especially valuable for someone whose career had already crossed industries and international markets. Rather than replacing experience, the FITTskills courses helped Michael put that experience into a broader professional framework.

They also became part of his progression toward the Certified International Trade Professional designation.

Why earning the CITP mattered

Michael chose to pursue the CITP designation because it was both a way to recognize what he had already accomplished and an opportunity to demonstrate his continued commitment to an international career.

I chose to apply for the CITP designation because my background and expertise align with the competency requirements, and I want to contribute further to the field of international trade.

“Earning the CITP designation was an incredible achievement,” Michael says. “This recognition highlights my expertise and accomplishments in international trade.”

That recognition is one of the benefits Michael sees in becoming a CITP.

International trade careers often develop across different functions, organizations and markets. A professional may build expertise through finance, logistics, sales, business development or operations before those skills converge into a broader international trade career.

The CITP designation gives professionals like Michael a way to bring that experience together under a recognized credential.

It can also help communicate that expertise to employers, partners and others within the international trade community.

Looking toward new opportunities

Michael sees the CITP designation not simply as recognition of where his career has taken him, but as a tool for what comes next.

I foresee the CITP designation enhancing my credibility and opening up opportunities in international trade, allowing me to contribute more significantly to the field.

That outlook reflects the same willingness to learn and adapt that has shaped his career so far.

From international gas sales and finance in Nigeria to import and export operations in Canada, Michael has steadily expanded his understanding of what it takes to work successfully across borders. FITTskills gave him an opportunity to deepen that knowledge, while the CITP designation provided professional recognition for the experience and competencies he had developed along the way.

As he looks ahead, Michael sees further opportunities to put that combination of experience, education and professional credibility to work.

The post CITP Spotlight: Michael Uzoma Agu – Education Staff, YMCA-YWCA appeared first on Trade Ready.

Some of the earliest records of customs applications stem back to a time before the creation of most nations as we know them today. For example, around the world, ancient indigenous communities often traded with other tribes through tribute systems that offered more than just the goods exchanged.

In China, as maritime trade became more sophisticated, different regions established agencies and formalized customs laws to oversee trading ships and their goods. Likewise, the Roman Empire created detailed documents and rules for goods across their empire spanning into Asia.

More recently, in the past few hundred years, as nations and their governments became more established, they created official customs agencies, many with the original purpose of collecting taxes and tariffs on goods to help fund their growing economies.

Now, of course, we know that agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), and the developing EU Customs Authority (EUCA) are all part of an intricate international network that helps ensure customs compliance and facilitates the safe, efficient movement of goods across borders.

Clearly, change is no stranger to the world of customs compliance.

Those working in the field  of customs compliance today will tell you that a host of factors are transforming the landscape, creating the demand for new skills and job roles that did not exist even a mere five years ago.

For individuals seeking work in the world of compliance, these rapid changes mean that there are opportunities to seize. Roles focused on tariff expertise, AI tech governance, supply chain strategy, and risk mitigation are all on the rise, and those who gain these skills sooner than later are putting themselves on a fast-track to success.

Want to know which trade compliance and customs roles and skills are in demand? Check out our list below:

1. Customs Compliance Specialist

At the heart of modern trade operations is the Customs Compliance Specialist. This is the professional responsible for ensuring that every shipment is correctly classified, documented, and cleared.

With the EU rolling out its multi-year customs reform and the United States expanding its enforcement focus on forced-labour violations, compliance expertise for every modern company is a top priority.

That’s because more rules mean more risk and these mistakes could equate to revenue lost, slower business, and even criminal penalties.

Why the demand is rising:

• Increased scrutiny around tariff codes and country-of-origin rules
• Digital modernization pushing companies toward real-time accuracy
• Rising penalties for misclassification and inadequate documentation

Training pathways:

• HS and tariff classification training
• FITTskills courses on global value chains and compliance
• Country-specific customs frameworks (e.g., CBP, EU, China GACC)

Why this training matters:

These skills ensure professionals can navigate the world’s most closely monitored and frequently updated trade rules with precision. Most people gain these competencies through structured programs like the FITTskills Program, customs authority training modules, or accredited tariff-classification workshops that provide hands-on, practical application.

2. Import/Export Compliance Analyst

This role focuses on ensuring companies meet all regulatory, documentation, and audit requirements related to cross-border trade. Today’s analysts need a blend of legal understanding, risk interpretation, and technical accuracy to keep pace with global regulatory changes.

Why the demand is rising:

• Rapidly evolving sanctions, tariff regimes, and compliance obligations
• Higher regulatory expectations for audit readiness
• Growing overlap between legal compliance and logistics operations

Training pathways:

• Regulatory compliance certification
• Sanctions/export controls coursework (e.g., BIS training)
• FITTskills Global Value Chain Course

Access this free FITTskills Lite resource with material from the Global Value Chain course.

Why this training matters:

Analysts who can interpret rules accurately reduce corporate exposure to fines, seizures, and forced-labour enforcement actions. Professionals typically earn these skills through FITTskills courses, government training programs, or accredited compliance bodies that teach real-world application, not just compliance theory.

3. Trade Technology and Compliance Systems Manager

As AI-driven customs portals and global trade management (GTM) systems become the norm, companies need people who can configure, test, validate, and oversee these systems. This role blends regulatory knowledge with digital literacy.

Moreover, it requires people who understand how compliance works beyond technology:

Which people and teams make the trade happen physically?

What issues are they dealing with daily?

What aspects of customs operations are best performed by people and which tasks can be automated?

These are all questions that these roles need to ask and answer daily.

Why the demand is rising:

• Accelerated digitization of customs clearance
• Increased reliance on ERP and GTM systems for real-time compliance
• The need for human oversight in AI-driven classification and risk alerts

Training pathways:

• ERP/GTM system training (SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes)
• Data analytics for trade operations
• AI governance and validation fundamentals

Why this training matters:

Digital systems are only as accurate as the people who manage them, making system training essential for audit readiness and regulatory accuracy. Most professionals gain these skills through vendor certifications, AI-governance programs, or the FITTskills Global Value Chain course that explain the compliance logic behind these tools.

But, beyond understanding the technology, compliance managers will need know the best times to use and apply the technology, and when not to.

Automation is only beneficial to businesses who use it at the right times for the right purposes.

The people who govern the technology must, at any moment, be able to decide when to update an algorithm or to stop using it altogether. A balance between human reason and automated efficiency is the key to success in this role.

4. Export Controls and Sanctions Compliance Specialist

With political and economic sanctions changing by the week and export controls tightening across multiple regions, this role has become one of the most strategically important in global trade. Hires for this position have to know up-to-the minute sanctions and customs rules and they must know how to operationalize these complex regulatory requirements into everyday business procedures.

The best companies will also be looking for candidates who can future-proof business against potential sanction threats and changes through risk mitigation strategies.

Why the demand is rising:

• New geopolitical conflicts and realignments
• Expansion of forced-labour import bans
• Increased enforcement of export-control and dual-use rules

Training pathways:

• FITTskills courses or workshops on risk analysis and management
• EAR (Export Administration Regulations) and ITAR training
• OFAC sanctions compliance

Why this training matters:

Sanctions enforcement is high-risk, high-impact work, and regulators expect companies to prove their employees have formal, updated training. Professionals typically obtain these skills through government-issued training (BIS, OFAC), compliance associations, and comprehensive training programs, like the FITTskills program, which translates regulations into practical workflows.

5. Trade and Customs Advisor/Consultant

Trade and customs advisors and consultants guide organizations through multi-jurisdictional customs challenges, from valuation to free-trade agreements to special economic zones. They also work at large financial institutions, advising small businesses or important clients on import and export processes, trade procedures, and documentation.

Skills like interpreting rules of origin, HS classification codes, Incoterms, and overall supply chain knowledge are critical for success in this role.

Why the demand is rising:

• Companies need strategic guidance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Free trade agreements and customs regulations are becoming increasingly complex.
• Organizations require expert interpretation during customs audits, reviews, and disputes.
• Financial institutions and other business service providers increasingly support clients with international trade and customs requirements.

Training pathways:

• Advanced customs, trade-agreement and valuation training
• The FITTskills Global Value Chain course and Feasibility of International Trade course

Professional designations training pathways such as FITTskills Program (one pathway to satisfy the educational requirement for the CITP), and the CCLP offered by CITT

Why this training matters:

Trade and customs advisors need the expertise to provide accurate, practical guidance that reduces risk, ensures compliance, and supports successful international business. Programs like FITTskills, leading to the CITP designation, demonstrate applied knowledge across the full international trade process.

While customs specialists provide deep technical expertise, organizations also need professionals who understand how customs fits within the broader international trade transaction.

A CITP brings this end-to-end perspective, enabling them to provide strategic advice and effectively engage and manage customs brokers, compliance specialists, and other trade service providers.

Adaptable and eager minds will gain traction in today’s customs compliance landscape

Whether businesses like it or not, customs compliance is only becoming more complex and the companies that succeed will be those that invest in the right talent to navigate that complexity.

For adaptable, ambitious jobseekers, this moment represents a rare opening: a chance to understand the geopolitical and technological forces reshaping global trade and to play a direct role in that transformation. And if history illustrates anything, it’s this: progress in customs has always been driven by people, especially those who stepped in to shape it.

The post 5 growing customs compliance jobs and the skills required to get hired appeared first on Trade Ready.

The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation came to fruition through a comparable void. For years, the knowledge required to operate confidently in global commerce—importing and exporting, market entry, finance, supply chains, customs, logistics—was scattered across industries, government agencies, and hard-won, on-the-job trial and error. As one of FITT’s founders put it, the field urgently needed structure and coherence—and, quite simply, there “ought to be a better way to learn” how to do international trade the right way. 

But now, in an era with many different courses, academic learning offerings, certifications, designations, degrees, doctorates and beyond, how do you know which learning paths will create impact for your career trajectory? And how do you know which ones are legitimate? The answers begin with understanding each credential’s purpose. 

The rise of verifiable, standardized skills

Across industries, the upskilling trend is unmistakable. According to the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), demand for workforce credentials has grown steadily over the past decade as employers try to assess skills in an environment of rapid change. The World Economic Forum has reported similarly, emphasizing that “skills are the new currency” when addressing “how vital competencies have become in today’s rapidly evolving world.” 

International trade, where decisions often hinge on regulatory risk, multimillion-dollar shipments, and cross-border contracts, has felt this pressure acutely. 

It’s no longer enough to simply “learn on the job,” several CITPs note.

As markets expand and rules become more intricate, companies are seeking evidence that professionals not only understand international business but can apply it responsibly.

And that is where designations enter the picture. 

Degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional designations: what’s the difference?

The credential ecosystem can feel confusing, particularly for newcomers, because each type of training sits at a different layer of learning. In reality, they aren’t interchangeable. They serve different purposes in a career. 

Degrees (BA, BCom, MBA) offer broad, conceptual grounding in business and take several years to complete. They’re valuable for leadership and strategy roles, but often too general to prepare someone for technical trade functions such as compliance, logistics, export operations, or customs management. 

Diplomas narrow the focus. Typically, one to two years, they emphasize applied learning and often include co-ops or internships that prepare graduates for operational roles or entry-level analyst positions. 

Certificates and short courses fill specific knowledge gaps. Whether it’s a course on Incoterms®, customs procedures, or supply chain management, these programs sharpen skills quickly — but rarely function as comprehensive proof of professional capability. 

Professional designations, like the CITP, sit at the top of this structure. They require verified experience meeting all designated competency categories, validating not just what someone knows but what they can reliably do in real-world trade environments. They are often used by employers to evaluate readiness for higher-stakes decision-making and must be continuously maintained, signaling a commitment to lifelong learning. 

Trade professionals often hold a blend of all these. But the designation carries a distinct message: “I can do this in practice consistently, ethically, and to international standards.”

Why experienced professionals seek the CITP

Credibility and new connections

For Kingsley Borello, CITP, the designation was about belonging and credibility in a new market. When he moved to Canada, he needed to open more doors, despite having a storied career that spanned from West Africa to Singapore to the United States. The CITP became a way to formalize decades of international business experience in a recognizable, standardized way: 

“Being a newcomer with a limited network versus my wider international relationships, I feel that the CITP designation brings more awareness of my professional background and capabilities, especially in Canada.”

A cohesive program and designation with practical skill applications

Abbas Sumar, CITP, Principal of Sumar + Associates Ltd, spent years working on trade, diplomacy, and development at the federal level, supporting major international initiatives. But he saw the CITP as a differentiator that also carried weight within academia. 

“For many past students and instructors alike, the FITTskills courses effectively manage to synthesize the complexity of international trade management into an easy-to-comprehend professional development program with opportunities for practical application.”

His perspective, that post-secondary institutions align curriculum to CITP requirements to strengthen graduate competitiveness, speaks to the designation’s institutional credibility. 

Recognition and empowerment to do better

For Akhil Choudhary, CITP, Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada, India, it was recognition in a field he had grown into 

Coming from an environmental science background, Akhil sought a credential that reflected the real expertise he had honed through years of bilateral trade work between India, Israel, and Canada. 

“I have a very different educational background (Environmental Science), so I was looking for recognition. The CITP designation provides that recognition and empowers me with knowledge to do better.”

He adds that the designation “will keep me aligned with the high standards of excellence and quality that I have to follow and maintain while working with my clients in international trade.” 

Structure to complement experience

For Ana Rosetephane Quilas-Nassif, CITP, Manager for Corporate and Executive Governance, Board Affairs, Soluis Group, the FITTskills courses and CITP designation gave her a “structured, in-depth understanding of international trade.”

She feels the courses complemented her hands-on experience by giving her “the frameworks and methodologies needed to approach trade challenges more strategically.” 

She adds that she applied for the CITP because,

“The designation is globally respected and signals a high level of competency, which is crucial when working with clients, investors, and international business leaders.”

Adding a competitive edge and being part of a well-respected community

For Ramon Pinto, earning his CITP designation was a major “milestone” to add to his many years of entrepreneurial success. As Founder, President, and CEO of SOLUPAPER, he built his company from a $60K operation into a multimillion-dollar cross-border business.  

He pursued the CITP because it anchored his global credibility. 

“Being part of such a well-recognized organization, coupled with the extensive experience I’ve gained, marks a major milestone in my career.”

He adds, “It will not only help me stand out but also empower me to continue expanding my career in a more global context.”  

Real-world skills and opportunities in new markets

For Banksharon Nwaneri, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, the skills earned from the FITTskills program are useful in a practical context:

“What appealed most to me was how it validates not just knowledge, but also the ability to apply complex trade principles, from regulatory compliance to financial logistics, not just in theory, but on real-world projects.”  

Working across finance, development, education, and finally the U.S. Department of Commerce, Banksharon believes that earning his CITP also will help him open new opportunities in his daily work: “I foresee it opening new doors in new markets,” he notes. 

What recruiters and employers actually look for today

While requirements vary by sector, several patterns consistently appear in recent employer surveys from Deloitte, ManpowerGroup, and The World Economic Forum:  

1. Demonstrated ability to work across jurisdictions

Trade law, compliance, market entry, and logistics require fluency in cross-border rules. Recruiters frequently look for: 

• FITTskills training 
• CITP designation 
• Specific customs, compliance, or logistics certifications, such as those offered by CITT.  

2. Evidence of applied experience—not just theory

Employers increasingly value: 

• Practicums 
• Internships 
• Case-based credentials 
• Designations that require work experience 

3. Risk management and financial literacy

The WEF’s Future of Jobs report notes that supply chain risk, geopolitics, and financial management have moved to the centre of business decision-making. This aligns closely with FITTskills and CITP competency areas. 

4. Adaptability and multi-skill versatility

Trade is increasingly about being able to move from one area of focus to another. When ports are inaccessible, the focus is on logistics and risk mitigation execution; when political sanctions or tariffs impede the flow of goods and services to markets, market diversification and new procurement strategies take centre stage.

Professionals who can understand and apply their skills in all of these areas have an upper hand.

That’s why many of the world’s largest companies actively seek out credentials like the CITP in job postings, or they actively increase salary ranges for employees who undergo the rigorous training and certification process. 

The new professional landscape

The modern trade career is layered: 

• A degree builds foundations 
• Diplomas and certificates build practical skills 
• Experience builds judgment and capabilities 
• Designations validate professional experience and expertise 

In a labour market shaped by volatility, employers want all four—but only the designation says, definitively, “this person has done this work at a professional level.” 

And that may be the clearest answer to whether CITP is worth it. 

The post Is the CITP worth it? Here’s what professionals say appeared first on Trade Ready.

When Patrizia Giuliotti graduated in international relations from Rome’s La Sapienza University, she could not have predicted that her career would eventually span trade policy, market access, export finance, climate issues, energy transition and high-level diplomacy.

“I could not have imagined the professional journey that lay ahead,” she says.

Today, Patrizia is a Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada to Italy and Global Affairs Canada. Her work has evolved alongside some of the most important issues shaping global trade, from European market access to critical raw materials security. After 30 years in the field, earning the Certified International Trade Professional designation, CITP, became both a personal milestone and a validation of the expertise she had built.

“The CITP designation represents a meaningful recognition of the work accomplished and the competencies developed over the course of a 30-year career,” she says.

“It is important not only on a personal level, but also for the people and organizations you serve, as the CITP stands as a testament to one’s professional credibility and expertise.”

Finding her path in international trade

Patrizia’s interest in international trade began to take shape during a year in the United States as a Fulbright scholar.

“That experience exposed me to the complexities of trade policy, international finance, and global economic dynamics, sparking a deep interest in how countries and markets interact beyond borders,” she says.

After returning to Rome, she began her career in export credit services at an American merchant bank. The role gave her early exposure to the financial tools and practical mechanisms that support international business.

“It was an invaluable learning experience that helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.”

That combination of policy knowledge and practical business understanding would become a defining part of her career. In 1995, Patrizia joined the Canadian Embassy in Rome as an assistant in the trade section. She soon transitioned into the role of Trade Commissioner, beginning a long career rooted in trade policy, market access and sector-specific expertise.

Over the years, her work has covered commodities, agri-food, seafood, forestry, climate and energy. It has also included direct engagement with Canadian exporters, strategic advocacy and the organization of high-level business roundtables, including one held for Canada’s Prime Minister in 2017.

“The diversity of these experiences ensured that my work was never repetitive and allowed me to continuously engage with evolving global challenges,” she says.

Where detail shapes outcomes

Some of Patrizia’s most memorable career moments have come from representing Canada’s interests in negotiations with the European Union. Even while working with colleagues across different European capitals, she remembers a strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose.

“Together, we worked to raise concerns, align positions, and shape outcomes that reflected Canada’s priorities,” she says.

A particularly defining moment came in 2000, when Canada signed the Wine & Spirit Agreement with the EU, a precursor to what would later become the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA. The negotiations came down to resolving a dispute over a single word that differentiated “Grappa” from “Ice Grappa.”

“That experience perfectly illustrated how nuanced, technical, and yet impactful trade negotiations can be.”

For Patrizia, experiences like this reinforced how much international trade depends on precision. A single term can influence market access, commercial interests and long-term relationships. Her career has been shaped by that balance between technical detail and broader strategic impact.

As her responsibilities grew, she also became involved in ministerial visits and sector-specific side programs under the Italian G7 Presidency. The work kept her close to the evolving priorities of governments and businesses, while reinforcing the global relevance of trade diplomacy.

Building expertise in an emerging field

About 20 years ago, Patrizia was entrusted with a file that was still considered relatively minor: environmental goods and services. At the time, concepts such as ESG and climate change were mostly confined within academic and scientific circles.

Recognizing the potential of the field, she pursued a graduate program in Global Environmental Policies at the University of Viterbo, in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of the Environment.

“That decision proved transformative,” she says.

It repositioned her as an advisor and subject-matter expert on environmental, climate change and energy issues, while allowing her to continue supporting Canadian cleantech companies operating in Italy.

“I became increasingly convinced that understanding the science behind climate phenomena is essential in order to balance social, economic, and environmental priorities.”

That perspective has guided her recent work on Canada-Italy cooperation in areas such as energy transition and critical raw materials security. Key milestones have included the Canada-Italy Roadmap for Advanced Cooperation, joint statements on critical raw materials, structured energy dialogues and bilateral agreements in the hydrogen and nuclear sectors.

“As policy professionals, we carry responsibilities that transcend national borders,” she says. “In my view, our decisions must ultimately serve the planet as a whole, not just individual or short-term interests.”

Strengthening practical knowledge through FITTskills

Even with significant experience in the field, Patrizia found that FITTskills helped sharpen and structure her understanding of international business from the company perspective.

“I thoroughly enjoyed taking the FITTskills courses,” she says. “They helped structure my theoretical knowledge while also providing concrete, practical examples of the work companies must undertake to expand internationally.”

For a public servant working in trade, that practical focus was especially useful. Trade commissioners support companies operating in real markets, where strategy must translate into action.

“As a public servant, it is sometimes easy to become somewhat removed from everyday market realities, and the FITTskills courses helped bridge that gap.”

Her favourite course was Global Supply Chain Management because of its connection to trade policy, geopolitics and macroeconomic dynamics. The subject aligned closely with the forces she has spent much of her career navigating.

Earning the CITP designation

Is the CITP worth it? Here’s what professionals say

After decades of professional experience, Patrizia chose to apply for the CITP designation to validate the competencies she had developed across policy, diplomacy, sector expertise and client service.

“I was truly thrilled to receive the designation,” she says. “It was a significant personal endeavor, particularly while working full time on major files and responsibilities.”

She is quick to credit her family for their support throughout the process.

“I am especially grateful to my husband, Walter, and my children, Giulia Fiorile and Adriano, for their unwavering support and patience during those studying weekends,” she says.

For Patrizia, earning the designation was not simply about career advancement. It was a way to formally recognize a body of work built over many years and to reinforce the credibility that is essential in international trade.

That credibility matters because trade professionals are often trusted to advise companies, represent national interests, support market access and help organizations navigate complex decisions.

The CITP designation signals that this work is backed by recognized standards and proven expertise.

Advice for the next generation of trade professionals

Looking back, Patrizia believes flexibility and adaptability are essential in international trade. But she also encourages professionals to build deep expertise in a specific area.

“Long-term career development greatly benefits from cultivating deep expertise in a specific sector,” she says. “Specialization allows you to add greater value, build credibility, and help companies and organizations go beyond surface-level engagement to achieve more strategic outcomes.”

Her own path reflects that advice. By developing expertise in environmental goods and services, climate policy, energy and critical raw materials, she positioned herself to contribute meaningfully as global priorities shifted.

She has also learned that impact often requires patience. Navigating internal processes can be challenging, but she recognizes their role in supporting transparency, accountability and better outcomes.

As one mentor told her, “We need to oil the system.”

“As public servants, we bear an added responsibility: helping companies grow and succeed internationally.”

Sharing experience through teaching and mentorship

After 30 years in international trade, Patrizia is still thinking about how she can contribute next.

“I have always felt that one day I would like to share my experience with others, whether through teaching, mentoring, or participating in conferences,” she says.

The CITP designation gives her a strong foundation for that next chapter.

Patrizia’s career shows how international trade can evolve from policy and finance into diplomacy, sector specialization and global problem-solving. It also shows the value of recognized professional credibility in a field where decisions carry weight across borders.

For Patrizia, becoming a CITP is both a milestone and a platform for what comes next: continuing to share knowledge, support meaningful international cooperation and contribute to a profession that remains as dynamic as ever.

The post CITP Spotlight: Patrizia Giuliotti – Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to Italy appeared first on Trade Ready.