How IKEA’s inflatable furniture flop teaches us the value of rigorous product testing

Even the best ideas can lead to failure if the team doesn’t test the idea in the real world. For decades, people have furnished their…

Samantha Sied

Samantha is a freelance writer who is fascinated by how technology helps people connect around shared interests and do business internationally. Her background includes journalism, event planning, social media, and content marketing.

8 Key actions businesses should take in the early stages of international expansion

Expanding into international markets is an exciting milestone for any business. However, entering the global arena comes with unique challenges and complexities that require careful…

Hardik Panchal

Hardik Panchal, CITP, Director, Export sales at Worldest Exports, has built a career that spans global market expansion, international joint ventures, and sustainable trade initiatives. His contributions have driven multimillion-dollar export growth, created hundreds of jobs, and positioned him as a leading expert in global trade facilitation.

CITP Spotlight: Hardik Panchal – Export Marketing Manager, Worldest Exports

In the ever-evolving world of international trade, standing out requires more than just ambition—it demands continuous learning, adaptability, and recognized expertise. For one accomplished professional,…

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Strategist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

How AI can power your international marketing from localization to market insights

In 2023, Canadian businesses exported over $768 billion worth of goods and services. Of these, 2.2 percent had announced plans to expand operations internationally in…

Giovanna Patruno

Giovanna Patruno is a brand communication strategist. With over two decades of experience in B2B marketing, technical communication, and global content strategy, she partners marketing leaders to build brands that connect and influence across markets. Through her eponymous consultancy, she helps B2B technology companies craft brand and content strategies that showcase their unique value and insights in order to build trust, drive influence, and support long-term global growth.

How to evaluate new ASEAN export markets for your business

The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to increase by 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025 after falling 1.2% in 2023. However, regional…

Peter Gray

Peter Gray, CITP, is a B2B sales, marketing and business development professional with a diverse background and underpinning record of successes in building businesses, developing people & partnerships, and creating growth opportunities for leading multinationals operating in the ASEAN building materials, MRO & OEM industrials, and DIY consumer goods sectors.

Forecasting, inflation and near-shoring – what exporters need to know heading into 2024

What do should exporters know about the economy heading into 2024? In this recap of the first three installments of FITT’s Economic Briefing series, Economist Peter Hall breaks down key aspects of forecasting, inflation and near-shoring.

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Strategist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

Digital freight startups take a bite out of legacy brokers

Transportation companies are the backbone of industry; they are the key connecting pieces striking a balance between supply and demand. Ground freight companies play a…

Paige Henley

Paige is a freelance writer based in the Canadian Prairies. She is a nocturnal animal getting most of her work done before watching the sunrise. When she isn’t writing, she raises orphaned kittens in partnership with her local humane society, curls up with a good book, and works on DIY projects around the house.

E-Commerce in the Indo-Pacific is the untapped market Canadian businesses should look to next – Here’s how

Discover the value of an export strategy urging Canadian businesses to look EAST – namely, the Indo-Pacific Region.

Calvin Xiao

Calvin, hailing from China and now a dedicated Canadian CITP, boasts over 15 years in international expansion project and marketing management. As a Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada, he champions the Mid-Market Canadian exporters in Ontario, encouraging global diversification. He also mentors at Startup Canada's entrepreneur program, highlighting trade empowerment.

Supply chain affected by recent labour disruption? Here are 7 steps to mitigate shipping risks

Labour disruptions have far-reaching implications for U.S. imports and exports, affecting businesses’ supply chains across the continent. Here are 7 ways businesses can plan ahead to mitigate future disruptions.

Zarmina Khan

Zarmina is a freelance writer with a passion for exploring a wide range of topics across various niches. With a keen interest in current affairs and a knack for diving into complex issues, she brings a unique perspective to every piece of writing.

Top 10 things we learned at the WPO 2023 Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum

FITT was thrilled to support and participate in WPO 2023 Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum which took place last week in Las Vegas. This event gathered women…

FITT Team

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is the standards, certification and training body dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. Created by business for business, FITT’s international business training solutions are the standard of excellence for global trade professionals around the world.