As FITT’s Community & Partnership Lead Lora Rigutto, CITP, opened the event, she captured the spirit of the occasion:

“Today’s event is a celebration of leadership, impact, and the growing influence of the CITP community in global trade.”

FITT Board Chair Denise Amyot reinforced the significance of the designation, noting:

“The CITP designation represents excellence. It signals credibility, leadership, and the ability to navigate complexity in a rapidly changing global trade environment.”

25-Year milestone CITPs: Building the foundation

This year’s 25-year honourees represent the early builders of the CITP designation, professionals whose careers span decades of transformation in global trade.

Their contributions have helped establish the credibility and reputation of the designation across industries and regions. These leaders have navigated economic shifts, policy evolution, and technological change while shaping the profession itself.

20-Year milestone CITPs: Sustained leadership

Celebrating two decades of achievement, the 20-year CITPs exemplify consistency, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership. Their careers reflect a deep commitment to staying relevant in an ever-evolving trade landscape while mentoring and influencing the next generation of professionals.

15-Year milestone CITPs: Diverse expertise across sectors

The 15-year milestone group highlights the breadth and diversity of the CITP community. These professionals have built strong international networks and contributed across a wide range of sectors.

Represented organizations include a mix of public and private sector leaders including, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, Tootsie Roll Industries, and Umbra Ltd among others.

From trade promotion and finance to manufacturing and consulting, this group demonstrates how CITPs drive impact across industries.

10-Year milestone CITPs: A decade of impact

Marking ten years of certification, this group reflects strong contributions across corporations, government, and international organizations.

These CITPs represent organizations as diverse as FITT’s longtime strategic partner Export Development Canada, Lenovo, Royal Caribbean Group, World Customs Organization, and University Canada West, and many more.

These professionals have spent a decade strengthening global trade practices and advancing their organizations’ international success.

5-Year milestone CITPs: Emerging leaders

The 5-year milestone recipients represent the next generation of trade leaders, professionals who have invested in building credibility and expertise early in their careers.

Their organizations reflect a wide spectrum of the trade ecosystem, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, TD Bank, Honeywell International, Export Development Canada, Algonquin College among many others.

These milestones are not just about time; they reflect momentum and continued professional growth.

Welcoming the newest CITPs

A highlight of the gala was the recognition of the newest cohort of CITPs, professionals who earned the designation in 2025.

FITT President & CEO Caroline Tompkins emphasized the importance of this growing community:

“Behind that success is a shared foundation… we have built and maintained a global standard of excellence for export readiness.”

This year’s new CITPs represent a dynamic mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals from both public and private sectors. Their roles span trade advisory, logistics, finance, policy, and business development.

Organizations represented include: Invest in Canada, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, World Trade Centre Vancouver, NARL Marketing, Quality Move Management, and Dyson.

Lora Rigutto also highlighted individual stories that reflect the depth of experience in this cohort, noting seasoned professionals and global leaders who continue to invest in their development and the designation.

A community driving global trade forward

Throughout the gala, one message remained clear: the CITP designation is more than a credential, it is a global standard and a powerful network.

Caroline Tompkins captured this collective impact:

“By sharing the value of the designation… you help grow both the reach and the depth of this community.”

From 25-year pioneers to newly certified professionals, the CITP community continues to shape the future of international trade—driving innovation, building connections, and strengthening global commerce.

Congratulations to all milestone and newly certified CITPs for your years of leadership and impact as part of this distinguished professional community.

The post Celebrating the community of professionals driving global trade forward appeared first on Trade Ready.

So, while it may be a bit cliche, let’s consult the experts here so we have a nice clear starting point. 

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a professional as “a person who has the type of job that needs a high level of education and training.” It also lists the definition as “someone who has worked hard in the same type of job for a long time and has become skilled at dealing with any problem that might happen.” 

Aptly, when developing the CITP, FITT carefully chose this word to anchor its acronym. Every CITP that FITT designates has amassed a valuable amount of industry knowledge, honed practical skills and proven experience in the field. Most importantly, they are highly skilled at dealing with any international trade challenge that may arise – increasingly valuable in today’s shifting trade environment. 

But when you think about the word “professional,” the definition in your head is likely slightly different from both the Cambridge English Dictionary’s and everyone else’s, and that’s because professionals come from all over the world, from all walks of life.  

Different pathways, different journeys, all CITPs

A quick browse through the CITP Spotlights stories and you’ll find individuals who began their careers as eager students with clear-cut visions of becoming international trade professionals, and you’ll find stories of people who discovered the designation later in their careers, either while working in the field or after making a career pivot because something sparked their passion for international trade. There’s not one narrow pathway to earning that high level of professionalism and expertise within the field of international trade. And therefore, there’s more than one pathway to earning the CITP. 

Multiple pathways provide flexibility and reduce barriers to the certification, making the process more accessible to a broader range of qualified candidates while maintaining the certification’s integrity. It allows FITT to recognize diverse qualifications and experiences, providing more inclusive access to the certification. 

Take Audrey Marie-Nely, for instance, who always knew she wanted a career in international business.

From a young age, she had a deep curiosity for different cultures, languages, and global markets. Hailing from France, her academic and professional journey took her around the globe, where she explored the complexities of international trade and innovation. From there, earning her CITP designation was a natural process. She knew that the FITTskills program would update her knowledge and expand her practical skills, giving her current-day insights and real-world applications to immediately integrate into her work, and was a pathway to validating her overall professionalism. She is now Associate Vice-President of Banking at RBCx.
 

Nil Özçelik Razavi, PhD, on the other hand, learned about the CITP after moving to Canada from Turkey to complete her doctoral research in translation studies. 

After finding career opportunities in academia limited, she pivoted her career trajectory and became a Trade Expert at the Commercial Office of the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa—broadening and validating her expertise by taking FITTskills training and then earning her CITP designation this year.  

Bolstering his 15 years of international trade experience, Sumit Khanna took a different route and set his sights on the CITP designation through the executive path, a designation option specifically made for experienced executive-level roles.

He understood that, in addition to his stellar work background, credibility in Canada’s competitive business environment required more than just experience. He is currently Managing Partner at White Cruz International and Business Management Program Creator and Instructor at A1 Global College of Health, Business, and Technology. 

Where all pathways converge

While the pathways to becoming a CITP are different for each person, the rock-solid validation administered by FITT is always the same. And this is where all definitions for the word “professional” converge onto the same level playing field. 

There is a trust and confidence that people require when working with someone who is a true accredited professional. And while many people say they are professionals, not all of them have the certification to back up their claims. Let’s just say, Frank Abagnale, portrayed as a serial fraudster in the movie Catch Me If You Can, most certainly wouldn’t have been able to pose as a CITP with FITT’s rigorous standards at the helm. 

What are the different pathways to earning your CITP?

* Pathway 3 is currently unavailable. 

FITT designed its pathway system to include the many different stages of a professional’s life. Candidates must first meet all CITP eligibility requirements before applying for the designation.  

There are multiple pathways to the CITP.

You can: 

1. Earn your FITT Diploma and meet the work experience requirement for this pathway. To do this, you must successfully complete the FITTskills Program requirements, either through FITT or a FITT Educational Partner, and complete at least 3 years of full-time international business experience related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories.  
2. Earn a relevant educational credential by completing a minimum 2-year post-secondary international business program or 1-year post-graduate international business program. On this pathway, your education and work experience (requires 3+ years of full-time work experience) combined, assessed through a portfolio, must cover all 15 of the CITP competency categories. 
3. Meet the work experience requirement of FITT’s executive pathway. This requires having 10 years of full-time work experience in international business related to all 15 CITP competency categories in executive-level roles.  
4. Meet the work experience requirement of FITT’s CITP Exam pathway. This includes at least 5 years of full-time work experience in international business related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories, followed by the successful completion of the CITP exam if your application is approved. 

Professional validation backed by industry-developed standards

Whichever pathway you choose, you can rest assured that your work experience and depth of professional knowledge will be held to the highest standards of validation. This is a rigorous process that FITT takes pride in because professionals should not be able to call themselves professionals without meeting industry-backed standards.

Learn how standards are developed, validated, and compiled in FITT’s Body of Knowledge

For international trade professionals, the FITT CITP Competency Profile sets forth these standards, and it encompasses 15 major competency categories, 26 skill areas, 78 subskills, over 1,100 performance and knowledge statements.  

Suffice it to say, the word “professional” is one that we take seriously at FITT, and we’re proud to do so. Ask any one of our CITPs, and you’ll likely see that same gleam of pride when it comes to their ownership of the word too—it’s easy to see why. 

Learn more about FITT’s CITP pathways 

If you’re not sure which pathway suits your experience, or think you may qualify for more than one pathway, take our CITP®|FIBP® Next Step Connector Quiz. You’ll learn the fastest way to earn your CITP certification.  

The post More than one way to validate your professional status: CITP pathways explained appeared first on Trade Ready.

In today’s dynamic job market, the hiring landscape is rapidly evolving. Employers are shifting focus from traditional qualifications to prioritizing practical expertise and tangible skills. This move towards skills-based hiring is transforming the job market, creating both new prospects and challenges for professionals looking to progress in global trade. 

Keeping pace with these changes, FITT sees continued value in offering practical training and credentials to address the current challenges in global business and reflect professionals’ earned skills and knowledge. 

In this brief recap, we invite you to celebrate the achievements of the FITT learning community in 2023 – a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative impact of education. 

It’s inspiring to observe the vast number of individuals from varied sectors, job positions, and organizations who have dedicated themselves to enhancing their skill sets and achieving their professional objectives by obtaining FITT credentials in 2023. 

FITT Certificate earners: Nurturing the next generation of trade experts

The FITT Certificate in International Trade is presented to individuals who’ve successfully completed any 3 FITTskills courses, or the equivalency thereof. In 2023, 263 new FITT Certificate holders emerged, showcasing the program’s continued relevance and impact. Notable organizations such as Global Affairs Canada, MUJI, Invest Alberta Corporation, Sumol+Compal Marcas SA, Block 4 Oilfield, LLC, North Atlantic, Export Québec, La Molienda and World Intec Co are now home to professionals equipped with FITT Certificates. 

Geographically, the FITT Certificate holders are making their mark in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. The job roles, including Trade Commissioner, International Trade Advisor, CEO, and Export Consultant, reflect the diverse career paths of those who started the training to get the FITT Certificate.

Value of FITTskills Courses: 89% of respondents find FITTskills courses valuable. – 2023 FITT Customer Satisfaction Report

FITT Diploma holders: A growing force in global business

The FITT Diploma in International Trade holders are on the rise, with 487 graduates joining the league in 2023.

87% of respondents find FITTskills courses relevant to their jobs and responsibilities. – 2023 FITT Customer Satisfaction Report

The number of FITT Diploma holders not only eclipses the previous year’s count but also emphasizes the increasing importance placed on trusted international trade credentials. This year’s FITT Diploma earners span diverse sectors, including agriculture, food, manufacturing, finance, logistics, and technology.

The extensive list of companies these diploma holders are now associated with includes enterprises like RBC Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank Group, Epiroc, SGS Canada Inc., Haya Solutions Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling, and Tjx Canada. From government agencies to private enterprises, the FITT 2023 Diploma holders are weaving a rich tapestry across the international trade spectrum. 

Their reach extends globally, with professionals working with business divisions located in Europe, Latin and North America, Asia, and East Africa.  

Among the Diploma holders, the job roles include Export Sales Manager, Business Development Officer, Commercial Officer, Project Manager, Import & Export Analyst, Supply Chain Specialist and more. 

Having gained expertise in the 6 key  knowledge areas that make up the FITTskills program, the FITT Diploma holders have achieved one of the main requirements to apply for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.  

CITPs: A community of validated trade leaders represented world wide

The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation stands as a beacon of excellence in global trade. With CITPs present in 47 countries, the community represents a network of certified international trade practitioners, contributing to various sectors and industries. 

The list includes a wide range of job positions, spanning from Trade Commissioners, Managers, Directors, and Presidents, to various specialized roles in logistics, finance, law, marketing, supply chain management, and education.  

The company list exhibits a diverse array of industries, ranging from government and trade organizations, such as Global Affairs Canada and Export Development Canada, to educational institutions like the University of Calgary and Niagara College. It also includes technology giants like IBM and Google, manufacturing and aerospace companies such as Airbus Helicopters and Teck Resources, as well as consulting firms like Deloitte. The presence of financial institutions, retailers, healthcare, logistics, and mining companies underscores the broad spectrum of sectors involved in international trade and business development. 

From professionals who specialize in logistics, law, finance, and education, CITPs are leading the charge in shaping the future of international trade and business development. 

FITT continues the mission of advancing the international trade profession. The growing numbers of FITT Diploma and Certificate Holders, coupled with the global presence of CITPs, paint a picture of a community that is not only expanding, but also influencing the trajectory of global commerce.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of FITT’s learning community in 2023, we anticipate an even more impactful journey ahead, shaping the future leaders of international trade. Whether you’re a government official, a private sector professional, an aspiring entrepreneur or a leader looking for training to upskill your team, you can be inspired by the 2023 FITT credential achievers and begin your own journey through skills development and professional certification.

More than ever, validated skills are the gateway to success in the complex world of international trade. 

The post From public to private sector, Europe to Africa and beyond – here are the 2023 FITT credential achievers appeared first on Trade Ready.

Gaukhar Kydrykhanova’s fascination with international trade began when, as a thirteen-year-old, she developed an interest in the problems caused by illicit cross-border trade. This spurred her to devote many of her initial years as a student to doing intensive research on the issue of international drug trafficking.  

“I learned about the important impact that international trade is making on the regional development and reduced transnational crime. But research was not enough. I wanted to bring in practical change.” 

Gaukhar earned the Presidential Scholarship to complete her Master’s program from the University of Birmingham, UK. Upon her return to Kazakhstan from the UK, she was recommended by the scholarship administration team to be considered for an expert job role at the Kazakhstani Ministry of Industry and Trade. Gaukhar joined Kazakhstan’s WTO accession team on a cold February day, which marked the beginning of an incredible career full of exciting adventures and interesting discoveries.   

Playing a lead role in organizing the women leadership initiative 

Women’s leadership is an essential topic in both Canada and Kazakhstan. Therefore, it was a matter of pride for Gaukhar to allocate her efforts and resources to plan and organize a visit with prominent women in business and female policy-makers from Canada. It was equally fulfilling to see well-known and inspiring women from Kazakhstan come to the event in huge numbers to support the round-table discussions. What followed was a series of illuminating speeches, debates, and an exchange of ideas centered around women’s leadership in Canada and Kazakhstan.  

“Many of the interactions went on to result in interesting projects. But, more importantly, I witnessed a broader change in the wider public consciousness that continues the trend towards progressive and inclusive transformation.” 

Another exciting task she was involved in was building a project with the British Gas company. It was a complex and impactful learning experience as supporting large transnational corporations required a meticulous, all-around approach.  

Facilitating many official visits from Canadian ministers to Kazakhstan 

With Canadian-Kazhakstani relations having significantly expanded over the last decade in multiple sectors, such as IT, Fintech, consumer goods, life sciences, and many others, Gaukhar feels proud to have been a part of this growth. She has played an instrumental role in facilitating many official visits of Canadian ministers to Kazhakstan. Coordinating these visits was often a challenge as it entailed multitasking, attention to detail, strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills. 

These experiences encouraged her to tap deeper into potential and grow professionally.  

“A few years ago, I was selected for an assignment in the regional offices in Canada. I had an exclusive chance to get exposure to the work delivered by the regional offices in several provinces across Canada. It was an interesting project that has helped me to learn about and take part in the processes that are developed in Canada, before clients’ expansion to the export markets.” 

Follow your inspiration in International Trade 

In her fifteen years of experience in the profession, Gaukhar has learned to persevere in the face of difficulties and always to have faith in her abilities. Her valuable nugget of advice to those just starting their careers is to believe in their talents and face the challenges head-on with confidence and determination. 

International Business training that honed her inter-cultural skills 

Also, coming from a country that is home to diverse cultures, Gaukhar has had vast experience in dealing with people from varied backgrounds. However, taking the FITTskills courses helped her broaden her knowledge on the different cultures and equipped her with the practical skills to hone her interpersonal abilities.  

“I now feel empowered in facilitating more CSR projects and bringing my stakeholders to a new level of success.” 

Understanding international trade finance from a new perspective

Although she found each of the FITTskills courses informative and illuminating, her favourite is the “International Trade Finance” course, as international banking has always been a topic of particular interest for her. The course helped her develop a better understanding of the work that she had been facilitating for many years in partnership with her colleagues from Export Development Canada. 

“This course has helped me understand the processes from the perspective of a bank officer. My interactions and meetings with EDC colleagues in Ottawa, close in-person work with my colleagues from EDC in Moscow, and this course have helped me to understand the perspective of an international banker.” 

Learn how to properly manage your cash flow and mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction methods and tools for international trade activities. It’s all in the FITTskills online International Trade Finance course.

Becoming a part of a community with shared professional interests, values, and passions 

Gaukhar decided to formalize her knowledge and expertise in international trade by applying for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, a globally recognized competency benchmark for business professionals. It would allow her to both learn from a vast network of seasoned international trade professionals and share her own expertise culminated from her decade and a half-long tenure in the profession. 

When Gaukhar’s application was approved in October 2022, she felt truly honoured to join this elite group. Not only would she stay up-to-date with the latest business skills and industry-leading knowledge, but it would grant her greater professional credibility on a new global level. 

“It felt like an important milestone opening the door to take part in connecting with like-minded counterparts, who just like me are deeply passionate in international trade, developing and sharing the best approaches and practices of our profession.” 

Spurred on by her achievement of earning the prestigious designation, Gaukhar is excited at the prospect of new business opportunities coming her way. The credential also inspires her to take on a new level of responsibility and understanding while approaching her clients. It is motivating her to work harder on all her projects. 

We’re excited to see Gaukhar forge ahead with confidence and determination, scaling new heights of success as she achieves all the goals she has set for herself—and more! 

The post CITP Spotlight: Gaukhar Kydrykhanova, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Kazakhstan  appeared first on Trade Ready.

For many, turning 30 is an excuse to dress their best and gather their closest friends to celebrate. While FITT will be celebrating our 30th anniversary with a myriad of events, content, and initiatives all year long, we could think of no better way to start than by throwing a virtual gala—the CITP Anniversary Gala—in honour of our CITP community.

As FITT’s President and CEO of 25 years, Caroline Tompkins pointed out last night, “A lot has changed in the world since 1992 when FITT was first created. And we’ve come a long way since then. But what hasn’t changed is the continued need for competent and trustworthy international business practitioners to help companies navigate the changing dynamics of trade.”

And that is the role CITPs fill every day.

Creating a designation that recognizes international trade expertise

This occasion, our 30^th anniversary, is also remarkable for the CITP designation—which was created six years after FITT in 1998. Since that time, it has become the most unique and distinguished designation for trade practitioners around the world. CITPs are recognized for their international trade management expertise—and have been a critical part of FITT’s success.

When we first envisioned the CITP designation, international trade was one of the oldest professions in the world—and the least recognized. We knew that creating a professional designation for trade practitioners would be ground-breaking, and an opportunity for individuals from around the world to be formally recognized for their global business expertise.

Through FITT, Canada was the first country in the world to create a professional designation for trade practitioners. Now, 24 years later, the CITP designation is the global standard of excellence for trade professionals. And to illustrate that, we have 30 individuals celebrating 20 or more years as a CITP, 17 individuals celebrating 15 years, 29 who are celebrating 10-years, and 58 CITPs who have just reached their 5 year anniversary.

2 inspirational leaders receive honorary CITP designations

In endeavoring to recognize and fete the people who are making real impacts on the success of international trade and the companies engaged in cross-border business, we are also honouring two accomplished women. Women who have dedicated their careers to helping trade progress, and who are now leaders at organizations integral to accomplishing goals that we have in common: To support and inspire Canadian businesses as they expand into new global markets.

Mairead Lavery is the first woman to occupy Export Development Canada’s chief executive role in its 75-plus year history. She was appointed President & CEO of EDC in 2019 and, under her direction, Canada’s export credit agency has pursued ambitious objectives, achieved strong growth, and helped more Canadian companies do business in 200 markets around the world. Before taking on her current role at EDC, Mairead understood that to support the growth of global economies building international trade knowledge was—and remains—a critical element of ensuring the trade success of Canadian companies. With that understanding, she spearheaded the strategic alliance which brought to us the EDC-FITT Learning Centre.

It’s a great honour to be included among this growing, yet still exclusive community of dedicated and highly trained professionals, including the 40 CITPS within EDC and counting.

“Congratulations to my fellow CITPs! You are helping to build a bigger and better world of international trade and I look forward to continuing this work with you as part of your community. By earning the CITP designation, you’ve signaled your dedication to delivering the very best of advice, support, and service to the businesses that compete in the remarkable arena that is global trade. You make those businesses better and that is good for us all,” Mairead Lavery, President & CEO, EDC.

And from one of our most critical founding partners—the Trade Commissioner Service—we are pleased to present Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada with an honorary CITP designation. Sara leads a team of over 1,400 business advisors in 160 offices around the world, and her wealth of experience and excellent leadership inspires us and helps businesses succeed abroad.

She has more than 26 years of experience in the federal government, including serving abroad as Consul General of Canada to the South-Central United States, as Trade Program Manager in New Delhi, as Counsellor at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and as First Secretary at the Embassy of Canada in Japan. She has also held various roles at Global Affairs Canada headquarters, most recently as Director General for Canada’s diplomatic and trade mission network in North America.

“It’s such a pleasure to join your ranks as an honorary certified international trade professional.”

More than 180 of our trade commissioners have gone through FITT training. And 237 CITPs support our efforts to help Canadian businesses abroad.

“As Canada’s chief trade commissioner, I know that we couldn’t help so many businesses reach new heights and new international markets without the work all CITPs do every single day,” Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada.

We are honoured that these two remarkable and accomplished women have accepted and joined our CITP community.

This was a night to celebrate hard-earned milestones and professional accolades, a night to be together (virtually) after years of stress, disruption, and uncertainty. And a night to remember those that have helped pave the way for people and businesses all over the world to get together and trade, increasing the prosperity of all parties. During a time of ongoing hardship and challenges for many, celebrating these individuals was certainly worthy of a good party.

The post Celebrating the remarkable people who make trade happen at the FITT CITP Anniversary Gala appeared first on Trade Ready.

In 2001, As a student in the Customs Clearance bachelors’ program, Rahim Mohtaram began his journey in international trade with an internship in the most important port in Iran. This experience made him sure that international trade, logistics, and business negotiations were paths that he wanted to pursue throughout his life. It wasn’t long before he finished his MBA at the University of Tehran in 2006 and started his first job at a customs brokerage company.

As is the case with many young, hard-working individuals in international business, Rahim worked in various departments and organizational levels, learning a lot about international trade activities along the way. Specifically, he learned the ins and outs of business negotiations, cargo insurance, multimodal transportation, documentary credits and collections, compliance, and customs clearance formalities. Eventually, in 2014, he took on a supply chain and procurement position at a trading company, garnering even more experience to bolster his knowledge and career. Clearly, his initial instincts about his future in trade were correct.

Exciting travels, contracts, and negotiations

It’s no surprise that travel has been plenty during Rahim’s career, bringing him to more than 10 countries and countless exhibitions as a chief negotiator. These travels have become more compact too, including a three-day journey to China, two days on a plane, and a one-day negotiation meeting.

Despite the demanding schedule, he enjoyed so much of his work, gathering many favourite stories from his travels, including one that took place in China:

“One of my most memorable experiences was a five-day trip to China, in which I negotiated with 7 companies in seven different cities, from Shanghai to Guangzhou. My team and I drafted and signed 4 contracts during those five days, and it was an amazing experience. Business Travel with a professional team is the best way of learning skills in international trade and business negotiations.”

Putting knowledge into action to help businesses around the world

Rahim has merged his lengthy experience and knowledge to help many companies to handle their international business. Since 2006, he’s:

• negotiated and implemented more than 160 international contracts for various products
• worked with companies from more than 25 countries in different industries
• trained more than 6000 people in large and small companies
• published 13 practical books about international trade

These books cover many trade-focused topics, such as customs clearance procedures, cargo insurance, international transportation, international payments, and international business letter writing. He has also guest authored a TradeReady blog on discount strategies and appeared in several FITT events as a panelist.

Experience that leads to sage advice

With so many experiences, Rahim has become exceptionally seasoned in international trade, offering up plenty of sage advice to his colleagues:

“My advice to anyone who wants to improve his/her skill in international trade is to work at customs brokerage or logistics companies for a while. You can gain valuable experiences in different industries and about different products in a short time. In a single day, you must handle challenges about a wide range of products, and after a few months, your knowledge and experience will be extraordinary.”

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Adding credibility to experience and expertise with the CITP designation

Understanding the importance of expanding his credibility and professionalism in the field, Rahim decided to pursue his CITP through the Executive Path in 2021. His reasons for doing so were simple:

“I selected the Certified International Trade Professional designation, simply because I believe it is the best option available. The CITP is the world’s most credible and recognized designation in international trade, and it helps me to add value in my services to my customers. I am thrilled to be a CITP, because, after 15 years of hard work, my expertise is now validated by the most credible international trade entity in the world.”

Where the CITP designation will take him

Now, as an accomplished international business professional, Rahim is teaching, consulting, and coaching businesses on how to do business the right way. He believes that the CITP designation will open new windows for him, improving his credibility as an experienced consultant and coach, allowing him to help more companies achieve their goals in global markets.

Already successful within the field and ever-hungry to achieve more, we know that Rahim will be a face to watch for in the international business ecosystem for years to come.

The post CITP Spotlight: Rahim Mohtaram, Supply Chain Management Program Coordinator, triOS College appeared first on Trade Ready.

Those who embark on this journey the right way, do so by planning, getting the right training, and using the right strategies and approaches. They undertake a lot of work, but also experience the tremendous benefits from all their efforts—and that’s why we’re proud to celebrate them.

This week, we’re putting the business spotlight on Randall Strategy, owned by CITP Quentin Randall. Quentin got his start in international trade when he joined an Alberta-led international mission to Mexico City. There, he supported Alberta-based SMEs as they expanded into Latin America. Since then, his company, Randall Strategy, has dedicated itself to helping small businesses access capital and enter new markets.

Tell us a little bit about your company?

Randall Strategy is led by certified financial and trade professionals. We de-risk business ventures so SMEs can raise capital and enter new markets. We help these companies get the capital and contracts they need so they can focus on running their business.

What are some of your favourite stories about your business and career?

Every time I get to meet and work with a new small business client, I learn about their operations and help them grow; it is a very rewarding experience. Most of these companies are family-owned and operated, and helping them understand that they too can compete globally is very rewarding.

What are some of your proudest professional accomplishments, or most interesting business projects you’ve worked on?

In 2021, my company helped a Canadian logistics company secure a major investment which saved them tens of thousands of dollars and set them up to ship products internationally. I have also imported samples of hand-woven hammams and throws from Turkey, and miniature wooden baseball bats from China. This project is on hold due to COVID-19, but it is still very rewarding to be connected with overseas suppliers.

What one piece of advice have you learned during your career that you wish you had known when you started working in international trade?

I wish I would’ve connected to an experienced 3PL and customs broker in the beginning. It is a long, slow, complicated process to navigate all the regulations and freight considerations yourself, and these groups help move things along. Working with a 3PL is such a time-saver and they de-risk a venture so well. 3PLs and customs brokers are well worth the investment.

Your business, Randall Strategy, helps clients raise capital and enter new markets. As a CITP, how do you foresee your designation playing a role in your company’s future?

I want to use my CITP designation and the knowledge that comes with it to do two things:

1. Help more clients access capital and successfully enter new international markets

2. Import new, high-quality products into Canada.

For someone who owns their own business, what was your experience with the FITTskills courses like? 

These courses were awesome. It validated much of what I thought to be true and taught me a great deal more about risk management than I expected. They have also enhanced my ability to provide clients with investment attraction and exporting support so they can raise capital, reach new markets, and grow their business. Looking towards future opportunities for my business, knowledge from these courses will smooth out my importing activities as I better understand the framework that needs to be in place to conduct a transaction. 

Discover how to properly mitigate business risks so you can prevent financial loss and costly mistakes. Take the FITTskills online Risk Analysis and Management workshop.

Did you have a favourite FITTskills course and how did it apply to your business?

My favourite course was International Trade Finance because it helped me better understand how to mitigate currency risk, make payments and ultimately complete a transaction. In my mind, a mutually beneficial transaction is the core of trade and this course really brought home how to do that.

Discover how the FITTskills online International Trade Finance course teaches you everything you need to know about payment, risk mitigation, financing, and the flow of goods and services.

How do you see the CITP designation benefitting your business and why did you apply for it?

My business helps small businesses access capital and reach new markets. The CITP is a well-regarded international designation and CITPs are held to a standard of professionalism that I wanted applied to my practice. It helps secure my company’s reputation of professionalism. We are also seeking to grow by importing products into Canada, and CITP designation is immediately recognizable overseas, providing a certain level of trust and professionalism.

I am proud to have my CITP designation. It validates my experience and signals to clients that I will represent their best interest. It also enhances my ability to participate in the global trade market, which is very exciting.

The post CITP Small Business Spotlight: Randall Strategy Corp. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Abedin Kader believes that a combination of passion for international trade and great teachers spurred the beginning of his successful career. Roughly 10 years ago, during his undergraduate studies, he was enrolled in international economics courses and achieved excellent grades with ease. He believes his academic success was partly due to how much he enjoyed the topics, but mostly because his lecturers and professors were so inspirational.

Exceptional beginnings leading to broad horizons

Eventually, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in international economics and finance. It wasn’t long before he was working for a local trading conglomerate, an endeavor that took place shortly after he moved back to  Bangladesh in 2016. This organization imported and sold commercial products and Abedin was responsible for conducting necessary market research and strategy formulation. He also helped them develop business opportunities and diversify their product portfolio.

Joining the Danish Foreign Ministry and discovering his true calling

Though Abedin’s assignments were highly dynamic—he was dealing with varying products and segments at the same time—it was not until he joined the Danish Foreign Ministry’s Trade Mission in Bangladesh that he truly realized his passion for the field of international trade.

For over two years, he led the market intelligence and communications efforts for the trade team, and this, in turn, facilitated Danish enterprises to expand not just in Bangladesh but across South Asia. “I thoroughly enjoyed learning the intricacies of commercial diplomacy, navigating through the layers of trade policies, and developing a wide network in South Asia and Scandinavia,” he says of this learning experience.

Great teams, coffee breaks, and comedy

Among Abedin’s favourite career stories are those that were spent with his team. “To be honest, every day, working with my team has been a blessing. I think my favourite stories always took place while working with them on the most intense and sensitive projects.” While he cannot discuss the details of some of these projects, he can say that his humorous coffee break discussions from this time may, someday, make their light to the public in what will be his “first stand-up comedy performance,” he jokes. 

Taking pride in professional achievements, from Bangladesh to Denmark

Abedin has a wealth of professional achievements under his belt. These include

• Facilitating the first roadshow from Bangladesh to Denmark for Foreign Direct and Portfolio Investment, targeting institutional Danish investors
• Spearheading a series of exhibitions to promote green technology and minimalist culture, which he believes is undoubtedly essential for fast-paced and densely populated emerging markets
• Managing multiple assessments to study the scope of Danish green solutions in Bangladesh and translating the results into viable business opportunities

The importance of understanding and applying cultural sensitivity in everyday life

If there is one nugget of wisdom Abedin wishes to impart to his international trade counterparts, it is this: “Understand the significant importance of cultural sensitivity in every aspect of life, whether personal or professional. It not only helps one to be a better person but can also help one to better understand the needs of their peers and clients.”

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Earning the CITP designation to transition into the Canadian Market

In September of 2021, Abedin moved permanently to Toronto, Canada. This move pushed him to look for a credential that would help him transition smoothly into the Canadian market while also getting his past work experience recognized by employers.  It wasn’t long before he came across the CITP designation: “During this search, I found out about the CITP®|FIBP® designation and about the prominence it holds in this field of work, and I immediately signed up for it,” he notes.

An illuminating FITTskills experience

Abedin’s experience with FITTskills training was positively enriching. He was able to improve his understanding in several areas, noting that

“My Achilles heel in international trade always has been the supply chain aspect of it. I believe the course on Global Value Chain certainly has improved my working knowledge in the subject matter.”

He also adds, “My favorite three courses were: Feasibility of International Trade, International Market Entry Strategies, and International Sales & Marketing. I always enjoyed working in these areas and would like to specialize in these areas going forward as well.”

Learn whether international opportunities are viable for your business through critical research and analysis in the FITTskills online course Feasibility of International  Trade. 

Validating years of hard work with the CITP®|FIBP® credential

Abedin feels that earning the CITP designation validates his years of efforts and this “feels amazing.” For him, it is the first-ever professional designation that he has achieved, and thus, holds a special place in his heart.

He also says,

“I am sincerely excited about connecting with fellow professionals in Toronto who are similarly passionate enough to invest in themselves by pursuing this designation. I also hope to collaborate with them, learn about their experiences, and further expand my horizon.”

Of course, with so many successes already achieved, including a contract position as a Business Development & Project Coordinator with the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc., Abedin’s career horizon is already bright and promising. We have no doubt that he will have many more extraordinary accomplishments in the near future.

The post CITP Spotlight: Abedin Kader, Business Development & Project Coordinator, Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Swaran Singh began his career in international trade while transitioning career paths. Coming from a French-speaking province with an IT background, he was finding it difficult to find field-related jobs. That’s when one of his friends got him into a FedEx Ground hiring seminar. It wasn’t long before he was hired and realized that international trade was something he was always interested in—especially the notion that international trade professionals connect people all around the world together. “During this time, I developed an interest in the import-export process and how to go global with your business,” he adds.

Adversity as one of the greatest career lessons

Before transitioning into international business, Swaran experienced many difficulties landing work. But, as it turns out, these adversities proved to be one of his greatest career lessons and achievements. He notes: “Just like Jack Ma, I got so many refusals for the jobs that everybody was getting hired for. I had so many job refusals that I forgot the count. But what’s important is that I never let myself get distracted by these refusals. I keep my focus and worked on perfecting my skill set.”

Now, as an operations manager at FedEx, he has certainly used the difficult moments in his career to his advantage. Though he is proud of his role, he knows the road ahead will be challenging, so he is looking forward to the many great moments to come. 

Constant improvement as a daily goal

Swaran uses a piece of advice from a former manager to guide him daily: “ I’ll never forget one thing my manager said to me. He said: ‘Don’t go for the next thing until you are perfect in the first one.’ So I always focus on getting better every day.”

A fruitful FITTskills experience

As a perpetual learner, it’s no surprise that Swaran decided to enroll in FITTskills training at Collège LaSalle to improve his international business acumen. He had been searching for import-export training and came across the CITP®|FIBP® (Certified International Trade Professional) designation. Understanding the potential with the training, he became convinced after seeing that it was endorsed by EDC (Export Development Canada) too. 

For him, the experience gave him important business training and skills but also introduced him to other people and cultures. “The experience was great. I met a lot of students in the class from around the world. It was a wonderful opportunity to know other countries and their specialties, their culture,” he notes.

During his studies, he also got to dig deep into an area of interest: the flow of goods:

“I think the most important part in any business is the flow of goods. You need to have a better understanding of how the international financial sector works to ensure your business stays afloat. For that reason, my favorite course was International Trade Finance.”

Learn everything an importer or exporter needs to know when it comes to payment, risk mitigation, financing, and the flow of goods and services with the FITTskills online International Trade Finance course.

Swaran became CITP certified in June of 2021 and feels “great” about the achievement.

“I am currently working on my dream project and I hope with the help of this knowledge and designation I will be able to achieve my target.”

We have no doubt that with his determination, ambition, and capacity for endless learning Swaran’s target will become a reality soon.

Want to learn more about the CITP designation? Discover why it is the world’s most recognized professional designation for international business.

The post CITP Spotlight: Swaran Singh, Operations Manager, FedEx Ground appeared first on Trade Ready.

Warren Senkowski began his career in international trade back in 2016, when he became a Trade Commissioner in the Pacific Regional Office for Global Affairs Canada in Vancouver. Throughout his career, he’s learned much about the different industries related to trade, and currently, helps companies expand into international markets with a focus on infrastructure and wood products. 

Being part of the resurgence of wood as a structural building material 

Warren has many favourite stories about his work with Global Affairs Canada, but chief among them are his experiences working with the Vancouver Economic Commission and wood industry associations to promote mass timber and tall wood buildings to an international audience. He notes:

“Seeing the resurgence of wood as a structural building material for high-rise buildings thanks to advocacy and changes in regulations has been fascinating. It is also considered a green building product due to being a carbon sink, and British Columbia offers the full range of products and services to supply tall wood buildings to the world.”

Throughout his work, Warren has not only highlighted the benefits of wood products to the world but he’s also been able to network with CEOs and high-level government officials, connecting his clients to international projects and opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have known about. “Watching small businesses grow and succeed on a global scale is a point of pride for me,” he says. 

Learning from those with experience 

After many years of working in international trade, Warren has some great advice for those just starting out. 

“Schedule more one-on-one meetings with colleagues and clients that have more experience than you in a particular sector or geographic region to learn about it.”

These practices have served him well throughout his endeavors to encourage the country’s international trade initiatives.

Gaining a deeper knowledge of international trade with the FITTskills courses 

Warren wanted to deepen his knowledge of international trade by understanding all the factors that need to be considered at every step of the export journey. To do so, he began taking FITTskills courses finding them to be beneficial to his work in many ways: 

“The courses were very well written, clear and easy to understand. They have given me better discussion topics to raise with clients that are beginning to export.”

He also had a favourite course: “I found the Global Value Chain course a great learning experience since I wasn’t aware of Incoterms and will definitely use this knowledge in the future.” 

Learn how to effectively manage your business’s supply chain and logistics with the FITTskills Global Value Chain online course.

On becoming a CITP 

Warren applied for his CITP designation in 2021, achieving it in February of the same year. He believes it will give him a broader toolkit with which to serve companies and new perspectives for analyzing problems and developing solutions. 

Of this accomplishment, he says: “I am happy to have reached this milestone.”  

With so many accomplishments already, we know that this is only one of many successes in a future filled with international trade achievements.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Warren Senkowski, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada appeared first on Trade Ready.