Updated July 24, 2025

Encouraged by his parents, Urvish developed a habit of reading newspaper articles on business, economics and politics while he was a student. Through this reading, he gained a deeper understanding of the vital role international trade plays in driving global economic growth and development. He learned about the Indian government’s new Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) policy introduced in 1991, which was opening the economy to global markets.

This realization sparked a sense of purpose within him, and he knew that his future was in the dynamic world of international trade where he could contribute to global growth and innovation.

Spurred by an eagerness to learn from and interact with people from different cultures, he went on to pursue a BBA with specialisation in exports management to gain a basic understanding of international business.  In order to fine-tune his skills and better prepare himself to face future challenges as a global citizen, Urvish continued with his education and earned an MBA in international business.

While studying for the MBA, he got an opportunity to intern with Dresser-Rand India – A Siemens Business, and a leading manufacturer of compressors for oil & gas, petrochemical and refining power and pipeline transportation. In this role he gained hands on experience in various aspects of international business, global heavy engineering industries, and engineering including international project bidding, cost-estimation, project management, international supply chain and logistics, and customer service.

Developing new global markets from scratch

After earning his MBA degree and few years of industry experience, Urvish began working as a senior international business executive with Sumip Composites Pvt. Ltd, tasked with securing new business opportunities in unexplored markets. He decided to explore the then untapped markets in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa, including UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others. He went after these opportunities despite knowing how challenging it was going to be and would entail starting from scratch.

Urvish went to work deploying his vision with patience, persistence and diplomacy. This included communication with government authorities, end clients (IOCs, State Owned Companies, Private investors), engineering consultants, EPC companies, sub- contractors,  and local representatives.  During this process, Urvish enjoyed his work engaging with the diverse stakeholders across countries, navigating cultural nuances, balancing conflicting interests, and ultimately driving collaboration towards a shared goal. While hard at work, he also had the spectacular experience of journeying from iconic global landmarks to the most remote corners of the world. The lessons he learned while working on developing these markets have been incredibly beneficial to his subsequent roles.

A collaborative approach to securing major clients

Urvish’s work to secure the bid for one of the UAE’s most prestigious state-owned oil & gas projects was another remarkable milestone. In the face of fierce competition from a leading international manufacturer, he recognized early on that winning would require more than just technical expertise—it would demand a strategic approach and collaboration with the in-country team.

With a clear goal in mind, he took charge, working hand-in-hand with the management team and the representative company to craft a compelling initial proposal. His ability to understand the client’s technical and commercial needs, anticipate potential challenges, and fine-tune the details set his team apart. After presenting the proposal, Urvish led multiple rounds of revisions and negotiations, consistently ensuring that his company’s offer stood out. His relentless focus and sharp business acumen paid off when he received the exciting news that the contract was awarded to his company.

For Urvish, this achievement wasn’t just about securing a contract. It was a tremendous confidence and credibility booster, and a testament to his ability to turn challenges into opportunities. This  achievement also opened doors for his company to other projects from the same client and market expansion opportunities in Middle-East region.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, there’s always room for growth

Urvish believes we are all interconnected within a vast ecosystem, and that collaboration is essential for navigating this dynamic landscape and addressing the unique challenges of global markets.

A valuable piece of advice he would pass on to those embarking on their career journey is that it’s crucial to cultivate curiosity and a relentless commitment to self-improvement to excel in life. Urvish’s guiding mantra, inspired by ancient Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking knowledge and becoming a better version of oneself.

This continuous pursuit not only equips us to overcome challenges but also empowers us to make a meaningful contribution to the greater good of society.

A one-of-a-kind designation that validates business expertise at a global level

After migrating to Canada in 2018, Urvish was networking with professionals to understand more about the local culture and opportunities when his attention was drawn to the CITP designation.  After learning more about the credential he was convinced that it would provide him with the much-needed validation of his expertise in international business. Although he already had a Master’s degree in international business and several years of relevant experience, he saw the value of the CITP designation in validating his capabilities on a global level.

It’s a great honor and pleasure to have earned the CITP designation. It reinforces my expertise in international business, ensuring that my skills and knowledge are aligned with global standards, while also providing opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.

As a new immigrant, Urvish is steadily gathering valuable experience and progressing in his career. In a recent role, Urvish worked with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, where he made valuable contributions to international market research, supported business development, and led special projects.

He worked collaboratively with the province’s international offices and industry associations to amplify Saskatchewan’s presence internationally. Additionally, Urvish supported the Minister’s Office in advancing agri-trade initiatives, including diplomatic visits and meetings, to further promote Saskatchewan’s agricultural interests on the global stage.

He is currently working with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development, where he supports investment attraction activities aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the province’s strategic sectors, including agriculture, mining, oil and gas, critical minerals, and other priority industries.

Armed with an elite, internationally recognized designation, guided by an ancient wisdom, and fueled by passion and talent we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

The post CITP Spotlight: Urvish Patel – Investment Attraction Specialist, Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Government of Saskatchewan appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Adolfo, the doors to the fascinating world of International trade opened 25 years ago when he was given an opportunity by his then employer to define and implement an export strategy for the company. The project was a potentially promising one as it entailed offering customized solutions for clients in neighboring countries, thus paving the way for an increase in revenue.

It was here that Adolfo learnt the nuances of international trade along with the intricacies of balancing multiple factors while interacting with the various stakeholders.

“Thus, my customer focused interest led me to learn more about the international trade requirements and other cultures. As well as the overall complexities involved in interacting with many players and factors all at once.”

What Adolfo’s early experiences taught him

Adolfo learnt from the earliest phase of his career that trade transactions are dynamic processes in a state of constant change. It is impossible to have any control over the ever-evolving situations which can adversely impact commercial relationships, especially if one is unprepared. It is therefore of upmost importance to keep in mind that factors like exchange rates, foreign policies, ports strikes, power outages, and shipment of supplies are all moving targets, subject to change, and that you should “still pursue compliance with governments and deliver as promised to your clients.”

 Adolfo illustrates how these many factors keep you on your toes by offering a valuable piece of advice he wished he had received when he started his career in international trade: “There is never enough preparation to deal with non-tariff barriers.”

Bringing skills and experience together with the most up-to-date trade knowledge

Taking the FITTskills courses helped Adolfo equip himself with the most up-to-date knowledge needed to deal with all current and future challenges over the course of his career.

He felt the training perfectly complemented his previous experience in international business and other professional qualifications such as his MBA.

According to Adolfo,

The courses updated and upgraded my skills for current challenges and many more to come.

On being asked to pick his favorite FITTskills course:

Global Supply Chain Management was one of my favorites as it gave me the opportunity to bring many aspects of trade together. The finance, trade research, operations, e-commerce, legal aspects and others converge to make real-world international business transactions possible.

Becoming a globally recognized professional

The desire to earn international credentials led Adolfo to apply for the CITP®|FIBP® designation, which he successfully achieved. He feels extremely proud of this accomplishment and of the acknowledgement of it that he has received from colleagues.

The CITP designation is recognized internationally. I’ve found it is important to have such a highly recognized credential in the global arena where my work takes place. It also helps me relate to colleagues more easily.

Adolfo has come a long way from his initial tenure as Import Export Manager more than twenty years ago. He is currently working as Export Coordinator at IKO – a reputed building materials company in Ontario, Canada.

He is confident that his elite CITP designation will continue to add value to the rich experience he’s gathered throughout his career and help expand his network.

As Adolfo continues his upward career trajectory, we know his skills, talents and credentials will ensure that he always puts his best food forward.

The post CITP Spotlight: Adolfo Garces Vinasco, Export Coordinator – IKO Industries appeared first on Trade Ready.

The year 2020 started on a tumultuous note, to say the least! But that does not stop us from celebrating our latest achievers. Their success assumes an even greater significance against the backdrop of these challenging times. Therefore, they deserve a huge applause, and this is our way of celebrating their efforts and talent!

The motivating factor

For many, the journey into international trade begins with the self-realization that they absolutely enjoy interacting with people from diverse cultures across the world. As they gather valuable experience in their respective fields, taking their career trajectory to new heights, most professionals increasingly feel the need to formalize their knowledge and fill in any gaps by acquiring holistic training in the many aspects of international business.

For others, FITT certification adds credibility to their skills and expertise, forming the perfect foundation on which to build a successful and fulfilling career. Whether opting for in-class training or the self-paced FITTskills online training, the comprehensive business education equips them with the confidence and credibility they need to broaden their professional horizons.

Impacts of achieving international business credentials

As our achievers accomplish the goal they had set for themselves, it’s more than just a milestone or an extra qualification on their resume. The FITT credentials become testimony to their knowledge, skills and commitment to their craft, opening doors to greater possibilities in the form of job openings and promotions, networking opportunities, valuable mentorships and even new business contracts.

As we cross the half-way mark for 2020, let’s highlight the latest credential holders. We’re proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey and are eager to celebrate their success!

The Jan to Jun 2020 CITPs represent 43 different companies, working in an array of roles including:

Executives including founders, CEOs, directors, managers

Business Advisors including trade commissioners, economic development specialists, policy analysts, professors, consultants

Marketing, sales and advertising professionals including marketing associates, marketing coordinators, sales executives and sales representative

Global Value Chain professionals including logistics specialists, product specialists, customs analysts, freight coordinators, procurement administrator

Vital international business team members including import export coordinators, accounting technician, export specialists, vessel operator.

The extensive gamut of organizations our new CITPs come from include:

Government and Regional: Global Affairs Canada, Export Development Canada (EDC), Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Town of Halton Hills, Canadian Food Exporters Association, Trade Commission of Peru, ED&F MAN Egypt

Financial institutions: Banque Nationale du Canada

Big Corporations: Tecvalco Ltd, Lxr Canada Inc, Kuehne + Nagel Ltd, ETG Commodities, Honeywell International Incorporated, Liferaft Inc, Montebello Packaging, River Select Fisheries Cooperative – Okanagan Nation Alliance, Summit Tools, Barez Industrial Group, BGL Brokerage Limited, Soprema Canada, Livingston International, Agrocorp Processing Ltd., Grow Trade Consulting Inc., Natural Trade Ltd., Yamo import-export Afrique Amérique monde Inc., New Pacific Metals Corp., Asia Investment and Services Group Limited, Manitoulin Global Forwarding, Mckenna Distribution, FedEx, Pepsico, Flexport, 48e Nord International, Canpotex Limited, Misty Mountain Trade & Consulting

Startups and small businesses doing big things: T By Daniel Inc, Brand New Trading Inc., Bluecrown International Strategies,

The role of FITT’s educational partners in ensuring that their educators continue to maintain the highest standards of professional competence is no less commendable. The last six months saw our partner institutions Algonquin College and George Brown College adding new CITPs to their teaching staff.

Daniel Lewis applied for the CITP designation to help equip him for the future as a small business owner and entrepreneur.

The CITP designation will be a very respectable addition to my business achievements when being considered for future opportunities. I think there are so many opportunities and networks that I can tap into because of this designation.

Developing a wholesome understanding of International trade  

In the first half of 2020, 131 individuals went on to complete the requisites to earn the FITT Diploma in International Trade. Candidates aspiring to earn a diploma must demonstrate knowledge in each of the broad categories that international trade comprises of – ranging from analyzing business readiness, finance, supply chain management and market entry to product development, sales and marketing. This familiarizes them with the various aspects of global trade and how the different processes need to work in sync in order to culminate in a successful business transaction.

Earning the FITT Diploma is an essential criterion to apply for the CITP designation and we are confident that many of our current diploma holders will go on to apply for and achieve the CITP stamp of excellence.

Those earning diplomas between January and June 2020 represent a plethora of roles across 21 companies of varying sizes. Besides those listed in the CITP category, our new diploma holders are integral members of teams from reputed organizations like Boréal Trading Company, ETG Commodities Inc, Diva International Inc., Cabot Community Business Development Corporation, and Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec.

Getting an opportunity to work in both the public and private sectors has proved educational and fulfilling for Laura and has paved the way to her future success.

The FITTskills courses provided the base and foundation for my career. Completing the courses gave me and my future employers the confidence that I had the know-how and dedication that a career in international trade entailed.

Taking the first step to upgrading knowledge and skillset

Most professionals understand the importance of complementing their professional expertise with a solid and holistic know-how that is industry backed. Some embark on this path to upgrade their knowledge on a specific skillset and others consider the FITT certificate a first step towards earning the FITT Diploma, and ultimately the CITP designation.

Whatever their aim, we are proud to award the FITT Certificate in International Trade to 133 new recipients who have upskilled their proficiency. The certificate holders represent an array of roles across 29 companies that include: Mellion Synergy, University of Regina – UR International, Deloitte, Tambo Natural Foods Inc., Teck, SUMOL+COMPAL, Chemonics International, CentrePort Canada Inc., Thermtest Inc., WONA INTERNATIONAL TRADING LTD., The Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Hadi applied for and went on to be awarded the CITP in January 2020. He is immensely proud to have earned the elite designation, as it not only adds value to his knowledge and experience but distinguishes him as a an internationally certified trade practitioner.

“I see that the CITP®|FIBP® designation officially validates the level of professional competency of international trade professionals worldwide, which will give my employers, clients and colleagues additional confidence in my skills.

Hadi is confident that the designation will help him connect with entrepreneurs, trade professionals and reputed companies. This will broaden his horizons and open the doors to more possibilities for career growth.

We take this opportunity to heartily congratulate all our new FITT Certificate & Diploma holders and CITP|FIBPs, and wish them a bright and fulfilling future.

The post Success through adversity – celebrating the first 2020 FITT graduates and CITP|FIBPs from 90+ companies appeared first on Trade Ready.

As an immigrant Canadian who loves to travel, Laura has had the opportunity to visit some amazing places and work alongside people across diverse cultures. These experiences enriched her understanding about the unique identities of the locations she visited and formed the foundation of her interest in international trade.

“When I’m missing a certain food, product, or service from somewhere that I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, I know that it is international trade development which has opened the door to be able to access these comforts from wherever I may find myself.”

Never a dull moment

Laura’s enthusiasm to interact with people from different cultures opened new doors for her. She soon found herself working for companies across a wide range of industries and dealing with a wide range of international markets. Her journey so far has been exciting and stimulating – one that has guided and shaped her professional experiences every step of the way.

For Laura, her favorite aspect of her career is the fact that

there is never a dull moment. It, thus far has been an ever-learning and evolving experience, and I hope to continue to grow in this journey.

Her proudest accomplishments – getting to work in the public and private sectors

Laura’s very first international trade experiences count among her most memorable ones. She began her career working directly with the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Toronto. This stint within the public sector gave her valuable insights into political policies and foreign affairs.

Laura soon got the opportunity to diversify her experience into the private sector as well, while she worked on projects in North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

The chance to work in both public and private sectors has proved both educational and fulfilling for Laura and has paved the way to her future success.

“Being of Latin American and European descent, these opportunities have been doubly rewarding on a professional and personal level.”

A valuable piece of career advice

Laura firmly believes that connecting with people is key to enabling and enhancing professional growth.

NETWORKING IS KEY! Networking helps establish, build, and further a professional career. The mutual support found and provided between peers leads to both successful projects and friendships.

Taking the next step to further her career goals

While Laura’s extensive experience in international trade was her biggest strength, she decided to add a mark of distinction to her professional credentials by signing up for FITTskills courses.

Getting trained in the nuances of international trade would provide her with a solid foundation needed to build a successful career, along with further refining her skills and knowledge.

The FITTskills courses provided the base and foundation for my career. Completing the courses gave me and my future employers the confidence that I had the know-how and dedication that a career in international trade entailed.

A desire to advance global career options

It was her aspiration for career progression that led Laura to apply for the elite CITP designation, after completing her FITT Diploma in International Trade. As an established trade practitioner, she knew that adding to her credibility was crucial to broadening her professional horizons.

The CITP|FIBP designation provides prestige, helping to advance my global career options and broaden my network of contacts within this industry and all other industries as well.

Today, as the proud holder of the CITP designation, Laura believes that this stamp of excellence is a validation of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to her craft.

How do you see your CITP designation playing a role in your future career?

I foresee my CITP|FIBP designation adding a competitive edge to my profile. Helping me stand-out as I continue to expand my career in a more global setting.

An elite designation, a rich professional experience, and her sheer energy and enthusiasm towards her profession are sure to help Laura scale the peaks of success she has her eye on.

The post CITP Spotlight: Laura McLeod Aguilar, Economist, International Trade and Economic Development appeared first on Trade Ready.

With a background in interior design, Uzma Khan already had a foundation that would lend itself to building new spaces in the construction industry.  

Back in the early 2000s when the Middle East was a booming construction market, Uzma was working in the UAE, which was then a hub for exporting to neighboring countries. The prospect of taking on development projects in the surrounding countries intrigued her and thus began what was to become a remarkable journey in international trade. 

Curiosity leads to a new career focus

The transition from working as a project coordinator to business development counts as one of Uzma’s favorite career experiences. Uzma enjoyed the opportunity to work live from the actual construction sites, giving her the chance to further develop her interpersonal skills. This led to an energetic interest in getting to know which projects the company would take up next, and she gradually found herself making the switch into business development. 

It was a very interesting few months – I really enjoyed the buzz of the factory and construction sites and couldn’t wait to see what our next projects would be.

Being associated with some of her company’s largest and most successful projects

Besides finding new business opportunities, Uzma’s role also involves technical coordination with the other stakeholders which include architects, designers and engineers. One of the most interesting projects she has worked on is the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The project entailed a two-year long coordination with offices in three different countries. This also happens to be one of the largest projects her company has completed internationally.  

“I’m really proud to be associated with the upcoming Museum of the Future in Dubai which will be a landmark building.”

Some of her other proud accomplishments include finding business opportunities for her company in countries that may have been an unusual choice for many people. 

My proudest accomplishments are creating business opportunities for my company in countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Hungary, Scandinavia, these are places where others only just wondered how to do business.

It’s essential to be bold

When asked about the one piece of advice she would like to offer to those at the start of their career in international trade, Uzma asserts the importance of the ability to make bold decisions. It’s not easy to remain unfazed by the fact that the project you’re working on may stretch for years, only to be shelved after all the hard work you’ve put in.  

Uzma also believes that there is a market for every type of product, even if it is niche, and that one should not shy away from wanting to promote it.  

…have no fear of selling and promoting a product that is exclusive and for niche markets. There will always be someone who wants an unusual product.

A designation that embodies excellence

Uzma has been working in the construction industry for over 10 years and has gathered a rich marketing and business development experience. She decided to apply for the CITP designation as it would become an official testimony to her knowledge and competence.  

I felt that this is a platform that can endorse my skills and efforts. It gives a global recognition to my work.

As the proud holder of the CITP designation, Uzma believes that it distinguishes her as a global trade professional and gives more credibility to her skills. Equipped with this elite credential, she is excited to share her unique skills and experience with those who are just beginning their career.  

Now I want to share my experience and skills with newcomers to this profession.

Today Uzma is Regional Manager – Middle East, India & North Africa at Skyfold – a company specializing in revolutionizing flexible space with retractable wall systems. She continues to do what she’s best at – finding new business opportunities and connecting with clients and associates to effectively coordinate complex projects. 

With her unique credentials, she’s poised to accomplish greater success in the years ahead.

The post CITP Spotlight: Uzma Khan, Regional Manager Middle East, India & North Africa – Skyfold appeared first on Trade Ready.

While working as Asia Pacific Regional Manager at a machinery manufacturing company in Vancouver, Peter Gray was handpicked for a newly created position to develop the company’s business units in the APAC region. It was to be the start of a whole new era in his career.

He moved from Vancouver to Singapore in 1998 and was tasked with the huge responsibility of navigating the company’s business through the volatile Asian financial crises and repositioning for post crises growth. As his boss had predicted, this three-year assignment was to become a major turning point in his career.

Getting a taste of a whole new culture and taking in all the unique experiences form some of Peter’s favorite career stories.

My boss at the time told me, once you get a taste of international business it will be very difficult for you to return to a domestic business. He was so spot on.

“The most exciting thing about being in Asia is being a part of it.”

He remembers walking through the airport during a layover in Seoul, feeling a tad lost and confused, making him wonder how difficult it must be for immigrants landing in Canada for the first time. But doing a bit of homework on the flight by reading up on the local social norms helped prepare him for his future interactions. What Peter values and cherishes most is the experience of seeing things for the very first time, as it is something that can “never be replicated.”

The real accomplishments are the relationships

When asked about the accomplishments he is most proud of, Peter says that the simple answer to that would be building businesses and creating growth opportunities in new markets. But on a deeper level, the real sense of fulfilment came from the people he worked with, and from the business relationships that turned into enduring friendships, spanning decades.

“Having channel partners follow you and your career movements and wanting to continue a business relationship based on the relationship founded on personal integrity, trust and confidence is something I am very proud of.”

A valuable piece of career advice

Believe in your convictions, take the time to make better decisions and choices based on facts and a logical thought process. Listen to understand and not just hear.

Further precious insights into dos and don’ts from Peter include minimizing assumptions and emotional ties to products. His knowledge and experience of the local culture brought him to the conclusion that the “ASEAN region is more about people and relationships than products and price points.”

Applying for the CITP®|FIBP® designation to be a part of an emerging and credible knowledge source

With the trend of geopolitical shifting transforming global markets being especially true in the case of ASEAN regions, companies aspiring to expand into these fast-growing markets need new skills and knowledge to build profitable ventures. Getting the stamp of expertise and credibility as an international trade practitioner from a globally recognized authority was crucial to succeeding in this fast-paced, ever-evolving scenario.

FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) is emerging as the go to source for knowledge and people. I want to be a part of it.

It was thus that Peter decided to apply for and was successfully awarded the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation that is a symbol of competency as a global business professional and of commitment to world trade.

“I am absolutely delighted not only with the designation but at being part of an elite network of trade and investment professionals.”

The impact of the CITP Certified International Trade Professional) designation

According to Peter, the CITP is a valuable addition and testimony to the knowledge, skills and experiences gained over two decades of living and working in Asia. He is confident that the designation is going to open doors to new opportunities for business and networking with other expert members, providing a platform to share perspectives, ideas, and know-how.

Currently Peter is Managing Director at AdvantAsia – his consulting firm that specializes in helping companies enter and develop ASEAN markets. He is also a thought leader on doing business in the ASEAN region on TradeReady.ca. See his articles here.

Perfectly complementing his solid knowledge of the region and its culture, along with his rich experience spanning two decades, Peter’s certified business credentials are sure to be the trump card that will scale his career to newer heights of success.

The post CITP Spotlight: Peter Gray – Managing Director, AdvantAsia appeared first on Trade Ready.

It isn’t a stretch to imagine that fate led Richard Tremblay to his career in international trade. As a student at the University of Windsor, Richard would find himself walking past several Customs Brokers offices to get to his parking space near the Ambassador Bridge, which joins Canada to the USA.

This daily routine piqued his curiosity of the  Customs Broker profession, and he decided to take a chance and apply for a position when he saw a hiring sign. Richard explains,

“One day I stepped into the biggest building and applied for a job as a Customs Broker, which I got. That was the beginning of a long career in international trade.”

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the beginning of major change in international trade

In 1989, which was to prove a momentous year in the history of Germany, Richard had set up an office in Dusseldorf to coordinate between his customer and vendors in Eastern Europe, to ensure timely delivery of orders into the USA and Canada. The fall of the Wall, in November 1989, directly impacted his work, and set in motion a series of events that now form some of his favorite career stories.

With increasing numbers of East Germans migrating to the west, it resulted in new supply chain challenges and the need to bridge gaps in skills and learning.

“As the world changed and the wall came down and the European Economic Community evolved, a new customer needed our service offering and we became an integral part of their strategy.”

The company had operations in 18 countries to help deal with restrictions on border crossings and with adherence to specific government regulations. The lifting of all barriers opened the door to greater trade opportunities, necessitating the setting up of an efficient supply chain process.

Richard’s proudest accomplishment includes the elaborate and onerous task of redesigning their distribution and transport network.

“This analysis and rollout took 3 years to fully execute but it made them a competitive provider of consumer products in Europe.”

A valuable piece of career advice

“My advice would be to learn as many languages as you can. It can expand your career in areas of the world.”

Other than English, Richard can speak some French and even has a smattering of German from his time in Germany.

Formalizing credentials by applying for the CITP®|FIBP® designation

After spending many years in the international supply chain business, which saw him visit and work in several countries, Richard decided that it was time for him to formalize his professional credentials.

On being asked why he chose the CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) designation:

“Once I started teaching, I learned about the CITP and wanted a designation that was global. I wanted the CITP because it was international rather than regional.”

Why Richard chose teaching as a career

At a conference, Richard’s friend suggested he try out a part time teaching role. Richard started with one class a week and absolutely loved it making him realize that this was something he would certainly like to do more of.

“As I’m teaching the courses I’m using my real-world experiences that developed my career in international trade,and my students really like relating what they are learning with real life challenges.”

The CITP designation adds a special significance to his current role as professor where he teaches Supply Chain courses designed by FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) at Conestoga College in Kitchener, ON and part time at Mohawk College, Hamilton.

While the schools have been temporarily closed over the past few weeks, Richard has pivoted to teaching his students remotely through online classes, and kept them engaged in professional development by encouraging them to attend virtual learning events such as FITT’s #TradeElite Twitter chats.

With solid industry backed credentials, a vast repertoire of real-world examples and a sound knowledge of the subject matter, he makes the learning experience an enriching one for his students.

“I am very proud to add CITP to my credentials on my resume, signature, and business cards.”

Equipped with an elite designation and a rich professional experience, Richard is a certified expert in his field, having to his credit an impressive success story that shows no signs of fading.

The post CITP Spotlight: Richard Tremblay – Professor, Global Supply Chain appeared first on Trade Ready.

Maxim was pursuing undergraduate studies in political science, when an internship at the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce in Moscow helped him realize his true calling.

“After just a couple of weeks of work with German companies looking to enter the Russian market, I realized that international business offers a multitude of exciting career opportunities and that I had the skill set necessary to continue in the field,” Maxim says.

After moving to Canada and completing a Master’s at UBC, Maxim joined the Swiss Business Hub Canada to assist with several B2B events for Canadian and Swiss companies. Getting an opportunity to meet and interact with professionals across diverse industries  confirmed his interest in international business. His current role at a specialized market research company gave him the opportunity to grow his competence and skills to an altogether new level.

Speaking four languages in one day

What truly sets Maxim apart is his flair for picking up new languages, which proves to be a huge asset in his professional life. He began learning foreign languages in high school where he learnt German, English and French. Some conversational Spanish is his newest acquisition.

NASCO Conference in Columbus, OH (September 2019). With Bruce Takefman, President of Research Consultants International

“I have always had a big passion for foreign languages, so being able to put the full spectrum of my linguistic skills to use is very rewarding.”

His favorite career experience involved fully leveraging his linguistic talent while preparing for the visit of a Canadian delegation to Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial trade show. There, he had the chance to use each of the languages in his repertoire every single day while identifying companies with expansion plans for Canada and coordinating face-to-face meetings with them at the show.

Making major impacts for his clients

What’s been most fulfilling for Maxim is the fact that he has had the chance to work with a large variety of economic development organizations, spanning a range of levels – from small rural communities in Canada all the way up to a U.S. Governor’s office and a national trade agency in Europe.

“And most importantly, I am proud of the fact that many of the connections I have facilitated over the years turned out to be real investment opportunities, including a major data center project that ended up being located in one of my client’s territory a year after I set up the introductory meeting.”

A valuable piece of career advice

“It’s important to stay up to date and know what’s going on in your clients’ target industries . Without that knowledge it’s hard to understand what motivates companies’ investment decisions and how to best leverage your client’s value proposition to help them attract the desirable type of investment .”

This was what motivated Maxim to enroll in  FITTskills courses as he realized that although he had gained practical experience, there were still certain gaps in his knowledge that needed to be addressed, if he wished to truly advance in his career.

SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC (June 2018). Maxim with colleagues from Research Consultants International

The role of ongoing professional development in a successful career

For Maxim, originally a  political science graduate, FITTskills courses exposed him to much needed aspects of international trade that he wasn’t familiar with  such as international trade finance and global supply chain management. Equipped with this knowledge, he could develop a deeper understanding of  the complexities of international business and the various factors influencing corporate decision making.

“FITTskills online courses were an excellent opportunity, not just to improve my understanding of a variety of topics that I was already familiar with to different extents, but also to gain brand new knowledge, thus broadening my professional horizons.”

Being the linguist that he is, Maxim challenged himself by taking half the courses in English and the other half in French to get a taste of what it was to function as a bilingual professional.

“International Market Entry Strategies was one of my favorite FITTskills courses. As someone who speaks to companies from around the world about their international growth and expansion plans on a daily basis, I found this course extremely useful and relevant.”

“It provides great insights into what drives businesses to enter new markets, how they choose the right expansion strategy by analyzing a whole range of factors, and finally how they implement their plan step by step.”

The impact of a professional designation on career aspirations

Maxim completed his FITT Diploma in International Trade and decided to apply for the  CITP®|FIBP® designation, recognizing the designation’s value to demonstrate his industry-backed competence as a global trade professional to his management, colleagues and clients.

He had heard about the unique designation through his network and from professionals at Global Affairs Canada who confirmed its value within the Canadian Government.

“Earning the CITP designation after almost two years of studying felt very rewarding. I am proud to join the ranks of Certified International Trade Professionals and confident that this designation will play an important role in my career both in the short or long term.”

As Maxim builds solid experience in his current role as Executive Director, Client Services at Research Consultants International, his knowledge, expertise and credentials make for the ideal combination to propel his career to greater heights of success.

The post CITP Spotlight: Maxim Nevzorov – Executive Director, Client Services appeared first on Trade Ready.

Today marks an exciting milestone for FITT. I’m thrilled to let you know that 2018 marks the 20^th anniversary of Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation, the world’s first professional designation for international business practitioners!

International trade is one of the oldest professions in the world, and until the launch of the CITP designation in 1998, it was one of the least recognized professions in the world. In 1998, when the CITP was developed, it symbolized the first time that international trade professionals could be formally recognized for their expertise in this field. Two decades later, the CITP designation is a global standard of excellence for international trade practitioners worldwide.

While this a proud accomplishment for FITT, what this really celebrates is the level of achievement and leadership of the hundreds of dedicated professionals who represent the designation worldwide.

Throughout the month of June, we’ll be recognizing and celebrating the careers and accomplishments of some of the smartest people involved in international business today. Whether you’re a CITP or this is the first you’re hearing of the designation, we want to get you involved in a month of activities that will bring international business people together, discussing the biggest challenges, issues and opportunities of the day.

You can view the full schedule of #CITP20 events here.

Why bother getting a professional designation for international trade?

If this is the first you’ve heard of the CITP designation, you may be wondering – what’s the value in investing time, money and a lot of effort into adding a few capital letters to your resume and business cards? This question has been asked time and again by recent graduates entering the workforce, ambitious career-climbers looking for their next big promotion, and experienced executives looking to make their mark as a leader in their field, all seeking a way to stand out from their competition in the business world.

The answer depends on the designation those letters represent, and the qualities and credibility that it validates within an industry or a profession.

Despite headlines, and some major upheaval in policy, global trade grew 4.7 % last year, which was the largest increase in six years, and is predicted to grow of 4.4% this year and continue that growth into next year. In an increasingly connected world, there have never been more opportunities for businesses to go global. But as the world gets more connected, trade also gets more complex.

FITTskills graduates told us they recognized just how unique the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in international trade were. As such, they were looking for professional status for their field – just like accountants, architects, etc. The FITT Board looked at this and agreed that the obvious evolution in the creation of training standards, was to formalize the international trade profession by creating the designation.

Certified International Trade Professionals assume a variety of roles and functions within an organization. Ultimately, they are business professionals tasked with supporting companies that rely on international trade as a growth strategy. So why should a logistics manager, international marketing professional, global accountant, and procurement specialist all see themselves as international trade practitioners? And why should they all seek the same professional designation?

“International trade is a team sport. It takes dozens of people to complete transactions over international borders when you consider all the different points of contact involved.”

“The CITP®|FIBP® designation provides empowering leverage for not only individuals but companies too. When staff members have the full picture of what needs to be done in international processes it adds value to everyone within the organization.” Dieter Hollweck, CITP, FITT’s Founder and past President.

The CITP designation is your USP

By associating yourself with the profession of international trade, and validating that association with a professional designation, you are demonstrating that you understand the full picture of international business and its processes. If your previous roles have focused mainly on domestic markets, this is a crucial element in proving your readiness to take on an international role.

This is accomplished by: demonstrating competence of the international business functions, upholding standards of ethical conduct, and committing to ongoing professional development in the field of international business. Professional designations are often considered proof of an individuals credibility and commitment to a field of practice. Those letters that stand beside your name represent acceptance and approval by a collective of experts in the field of international trade. Not only do you have the expertise – with the CITP you have the industry-backed credential to prove it.

The CITP designation is like a USP – a unique selling proposition. If somebody sees “CITP” beside your name on your business card or email signature and they know what it is you’ll have immediate connection. If they don’t know what it is, they’ll be curious about it, and again you will have an immediate connection. Their curiosity allows you to explain the value of the CITP designation and therefore the value you will bring to them not only as an employee, but as an individual who has chosen international business as your profession. A profession which requires special education, training and skills.

“Risk mitigation provided by FITT and the CITP designation is the ability to thrive globally in order to preserve margins for businesses through knowledge more than price.”

“The future in the global competitive environment lives with those who can be price and value makers. This is particularly true for small businesses. The designation helps them to do business effectively in these markets based on know how and competitiveness that does not rely on price alone.” – John Treleaven, CITP, Member of FITT Board of Directors.

Take part in a month of #CITP20 interactive trade events

Throughout June there will be opportunities for you to ask the questions that matter to you, through interactive events on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. We will be connecting expert CITPs with those who want to learn and grow in their international careers through a mentorship contest, and a networking ebook that will give you a direct connection with the industry’s leaders.

Help inspire others! Post a 1-2 minute video or social post to share a memory, a congratulations or thoughts on what being a CITP means to you using the #CITP20 hashtag on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

The post Make a statement about your level of international business expertise and connect with leaders in your industry this June appeared first on Trade Ready.