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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Global Opportunity - Arabian-Gulf
FITT is pleased to present the following global business opportunity on behalf of our partner - World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada.
Are you interested in building alliances? Developing new markets?
Exploring trade and investment opportunities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates?
Join the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada (WTCAC) for their trade mission to Qatar and Dubai, May 10-15, 2009 to be organized in conjunction with Futurallia Qatar 2009. This initiative is open to all Canadian companies.
The 14th Futurallia business development forum is a business matchmaking event devoted to small- and medium-sized enterprises that are seeking international strategic, commercial, financial and technological alliances.
With more than 800 companies from over 30 countries participating, the pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings, high-level networking, and social activities may be your key to the Arabian-Gulf markets—one of the globe’s fastest-growing economies.
As added value, WTCAC has also arranged an optional market visit to nearby Dubai, highlighting complementary business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates. Participants will attend a networking function at the Canadian Consulate, learn first-hand from local experts about doing business in the U.A.E. and will tour beautiful Dubai landmarks.
For more information, or to register, visit WTCAC online or contact Michael Young, CITP, Business Development Manager, World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada at myoung@tradecentrelimited.com or 902.421.1302 x 237.
Please note that the deadline for registration, March 31, 2009... today! So reserve your spot now!
Are you interested in building alliances? Developing new markets?
Exploring trade and investment opportunities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates?
Join the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada (WTCAC) for their trade mission to Qatar and Dubai, May 10-15, 2009 to be organized in conjunction with Futurallia Qatar 2009. This initiative is open to all Canadian companies.
The 14th Futurallia business development forum is a business matchmaking event devoted to small- and medium-sized enterprises that are seeking international strategic, commercial, financial and technological alliances.
With more than 800 companies from over 30 countries participating, the pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings, high-level networking, and social activities may be your key to the Arabian-Gulf markets—one of the globe’s fastest-growing economies.
As added value, WTCAC has also arranged an optional market visit to nearby Dubai, highlighting complementary business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates. Participants will attend a networking function at the Canadian Consulate, learn first-hand from local experts about doing business in the U.A.E. and will tour beautiful Dubai landmarks.
For more information, or to register, visit WTCAC online or contact Michael Young, CITP, Business Development Manager, World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada at myoung@tradecentrelimited.
Please note that the deadline for registration, March 31, 2009... today! So reserve your spot now!
University of Arkansas Joins the FITT Community
FITT is thrilled to announce our latest Corporate Member, the University of Arkansas. Joining the FITT Community in March, the University of Arkansas is currently expanding their international business program at their recently built Rogers facility.
The new global trade certificate program is an example of collaborative work between the Global Campus and the Arkansas World Trade Center aimed at equipping Arkansas’ businesses and individuals with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. This program uses the international standard curriculum available through the Forum for International Trade Training. It is designed to help participants become effective players in the international economy, adapt to new realities and adopt a global outlook. The inaugural series of eight international business courses will be offered as two-day sessions throughout the spring and fall of this year.
FITT would like to formally welcome the University of Arkansas to our community. We are looking forward to working with your campus in the coming months.
To apply for a FITT Corporate Membership or for more information, please visit us online, contact our Membership Coordinator (membership@fitt.ca) or call us toll-free 800.561.3488.
The new global trade certificate program is an example of collaborative work between the Global Campus and the Arkansas World Trade Center aimed at equipping Arkansas’ businesses and individuals with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. This program uses the international standard curriculum available through the Forum for International Trade Training. It is designed to help participants become effective players in the international economy, adapt to new realities and adopt a global outlook. The inaugural series of eight international business courses will be offered as two-day sessions throughout the spring and fall of this year.
FITT would like to formally welcome the University of Arkansas to our community. We are looking forward to working with your campus in the coming months.
To apply for a FITT Corporate Membership or for more information, please visit us online, contact our Membership Coordinator (membership@fitt.ca) or call us toll-free 800.561.3488.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Press Release - Regional Representatives Announced
OTTAWA, March 20 – FITT, the world’s leading international trade training and professional certification authority, is pleased to announce the expansion of its presence across Canada with the addition of four Regional Representatives.
We would like to thank everyone who submitted an application for these positions. All candidates were of the highest caliber, a true testament to the exceptional network of CITPs—their skills, abilities and affiliations. This project is the first of its kind for FITT, and marks an exciting new direction for our presence across Canada. The Regional Representatives will, on behalf of FITT, connect with companies engaged in international trade; engage with educational institutions offering international business; and reach out to all trade promotion organizations, chambers of commerce, government trade agencies, and industry associations to further FITT’s strategic goals.
Please help us welcome to FITT the following individuals as Regional Representatives:
On behalf of the FITT Board of Directors, our educational partners, clients, members, and students, we would like to welcome the Regional Representatives to our team. With this expansion of FITT’s presence across Canada, we look forward to continued development of our outreach initiatives to the SME community and beyond.
We would like to thank everyone who submitted an application for these positions. All candidates were of the highest caliber, a true testament to the exceptional network of CITPs—their skills, abilities and affiliations. This project is the first of its kind for FITT, and marks an exciting new direction for our presence across Canada. The Regional Representatives will, on behalf of FITT, connect with companies engaged in international trade; engage with educational institutions offering international business; and reach out to all trade promotion organizations, chambers of commerce, government trade agencies, and industry associations to further FITT’s strategic goals.
Please help us welcome to FITT the following individuals as Regional Representatives:
- In Montreal, Ennio Vita-Finzi. Ennio is the Senior Partner with The Phoenix-Paragon Group. He is an international trade consultant, lecturer, and former trade commissioner. Ennio has been a CITP since 2006 and brings to the position a wide range of networks, affiliations, and memberships from around the world.
- In Ontario, Charles Janthur. Charles has been a CITP since 1999 and is the Vice President, Money Market with the Deposit Agency of Canada Inc. A financial services manager, lecturer, and General Manager with the Federation of Export Clubs Canada, Charles brings a high level of knowledge about FITT and international trade issues to this opportunity.
- In Calgary, Raymond Joyce, who first obtained his CITP in 1996. Ray is the Principal and Owner of The Joyce Group and brings a tremendous depth of international experience. A professional who continues to work with a global roster of clients, Ray has lectured at the University of Calgary and is a regularly sought after speaker for international business issues.
- In British Columbia the team is rounded out with Doug Taylor. A CITP since 2005, Doug is the Managing Director with Pacific Business Intelligence Ltd. His experience includes CEO, COO, and Senior Economist positions across several differing lines of business.
On behalf of the FITT Board of Directors, our educational partners, clients, members, and students, we would like to welcome the Regional Representatives to our team. With this expansion of FITT’s presence across Canada, we look forward to continued development of our outreach initiatives to the SME community and beyond.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
2008 Educational Award Recpients
FITT is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 FITT Educational Awards. These awards recognize the winners’ commitment to excellence in their studies and to international trade.
Congratulations to the 2008 FITT Educational Award Winners!
Please note that the Student Achievement Award winner will be announced on March 31, 2009.
The 2008 Educational Award Winners are:
| Student of the Year Award, presented by Export Development Canada (EDC): | Mr. Igor Yarantsev, from British Columbia Institute of Technology |
| International Business Plan Award: | Mr. Todd MacDonald, from Georgian College |
| International Marketing Plan Award, presented by Scotiabank | Ms. Caitlin Pauze, from Georgian College |
Congratulations to the 2008 FITT Educational Award Winners!
Please note that the Student Achievement Award winner will be announced on March 31, 2009.
Another opportunity you wont want to miss!
On behalf of our strategic partner, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), FITT is pleased to offer our members the chance to attend a practical Carnet and Document Certification Information Session for less!
The CCC has developed a series of half-day information sessions on how to use ATA carnets. These events are aimed at broadening participants’ understanding of carnets and to provide them with tools to aid in their successful entry into foreign markets. Additionally, an expert customs broker will be on hand to talk about the new system for electronic certification of documents. These practical sessions will also offer an exceptional opportunity for networking with other exporters—so be sure to mark your calendar.
Sessions are being held in major cities across Canada beginning April 1st, 2009:
For all FITT Members, CCC is offering you a 20% discount on the regular registration fee. Simply mention that you are a FITT Member during your registration!
For more information and an agenda, please contact CCC directly at carnet@chamber.ca, or call 800.661.2930. Further information on carnets and other relevant exporting issues can be located on CCC’s website: www.chamber.ca.
The CCC has developed a series of half-day information sessions on how to use ATA carnets. These events are aimed at broadening participants’ understanding of carnets and to provide them with tools to aid in their successful entry into foreign markets. Additionally, an expert customs broker will be on hand to talk about the new system for electronic certification of documents. These practical sessions will also offer an exceptional opportunity for networking with other exporters—so be sure to mark your calendar.
Sessions are being held in major cities across Canada beginning April 1st, 2009:
- Dorval, PQ – April 1
- Montreal, PQ – April 2
- Quebec City, PQ – April 3
- Ottawa, ON – April 21
- Winnipeg, MB – June 23
- Edmonton, AB – June 24
- Calgary, AB – June 26
- Vancouver, BC – June 29
- Halifax, NS – September 16
- Toronto, ON – September 29
For all FITT Members, CCC is offering you a 20% discount on the regular registration fee. Simply mention that you are a FITT Member during your registration!
For more information and an agenda, please contact CCC directly at carnet@chamber.ca, or call 800.661.2930. Further information on carnets and other relevant exporting issues can be located on CCC’s website: www.chamber.ca.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
CITP in the News! Rafi Moradians
With a career spanning more than 28 years, Rafi Moradians has seen his fair share of the international trade industry. Over the years, he has held numerous prestigious positions across the globe, including 10 years as an International Trade Consultant and numerous senior positions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Currently, Rafi is Advisor, International trade and Marketing, to the Deputy Minister of Economic and International Affairs for the Iran Ministry of Industry and Mine. Mr. Moradians has also been a CITP in good-standing for 10 years.
Recently, we had the privilege to talk to Rafi about his professional journey and successes, and how the FITTskills program and CITP have affected his career. Here’s what he had to say:
FITT: What are your thoughts on the FITTskills program?
RAFI: I made a thorough study before taking the FITTskills program in 1997. Once in a while I still browse on [the] internet just to satisfy my curiosity. I have not found any program so inclusive to the level of FITTskills, not even close. Although, previously I had worked in export and import field and read some books, FITTskills expanded my knowledge, extended my perspective and most important it organized the components of international trade in my mind… I learned to see the whole picture of one export or import simultaneously. That made a significant difference in my performance and consequently my career.
FITT: How did the FITTskills program prepare you for your current work?
RAFI: While my previous experience was limited to export and import, FITTskills diversified my knowledge through its versatile modules… it increased my choices for applying for different jobs in International Trade. I took advantage of this diversity and tried to gain experience in different fields of International Trade. The reason I got [this current] advisors position was exactly because of my diversified practice and experience.
FITT: How have you benefited from the CITP designation?
RAFI: The FITT Diploma and the CITP designation [have] opened lots of doors for me and gave me the ability to move up in my career with faster pace. I had the privilege of meeting my peers, exchanging ideas and discussing issues; …used the member’s page on FITT’s web-site continuously as a valuable [re]source; the I.E.Canada Daily E-Mail and EDC eNews have always kept me in loop; I enjoy the EDC Commentary on international economics and trade, especially in my present position; I read the Members’ Forum to find out what’s new in business, the books, web-sites and articles; [and] the membership has kept me posted [on] Seminars and Conferences for professional development. That was very beneficial.
Currently, Rafi is Advisor, International trade and Marketing, to the Deputy Minister of Economic and International Affairs for the Iran Ministry of Industry and Mine. Mr. Moradians has also been a CITP in good-standing for 10 years.
Recently, we had the privilege to talk to Rafi about his professional journey and successes, and how the FITTskills program and CITP have affected his career. Here’s what he had to say:
FITT: What are your thoughts on the FITTskills program?
RAFI: I made a thorough study before taking the FITTskills program in 1997. Once in a while I still browse on [the] internet just to satisfy my curiosity. I have not found any program so inclusive to the level of FITTskills, not even close. Although, previously I had worked in export and import field and read some books, FITTskills expanded my knowledge, extended my perspective and most important it organized the components of international trade in my mind… I learned to see the whole picture of one export or import simultaneously. That made a significant difference in my performance and consequently my career.
FITT: How did the FITTskills program prepare you for your current work?
RAFI: While my previous experience was limited to export and import, FITTskills diversified my knowledge through its versatile modules… it increased my choices for applying for different jobs in International Trade. I took advantage of this diversity and tried to gain experience in different fields of International Trade. The reason I got [this current] advisors position was exactly because of my diversified practice and experience.
FITT: How have you benefited from the CITP designation?
RAFI: The FITT Diploma and the CITP designation [have] opened lots of doors for me and gave me the ability to move up in my career with faster pace. I had the privilege of meeting my peers, exchanging ideas and discussing issues; …used the member’s page on FITT’s web-site continuously as a valuable [re]source; the I.E.Canada Daily E-Mail and EDC eNews have always kept me in loop; I enjoy the EDC Commentary on international economics and trade, especially in my present position; I read the Members’ Forum to find out what’s new in business, the books, web-sites and articles; [and] the membership has kept me posted [on] Seminars and Conferences for professional development. That was very beneficial.
Congratulations Rafi on all of your professional successes! We are grateful for your continued commitment to and recognition of the CITP designation within your global field.
Career Opportunities with FITT
FITT is excited to announce that we will be expanding our team in 2009. With several new projects underway, we are currently staffing two positions within our organization, and establishing a national network for representation:
The Director of International Trade Resources will be a member of the FITT Team, with a special focus on providing project direction, leadership and management for the development of new, and maintenance of existing international trade resources for both print and online products and publications. The candidate must have knowledge of international trade competencies and adult learning methodologies. S/he will be able to develop and manage their own work program to see projects to their completion under the project guidelines, manage external contractors, and create new products as needed.
The Coordinator, Education and Certification will work within the Education and Certification department, coordinating the program delivery process, to meet or exceed the needs of FITT educational partners, students and other clients.
Regional Representatives will work with FITT in a project supported by HRSDC entitled “Increasing the Global Competitiveness of Canadian SMEs.” To assist with this project and to extend FITT’s reach across Canada, the organization is establishing a national network of four contracted regional representative positions. These positions are part-time and contract based. They will require a time commitment of between two and four days per month, ten months per year, for up to three years. Preference will be given to individuals possessing the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.
For more detailed job descriptions or for information on the application process, please visit our website.
- Director, International Trade Resources
- Coordinator, Education and Certification
- Regional Representatives
The Director of International Trade Resources will be a member of the FITT Team, with a special focus on providing project direction, leadership and management for the development of new, and maintenance of existing international trade resources for both print and online products and publications. The candidate must have knowledge of international trade competencies and adult learning methodologies. S/he will be able to develop and manage their own work program to see projects to their completion under the project guidelines, manage external contractors, and create new products as needed.
The Coordinator, Education and Certification will work within the Education and Certification department, coordinating the program delivery process, to meet or exceed the needs of FITT educational partners, students and other clients.
Regional Representatives will work with FITT in a project supported by HRSDC entitled “Increasing the Global Competitiveness of Canadian SMEs.” To assist with this project and to extend FITT’s reach across Canada, the organization is establishing a national network of four contracted regional representative positions. These positions are part-time and contract based. They will require a time commitment of between two and four days per month, ten months per year, for up to three years. Preference will be given to individuals possessing the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.
For more detailed job descriptions or for information on the application process, please visit our website.
CITP Brings Real World Issues to Fanshawe Students
Katrin Spence, CITP, Markets and Trade Officer with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) offered two students from Fanshawe College the chance to apply their education in a real-world setting last December in Toronto. The International Business Management (ITB) students Sharon Murcia and Pedro Patino attended two events organized by AAFC and the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce presenting investment opportunities for Canadian companies in Peru.
The events encouraged Canadians to take advantage of the recent free-trade agreements between Peru, Columbia, and Canada – which open the door to reduced tariffs and greater cooperation across this potential market of more than 75 million people. Participants were also encouraged to begin sourcing trade-related partners, consider market visits, develop a preliminary export plan, and to learn about South American languages and culture.
For Pedro and Shanon, these suggestions all rang-true from the lessons taught in their International Business Management program.
Pedro and Sharon decided on the ITB Program at Fanshawe College as it was an ideal complement to their diverse language skills and international experience. The program also offered several projects to connect students with organizations involved in international business, forging linkages with potential employers and enhancing their real-world exposure.
ITB students also graduate with a Diploma in International Trade from FITT, and have completed all of the academic prerequisites for the Certified International Trade Professional designation (CITP) – the highest mark of professionalism in international trade. To earn the CITP designation, applicants must also complete 12 months of international business experience. With that, they can then join Canada’s international trade elite by becoming a CITP in their own right.
The event was as much of a success for Sharon and Pedro as it was for Katrin Spence, CITP. As Katrin was able to extend her own trade success to the next round of International Trade students, Sharon and Pedro commented that the event "was an amazing opportunity for learning and networking with important delegates from those governments… as well as important representatives from the private sector. This was an ideal opportunity for future contacts and professional development…"
For more information on the ITB program, visit Fanshawe College online.
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About Me
- FITT News
- FITT equips individuals and businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. An international trade training and professional certification body – and the leading membership based organization of its kind in the world – FITT sets the standards and designs the training programs for the professional designation, Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). Centred on international trade best practices and delivered by a broad network of educational partners, FITT’s quality training programs impart knowledge and practical skills that trade practitioners can apply immediately – providing competitive advantage and elevating their position in world markets. FITT and CITP: strengthening your hand in international trade.