Four ways to engage in international networking that work

Business pressure will often blind an executive to other ways of international networking. The following out-of-the-box methods can bring surprising results.

Ennio Vita-Finzi, CITP|FIBP

Ennio Vita-Finzi is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and was a Trade Commissioner in Europe, Latin America and the US as well as President of the Canadian Council for the Americas during NAFTA negotiations. He has been a multinational executive and entrepreneur and is now a College lecturer, keynote speaker, and author based in Montreal. (e.vita-finzi@sympatico.ca)

Could Vietnam become both the world’s next factory and business frontier?

One of the newest stories on the business frontier in Asia is Vietnam, which is well positioned to become the region’s manufacturing and trade hub across a range of sectors. Here’s what you need to know.

Emmanuelle Ganne

Emmanuelle is Vice President, Europe with the global strategy consulting firm Allam Advisory Group and a former counselor to the WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy with over 15 years of experience in international commerce, trade policy, and diplomacy. She has worked extensively on Europe, including Eastern and Central Europe, Russia and Central Asia, South Eastern Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and managed Vietnam's WTO accession process.

3 historical empires that had a strong impact on global trade

The seeds of global trade were actually sown far in the past – in empires that once ruled the world.

Bennett O'Brien

Bennett O'Brien is a freelance writer from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University, and graduated cum laude. Currently he is expanding his freelance writing career, and enjoying the opportunity to write on a variety of business topics.

What you need to know about expanding your business into Cuba

While news of improving U.S.-Cuba relations has dominated headlines in recent months, there are still many legal hurdles to overcome. If you’re thinking about expanding your business into Cuba, you’ll want these latest updates on U.S. trade policy.

Gregg Rock and Jennifer Diaz

Gregg Rock is currently an Adviser for the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, a Law Student at St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL and a member of the St. Thomas University School of Law Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. Jennifer Diaz is a Board Certified International Attorney for Becker and Poliakoff who is considered an expert in international law by the Florida Bar. She joins an elite group of Board Certified International attorneys in Florida. She leads the Becker & Poliakoff’s Customs and International Trade practice assisting clients with issues relating to the import and export of merchandise to and from the United States and is the editor of the Customs and International Trade Law Blog at www.customsandinternationaltradelaw.com.

Carolina Vasquez, CITP|FIBP – Export Coordinator

Carolina Vasquez, CITP|FIBP, is an Export Coordinator with Teknion Limited, a designer and manufacturer of office designs, furniture and accessories, in Toronto, ON.

Ewan Roy

I'm a Digital Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in writing and research, and I am passionate about communicating new ideas and telling stories that matter to you.

David A. Shaw, CITP|FIBP – Senior Advisor

David Shaw, Senior Advisor at Saudi Telecom Company, has held the CITP®|FIBP® designation for over 15 years, dating back to the early days of FITT.

Pamela Hyatt

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

Africa is open for business, but is your business open in Africa?

Africa is open for business and ripe with opportunities, but they go largely untapped by North American firms, which have been hesitant to enter markets where their European and Asian competitors are already doing business – and profiting from it.

Leila Aridi Afas

Leila Aridi Afas is the Principal of EDGE Strategies, LLC, a boutique global advisory firm focused on fostering business opportunities for U.S. companies entering global markets, as well as generating partnership opportunities for foreign firms looking to build their network throughout the United States. You may contact her at Leila@edgestratllc.com and follow her on Twitter via @TheTradeLady.

The new generation of talented global business pros; 2014 FITT Education Award Winners

This year’s FITT Education Award winners are a talented group of individuals, among whom there are mentors, passionate social activists, and driven global business dynamos, all ready to take the industry by storm.

Pamela Hyatt

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

5 practical trade compliance steps that will save you time and money in global business

Too often, companies train employees on trade compliance as if it is an annoying bundle of red tape that will inevitably hold up operations. Employees are taught that trade compliance is a hurdle they are forced to jump through once they are ready to get a job done. These 5 practical trade compliance steps could save your company some serious time and money.

Michael Volkov

Michael Volkov is the CEO of The Volkov Law Group, a boutique law firm that specializes in ethics and compliance programs addressing trade, sanctions, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Mr. Volkov can be reached at mvolkov@volkovlaw.com. His law firm’s website is www.volkovlaw.com, and his blog Corruption, Crime & Compliance is located at www.corruptioncrimecompliance.com.

Christopher Doré, CITP|FIBP – Business Educator and Entrepreneur

Chris is a professor of International Marketing, Business Presentation, and Entrepreneurship in the School of Business at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario.

Pamela Hyatt

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