The basics of global trade transactions for your imports and exports

A company that has decided to export its products to a new market or to buy from a new supplier in a different country cannot take for granted that the potential transaction(s) will be viable, profitable or provide goods at a price and quality that are competitive. From a financial point of view, a transaction may prove unrealistic if the cost of entering a market is too high, the competition is gruelling, or the price the company needs to charge in the new market is not competitive.

Jacob Varghese

Jacob is the VP of Marketing and Technology at the Forum for International Trade Training. Focused on improving the customer experience. A Content chef; words, images, some code and a healthy serving of web analytics.

Pain points in the Asian market are potential trade opportunities for your business

Given the complexities involved in expanding and doing business in foreign markets, it is very important for companies to conduct sufficient market research as part…

Giovanni Gonzalez, CITP|FIBP

Giovanni, CITP|FIBP, has experience in various international business and socio-economic development projects, including foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitation, investment promotion, trade promotion and facilitation, market assessments of developed and developing economies, expansion of companies to Canadian and foreign markets, start-ups, sourcing, alternative income, small business support and capacity building. His professional experience has taken him to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, China, Canada, and the United States to witness firsthand economic developments, trade relations, market opportunities, and initiatives to create employment and improve living standards.

It’s time to start building your global business relationships with the EU

A wave of anti-EU opinions since the election seems to be threatening to affect the EU’s direction, and some pessimists worry that this could change the outcome of both Canada’s and the USA’s trade agreements with Europe.

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)

Ten tips for creating stronger global trade relationships through cultural considerations

Business and social etiquette are important attributes for success in overseas markets. Being aware of the different rules of intercultural etiquette will ensure rewarding personal and business global trade relationships.

Daniella D'Alimonte

With her background in writing, marketing and business journalism, Daniella focuses on crafting quality stories and relevant content to inform and inspire the international business community.

Inventory basics for your global supply chain management

There is a wide range of terminology associated with inventory management. Some of the most common terms, concepts and issues regarding global supply chain management are detailed in the following paragraphs.

Madison Abraham

I’m the Marketing and Communications Assistant at Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in web content writing and web communications, and I love using my writing to convey an important message.

Dr. Faisal Mohammed El Amir, CITP|FIBP — Senior Industrial Consultant

Doctor Faisal Mohammed El Amir is a Senior Industrial Consultant at Dubai Exports (DE), an agency of the Dubai Economic Development Department. Dubai Exports promotes exports by helping its client companies participate in exhibitions and outward missions.

Madison Abraham

I’m the Marketing and Communications Assistant at Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in web content writing and web communications, and I love using my writing to convey an important message.

The story of how it all began for us, the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

Like many before him—and some after as well—Dieter Hollweck learned how to do international trade from the ground up; through the school of hard knocks.

“Learning that way is very expensive, and can sometimes be deadly for your business,” says Dieter, the Forum for International Trade Training’s (FITT) founding father. “But everybody had an international trade horror story back then!”

Daniella D'Alimonte

With her background in writing, marketing and business journalism, Daniella focuses on crafting quality stories and relevant content to inform and inspire the international business community.

The global village is waiting for your products. How ready are you?

Human beings are social by nature. This explains the billions of dollars we spend every year on tourism. We travel the world to enjoy new scenery, to meet new people, to try new foods, and for the newness of the experience. When we have goods and services ‘tour’ across international borders, we call it international trade.

Louei Ali, MBA, CITP|FIBP

Louei is the Director of Business Development at Canada Topp Group based in London Ontario (Canada). Canada Topp Group is an export trading company that helps Canadian companies with opportunities and business development in over 40 countries by acting as their export arm to reach a well established community of qualified distributors.

Plan your Caribbean (CARICOM) market entry strategy and start avoiding Canadian winters

Now a great time to begin putting together your market entry strategy; currently, CARICOM and Canada are negotiating a trade and investment agreement.

Michelle Hustler, CITP®|FIBP®

Michelle Hustler is a Trade and Business Development Specialist, focusing on trade in services. Canadian born, Michelle now lives in the Caribbean. In fact, she wrote this article from a lounge chair on a beach in Barbados!