PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS LEARNING IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 3, 2010 – FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) and the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) announce their new partnership during FITT’s national conference in Ottawa, ON, June 2, 2010. 

The goal of the collaboration is for both organizations to work in partnership to provide enhanced service and information sharing/channels of communications to their respective client and membership base, Canada’s international business community.

Through the creation of a strong working relationship both organizations will increase co-operation and bring added value to respective stakeholders/members.  This partnership will advance the standards of excellence that each organization brings to its stakeholders, and will help both achieve their missions. 

“At our association’s planning session last fall, the Board again reinforced CIFFA’s commitment to our three fundamental core elements.  CIFFA’s focus remains on creating ‘Best in Class Membership’, delivering ‘Excellence through Education’ and providing ‘Leadership in Advocacy’.  Our partnership with FITT will provide opportunities for graduates of CIFFA’s Advanced Certificate program to participate in the CITP designation touching two of those elements. CIFFA Member employees can benefit from new career progression opportunities they might not otherwise have available,’ explained Ruth Snowden, CIFFA Executive Director.  “At the same time, many CITP designates have identified areas where staff training requirements in global transportation for their employees.  These are technical training needs that CIFFA’s International Trade Workshops or CIFFA’s Certificate program in international freight forwarding can meet.  There are good synergies in the CIFFA/ FITT partnership,” she continued.

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) represents some 238 Regular Member firms from the largest of global multi-nationals to small and medium sized Canadian companies. As a vital component of Canada’s global supply chain, CIFFA member companies facilitate the movement of goods around the world. We provide a vital link in Canada’s global supply chains, enhancing trade capabilities and assisting importers and exporters– retail, commercial, and industrial in the delivery of competitive solutions.  Visit www.ciffa.com for details on CIFFA’s robust Certificate and Advanced Certificate Programs and to register for professional training on Canada’s Air Cargo Security Initiative, Air or Ocean Dangerous Goods Handling – all of which are available to importers, exporters and third party service providers.

FITT equips individuals and businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. A not-for-profit organization established by industry and government, FITT develops international business programs, sets competency standards, and designs the certification and accreditation programs for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. Their programs and services address human resource issues by, providing employers with resources to build their international business capacity; assisting individuals in developing their international business skills and knowledge; and providing international business training support for educators and students. Centered on best practises and developed by leading global business experts, FITT’s resources are the standard of excellence for trade practitioners. FITT – The professional path to global markets. Visit www.fitt.ca to learn how we can work together.

“This partnership agreement will serve both CIFFA and FITT in broadening our services to our respective members and the international business community at large,” says FITT President, Caroline Tompkins. “We are excited about both the short- and long-term opportunities our members will benefit from through building a strong formal working relationship with CIFFA.”

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Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA)
Communications Officer:  Maureen Jobin
communications@ciffa.com
Phone:  (416) 234-5100 ext 228

FITT
Manager, Marketing Communications: Silvia Baptista
silvia@fitt.ca
Phone: (613) 230-3553 ext. 106