Almost 900 students graduated with qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and Customs Academy yesterday (24 October), with a ceremony celebrating their achievements held at London’s Mansion House.
Chartered Institute director general Marco Forgione spoke at the event to tell graduates that the expertise gained though their qualifications would help them to “leave a legacy” in the world of trade.
He drew attention to other recent graduates from the Chartered Institute, including Sylwia Nowak of Collins Aerospace and Anna Doherty, industry chair of the Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC).
‘A force for good in the world’
“Trade,” Forgione said, “is a force for good in the world. It is fuel for economic growth, creating bridges between peoples and fostering the exchange of ideas.”
At a time of rising “protectionism, climate change, international conflicts and digitalisation”, international trade remains crucial, he said. However, there is a need to work towards a “new future” for international trade based on digitalisation and trust, he added.
“Today’s challenges and opportunities must precipitate a new trusted trade model – to enable fairer distribution of benefits, a just transition, and trust in trade.”
Building that trust, Forgione suggested, included building a ‘trusted trade’ model that includes qualifications like those achieved by this year’s graduates.
“This is why your achievements matter – you are the foundation stone of trade’s trusted future.
“That we were recognised with the Royal Charter this year is a testament to trade’s importance, but it is equally a testament to you and your achievements.”
‘Shine bright’
Sangeeta Khorana, professor of international trade policy at Aston University and the Chartered Institute’s academic board chair, also spoke on the achievements of the graduates:
“Each one of you has worked really hard to reach where you are. You found time to attend webinars, tutors, read modules during lecture breaks and work through evenings and weekends.”
She also echoed Forgione’s words on the importance of trust in trade, emphasising how the qualifications achieved by graduates help to foster that trust.
“Businesses rely on trust. Trust underpins trade and is needed to ensure quality standards are being met. It is needed to move goods from point A to point B in a business.
“Trust is there in your expertise and the ability to do the job. Your qualification helps you to shine bright and say, ‘You can trust in me.’”
These qualifications, she said, are recognised internationally and demonstrate attested expertise in international trade. Those who have earned them, meanwhile, can bring a new depth of knowledge to bear on their careers.
“What you have got for yourself, meanwhile, is knowledge of how trade works, how rules and regulations work, who does what within the supply chain and how to make your business compliant and successful.”
At recent World Trade Organization events, Khorana added, “we have been able to show the benefits of fostering a more inclusive way of doing trade”, including through the SheTrades initiative, which shared the stories of female entrepreneurs from Mexico to Bangladesh.
“Trade is a force undergoing transformation. To meet this challenge, we have to ensure it is inclusive, sustainable, and its benefits are shared no matter the country in which we live.”
“This is not the end of the journey. Your real work begins now.”
‘Exchange between peoples’
Lord Mayor of the City of London Professor Michael Mainelli opened the event by stating that trade “creates prosperity”, but also that it “is about more than just money”.
“As you build your careers, I hope you’re inspired by the idea of commerce as an exchange between peoples.”
Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he said trade can represent “an honest friendship with all”. It has lifted billions out of poverty in the last half century, he added.
“Rising trade also empowers economic wellbeing. As our government is on a path to growth, your challenge is to grab every [opportunity] in your business to build on trade and takes advantage of comparative advantage.”
‘Vital to future growth’
Terry Scuoler, chair of the Chartered Institute, said that it is “so pleasing to be part of an organisation like this one”, that helps to encourage trade around the world.
Trade, he said, creates “mutual dependencies”, which it is hoped will reduce the risk of global conflict. Addressing students at every stage of their careers, he said:
“Whether in this room you are entering the huge sector of international trade for the first time, you’re early in your career looking to use your qualifications or are older and looking to enhance your skills in the workplace, your journey is critically important to us at the Chartered Institute and the wider stakeholders you serve.”
Marcel Landau, chairman of the IOE Foundation, also spoke at the event, detailing the Foundation’s mission to bring trade expertise to young people. This, he said, “came from a realisation that when you go to school or a careers evening, it’s rare that someone will say follow a career in international trade”.
A tribute to John Robinson
Forgione concluded the ceremony with a tribute to former Chartered Institute academic board chair John Robinson, who passed away earlier this year.
The “active member” of the Chartered Institute created several of its qualifications, helping it to deliver “high standards”. At the 2018 graduation ceremony, he received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the Chartered Institute.
Forgione hailed Robinson’s commitment to the organisation, calling him a “key figure” who demonstrated “incredible dedication to UK trade”.
It followed a tribute to Robinson in yesterday’s Daily Update, which can be read in full here.