FIU launches business training forum aimed at maximizing trade opportunities


Florida International University’s Continuing and Professional Studies has launched the Free Trade Agreement Training Academy (FTA-TA), a business training forum that will provide specialized training on free trade agreements and other aspects of international trade and commerce.

The FTA-TA is the result of an alliance between business organizations and FIU’s Multicultural Training Institute. The FTA-TA’s guiding principle is that international trade can serve as a catalyst for prosperity, innovation, and competitiveness.

“Through the FTA-TA, our Multicultural Training Institute has the opportunity to
provide training to advance trade, one of the leading employment growth generators in Miami Dade County,” said Mercedes Martha Ponce, executive director of FIU Continuing and Professional Studies. “In a period of economic downturn, prosperity depends on maximizing comparative advantage in strategic areas such as trade.”

The innovative business training forum will develop workshops and symposia to enhance the skills of participants from the business sector in areas related to international commerce and free trade. The FTA-TA also will serve as a training and networking nexus for those seeking to learn more about the fundamentals of international trade, the latest information on the status of free trade agreements, and technical and commercial requirements that will maximize free trade agreement business opportunities.

An open house will be held on Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the MARC building at FIU-University Park, 11200 SW 8th St. It will serve as a preview of the expertise FTA-TA will offer to prospective trainees and the business sector. The event, which will include a wine and cheese reception, is free and open to the public, but space is limited so please confirm attendance by calling 305-348-2492 or e-mailing mti@fiu.edu.

FTA-TA training is aimed at business professionals and entrepreneurs interested in conducting commerce with free trade agreement countries, as well as government representatives involved in export promotion and representatives of chambers, consulates, economic development entities and industry associations.

The training topics include international markets, export opportunities, business and product development, laws and regulations, technical requirements and logistics.

A team of business experts have helped FTA-TA with curriculum review, marketing, networking and other support. They include the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association Inc., Export America/Export USA, The Beacon Council, Enterprise Florida, and the Latin Chamber of Commerce of U.S.A. (CAMACOL).

“We are delighted that the Academy will work hand-in-hand with our business community to enhance the region’s competitiveness through a new training initiative,” said Ana Crucet, director of the FIU Multicultural Institute and FTA-TA founder. “Prosperity and enhanced quality of life are, at the end of the day, the motivators behind the birth of the FTA-TA.”

To learn more about FTA-TA and its training schedule and events—or to join the
alliance of participating organizations and experts—please view the Academy website at http://caps.fiu.edu/mti/fta/indexeng.htm.

For more information, contact Ana Crucet at 305-348-1717 or cruceta@fiu.edu, or Mercedes Ponce at 305-348-1560 or poncem@fiu.edu.

-FIU-

Media Contact
Madeline Baró, 305-348-2234 or mbaro@fiu.edu

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