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Welcome to the 39th IATTO FORUM – EXPORT SUMMIT II

Inspiring Trade Globally25-27 September in Thessaloniki, Greece

2014 Rome

2013 Thessaloniki2012 Tallin2011 Xindu, China2010 Brussels2009 Cannes2008 Stockholm --

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IATTOInternational Association of Trade Training Organisations

” We promote excellence in the field of international trade training and

networking worldwide since 1971”

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• An annual Forum for trade knowledge exchange and international networking

• A worldwide recognized accreditation, certification and professional designation system

• An opportunity for cross border collaborative partnerships and joint ventures with other members

BENEFITS

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CAPACITY BUILDING International trade training boosting export in SMEs

Capacity building is the most important aspect that should be stimulated by the support measure. International competences of the enterprisesshould be trained. (EIM Business & Policy Research – 27 countries in EU, 2011)

Export rose by 800.000 euro in Slovenian SMEs in the first year after completion of the international trade training and 1 million euro in Estonia.

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TRADE BARRIERS in international trade training

The growth of SMEs is an issue of concern worldwide. In spite of the Single Market in Europe and free trade agreements elswhere there are still obstacles for SMEs to overcome in order to be able to increase their exports. This is of strategic importance to small and developing countries whose economies are largely export dependent.

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Lack of trade skillsIn order for SMEs to operate across national borders, theyrequire access to appropriately trained and qulified staff.This can often be the biggest obstacle to their growth.

The solution is not only advisory and consultancy services but capacity building within the company

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The knowledge-doing gapAccording to an article in Harvard Business Review (February 2013)the ‘knowledge-doing gap’ between universities anand SMEs isanother obstacle. Knowledge must be turned into action to be applicable in an SME.

Simply knowing how to conduct international negotiations is not enough;you have to do it in real life when operating a company. To achieve this, SMEs can benefit from an export coach with business experience. International trade training must take place in parallel with working in a company to bridge the gap between universities and SMEs

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SMEs are situated in rural areasMany SMEs are situated in rural areas, and have an unknownbrand and unknown location, while universities are establishedin bigger cities. The challenge is clear.

How do you attract the best talents to SMEs in competition withlarge multinational companies? In most cases the latter aresituated in cities such as London, Paris and Stockholm.

An external ”HR-department” offering recruitment and international trade training could be a solution?

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Lack of a global qualification system

The export profession is not yet recognised as such. A professional designation is needed to give an identity and recognition to colleagues and employers.

A global certification of trade training programmes will create transparency and give a quality stamp to a new profession.There is a call for a global system!!!!

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World Trade ProfessionalA global professional designation gives youa professional identity and recognition amongcolleagues and employers worldwide

• An IATTO Diploma in International Trade Management• Sign Code of Conduct• Agree to continuing education

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Capacity building is the most effective support measure to generate positive effects on the internationalization of SMEs.

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Welcome to join IATTO together we can increase export

Take the opportunity at this IATTO Forum to network and create new alliances